Greece's democracy in danger, warns Demos, as Greek reservists call for coup - by Helena Smith

No country has displayed more of a "backslide in democracy" than Greece, the British thinktank Demos has said in a study highlighting the crisis-plagued country's slide into economic, social and political disarray.

Released on the same day that judicial authorities ordered an investigation into a blog posting by an elite reservist group linked to Greece's armed forces calling for a coup d'etat, the study singled out Greece and Hungary for being "the most significant democratic backsliders" in the EU.

"Researchers found Greece overwhelmed by high unemployment, social unrest, endemic corruption and a severe disillusionment with the political establishment," it said. The report, commissioned by the European parliament, noted that Greece was the most corrupt state in the 28-nation bloc and voiced fears over the rise of far-right extremism in the country.

The report was released as the fragile two-party coalition of the prime minister, Antonis Samaras, admitted it was worried by a call for a military coup posted overnight on Wednesday on the website of the Special Forces Reserve Union. "It must worry us," said a government spokesman, Simos Kedikoglou. "The overwhelming majority in the armed forces are devoted to our democracy," he said. "The few who are not will face the consequences."

With tension running high after a crackdown on the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party, a supreme court public prosecutor demanded an immediate inquiry into who may have written the post, which called for an interim government under "the guarantee of the armed forces".

Note EU-Digest: A military coup has never created long term economic well being or stability for any nation in the world and would be the "kiss of death" for Greece. Even the suggestion of it is ridiculous.

Read more: Greece's democracy in danger, warns Demos, as Greek reservists call for coup | World news | The Guardian

Health: EU Reaction Mixed as E. coli Outbreak Spreads - by Gretchen Goetz

The E. coli outbreak in northern Germany that has taken the lives of 10 people -- and captured the attention of health officials around the world -- does not appear to be causing concern everywhere in Europe.

Cucumbers were still a regular part of the fresh vegetable selection on French food stands this weekend, despite an announcement Saturday from the ministries of economy, health and agriculture that 3 cases of E. coli infection are being investigated in France.

These investigations come as cucumbers and other fresh produce have been recalled in Germany and elsewhere in Europe following an epidemic of E. coli illnesses. The European Union has warned that contaminated vegetables-- thought to originate on two farms in Spain and possibly from the Netherlands or Denmark -- may have been sent to other European countries, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg and Hungary.

Note EU-Digest: wash your vegetables and fruit well and peel your cucumbers.

For more: EU Reaction Mixed as E. coli Outbreak Spreads

Soccer Euro 2012: Netherlands edge thriller over Hungary and remain unbeaten

Dirk Kuyt fired a late double to help Holland maintain their 100% record at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group E with a dramatic 5-3 win over Hungary in Amsterdam.

The Dutch had to battle from behind after quick-fire goals from Gergely Rudolph and Zoltan Gera cancelled out Robin van Persie's early opener in the first five minutes of the second half. Wesley Sneijder and Ruud van Nistelrooy restored the home side's advantage and, despite Gera hauling Hungary back level, Kuyt clinched the points with his brace in the 78th and 81st minutes.

The win put the Dutch nine points clear at the top of the group while Sweden replaced Hungary in second place on goal difference after Mikael Lustig and Sebastian Larsson scored in a 2-1 home win over Moldova.

For more: Euro 2012: Netherlands edge thriller - ESPN Soccernet