EU Royalty - Isn't it time to close down those costly symbols of the past?

Meetings between the Spanish king and government officials are usually kept under wraps - but recently the royal palace has embarked on a campaign of openness in an attempt to cement support for the monarchy. Spaniards previously knew little about whom 72-year-old King Juan Carlos received at his office, with the Zarzuela palace only releasing information on high-level royal activities with photo opportunities. However, the monarchy's position is deemed by some to have become weaker in recent years, and now "Juan Carlos wants all Spaniards to know about his work," as new palace communications chief Ramon Iribarren told the daily El Pais. Media have consequently been able to report on the recent meetings held between the king and Economy Minister Elena Salgado, as well as with bank and trade union representatives.

Note EU-Digest: Given the political changes and economic realities being realized by the EU, one should seriously start looking at the effectiveness versus the taxpayer investments, to sustain the nine remaining EU member state monarchies in the EU. Isn't it time to retire all these royals who basically produce very little return on the money invested in them by the taxpayer?

For more: Spain's royal palace opens up to improve image - Feature : Europe World