FN leader Marine Le Pen during the joint press conference with PVV leader Geert Wilders (Brussels, 28th May 2014)
video realized by Emanuele Bonini
Wednesday 28 May 2014
Wilders: «We are writing history»
PVV leader Geert Wilders during the joint press conference with Front National leader Marine Le Pen (Brussels, 28th of May 2014)
video realized by Emanuele Bonini
video realized by Emanuele Bonini
Wilders: «Things will change tomorrow»
PPV leader Geert Wilder during the joint press conference with Marine Le Pen (Brussels, 28th of May 2014)
video realized by Emanuele Bonini
video realized by Emanuele Bonini
EU to realise a new internal gas pipeline?
Due to the Ukrainian crisis Gazprom total dependence raise concerns. Six member states need to be enter the European network, said EU commissioner Oettinger
by Emanuele Bonini
The European Union has in mind to build a new pipeline up in order to reduce its energy dependence from Russia, said the European commissioner for Energy, Gunther Oettinger. He pointed out nowadays six EU member states – Bulgaria, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia – are totally dependent from Russian supplier Gazprom. After Ukrainian crisis such a situation raised concern in Europe and Oettinger, together with the whole Commission, is working to find a solution. «I've met the prime minister of Estonia and talked to him about the integration of Estonia, Bulgaria, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia into the European market through the construction of a new pipeline for Liquefied natural gas». A new tube will help the six EU member states and the EU as a whole to be strongly dependent from Russia. «If disruptions of Russian deliveries occur during daily peak demand in January, almost the entire EU, except the Iberian peninsula and the south of France would be likely to be directly affected», according to a study conducted by the European Commission.
For the future Norway could be the answer to the European problems. According to Oettinger «soon the country will be able to increase natural gas exports of nearly ten billion cubic meters, and it could became our partner». Norway is currently the world's third-largest natural gas exporter, behind Russia and Canada.
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| Gunther Oettinger |
The European Union has in mind to build a new pipeline up in order to reduce its energy dependence from Russia, said the European commissioner for Energy, Gunther Oettinger. He pointed out nowadays six EU member states – Bulgaria, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia – are totally dependent from Russian supplier Gazprom. After Ukrainian crisis such a situation raised concern in Europe and Oettinger, together with the whole Commission, is working to find a solution. «I've met the prime minister of Estonia and talked to him about the integration of Estonia, Bulgaria, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia into the European market through the construction of a new pipeline for Liquefied natural gas». A new tube will help the six EU member states and the EU as a whole to be strongly dependent from Russia. «If disruptions of Russian deliveries occur during daily peak demand in January, almost the entire EU, except the Iberian peninsula and the south of France would be likely to be directly affected», according to a study conducted by the European Commission.
For the future Norway could be the answer to the European problems. According to Oettinger «soon the country will be able to increase natural gas exports of nearly ten billion cubic meters, and it could became our partner». Norway is currently the world's third-largest natural gas exporter, behind Russia and Canada.
Monday 26 May 2014
«South Stream still strategic», said Italy
Minister for Economic development Federica Guidi doesn't see any policy change toward Russia after crisis in Ukraine
by Emanuele Bonini
Ukrainian crisis doesn't affect ties between Italy and Russia, and so has to be for those between Moscow and French and German capital cities. This is the hidden messagge in Federica Guidi's declarations. Speaking at the end of Competitivness council in Brussels Italian minister for Economic development reiterated the importance for South Stream pipeline, involving energy enterprises Eni (Italy), Wintershall (Germany), EdF (France) e Gazprom (Russia). Despite Russian federation announced China will be the major partner and customer, «I continue to consider the infrastructure as strategic», Guidi told reporters. Both Italy and Europe «need energy security and energy diversification, and that means there's not only South Stream». Of course, she added, the pipeline «belong to a package that the European Union should get quickly».
The South Stream pipiline project has been thought in order to transport Russian gas to Europe via Black sea passing through Bulgaria and – thanks to connections – Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Greece and Italy. Guidi's statement made clear how Europe is divided over economic and financial sanctions against Russia (the so called “third phase” or “phase three”) due to the huge economic interests in and with Russia.
 |
| Federica Guidi |
Ukrainian crisis doesn't affect ties between Italy and Russia, and so has to be for those between Moscow and French and German capital cities. This is the hidden messagge in Federica Guidi's declarations. Speaking at the end of Competitivness council in Brussels Italian minister for Economic development reiterated the importance for South Stream pipeline, involving energy enterprises Eni (Italy), Wintershall (Germany), EdF (France) e Gazprom (Russia). Despite Russian federation announced China will be the major partner and customer, «I continue to consider the infrastructure as strategic», Guidi told reporters. Both Italy and Europe «need energy security and energy diversification, and that means there's not only South Stream». Of course, she added, the pipeline «belong to a package that the European Union should get quickly».
The South Stream pipiline project has been thought in order to transport Russian gas to Europe via Black sea passing through Bulgaria and – thanks to connections – Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Greece and Italy. Guidi's statement made clear how Europe is divided over economic and financial sanctions against Russia (the so called “third phase” or “phase three”) due to the huge economic interests in and with Russia.
Friday 23 May 2014
The dark side of Brazil
Its football stadiums are built on Indian land, and its new-found wealth comes from the dispossession of the Indians and the theft of their lands.
by Emanuele Bonini (source: Survivalinternational)
An emerging country with one of the best economies in world, a nation with cars fuelled by grain alcohol. Brazil is astonishing the entire globe, playing a role more and more important in the international community. Now the southern American country will host FIFA World Cup, and Brazil will be the benchmark for all. For all but not for everybody. Indians are paying the highest price for such a renovation: exploitation, land seizure, housing destruction are the main activity behind new stadiums and football world cup, as denounced by Surival, the international organization for Native tribes rights. One of the most popular structure in word si Maracanà stadium. When rebuilding work started for the World Cup, a group of 70 Indians from 17 different tribes who were occupying an abandoned 19th-century mansion by the stadium were evicted, and their home destroyed, to make way for a giant car park and the construction of a football museum. The Indians wanted the building to be preserved as an Indigenous Cultural Centre. In Mato Grosso state live Nambiquara, Umutina and Pareci tribes. There Cuiabá stadium had to be rebuilt for the upcoming competition. According to Survival the Nambiquara suffered terribly because of the BR-364 highway, funded by the World Bank. In order to realize the highway the fertile valley that was their homeland was bulldozed. These are only two examples of the dark side of Brazil Survival was able to make public. «Scratching the surface you'll find a darker side», stated the ONG. «What's missing from the popular image of Brazil is the shocking treatment of its first peoples».
Read Survival denunciation
An emerging country with one of the best economies in world, a nation with cars fuelled by grain alcohol. Brazil is astonishing the entire globe, playing a role more and more important in the international community. Now the southern American country will host FIFA World Cup, and Brazil will be the benchmark for all. For all but not for everybody. Indians are paying the highest price for such a renovation: exploitation, land seizure, housing destruction are the main activity behind new stadiums and football world cup, as denounced by Surival, the international organization for Native tribes rights. One of the most popular structure in word si Maracanà stadium. When rebuilding work started for the World Cup, a group of 70 Indians from 17 different tribes who were occupying an abandoned 19th-century mansion by the stadium were evicted, and their home destroyed, to make way for a giant car park and the construction of a football museum. The Indians wanted the building to be preserved as an Indigenous Cultural Centre. In Mato Grosso state live Nambiquara, Umutina and Pareci tribes. There Cuiabá stadium had to be rebuilt for the upcoming competition. According to Survival the Nambiquara suffered terribly because of the BR-364 highway, funded by the World Bank. In order to realize the highway the fertile valley that was their homeland was bulldozed. These are only two examples of the dark side of Brazil Survival was able to make public. «Scratching the surface you'll find a darker side», stated the ONG. «What's missing from the popular image of Brazil is the shocking treatment of its first peoples».
Read Survival denunciation
Wednesday 21 May 2014
Europe without the European Union: a half-serious movie on a sudden awakening
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| EU flag. source: Ansa |
Euroskeptic parties advance and with few days to the European elections in some countries they are supposed to have a consensus never had before. Euroskeptic parties leaders don't keep their main goal secret: they want to abolish the European Union. What could happen if their wishes became real? What about if one day - like in "A Day Without a Mexican" movie - the old world was mist-shrouded and in just few minutes the European Union and its nearly sixty years of history were over? What about our lives?
First of all, if you think to go to another country be ready to huge queues at the frontiers, whatever crossing place you chose, be Brenner, or Chiasso, or Montgènevre, or Ventimiglia, or Gorizia (with the city still split in two) or whatever you want. Schengen area would be just a dream, and with no open borders passport and visa check-in are serious stuff. In case you thought to a low-cost flight trip, please let it go and forget about. With neither single nor internal market realities such as Ryanair - and so, travels for all - couldn't exist.
Once arrived abroad you should remember to change the so loved national currency with the local one. Of course, if depreciation doesn't play a trick as it has been for Italy at the beginning of the 90's. In case you have no cash with you, you should try paying by ATM and debit cards, wishing national system accept your card and, of course, if you are ready to sustain the high cost. Every country has its own customs. So, every country has its own banking system. By the way: did you remind to keep the medical insurance before leaving? If the answer is no, economically this distraction would be very expansive without an internal market. Again, in your place there's no job and would you go to research it abroad? It would be possible, but it would be necessary to get a residency permit.
Tuesday 20 May 2014
4th division club to play in FIFA world cup stadium
Manaus football team ready to host home matches in the Arena Amazonia, new structure realized for the upcoming competition
by Emanuele Bonini
A forth division football club is going to play in a new generation stadium. Nacional Futebol Clube, the most important club in Manaus, will play home matches in the Arena Amazonia, structure realized for the upcoming FIFA world cup. The new stadium cost nearly $290 million, about $70 million more than originally expected, and it has been built up on the former site of the Vivaldão stadium, where Nacional played until 2010. Vivaldão was owned by the government of Amazonas state, and local authorities decided to dismantle the old structure to create a new one because of the world cup tournament in Brazil. When in 2009 Manaus was chosen as one of the host cities of World Cup 2014 works started. So, at the end of the competition the eldest football club in Manaus will have a new house, one of the best in Brazil and maybe in the world making Nacional a low ranked team with well-advanced stadium. It's something really particular in a soccer world where just richest club can have the possibility to have new generation stadiums.
Nacional Futebol Clube, usually known simply as Nacional, is a traditional Brazilian football club from Manaus. Funded in 1913, the team won for forty times the Campeonato Amazonense, the national championship of Amazonas state. Nacional last appearance in Campionato Brasileiro Série A, the maximum compotition in Brazil (the federal championship), was in 1985. Since then a long decline started, bringing the team in forth division. People such as Toninho Cerezo and Francisco Lima, both well known in Europe, have played in Nacional.
A forth division football club is going to play in a new generation stadium. Nacional Futebol Clube, the most important club in Manaus, will play home matches in the Arena Amazonia, structure realized for the upcoming FIFA world cup. The new stadium cost nearly $290 million, about $70 million more than originally expected, and it has been built up on the former site of the Vivaldão stadium, where Nacional played until 2010. Vivaldão was owned by the government of Amazonas state, and local authorities decided to dismantle the old structure to create a new one because of the world cup tournament in Brazil. When in 2009 Manaus was chosen as one of the host cities of World Cup 2014 works started. So, at the end of the competition the eldest football club in Manaus will have a new house, one of the best in Brazil and maybe in the world making Nacional a low ranked team with well-advanced stadium. It's something really particular in a soccer world where just richest club can have the possibility to have new generation stadiums.
Nacional Futebol Clube, usually known simply as Nacional, is a traditional Brazilian football club from Manaus. Funded in 1913, the team won for forty times the Campeonato Amazonense, the national championship of Amazonas state. Nacional last appearance in Campionato Brasileiro Série A, the maximum compotition in Brazil (the federal championship), was in 1985. Since then a long decline started, bringing the team in forth division. People such as Toninho Cerezo and Francisco Lima, both well known in Europe, have played in Nacional.
Rasmussen: «Russia has increased its defence investments lately, while NATO Allies have drastically cut them»
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General warned the Allies: «Moscow preserves the right to intervene in other sovereign countries. After Ukraine, it could be time for Georgia and Moldova»
by Emanuele Bonini (article written for EuNews)
You cannot attack Russia. Yet, you can defend yourself from it. This is the indication given by NATO after the Ukrainian crisis, where the Russian involvement is «clear». Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Secretary General of the Organization, was quite lapidary during his monthly press conference in Brussels. «I agree that there is no military solution to the crisis in Ukraine, but we have all plans in place to ensure effective defence and protection of our Eastern Allies against any threat, and we have all the means to do it». Rasmussen pointed out that «each NATO activity is defence-oriented» and not offence-oriented, yet the world has suddenly changed lately. There is «a completely new security situation in Europe, less predictable and more dangerous». That is why the Organization should «review and update defence plans» in order to «be ready to respond quickly to any threat, including where there is little warning». A sentence aimed at European Allies in particular, with their dramatic cuts in defence budget, even though there is no room for cuts right now. «During the last five years, we have seen Russia increase its defence investments by around 10 percent per year, while some European Allies have cut their defence budgets by up to 40 percent».
Read the full article
 |
| Anders Fogh Rasmussen |
You cannot attack Russia. Yet, you can defend yourself from it. This is the indication given by NATO after the Ukrainian crisis, where the Russian involvement is «clear». Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Secretary General of the Organization, was quite lapidary during his monthly press conference in Brussels. «I agree that there is no military solution to the crisis in Ukraine, but we have all plans in place to ensure effective defence and protection of our Eastern Allies against any threat, and we have all the means to do it». Rasmussen pointed out that «each NATO activity is defence-oriented» and not offence-oriented, yet the world has suddenly changed lately. There is «a completely new security situation in Europe, less predictable and more dangerous». That is why the Organization should «review and update defence plans» in order to «be ready to respond quickly to any threat, including where there is little warning». A sentence aimed at European Allies in particular, with their dramatic cuts in defence budget, even though there is no room for cuts right now. «During the last five years, we have seen Russia increase its defence investments by around 10 percent per year, while some European Allies have cut their defence budgets by up to 40 percent».
Read the full article
Monday 19 May 2014
Quotes
«Today we see a completely new security situation in Europe, less predictable and more dangerous».
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO secretary general, monthly press conference (Brussels, 19 May 2014)
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO secretary general, monthly press conference (Brussels, 19 May 2014)
Sunday 18 May 2014
«Too much euroskepticism in EU electoral debate»
EESC president Henry Malosse criticized all politicians across the European Union. «We
risk to reduce the elections just to one question: austerity or not
austerity?»
by Emanuele Bonini
«This electoral campaign is polarised around Marine Le Pen. Political debate should have more involvement around other topics, otherwise we risk to reduce the elections just to one question: austerity or not austerity?» On the eve of the 25th of May European elections Henry Malosse offers his point of view on the upcoming event. The president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) looks at these elections with concern. The European Union is at stake, but politics failed to communicate what Europe is. «There is the need to focus on right directions», he said asked by this blog.
Are you concerned about euroskeptic parties rise?
«Of course I am. We risk to have a European Parliament composed by around 20-25% of Euroskeptic of different nature. With this composition the legislative process could be much more problematic».
For the first time European political parties indicate their candidate to the presidency of the European Commission, but nobody explained that it doesn't mean candidates will be put at the head of the Commission in case of victory. In time of Euroskepticism is this something counter-productive?
«Of course. Of course it's not a good message for European citizens. The problem is in the interpretation of the rule. Parliament has its own, and so the Council. And visions are different»
And European institution aren't they responsible for that?
«Of course they are»
Do you believe the Ukrainian crisis will counterbalance this skepticism toward the EU bringing people to vote for Europe because of fear for Russia?
«In eastern countries yes, I do. But it's not obvious to understand where it will happen. I believe in Poland and in Baltic countries, but I don't believe Ukraine will have a big impact in the rest the EU member states»
«This electoral campaign is polarised around Marine Le Pen. Political debate should have more involvement around other topics, otherwise we risk to reduce the elections just to one question: austerity or not austerity?» On the eve of the 25th of May European elections Henry Malosse offers his point of view on the upcoming event. The president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) looks at these elections with concern. The European Union is at stake, but politics failed to communicate what Europe is. «There is the need to focus on right directions», he said asked by this blog.
Are you concerned about euroskeptic parties rise?
«Of course I am. We risk to have a European Parliament composed by around 20-25% of Euroskeptic of different nature. With this composition the legislative process could be much more problematic».
For the first time European political parties indicate their candidate to the presidency of the European Commission, but nobody explained that it doesn't mean candidates will be put at the head of the Commission in case of victory. In time of Euroskepticism is this something counter-productive?
«Of course. Of course it's not a good message for European citizens. The problem is in the interpretation of the rule. Parliament has its own, and so the Council. And visions are different»
And European institution aren't they responsible for that?
«Of course they are»
Do you believe the Ukrainian crisis will counterbalance this skepticism toward the EU bringing people to vote for Europe because of fear for Russia?
«In eastern countries yes, I do. But it's not obvious to understand where it will happen. I believe in Poland and in Baltic countries, but I don't believe Ukraine will have a big impact in the rest the EU member states»
After technical problems caused by hacker attack thepressedworld re-starts to be visible to all. Due to malware infections this blog was blocked by Blogger in order to guarantee public cyber security. Now problems have been resolved. Thanks to Blogger team and all the people offered technical assistance in these "special" days.
Saturday 10 May 2014
What about EU? An introduction to vote (4)
Short panoramic views of the member states on the eve of the 25th of May European elections
by Emanuele Bonini
If a real European spirit is not the main element in northern, central and eastern EU member state, unfortunately the opposite cannot be said for southern states. Here just Cyprus can offer a vision of Europe different from that one of doubt and skepticism, and the European elections are approached with a different spirit. For Cyprus the vote is a great chance for going beyond historical divisions. On January the government approved legislation that makes it easier for Turkish Cypriots to vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections by registering those eligible on the electoral roll automatically. The bill provides that all Cypriot citizens who are eligible to vote, including those living in the north with Republic identity cards, will be automatically registered on the electoral roll and will not have to apply. Cyprus will vote to elect six MEPs, and in Nicosia the main goal is the elections of two Turkish Cypriots. This strategy has been chosen in order to try to overcome the division of the island, still split in two parts. Cyprus was claimed both by Greece and by Turkey. In 1974 Turkey invaded the north of the island after the attempt of Greek colonels to annex Cyprus to Greece. Since then Cyprus has been experiencing tensions between the two communities (the Greek-speaking one, in the EU, and the Turkish-speaking one, linked to Turkey and not in the EU). European elections will be a political experiment to start to include Turks both in national and in the European process. In Greece the situation is totally different. Austerity will be the main target of these elections, and the European Union will pay for the assistance programme imposed to Greeks. Metaxist party Golden Dawn will be the leading actor in these elections, and for the first time ever will bring people to Brussels. In Greece the European Union was able to destroy itself imposing conditions too harsh to can be accepted by voters. An anti-European choice seems to be highly probable in this country
If a real European spirit is not the main element in northern, central and eastern EU member state, unfortunately the opposite cannot be said for southern states. Here just Cyprus can offer a vision of Europe different from that one of doubt and skepticism, and the European elections are approached with a different spirit. For Cyprus the vote is a great chance for going beyond historical divisions. On January the government approved legislation that makes it easier for Turkish Cypriots to vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections by registering those eligible on the electoral roll automatically. The bill provides that all Cypriot citizens who are eligible to vote, including those living in the north with Republic identity cards, will be automatically registered on the electoral roll and will not have to apply. Cyprus will vote to elect six MEPs, and in Nicosia the main goal is the elections of two Turkish Cypriots. This strategy has been chosen in order to try to overcome the division of the island, still split in two parts. Cyprus was claimed both by Greece and by Turkey. In 1974 Turkey invaded the north of the island after the attempt of Greek colonels to annex Cyprus to Greece. Since then Cyprus has been experiencing tensions between the two communities (the Greek-speaking one, in the EU, and the Turkish-speaking one, linked to Turkey and not in the EU). European elections will be a political experiment to start to include Turks both in national and in the European process. In Greece the situation is totally different. Austerity will be the main target of these elections, and the European Union will pay for the assistance programme imposed to Greeks. Metaxist party Golden Dawn will be the leading actor in these elections, and for the first time ever will bring people to Brussels. In Greece the European Union was able to destroy itself imposing conditions too harsh to can be accepted by voters. An anti-European choice seems to be highly probable in this country
Friday 9 May 2014
Thursday 8 May 2014
Italian Expo at the core of bribe scandal
Chief of public company responsible for the organization put in jail with other six people.
by Emanuele Bonini
Seven people were arrested in Italy in a new bribe scandal connected to Expo 2015, the Universal exposition Italy will have the honour to host next year. Milan prosecutor Edmondo Bruti Liberati said the suspects were taped by police in suspected efforts to offer bribes to secure contracts for next year’s world trade fair. Among the people put in jail there is Angelo Paris, one of the most important manager of Expo 2015 spa, public society responsible for the organization and management of the exposition. Paris was acting as director of Expo 2015 Construction and dismantling unit. Under arrest were also Primo Greganti e Gianstefano Frigerio, previously involved in the bribe scandals of the early 1990s known as "tangentopoli" (bribesville). These people, together with former Silvio Berlusconi's Pdl senator Luigi Grillo would have built a network up between politics and enterprises in order to grant contracts in return of bribes. Corruption, criminal conspiracy and bid rigging are the are crimes people arrested will have to respond for. Expo 2015 has still to start but Italy already wasted the opportunity to show seriousness. Unfortunately the country was able to show, once again, how unreliable is. Expo 2015 is already symbol of corruption and illegality, not a good way for self-promotion. Scandal took place in Italy and in the European Union, since Gianstefano Frigerio is actually working at EPP political office in Brussels. Definitely not a good new for Italy, already in credibility crisis abroad. Bel Paese have criminals at the EU institutions, it is probably what somebody will thing now. The point is: could we say are they wrong?
Seven people were arrested in Italy in a new bribe scandal connected to Expo 2015, the Universal exposition Italy will have the honour to host next year. Milan prosecutor Edmondo Bruti Liberati said the suspects were taped by police in suspected efforts to offer bribes to secure contracts for next year’s world trade fair. Among the people put in jail there is Angelo Paris, one of the most important manager of Expo 2015 spa, public society responsible for the organization and management of the exposition. Paris was acting as director of Expo 2015 Construction and dismantling unit. Under arrest were also Primo Greganti e Gianstefano Frigerio, previously involved in the bribe scandals of the early 1990s known as "tangentopoli" (bribesville). These people, together with former Silvio Berlusconi's Pdl senator Luigi Grillo would have built a network up between politics and enterprises in order to grant contracts in return of bribes. Corruption, criminal conspiracy and bid rigging are the are crimes people arrested will have to respond for. Expo 2015 has still to start but Italy already wasted the opportunity to show seriousness. Unfortunately the country was able to show, once again, how unreliable is. Expo 2015 is already symbol of corruption and illegality, not a good way for self-promotion. Scandal took place in Italy and in the European Union, since Gianstefano Frigerio is actually working at EPP political office in Brussels. Definitely not a good new for Italy, already in credibility crisis abroad. Bel Paese have criminals at the EU institutions, it is probably what somebody will thing now. The point is: could we say are they wrong?
Tuesday 6 May 2014
What about EU? An introduction to vote (3)
Short panoramic views of the member states on the eve of the 25th of May European elections
by Emanuele Bonini
The European Union has been a conquest. In the Europe everybody agrees on that. Countries coming out from communism looked at the European Union as the only way to preserve their freedom found again after decades of soviet rule and Cold war political and military tension. The western block was a dream on the other part of the Iron curtain, so when communism fell the European dream of the Eastern block became real. There's a huge link between the EU and its eastern member states: for both parts the enlargement has had a very powerful meaning, historical (and I would sat mental) even before political. For eastern countries joining the EU meant not just the end of a nightmare, but a recognition at international. For the first time after the 2nd world war they started to be considered as good and friendly partners. This introduction is necessary to can understand the Euroscepticism of eastern countries. Compared to other EU member states, Euroscepticism from former soviet satellite states is easiest to be understand: we are talking about very young democracies, states whose sovereignty is new, so for these states is more difficult to transfer national powers to the EU. It's normal and comprehensible. Why the majority of this states are against the introduction of Euro? Because national currency is perhaps the first symbol of sovereignty. In these countries their own past is still too fresh to can live without fear or out of doubt. So it has not to be seen as a tragedy criticism coming from the east. European elections in Poland will of course send a political message: time for European integration is over. Under Polish point of view the country have already transferred enough powers to Brussels, and reduced its own sovereignty at the maximum possible level. Of course, there Eurosceptic populist parties such as New Righ (whose leader, Janusz Korwin-Mikke, was able to state «we will sell the site of the European Parliament and turn it into a brothel»), but the main right-wing party, Law and Justice (PiS), former prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski and of his twin brother's party, does not openly oppose the EU and cannot be called xenophobic. Prime minister Donald Tusk's centre-right Civic Platform (Cp) is supposed to get around 20% of the votes, being the second party after Pis. So what? That would make it the first election Cp has lost since 2005. That's what in democracy is called alternation.
The European Union has been a conquest. In the Europe everybody agrees on that. Countries coming out from communism looked at the European Union as the only way to preserve their freedom found again after decades of soviet rule and Cold war political and military tension. The western block was a dream on the other part of the Iron curtain, so when communism fell the European dream of the Eastern block became real. There's a huge link between the EU and its eastern member states: for both parts the enlargement has had a very powerful meaning, historical (and I would sat mental) even before political. For eastern countries joining the EU meant not just the end of a nightmare, but a recognition at international. For the first time after the 2nd world war they started to be considered as good and friendly partners. This introduction is necessary to can understand the Euroscepticism of eastern countries. Compared to other EU member states, Euroscepticism from former soviet satellite states is easiest to be understand: we are talking about very young democracies, states whose sovereignty is new, so for these states is more difficult to transfer national powers to the EU. It's normal and comprehensible. Why the majority of this states are against the introduction of Euro? Because national currency is perhaps the first symbol of sovereignty. In these countries their own past is still too fresh to can live without fear or out of doubt. So it has not to be seen as a tragedy criticism coming from the east. European elections in Poland will of course send a political message: time for European integration is over. Under Polish point of view the country have already transferred enough powers to Brussels, and reduced its own sovereignty at the maximum possible level. Of course, there Eurosceptic populist parties such as New Righ (whose leader, Janusz Korwin-Mikke, was able to state «we will sell the site of the European Parliament and turn it into a brothel»), but the main right-wing party, Law and Justice (PiS), former prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski and of his twin brother's party, does not openly oppose the EU and cannot be called xenophobic. Prime minister Donald Tusk's centre-right Civic Platform (Cp) is supposed to get around 20% of the votes, being the second party after Pis. So what? That would make it the first election Cp has lost since 2005. That's what in democracy is called alternation.
Sunday 4 May 2014
What about EU? An introduction to vote (2)
Short panoramic views of the member states on the eve of the 25th of May European elections
by Emanuele Bonini
Northern European countries have always had their own idea about the European Union and time didn't change their attitude, so the election day won't offer anything new. The United Kingdom still has problem to accept the European Union and its values. At the end of 2013 expired the legal clause forbidding Romanians and Bulgarians to access into the national space. UK but the country got a temporary dispensation for free movement of workers from the eastern countries, and British political parties wanted to continue denying access to Romanians and Bulgarians. Last in time line there's the Financial transaction tax (FTT) making UK upset. A part of the EU - only eleven member states - are committed to introduce it, with British authorities firmly decided to prevent it. FTT is seen as a measure endangering "The City" of London hitting the whole British economy. Euroscepticism together with one of the deepest crisis of Labours are going to make Tories and UKip party the most voted parties of the country. For the first time ever United Kingdom Independence Party (UKip) is supposed to rise as the second political force. Not a good new for Europe. Innovation are expected to come from Ireland. There anti-European feelings can arrive from the Economic adjustment programme agreed with Troika. Austerity measures could be play a role in the elections, and it seems it will happen. According to Irish poll Sinn Féin could win three seats in European election, filling the gap created in 2009 when Gerry Adams' party experienced a collapse in consent. What does it mean? Sinn Féin - not represented in the current EU Parliament - will join GUE (European United Left–Nordic Green Left left-wing group), traditionally critic on many EU policies. Ireland - not in the Schengen area - will send a message to Europe and its integration process, as well as other countries across the European Union will do.
Northern European countries have always had their own idea about the European Union and time didn't change their attitude, so the election day won't offer anything new. The United Kingdom still has problem to accept the European Union and its values. At the end of 2013 expired the legal clause forbidding Romanians and Bulgarians to access into the national space. UK but the country got a temporary dispensation for free movement of workers from the eastern countries, and British political parties wanted to continue denying access to Romanians and Bulgarians. Last in time line there's the Financial transaction tax (FTT) making UK upset. A part of the EU - only eleven member states - are committed to introduce it, with British authorities firmly decided to prevent it. FTT is seen as a measure endangering "The City" of London hitting the whole British economy. Euroscepticism together with one of the deepest crisis of Labours are going to make Tories and UKip party the most voted parties of the country. For the first time ever United Kingdom Independence Party (UKip) is supposed to rise as the second political force. Not a good new for Europe. Innovation are expected to come from Ireland. There anti-European feelings can arrive from the Economic adjustment programme agreed with Troika. Austerity measures could be play a role in the elections, and it seems it will happen. According to Irish poll Sinn Féin could win three seats in European election, filling the gap created in 2009 when Gerry Adams' party experienced a collapse in consent. What does it mean? Sinn Féin - not represented in the current EU Parliament - will join GUE (European United Left–Nordic Green Left left-wing group), traditionally critic on many EU policies. Ireland - not in the Schengen area - will send a message to Europe and its integration process, as well as other countries across the European Union will do.
Senselessland (chapter 5)
Impressions and images from Bel Paese
Could you imagine a country where public authorities are missing? Could you imagine a country where the permission to play a football match is granted by criminal organizations rather than Prefecture? The answer is yes, it's possible to assist to such a situation. Of course, in countries where democracy and the rule of law are healthy and strong. So in third world countries, where the rule of law doesn't exist and political order and control are in the hands of non-democratic powers having confusion is "normal". But what about if the situation just described happens in a country which member of the European Union and one of the most economically developed in the world? That's the question Italy and Europe will have to have to answer. Yesterday Italy Cup final showed how the so called Bel Paese is far from controlled by the State. Napoli and Fiorentina were supposed to play the final match of the competition, but because of riots before the beginning Napoli team supporters started to boycott the event creating disorders inside the stadium. It happened Napoli football team captain, Marek Hamsik, had to go to talk to Napoli ultras chief Gennaro De Tommaso, known as "Genny 'a carogna" (Genny lowlife). Who is he?, may people ask. He's Ciro De Tommaso's son. And who is Ciro De Tommaso? A person thought to be a member of Camorra.
Friday 2 May 2014
What about EU? An introduction to vote
Short panoramic views of the member states on the eve of the 25th of May European elections
by Emanuele Bonini
Europe is at a turning point. The 25th of May elections will show what the European Union is about: a combination of states having in nationalism the only thing in common. The future of the EU is at stake, and the idea of Europe is close to the dissolution. Just having a look to the so called "founder fathers" is sufficient to understand what the consideration of European integration is. In France far-right wing nationalist party Front National (FN) will be in all probability the first political force at the election day of the end of May. Eurosceptic and anti-immigration, FN shows how far France from times when Robert Schuman, Jacques Delors, François-Xavier Ortoli and Jacques Delors were in forefront for building the EU up. Italy experienced huge changes as well. In the year of the turning presidency the prime minister decided to suppress the ministry for European Affairs. That alone is enough to understand how Italy deal with Europe. As well as for France, Italy forgot his past and his role in the European project. Italians are not aware of Europe, they don't know anything about and simply don't care, and the 25 of May are going to vote for Beppe Grillo's Five Star Movement, populist and Eurosceptic party. What a shame for a country made credible and trustworthy by people such as Alcide De Gasperi, Altiero Spinelli, Franco Maria Malfatti, Gaetano Martino and Enrico Colombo.
Europe is at a turning point. The 25th of May elections will show what the European Union is about: a combination of states having in nationalism the only thing in common. The future of the EU is at stake, and the idea of Europe is close to the dissolution. Just having a look to the so called "founder fathers" is sufficient to understand what the consideration of European integration is. In France far-right wing nationalist party Front National (FN) will be in all probability the first political force at the election day of the end of May. Eurosceptic and anti-immigration, FN shows how far France from times when Robert Schuman, Jacques Delors, François-Xavier Ortoli and Jacques Delors were in forefront for building the EU up. Italy experienced huge changes as well. In the year of the turning presidency the prime minister decided to suppress the ministry for European Affairs. That alone is enough to understand how Italy deal with Europe. As well as for France, Italy forgot his past and his role in the European project. Italians are not aware of Europe, they don't know anything about and simply don't care, and the 25 of May are going to vote for Beppe Grillo's Five Star Movement, populist and Eurosceptic party. What a shame for a country made credible and trustworthy by people such as Alcide De Gasperi, Altiero Spinelli, Franco Maria Malfatti, Gaetano Martino and Enrico Colombo.
Thursday 1 May 2014
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