The digital EU makes Europe working virtual

The European Commission  wants a perfect digital market, but still there huge problems for small problems such as print a document inside the building

by Emanuele Bonini

Digital agenda, technology, e-commerce: these are all strategic goals for the European Union, but unfortunately huge projects have to deal with small problems which make EU ambitions just a dream. What about in Brussels in case of printing need? Start cross your fingers and pray. Only one institution can allow printing a document. Indeed, only in the European Parliament is easy to find a computer working with a printer able to put on paper digital sheets. On the contrary, both in the Commission and in the Council there's no hope. In the Berlaymont there some computers, but no one has a connection to any printer. Furthermore, in the press room the fixed computers put at disposal of journalists have no editing programs. In other words, the possibility of writing is not foreseen. Maybe in the European Commission there's no person who knows what journalism is and what journalist do (being cynical we could say they know really well what journalists do, and that's the reason why they are not put in condition to write), but this is just a part of the story. Printers and scanners are provided only to internal staff. Of course the Commission has the right to decide how to manage the building and all the activities take place in it, but considering every day delegation of different nature pay visit to the European Commission giving the possibility, to use a computer with a printer could be a nice policy in the 21st century.

Art and magic from "The painting"

Jean-François Laguionie's film made by mixed technique in style is perhaps one the most interesting production of last few years. To be discovered

by Emanuele Bonini

Discrimination, prejudice, racism, equality, culture and art. "The painting" is not just an animated film, is a nice production to think and ask about the daily question of life. This French production (original title: "Le tableau"), released out from traditional distribution, is an opera of social denounce and genuine opportunity to reflect on our society thanks to a very intelligent story. Characters of this movie are the Toupins (who are entirely painted), the Pafinis (who lack a few colours), and the Reufs (who are only sketches). The first ones consider themselves superior, and take the power of this parallel dimension discriminating the Pafinis and enslaving the Reufs. How many things are there in common with human beings and their society? "The painting" is just a mirror of the real world, where equality, social justice and fundamental rights are always put into discussion. In his work Jean-François Laguionie tells the story of creating a more equal society and a better world, the difficulties that lies on the path for harmony among people. In this incredible travel the French director drives us through the magic of arts and the magical world of painting. In this fictional universe we can find homages to painters such as Marc Chagall, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, in very smart and coloured movie. "The painting" is something to watch and keep, a film to show to all those don't believe we are all equal and to those still don't know the dimension of art. Unmissable.

Watch "The painting" (English)

Watch "The painting" (French)

Watch "The painting" (Italian)

FACT SHEET / The Adriatic-Ionian Macro-Region

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Gozi: «EU enlargement is one of our priorities»

The new Juncker Commission is not going to accelerate the dossier though, and the EPP shares the approach at the Parliament. The secret weapon of the Italian Semester could be the Adriatic-Ionian Macro-Region

Sandro Gozi, Italian Under Secretary for EU affairs

my article for EuNews

Italy considers the EU enlargement a priority. The rest of Europe does not, and the dossier could become one of the most delicate of our Semester. Sandro Gozi, Under Secretary of the Italian Prime Minister for European Affairs, reiterated today at the General Affairs Council that «the enlargement strategy is crucial» hence «the Italian Presidency is committed in making the negotiations progress, especially for Western Balkans, and in revitalising the enlargement process for Turkey». The statement clashes with those coming from other European institutions in the last few weeks. At the European Parliament, the EPP head, Manfred Weber, during the first session of the new term said that the integration process for Turkey is expired for his party; the European Commission new President, Jean-Claude Juncker, in the document about the priorities of his programme, said clearly that «no enlargement will take place in the next five years», even thought the negotiation with Western Balkans «will continue».

Italy, France and Germany condemn antisemitism

But the three ministers for Foreign Affairs didn't mention Israeli excessive reaction

Mogherini-Steinmeier-Fabius

by Emanuele Bonini

«We strongly condemn the outrageous anti-Semitic statements, demonstrations and attacks in our countries in recent days. We respect the freedom of assembly and the freedom of speech. However, we will proceed with all available legal means against deeds and statements that are to be considered as acts of antisemitism, racism and xenophobia. Nothing, including the dramatic military confrontation in Gaza, justifies any such transgressions in Europe».
That is what is written in the joint statement signed today by the minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy (Federica Mogherini), France (Laurent Fabius) and Germany (Frank-Walter Steinmeier). They referred to the attacks against synagogue occurred in France during the latest days. We agree with three ministers, but we would have liked to read also «nothing, including the dramatic military confrontation in Gaza, justifies a so disproportionate use of the force by Israeli authorities». Unfortunately it didn't happen. On the contrary, the same three ministers said «Israel has the absolute right to defend itself from attacks». OK, so don't be surprised if there are people who don't understand.  

bLOGBOOK - If

If I said Hitler's only mistake was not to kill them all I would be anti-Semite and a Nazi; if I said the solution to the conflict in Middle East is a new diaspora I would be an anti-Semite, and maybe Nazi too; if I said Israel have busted our balls I surely would be impolite and still an anti-Semite; if I said razing kindergarten down is an scoundrel in style action I would be an anti-Semite; if I said killing 300 Palestinians for every shot dead Israeli is even worst than being a Nazi, I would be an anti-Semite and probably I would be Nazi too; if I said Israeli and Jews didn't understand anything about Holocaust even having experienced it, I would be an anti-Semite; if I said Israel refuses dialogue and critics as the worst anti-democratic regimes do, I would be an anti-Semite; if I said even for Israel sanctions and embargoes would be options to think about, I would be an anti-Semite, I would be a terrorist, maybe I would be also Iranian. Since everything I said I would be, in the best scenario, only an anti-Semite, then I will remain silent and I'll let it go like every good western person, like every genuine democrat, like every genuine deceiver, and like every lick-ass do. Waiting the "promised land" comes back to "the chosen people" (chosen by who we dont' know but, please, don't talk about electoral fraud or you'll be considered as anti-Semites), I go back to mind my business. I will say also for who can't acknowledge it: I don't care about the slaughtering of Palestinians. I care about Jews. If I didn't I would be an anti-Semite...

Netherlands. Or maybe Luxembourg?

Dutch flag has flown at half-mast outside the European Parliament in Brussels after the Malaysia Airlines disaster occurred yesterday in Ukraine. The picture published by the European Parliament produce the necessity to ask what flag we talk about. In fact the Dutch flag is very similar to that of Luxembourg: the first one is in red-white-blue strips, the second one is in red-white-little blue. Have a direct check would be necessary, and it would be crazy if in the European Parliament mixed the two flags up, but of course looking at the picture the doubt the flag at half-mast is that of Luxembourg still remains.

Flags of the Netherlands (left), Belgium (centre), and Luxembourg

As is possible to see above, the two flags are very similar and to make a mistake is not difficult. On the contrary, it's easy to make confusion. We are not saying they did in Brussels, but the picture provided by the European Parliament is not so crystal clear. Let's trust the author of the picture.

Matteo Renzi and his poor political talent

Absent abroad and little aware of diplomacy, the Italian prime minister has no ideas to offer

Matteo Renzi

Opinion

Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi is not able to rule a country. Democracy is democracy, and a person elected (it's not Renzi's case) will be fired by the people in the next elections if in his mandate a politician didn't show skills. Unfortunately Italy is always Italy, a country where people could confirm their preference for Silvio Berlusconi, another leader not capable to represent a country abroad. In managing Mogherini's affair, Renzi showed how too little is his political profile. Let's examine more in detail the situation.
 1) generally speaking a candidate has to be put on the table few days before the negotiation. Federica Mogherini's name was put months ago, and during such a long period her option was replaced by others. Franco Frattini should have been taught: the Italian candidate for NATO was presented two years before Anders Fogh Rasmussen's end of mandate, and we all know who was replaced by; 
 2) During a negotiation a strategy is key. In case of EU, Renzi showed to have not a plan. He just decided to make Federica Mogherini the new High Representative without having a second or a third option. Without a possibility of choice loosing is certain. And Renzi will risk to loose. Again, most of the time politicians are actors: they say to want a thing, but in reality they want another one. Renzi just wants Mogherini where Lady Ashton is sitting now, but his real goal is to have Mogherini where Lady Ashton is sitting now. Not a good strategy at all;

«Mogherini is High Representative PES candidate»

Italian undersecretary Gozi was in Strasbourg and reminded that the appointment is part of the deal for Juncker at the European Commission

my article for Eunews

Federica Mogherini can be elected High Representative even “with a majority” in case of a lack of unanimity (as it seems to) about her candidacy. That’s what Sandro Gozi, Undesecretary of the Italian Cabinet in charge of European Affairs, said on the sidelines of the works at the European Parliament. “Jean-Claude Juncker was appointed as European Commission next President with a majority,” said Gozi (both the UK and Hungary were against him).

Read the full article

FACT SHEET / Israeli settlements in Palestina

Europe react to Israel crisis boycotting settlers

Legal problems in case of eventual dispute the reason to stand against the country

by Emanuele Bonini

Israel is Israel, nothing to say about. And, of course, nothing to criticise about. Otherwise, as always happens in dealing with Israel, critics make people anti-Semite. So the European Union is made by anti-Semites? Despite the provocative introduction in Europe a new trend rose: that one of governments against Israel. Eighteen EU member states couldn't condemn Israel for bloodsheds in Palestinian territories, but they found a solution out: promoting a settler boycott. Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United Kingdom warned investors not to do business with Israeli settler entities, amid a security crisis in Israel and Palestine. Since activities in Israeli settlements or benefiting Israeli settlements, entail «legal and economic risks» member states warned about the impossibility to ensure full protection of interests in case of troubles. According to the declaration of the eighteen EU member states, investors could face lawsuits over «disputed titles to the land, water, mineral, or other natural resources», and in case of disputes, «it could be very difficult for states to ensure national protection of their interests». In a very smart way Europe overtook the problem of how condemn Israel for the new crisis in Middle East. It's not possible to stand against the Jewish country, so the only way Europe had to assess the situation was to condemn the construction of new settlements in Palestinian territories.

Padoan: «Make a better use of flexibility»

Brussels, 7th of July, 2014 - «The issue is not having more plans for flexibility, the issue is to understand better how structural reforms can be encouraged and what is the impact of structural reforms on the budget profile», explained reporters the Italian minister of Economy and Finance, Pier Carlo Padoan at the end of the Eurogroup meeting. «We can make a better use of the existing rules, the existing amount of flexibility to improve the results in terms of both growth and debt sustainability». (Emanuele Bonini)

FACT SHEET / EU-Turkey negotiations

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Turkey still a cause of division for the EU

Ankara accession never-ending story splits the European institutions, hesitant on what to do

Opinion

Turkey is far from the integration in the European Union. Maybe the country never has been so near to can have chance of joining the European community, because the different position on the dossier, but it seems the door never has been kept open and especially now the twenty eight member States show division. It's not only the Council to have different approaches, with Germany traditionally hesitant because of migration consequences, it's also the European Parliament to be divided, with EPP group against a Turkish full membership. Manfred Weber, chair of the group, stated clearly his political family considers negotiations closed. The centre-right group is in favour just of a comprehensive partnership but, according to the biggest political party, the enlargement for Turkey is over. In such a context working for a solution appears difficult and for the Italian rotating presidency of the EU will be impossible to translate in practice the programme for the next six month. "The Presidency will pay special attention to reinvigorating the ongoing negotiation process with Turkey", is written in the document. Despite commitments, if the European Union has any will to work for Turkey accession Italy is doomed to fail. But it would be not a failure for the Italian presidency itself, it would be a political decision marking the future of the EU as a whole.

bLOGBOOK

He invited her to have lunch together. At the beginning she accepted, but at last she changed her mind. «You know what?», she said during the phone call made to inform him about her refusal. «My boss decided to bring all of us to have lunch. It's an expected working lunch. I'm sorry. I call you back later». It was not a problem. He had lunch with other people and then he was back to work. After a couple of hours his mobile rang. It was her. «I'm sorry for what happened before, but I couldn't refuse my boss invitation».
   «It's OK, I understand».
   «I... Yes, there's a football match today, isn't it?», she asked. As every woman she didn't find anything interesting in football, but the FIFA World Cup created a moment of curiosity. She didn't know any player, any name, but for some reason she wanted to follow the main sport event of the moment.
   «France versus Germany», he answered. «I was thinking to go to watch it. Are you interested? Would you like to join us?». He said "us". He knew she didn't feel like staying alone with him. He thought it was because of embarrassment. She knew he liked her, and her, well, her was impossible to decrypt. Apparently she had no interest in him, but for unclear reasons it was her to contact him. «What game are you playing, baby?», he used to asked himself. But he couldn't find any answer. Not yet.
   «Yeah, it would be great», she said. «What time are you going?».
   «Hopefully at 6 o'clock».
   «OK, see you there. But... where, exactly?».
   «Luxembourg bar».
   «It's near to my office».
   «I know. That's why we chose it».

bLOGBOOK - Strasbourg

Strasbourg, bridge Ponts Couverts

Strasbourg

Strasbourg: the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. For many people this city is just a place where go to work, for most of the people is place poor of interest when, on the contrary, is full of charme. Its old Medieval houses brushed by the river Ill offer a unique atmosphere, donating admirable glimpses to be experienced. Walking through the city center as well as visiting the Petite-France area is an immersion into the past: there everything seems to be remained as it was century ago. Alleys and half-timbered houses well restore the idea of old days belonged to an age far away in time. Promenades and pedestrian areas build an extended network up for silence, giving the idea of a daily life far from modernity. Outside the old town center life runs fast, with all the frenzy tipical of our modern society, in contrast with the great tranquillity breathable at Place de la Cathédrale or in Place du Marché Gayot. Both are, each in its own way, places where people meet to relax. Restaurant and pubs situated along the perimeter of the square are the main starring of city life. In Place de la Cathédrale the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady stands out in all its power, but the Roman Catholic catedral is not the only attraction. Close to it there's the Kammerzell House, one of the most famous buildings of Strasbourg and one of the most ornate and well preserved medieval civil housing buildings in late Gothic architecture. Place du Marché Gayot is on the other hand a small and cute closed space enclosed by half-timbered houses and trees.

Iglesias (Podemos): «Not optimistic about Renzi»

Strasbourg, 2nd of July 2014 - Spanish leftwing and the GUE group in the European Parliament don't trust Matteo Renzi, said Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias in Strasbourg during the plenary working sessions. «I'm not optimistic», told reporters answering a question on the Italian prime minister. «Renzi tried to make deals with Silvio Berlusconi's party in order to does not permit other parties to enter, and this is not a good new for democrats». Furthermore, he added, «Renzi and political party behind him didn't prove to be different from the great coalition that is leading our continent toward a terrible situation» . (Emanuele Bonini)

FACT SHEET / European Parliament composition

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