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| European unity is essential to curb errorism |
The sooner we realize that we need greater integration, the better we will protect citizensThis lack of cooperation is as evident as it is unjustified. It stems from the same silly attitude that prevents the setting up of a common European approach to the migration crisis.
At the beginning of December, it still looked as if the EU would enter the new year more divided than ever before. Yet at the last EU summit a sense of momentum was palpable.
Support for anti -Islam PVV parliamentary leader Wilders does not seem to be there when it comes to some of the Netherlands youngest citizens.Beyond capitalism, America an example for Europe - "Fiesta Latina at the White House" - by Rick Morren
This evening we had the privilege to watch Fiesta Latina hosted by the White House in Washington. It was not only a great show, but it also made us realize more than ever that what makes America great is its ability to quickly integrate different cultures and religions into one homogenous fabric. This process obviously got even more of a boost with the election of Barack Obama. Watching this show as a "Sud -Americano" by birth with a Creole grandmother it also showed me how much we in Europe can still learn about tolerance from America. Just imagine a show like this coming from Bruxelles hosted by a European President who had his roots in the Middle East, the Far East or Africa. Its unimaginable at present but it must happen if we want to make a success of Europe. Capitalism without cultural homogeneity, equality and unity will never work.
One Europe in one confusing world order - by Dominique Mois
Nowadays, there is both too much and too little Europe, or, to put it differently, too many European countries are represented in the world's premier forums, with too many voices. But, in terms of weight and influence, there is not enough united Europe. In the early 1980s, former French Foreign Minister Jean Francois-Poncet suggested that France and Britain give up their seats on the U.N. Security Council in favor of a single European Union seat. Germany would no longer seek a seat, Italy would not feel left out, and Europe's international identity would be strengthened in a spectacular way. Of course, this was not to be. France and Britain were not willing to give up the symbol of their nuclear and international status. They are probably are even less willing to do so today in the name of a union that is less popular than ever, at least in the British Isles.
It would be absurd to set U.S. President Barack Obama and EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso against each other as equals. Whereas Obama owes his election in large part to his charisma, Barroso is likely to succeed himself precisely because of his lack of charisma, because he says very little in so many languages.
Europe's last chance to be a credible actor in a multipolar world rests precisely on its ability to present a single, united, responsible voice. Europe currently exists as an economic actor, not as an international political actor. In today's global age, with the rise of emerging powers and the relative decline of the West, the only Europe that will be taken seriously is a Europe that can speak and be seen as one.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE - The European Citizens’ Consultations 2009 (ECC 2009)
In the run-up to the 2009 Euro-elections, the European Citizens’ Consultations 2009 (ECC 2009) will give citizens a voice in the debate over how to respond to the current economic and financial crisis by providing a platform for a pan-European dialogue on the future of Europe.
The ECC 2009 will give all European citizens an opportunity to join in the discussion on how the EU can shape our economic and social future in a globalized world, by taking part in an on-line debate on national websites launched on the 3rd of December in every EU member state – the first stage in a process which will culminate in a European Citizens’ Summit in May 2009.
The national websites will give everyone the chance to discuss and share their views on this crucial issue, and help develop recommendations for national and European policy-makers. Their ideas will be fed into national consultations which will be held in all 27 EU member states in March next year, involving some 1500 citizens from all walks of life. The outcome of all these deliberations will be handed over to policy-makers at the European Citizens’ Summit in May.
ECC 2009 is co-funded by the European Commission under its “Debate Europe” programme. Speaking at the launch, Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström said: “This project sets a new standard for citizen participation by working on the national and European levels, and by combining online and offline dialogue.” The European Citizens' Consultations are run by a consortium of more than 40 European partner organisations, led by the King Baudouin Foundation (KBF), and is co-funded by foundations including the KBF, Compagnia di San Paolo and the Robert Bosch Foundation, and funders at national level.
It is also possible to join the dedicated Facebook group “European Citizens’ Consultation 2009”.
Financial crisis builds Polish euro-entry momentum - by Philippa Runner
The financial crisis is building momentum for Poland to swiftly join the EU's single currency on 1 January 2012, with a positive political climate for the euro also developing in the Nordic states. "The world crisis has shown that it's safer to be with the strong, among the strong and to have influence on the decisions of the strong," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday (27 October), adding that his pro-euro policy is "not based on any orthodoxy, any ideology" of deepening EU integration.
Note EU-Digest: "being a part of the European Union also means carrying some of the burdens and not just profiting from its benefits. A stronger, integrated and unified Europe is an important part of keeping the euro strong. You can't have your cake and eat it too Mr. Tusk".
Brown says Europe is key to Britain's economic future
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told an audience of senior business leaders here Monday that Europe is the key to securing Britain's economic future. He said Britain can withstand global economic uncertainty but needs to engage fully with Europe to ensure prosperity. The prime minister emphasized the importance of Britain remaining in the European Union. Currently, Europe accounts for almost 60 percent of Britain's foreign trade, helping the country create a claimed 3.5 million jobs. Note EU-Digest: If only the blind-folded Eurosceptics in Britain could see that Britain can not go at it alone.
Creative Integration: Denmark to Immigrants -- Let's Ride
Immigrants to Denmark have to learn how to become Danish. And if there is one thing the Danes do a lot of, it's ride bikes. Classes to teach newcomers how to cycle have proven popular.In the summer of 2005, Denmark decided that, if you want to live in Denmark, you have to do what the Danes do. The mandated checklist includes learning Danish, understanding the "fundamental norms and values of Danish society," and making an effort to participate in the community.
Those who drafted that law, however, seem to have forgotten one vital aspect of being Danish -- expert command of the humble bicycle. The country's Red Cross though, is doing what it can to fix that omission.
Consensus Culture within the EU: Reactions against Poland (Britain and the Netherlands) - by Mehmet Ozcan
"A turning point in the EU history has been got through last week once again. Could the problems be solved? No. It is possible to state this clearly. We can clearly state this. The main issues that marked the summit had centered on the objections of the UK, France, the Netherlands and Poland."
European Union looks to integrate immigrants
On 10 May 2007, European home affairs commissioner Franco Frattini met with EU ministers responsible for integration in Potsdam, Germany to discuss the topic of cultural and religious integration of immigrants into the 27-member bloc. Over the next seven years, the European Union plans to provide €825 million to help provide solutions for the issue. "There can be no immigration without integration," said Frattini at the meeting.
The European Commission has approved twelve projects designed to integrate immigrants into the EU. Funded with €4 million, the projects include initiatives such as trying to alleviate exclusion of migrant communities by educating religious leaders on core European Union values and multicultural environment, as well as providing mediation services designed to provide a bridge between immigrants and their new environment.
Hannover trade fair: 'catch the future with Turkey' - by Nabeelah Shabbir and Judith Argila Blanco
Incumbent Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Hannover technology trade fair, which takes place April 16-20. His German visit takes place on the same day that his Islamist-rooted Justice and Development (AKP) party releases the names of its presidential candidates for the upcoming May elections in Turkey (his own candidacy remains unofficial).
Martin Klein, the trade fair’s press officer, describes the timing of Erdogan’s visit as 'not so coincidental.’ For one, the trade fair is held in April of every year, whilst Turkey was first discussed as a partner country candidate by German governmental institutions more than two years ago. 'Of course, over the last three years, Turkey itself has undergone a lot of political discussion,' he comments. 'It’s one of the most important countries in and for Europe, with one of the brightest futures.'
The reforms imposed on Turkey for negotiations to be successful have caused businesses, privatisations and trade with the EU to flourish. Wolf Ruthart Born, the German ambassador in Ankara, assures that direct inversions of his country in Turkey have led to a growth of 20% in the past year. Germany is not only an important import country for Turkey, but also its best buyer (14% of exports), according to statistics from the 2006 Institute of Foreign Trade.
German politician Aydan Özoğuz. The migration policy spokeswoman for the Social Democratic (SDP) party in Hamburg co-founded the now-defunct German-Turkish programme for the private, independent Körber Foundation based in Hamburg. She describes Brussels’ attitude towards Turkey as 'theatrical', and acknowledges the recent silence on the theme during Germany’s EU presidency. Culturally, she also slams the fact that Europeans are 'poorly informed'.
The French Presidential candidates and the EU - by Bernard Cassen
It took more than a year and a prolonged period of complaining in public and in private about the French electorate’s decision in the European referendum of May 2005. But now, finally, the three leading candidates in the presidential election — François Bayrou (UDF), Ségolène Royal (PS) and Nicolas Sarkozy (UMP) — have concluded that the 55% of voters who said “no” to the Constitutional Treaty, which would have established a constitution for Europe (TCE), showed wisdom and foresight.
There is a general consensus among the European elite that the people should be kept out of the European decision-making process, and that the parliamentary route is therefore preferable to a referendum.
From Russia with love - by Vladimir Putin
The history of relations between Russia and Europe is one of mutual influence and benefit. St Petersburg, my native city, became a magnificent northern capital thanks to architects and artists from western Europe. Symbolically, the people of the city withstood a 900-day blockade by fascist troops in the second world war, heroically resisting a barbaric ideology that was and is the very antithesis of everything “European”. Russia has shared all the triumphs and tragedies of Europe. We have twice played a decisive role in disrupting attempts to unite Europe by force, the last time in the second world war. Today’s European project, based on the goodwill of Europeans, would have been infeasible without this.
Today, building a sovereign democratic state, we share the values and principles of the vast majority of Europeans. Respect for international law, rejection of force to settle international problems and preference for strengthening common approaches in European and global politics are factors that unite us. In our joint work within the United Nations, the G8 and other forums, we always feel we share a common view of the world. A stable, prosperous and united Europe is in our interests.
Half a century ago six European nations, principally the French and the Germans, decided to put aside former enmities and, as Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has noted, “grow together”. The people of the new democratic Russia want their country to be a prosperous power, living a dignified life in friendship and harmony with their neighbours.
We wish our European partners success and count on continuing fruitful cooperation for the benefit of peace and progress.
