Italy still vulnerable, warned Barroso

«It has been made a lot, but marathon has not finished yet»

Josè Manuel Barroso

by Emiliano Biaggio

Crisis is not over in Italy, warned today the president of the European Commission, Josè Manuel Barroso, after his meeting with the Italian prime minister Enrico Letta. «Italy made enormous efforts, but the key challenge still remains», Barroso told reporters during the press conference. «Public debt remains high, and this makes Italy vulnerable». In other words, the Italian economic situation «is still fragile», because public debt «is an obstacle for the future of the country». For this reason Italy «need solid public finance and structural reforms». The president of the European Commission does believe Letta is working in appropriate way, as remarked in Brussels. «The announcements made by the Italian government on spending review and liberalizations are very important for the path of job and growth», said Barroso, clarifying Italy is called for the full implementation of the measures necessary for economic recovery and stability. «Now in Italy the situation is much better than the previous years, but marathon is not finished yet: we have to cover the last mile otherwise we risk to undermine the confidence». Finally Barroso called for political stability. «I hope there will be a stable majority in this government».

The European Union explained*

Switzerland has a new hero: Wawrinka

The 28 years old tennis player beat the Spanish Rafa Nadal and became the second Swiss Grand slam winner ever

Wawrinka and the Australia Open cup

by Emiliano Biaggio

Tennis player Stanislas Wawrinka got an historic victory in Melbourne defeating Rafa Nadal in the Australian Open final. Wawrinka won the match in three sets, winning a Grand Slam trophy for the first time in his career and becoming the second Swiss player to reach such a result. Thanks to this victory, Wawrinka gained the third position in the world ATP ranking, overtaking his compatriot Roger Federer, the record 17-time men’s champion, one of the best player in the history of this sport (there are who considered the best player ever). Before today, only Federer was able to bring Switzerland on the top of world tennis. Wawrinka broke up with the tradition, becoming the first Swiss man since 2001 to be ranked higher than 32-year-old Federer. Furthermore, Wawrinka changed the course of Melbourne tournament beating who was considered the favourite one: Nadal has been seen as the winner after all the after top ranked player were out, but Wawrinka has been able to overturn that forecast. He played a perfect game, using a right mix of skill, determination and self-control. His opponent, on the contrary, experienced a defeat influenced by lack of concentration and complaints: Nadal made too much mistakes and for a while he had event to stop for the backache. Nadal didn't look for any excuse, and recognised the great performance of the winner. «Wawrinka was playing amazing», said Nadal at the end of the match. «It is very tough to stop him when he’s playing that way». The new champion is supposed to need more time to better realize what he did. The Swiss showed his incredulity. «It’s quite crazy what’s happening right now. I never expect to win a Grand Slam. I never dreamt about that because for me, I was not good enough to beat those guys». Well, since today Wawrinka can consider himself as one of the best players ever, and - who knows? - perhaps Roger Fededer's heir. «Roger called me», Wawrinka revealed.

bLOGBOOK

Qu'il soit "à vendre" ou "à remettre" il ne fait pas aucune difference: les magasins ferment. C'est la crise. Elle est là, ècrite sur les avis qui se repetent en grande quantité et avec une fréquence croissante. C'est la crise, et elle se répand aussi à Bruxelles, la capitale de l'Union européenne, la plus riche de la Belgique. Parfois on peut lire "liquidation totale", mais le sens du message ne change pas: tout va finir. Il n'est pas possible savoir si la situation paraît grave aussi à tous les autres, si le personnes aient conscience de ce qui se passe. Il est temps des soldes, et elles sont attirées par les vitrines. Mais c'est normal: en saison des sold on regarde les marchandises, et pas les avis. A' la fin, quand le period meilleur de l'anné aura terminé, alors, peut-être, les bruoxelois pourrons comprendre quelle est la situation. Peut-être. Parce-que quand la saison des soldes tombe, commence celle où on fait de l'ètalage de toilettes...

https://sorry.

How to apologise in the 2.0 century. European Commission offered a nice, polite and curious way to offer public excuses for technical problem at the audiovisual service "posting" them in the URL address of the page page. As shown by the picture realised thanks to a screenshot, there was a problem with the broadcasting. It has been announced on the main page, and the announcement has been made in all the official languages of the European Union. On the top, in URL space, is possible to read the "sorry.ec.europa.eu". A very impressive way to say, "sorry for the incovenience". Despite problems, in Brussels there's a great politeness. Just click on the image to have a look!

EU to take actions against Ukraine

The announcement came after the victims in Kiev riots

Protesters in Kiev

by Emiliano Biaggio

European Union is ready to reconsider its political relationships with Ukraine and to take actions against the former soviet republic, warned the president of the EU Commission, Josè Manuel Barroso. After the death of five protesters in Kiev, Europe decided to react. In Brussels Barroso was expected to present the new package for climate and energy, but he started his press conference with an announcement on Ukraine, with great surprise of the public. «We are shocked to hear the latest news from Ukraine about deaths of protesters, and express our deepest condolences to their families». But, added Barroso, «We are genuinely concerned about where these developments are taking Ukraine and will continue following closely these developments, as well as assessing possible actions by the EU and consequences for our relations». There are different options on the table, but for the president of the EU Commission «it's too early to disclose them». Barroso only suggested there is not only the refusal of negotiating the Stabilisation and association agreement, first and compulsory step for the EU access process. Thus he reiterated the will of take actions against Ukrainian authorities. «If in the Country the the fundamental rights will not be respected, the protection of the citizens will be not guaranteed and if the violations of human rights will continue, then EU Commission has not other choice but reconsider the relationship with the country». A decision will be eventually taken in case of lack of progress. «The overall environment - added Barroso - has been worsening for some time, and I would like to explicitly underline the fundamental responsibility of the Ukrainian authorities to now take action to de-escalate this crisis, and in particular the need for them to engage in a genuine dialogue with the opposition and with civil society on the ways to overcome this deep crisis». Otherwise Europe is ready to close the door to EU access.
In Ukraine protests raised after the decision of the government to don't sign the Stabilisation and association agreement, necessary to join the EU. The decision was taken because of Russia, which exerted huge pressure on Kiev offering economic benefit (especially in the energy sector) seen as an interference in both European and Ukrainian affairs. Large part of civil society started demonstrations against Viktor Yanukovych and his government, demonstrations repressed by the use of the force.

Rehn to become new High Representative?

He accepted to don't run for the presidency of the Commission if nomitaded official candidate for «economic affair or foreign policy»

Olli Rehn

by Emiliano Biaggio

EU commissioner in charge for Economic affairs, Olli Rehn, will not run for the presidency of the Commission in the next European election. The announcement came from Alde Party, Rehn's European political group. An internal agreement has been reached between the two candidates, Rehn and Guy Verhofstadt. The latter will be the official candidate to try to replace Josè Manuel Barroso at the head of the Berlaymont building, and Rehn - in case of victory - «will be party's candidate for one of the other senior posts in the EU, in particular in the field of economic affairs and foreign policy», it was specified by Alde officials. Before becoming responsible for Economic and monetary affairs Rehn served as EU commissioner for the Enlargement. Analysts said Rehn decided to continue to be the responsible for Financial affairs or, in alternative, came back to his previous post. But there is a third possibility: since the expression used by Alde officials is generic, maybe Rehn is thinking to replace Catherine Ashton as High representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (known also as HR). It is clearly a «foreign policy» post as described as well as «one of the other senior post of the Ue». Perhaps does Rehn wonder to became the "foreign minister" of the European Union? Rumours started to circulate in Brussels, and clarifications still didn't arrive.

From U.S. no great changes in spying activity

After the espionage case Barack Obama finally announced a new regime for the intelligence. Just a light revision is expected

by Emiliano Biaggio

U.S. president Barack Obama announced on Friday partial restrictions on NSA surveillance activity after the spy story blamed by Europe. It's the first time the head of the White House talks about the electronic surveillance conducted by the National Security Agency over European leaders. Obama had the delicate task of assuring commitment in the fight of terrorism on one hand, and in preserving privacy on the other one. For him the main problem was to find a diplomatic and national solution: there not only to regain the international credibility but also to guarantee the internal goals. Obama's announcement was not a revolutionary one: he just promised that the United States will not eavesdrop on the heads of state or government of close U.S. friends and allies. It means that this new policy would apply to dozens of leaders, explained a senior administration official. Nothing is going to change, in substance. As remarked into the presidential policy directive issued the 17th of January, «the collection of signals intelligence is necessary for the United States to advance its national security and foreign policy interests and to protect its citizens and the citizens of its allies and partners from harm». Surveillance will go on. It's a question of national security, and of tradition too. «The United States, like other nations, has gathered intelligence throughout its history». What is going to change, as said, is the "protection" of certain head of State and head of governments. «The leaders of our close friends and allies deserve to know that if I want to learn what they think about an issue, I will pick up the phone and call them, rather than turning to surveillance», said Obama.
   Furthermore, the so called "metadata" programme will be ended as it currently exists. "Metadata" is a lists of million of phone calls made by Americans that show which numbers were called and when. It's managed by the federal government, but Obama proposed to give to third parties - such as telephone companies - the management of all these informations after a legislative review of the subject. «The United States is not spying on ordinary people who don’t threaten our national security», wanted to assure president Obama. Some work started and will remain in progress for some time, but forget about closing the NSA or ending the surveillance activities. The problem is not what to do, but only how to do it.

EU to suspend part of sanctions on Iran

A decision could be taken already next Monday

by Emiliano Biaggio

The minister for Foreign affairs of the EU countries could lighten the economic embargo in Iran if the Islamic Republic gives prove of respecting the international agreements on the nuclear programme, officials said today in Brussels. On Monday the Foreign affairs council meeting will discuss the Iranian dossier, and if the International Atomic Energy Agency report will provide a positive outcome the European Union is ready to temporary suspend part of the sanctions in force.
At the end of November the so called "3+3" group (United States, Russia, China plus the three EU countries Germany, France and United Kingdom) reached an agreement with Iran by which the international community is ready to gradually remove the economic restriction if the Iranian authorities accept to halt enrichment of uranium above 5% purity, and "neutralise" its stockpile of near-20%-enriched uranium. In Brussels they wait for the Iaea report on Monday at noon: if the experts of the Agency will say in Teheran the plan is proceeding as scheduled, in return EU is ready to suspend for six months sanctions on trade in gold and precious metals, on Iran's automotive sector, and its petrochemical exports.


THE MAIN POINTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT

Iran will:
- Halt enrichment of uranium above 5% purity;
- "Neutralise" its stockpile of near-20%-enriched uranium;
- Not install any more centrifuges (the machines used to enrich uranium).

In return the international community will:
- Not impose further nuclear-related sanction;
- Suspend certain sanctions on trade;
- Transfer $4.2 billion (€3,9billion) to Iran in instalments from sales of its oil.

Europe wants cleaner vans on EU roads

MEPs in Strasbourg endorsed lower limit of CO2 emissions

by Emiliano Biaggio

Light commercial vehicles will in EU have to be cleaner, said the European Parliament. A draft legislation approved by the Plenary with 552 votes in favour, 110 against and 12 abstentions, set up new target for CO2 emissions, which are to be reduced from today 203 g/km limit to 147 g/km by 2020. The new target is for maximum average emissions authorised for the entire fleet of models made by each manufacturer registered in the EU, and it applies for vans of up to 2.610 tonnes unladen and 3.5 tonnes laden. The 147g/km by 2020 target will be imposed to manufacturers producing more than 1.000 vehicles per year. Van makers will therefore have to produce enough cleaner models to outweigh heavier or more polluting vehicles in order to achieve an overall balance of 147 g/km by 2020, on pain of penalties. To achieve their targets, manufacturers are to rely on a system of "super credits" which gives extra weighting to vehicles emitting less than 50 g/km of CO2. This system, which already exists, will not be renewed and will expire in 2018. «We achieved a result after some difficult negotiations», sad MEP Holger Krahmer (Alde), the rapporteur of the dossier. «I'm glad that we haven't yielded to any kind of pressure to change that target». In his opinion, «as the lifespan of light commercial vehicles is longer than that of passenger cars, it is appropriate for us to stick to the target that we set ourselves». Now the text will have to be approved by the Council, but no surprises are expected. The draft legislation approved in Strasbourg has been already informally agreed with EU ministers.

FACT SHEET/ What CCS is about

(picture source: worldchanging.com)

Europe has to invest more in CCS technology

European Parliament urge Member states and the EU to develop the sector

Alde MEP Chris Davies

by Emiliano Biaggio

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects should be encouraged, said the European Parliament on Tuesday. The Plenary adopted at great majority (524 votes in favour, 141 against and 25 abstentions) a report in which is highlighted the importance of CCS technology, suggesting to invest in research in such a field. The report is a non-legislative text, so it's not legally binding. What is important is the political message sent by the EU Parliament: inside Europe the debate on CCS is ongoing, and the carbon capture and storage projects begin to be considered as the next energetic frontier.«CCS deployment - is written into the report adopted in Strasbourg - has the potential to allow the EU to meet its 2050 low-carbon aspirations at least cost and is necessary in particular for decarbonising high CO2 emitting industries». MEPs believe that it may also «contribute to the diversity and security of energy supplies» while maintaining and creating employment opportunities. For all these reasons the European Parliament calls on the Commission to «consider creating» an EU industrial innovation investment Fund to support the development of innovative climate-friendly technologies including CCS flagship projects. Such a tool could be financed from the sale of allowances from the EU ETS, without leading to a new demand on the EU budget, suggests the report. Given the investments needed, instruments in addition to the EU ETS «would be needed» to stimulate research and application of CCS. MEPs have no doubt: there's no time to waste. On the contrary, there is «the urgent need» to develop a range of full-chain CCS flagship projects so as to identify the best and economically most advantageous solutions, and all that depends on the Commission. «Our aim should be not only to reduce Europe’s CO2 emissions but also to do so at the least-possible cost», explained Chris Davies (Alde), rapporteur of the document. «CCS technology can allow us to use fossil fuels to keep the lights on even when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining».

Available on-line Italiani per definizione, Emiliano Biaggio's last book. A portrait of a society and the image of a country through its people. A short novel in which is offered a panoramic view on the way of being typical of the Italian style. A book to try to understand what Italian means today. Available only in Italian, the book is readable by clicking here or by clicking on the web link at the bottom of Biaggio's book section on the right.

Israel cries for Sharon's death

Former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon died today after eight years of permanent vegetative state for a stroke suffered on 4 January 2006. Serving the country as a soldier, only in the first years of the 70s' he started his political career. As a soldier, Sharon took part at the 1948 war of independence war, the 1956 Suez war, the six-day war and the Yom Kippur war; as a politician he served as a minister of Defense when occurred the Sabra and Shatila massacre: during the 1982 Lebanon war, between 800 and 3,500 Palestinian civilians in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps were killed by the Phalanges—Lebanese Maronite Christian militias. The militiamen entered the Palestinian camps while Israeli forces surrounded the camps, blocking camp exits and providing logistical support. It was not proven Sharon's direct responsibility, but he had to resign and his image was compromised. Above we can see how Sharon has been considered by many cartoonists around the world, considering also his strong internal policy on Palestinian territories. For three decades - in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s - Sharon championed construction of Israeli settlements both in the West Bank and in Gaza strip. «Everything we take now will stay ours, everything we don't grab will go to them», explained at that time. Sharon is also considered by Palestinians to be responsible of their former leader Yasser Arafat, dead in 2004 in unclear circumstances when Sharon was acting head of the Israeli government. Israel today cries for Sharon, while Palestinians express regret he was not brought to justice before he died.

ECB hold rates low but is ready to act

Draghi:  «Ready to consider all available instruments. Countries go on with reforms»

Mario Draghi

by Emiliano Biaggio

The European central bank doesn't change its policy: once again the Governing Council of the ECB decided to don't review the interest rate on the main refinancing operations, the interest rate on the marginal lending facility, and the interests rate on the deposit facility, which will remain unchanged at 0.25%, 0.75% and 0.00% respectively. «The Governing Council will maintain an accommodative stance of monetary policy for as long as necessary», reiterated ECB president Mario Draghi during the press conference held in Frankfurt after the governing council meeting. The Eurotower policy «will assist the gradual economic recovery in the euro area», added Mr. Draghi. So «we firmly reiterate our forward guidance that we continue to expect the key ECB interest rates to remain at present or lower levels for an extended period of time». With regard to money market conditions and their potential impact on monetary policy stance, «we are monitoring developments closely and are ready to consider all available instruments». Draghi came back to repeat what he already stated during the last three months: due to the economic conditions and the current background everything remain unchanged. The same has to be for all the Eurozone member states, which means to carry on with the current programme. «As regards fiscal policies, it is important not to unravel past efforts but to sustain fiscal consolidation over the medium term», emphasized the ECB president. «Fiscal strategies should be in line with the fiscal compact and should ensure a growth-friendly composition of consolidation which combines improving the quality and efficiency of public services with minimising distortionary effects of taxation». In Draghi's opinion «when accompanied by the decisive implementation of structural reforms, this will further support the gradual economic recovery in the Euro area and have a positive impact on public finances». To the governments of the eighteen there are clear suggestions. «Reforms in product and labour markets and a rigorous enactment of Single Market policies warrant particular focus to improve the outlook for economic growth and to foster job creation in an environment of high unemployment». There is still a lot work to do, underlined Draghi. The economy remains «fragile» and at the moment «is too early to declare the eurozone debt crisis over».

Quotes

«I really believe this year for Europe is going to be better than the last years, namely, in economic terms».
Josè Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, following the College visit to Athens for the start of the Greek presidency (Athens, 8 January 2014)

Job is not a business for young people

The number of the under 25 years old without a work rose again both in EU

by Emiliano Biaggio

In November 2013 youth unemployment rose across Europe, notices Eurostat in the latest bulletin issued today. At the end of the month concerned, there were over 5,6 million young people without a job in the EU, of whom more than 3,5 million in the euro area. In total the unemployment rate of the under 25 in November rose up 23,6% in the EU, 0,1% more than the previous month. In total, underlines the statistical office of the European Union, in November 2013 there were 28.000 unemployed more than October, of whom 6.000 in the euro area. Sweden (+17.000), France (+11.000) and Spain (+10.000) have been the countries with the highest rise of youth unemployment. Germany (-3.000), Italy (-3.000) and the Netherlands (-3.000) have been the EU member states with the strongest reduction of this trend.

bLOGBOOK

The flight is delayed. It happens. Shit happens. Ok, the departure is only fifteen minutes late, no problem! But as the proverb states, "a good beginning makes a good ending". In fact the end of this journey would have required a lot of time to come. Once landed, it appeared clear I would had to experience several inconveniences. Because of too much coins into the wallet, the latter got broken. When? Of course, right at the moment of paying the renew of public transport season ticket. So, for the joy of pickpockets, I had to put all the coins into the pockets. And of course, It appeared evident I would had to buy a new wallet. Both tube and tram, I have to say, arrived soon, almost immediately. That's nice when you have luggages. But what is not nice is to discover to be out. I mean out of the house. Once arrived at home the first operation to do is to open the door. It could sound weard, 'cause It's evident the door has to be opened and this is the first thing to to in order to come in. But It was not the case. Not for me. In front of the door I try to open, but the keyhole doesn't work. I try several time, but there's nothing to do. In the meanwhile a freezy wind starts to blow. Ok: be abroad, with no home where to go to, staying under the storm, is something normal. But in any case, what a fuck! Welcome back, man! Trying to reach the home owner is something complicated! She's always busy in her work, in her activities, and even if is possible to talk to her she's never in the condition to do anything. But there are no alternatives. I call her, and with great surprise she answers. And then I realize where the problem is: it's inside. There works ongoing in her apartment, and workmen are all around. Someone of them left the key into the keyhole, that's why it wasn't impossible to open the door. So I ring the bell, I explain who I am, and finally a men in coverall arrives to open. But, you know what? "a good beginning makes a good ending". So, if you have not a good beginning, everything could turn in tragedy. So, when finally I can came in I find a barricade in front of the door of my little apartment. It is made by the old fixtures just replaced by the workmen. "Ehm... I'm sorry", says the guy who opened the door of the building. "We didn't know there was a person living there. We remove immediately all this stuff". Ok, I know a thing at least: I know that I have time to go to the supermarket. I said at the beginning the everything would have required a lot of time to finish.

Latvia, welcome to the euro era

The common currency started to circulate inside the Baltic republic with the arrival of the new year, making the country the member of the eurozone

by Emiliano Biaggio

Latvia is officially the eighteenth Euro area member state. The country introduced the european currency the 1st of January, and next thursday in Riga will be hold the celebrations for the historical event, both for Latvia and for European Union. For Latvia, after a cold war spent in the eastern bloc and after decades of communism and russian rule, the adoption of the euro represents the pick of the political and historical rebirth together with the beginning of the euro era; for the European Union the arrival of Latvia into the Europe-wide currency bloc represents another remarkable step towards a stronger integration. In Riga as well as in Brussels the political leader are celebrating this new chapter of the european history. The adoption of the euro «is a big opportunity for Latvia’s economic development», said the country’s acting prime minister, Valdis Dombrovskis, withdrawing the first 10-euro banknote. «For Latvia it is the result of impressive efforts and the unwavering determination of the authorities and the Latvian people», said European Commission president José Manuel Barroso, happy for the latvian performance of last hours. In fact, according to a EU Commission survey, by the end of Thursday 2 January, 30 % of payments in shops were being made in euro only and 94 % of customers were getting their change in euro. Furthermore «no major problems were observed in banks or in the retail sector». Latvia will conclude the changeover period in two weeks. National currency Lat recall will run until the end of the first half of the month: it means that from Thursday 16 January the euro will be the only circulating currency in Latvia. In Brussels they have no doubts: «Thanks to careful preparations, the start of the changeover has been successful». Into the Baltic republic, on the contrary, there is concern among the populations: part of Latvia’s two million people fear prices rise because of the introduction of the new currency.

Italians, people without a nation?

Political leader and political parties invited the people to boycott the head of State. Something never seen before in Europe.

Giorgio Napolitano, Italian head of state

Opinion

For the new year's eve, as tradition wants, the president of the Italian republic prepared and gave his speech talking to the Nation. Nothing special, it happens every year. What made curious this speech was the party of  Lega Nord. Just to be clear it has to be sad that it was not the party to be curious - even if it is - but the fact the party invite all the Italians to ignore Napolitano's words. And the leader of the M5S party, Beppe Grillo, did it too. Perhaps it could be something absolutely normal for both Italy and the Italians, but there is something incredible in what happened before and during president Napolitano's speech. To make an example and having a comparison, could we image someone, in the United States, scream to not listen to the president speaking? No, we could not. We know perfectly there are things not at issue. And the figure of the president of the United States of America is one of those. For Americans, of course. And could we image a british invite his compatriots to don't care about the queen? Come on, be serious! It will never happen. That not because a queen or a federal president are different respect to the president of the Italian republic. It will never happen because of the respect for its own culture, for its own tradition, for its own history, for its own values. What in Italy seems to be at stake is the respect for people and institutions. Of course democracy does legitimate the disapproval, and it is always possible to express different opinion or/and critics, but in the right way. Because the highest institutions are the country. So in the U.S. the president represents the United Stated of America, all the fifty states, and similarly in the United Kingdom the queen represents the whole country. So, saying "let's ignore our president's speech" simply means "we don't care about Italy". It is clear to the world that the party of Lega Nord is interested more to the north of Italy rather than the rest of the country, but the impression - and maybe the reality as well - is that one of a country without any value or, maybe worse, without any reference point. If we consider that Giorgio Napolitano was reappointed for a second mandate by the same people who today invite to don't listen to a word, then we participate at one of the paradoxes made in Italy. What it appears to be more and more clear is the lack of national feelings into the italian minds. Perhaps did the Italians lose the idea of nation?