Tuesday 30 September 2014
Sunday 28 September 2014
Surprise: EU industrial targets are not binding
European Union member states consider impossible to have a share of industry in GDP at 20% by 2020. Nelli Feroci: «We have to be realistic»
by Emanuele Bonini
European Commission industrial strategy is over. EU member states don't want to intensify the efforts in order to foster the sector, EU commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship said at last Competitiveness council meeting. «The goal of industry's share of GDP at 20% by 2020 has been interpreted as not binding», Ferdinando Nelli Feroci stated in Brussels. This means Europe will stop pushing industrial effort despite the European Commission commitment. Antonio Tajani's political agenda included the 20% of EU GDP share as one of the main goal: it was included in the "Communication for a European industrial renaissance" as well as in the "New industrial policy communication". Furthermore, the president fo the European Commission, Josè Manuel Barroso itself, has repeated during last years that raising the the share of industry in GDP up tp 20% by 2020 had to be considered as an «explicit target». Now something changed. Nelli Feroci clarified first of all the goal «has never been endorsed by the Council», and secondly in Europe the situation can't bring to such a scenario. «We have countries with an GDP share from industry even higher than 20%, while other countries are well below and structurally can't reach it». Thus «we have to be realistic, considering the target as an aspirational target».
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European Commission industrial strategy is over. EU member states don't want to intensify the efforts in order to foster the sector, EU commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship said at last Competitiveness council meeting. «The goal of industry's share of GDP at 20% by 2020 has been interpreted as not binding», Ferdinando Nelli Feroci stated in Brussels. This means Europe will stop pushing industrial effort despite the European Commission commitment. Antonio Tajani's political agenda included the 20% of EU GDP share as one of the main goal: it was included in the "Communication for a European industrial renaissance" as well as in the "New industrial policy communication". Furthermore, the president fo the European Commission, Josè Manuel Barroso itself, has repeated during last years that raising the the share of industry in GDP up tp 20% by 2020 had to be considered as an «explicit target». Now something changed. Nelli Feroci clarified first of all the goal «has never been endorsed by the Council», and secondly in Europe the situation can't bring to such a scenario. «We have countries with an GDP share from industry even higher than 20%, while other countries are well below and structurally can't reach it». Thus «we have to be realistic, considering the target as an aspirational target».
Friday 26 September 2014
Thursday 25 September 2014
Pressmen, chapter 3
«Thou shalt have no other gods before a journalist», states the first commandment of the press world. And considering there's no world outside the pressman's dimension, between press world and press there's no difference. It has been already written about pressmen, but as far as you can write it, it will never be enough. Or well, as far as you can write it will be always non-sense. The second commandment of the press world comes directly from the first one. «What is written is written. Thou shalt have no other truth before what a journalist wrote». This is the second commandment, and as every commandment it has to be strictly respected. Since pressmen are divinities, recognizing they can write something wrong would mean calling divine infallibility into question. Furthermore, it's not professional think the possibility to be mistaken exists: it would mean press men are not trustworthy. That's the reason why any journalist never follow professional ethics. Of course there are professional ethic rules, but are nothing compared to commandments. Thus don't pretend to see CRTs to be published, please! Oh, sorry. CRTs are Correct Re-Typing, operations foreseen by ethics. Ethics rules oblige any journalist to correct and/or rectify in case of wrong or false information. When articles are wrong, the same has to be re-typed. But, come on! Do you really believe a pressman can be wrong? Please! Even if it happened someone would mislead you have to keep in mind: a) hardly ever readers can distinguish truth from untruth because they are not experts in subject the article talks about, and have thus no competence to identify the mistake; b) most of the time editors-in-chief can't recognize mistakes because they are not experts in subject the article talks about, and have thus no competence to prevent a false information be published; c) by practice when a correction has to be made, a second artificial new article is published in order to update the previous article containing "obsolete" information; d) in any case «what is written is written».
Tuesday 23 September 2014
EU member states divided on budget again
European Council cut 2,1 billion Euros for next annual financial cycle. Countries don't want to pay the 2015 budget, and amending proposals for 2014 are on the table as well
by Emanuele Bonini
Once again the European Union is divided over financial questions. Annual or multi-annual financial framework it doesn't make any difference: the EU member States have argue and complain. For 2015 the European Council - the European institution composed by the government of the member States - have decided to reduce the total amount of payments. The European Commission proposed 145,6 billion Euros in commitments and 142,1 billion in payments. On the contrary, compared to the EU commission text, the European Council drafted a 2015 budgetary plan with a reduction of 0,5 billion in commitments and 2,1 billion in payments. Now a clarification is needed. The EU budget has to different voices of spending: commitments and payments. The first ones represent authorized ceilings to finance both programmes and projects, the second ones are the liquidity put at disposal by the member states. In other words, commitments mean nothing without payments. The European Council decided to disengage. Basically when the Council decides to cut the total payments ceilings means there are countries don't want to pay, as explained EU officials. These countries are the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, plus France with internal fiscal imbalances and for this reason not really ready to put so much money on the table. There's also to be considered the EU 2015 budget is just one part of the problem, since Draft amending budgets (DABs) have been proposed for the current annual financial framework. From February to September five DABs have been presented, for total 152 million of Euro of extra money to be put into the European budget for 2014. Now, this is not a huge amount of fresh resources, but of course countries are ready to postpone the disbursement as late as possible.
Once again the European Union is divided over financial questions. Annual or multi-annual financial framework it doesn't make any difference: the EU member States have argue and complain. For 2015 the European Council - the European institution composed by the government of the member States - have decided to reduce the total amount of payments. The European Commission proposed 145,6 billion Euros in commitments and 142,1 billion in payments. On the contrary, compared to the EU commission text, the European Council drafted a 2015 budgetary plan with a reduction of 0,5 billion in commitments and 2,1 billion in payments. Now a clarification is needed. The EU budget has to different voices of spending: commitments and payments. The first ones represent authorized ceilings to finance both programmes and projects, the second ones are the liquidity put at disposal by the member states. In other words, commitments mean nothing without payments. The European Council decided to disengage. Basically when the Council decides to cut the total payments ceilings means there are countries don't want to pay, as explained EU officials. These countries are the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, plus France with internal fiscal imbalances and for this reason not really ready to put so much money on the table. There's also to be considered the EU 2015 budget is just one part of the problem, since Draft amending budgets (DABs) have been proposed for the current annual financial framework. From February to September five DABs have been presented, for total 152 million of Euro of extra money to be put into the European budget for 2014. Now, this is not a huge amount of fresh resources, but of course countries are ready to postpone the disbursement as late as possible.
Monday 22 September 2014
«Recovery in the Euro area is losing momentum»
ECB president Mario Draghi warned about the weakness of the internal economy and called member states to implement reforms
by Emanuele Bonini
Economic crisis is not over yet, said the president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, during the economic dialogue in the European Parliament. At the moment there's no reason to be optimistic. Or, well, there was too much optimism during the past month. «The economic recovery in the Euro area is losing momentum», warned the ECB chief. «Following some moderate expansion in recent quarters, growth of the Euro area real GDP came to a halt in the second quarter of this year». In fact «the early information on economic conditions which we received over the summer has been somewhat weaker than expected». As Draghi explained, «while industrial production and manufacturing orders in July gave some reason for optimism, more recent survey indicators have given no indication that the sharp decline registered in August has stopped». At the same time «unacceptably high» unemployment and «continued weak» credit growth are likely to curb the strength of the recovery, pointed out Draghi during his intervention. To make the situation more difficult there are also the international framework and the inaction of member states of the Euro area. In Draghi's opinion «heightened geopolitical tensions could dampen business and consumer confidence», while on the other hand «risks of insufficient structural reforms could weigh on the business environment».
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| Mario Draghi |
Economic crisis is not over yet, said the president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, during the economic dialogue in the European Parliament. At the moment there's no reason to be optimistic. Or, well, there was too much optimism during the past month. «The economic recovery in the Euro area is losing momentum», warned the ECB chief. «Following some moderate expansion in recent quarters, growth of the Euro area real GDP came to a halt in the second quarter of this year». In fact «the early information on economic conditions which we received over the summer has been somewhat weaker than expected». As Draghi explained, «while industrial production and manufacturing orders in July gave some reason for optimism, more recent survey indicators have given no indication that the sharp decline registered in August has stopped». At the same time «unacceptably high» unemployment and «continued weak» credit growth are likely to curb the strength of the recovery, pointed out Draghi during his intervention. To make the situation more difficult there are also the international framework and the inaction of member states of the Euro area. In Draghi's opinion «heightened geopolitical tensions could dampen business and consumer confidence», while on the other hand «risks of insufficient structural reforms could weigh on the business environment».
Saturday 20 September 2014
AS Gryffindor, red and yellow magic
Gryffindor team are magic, we've already said and repeated. It's basically because of wizards playing in the team, we explained. But Gryffindor supporters are wizard too, so also Gryffindor fans are magic. It's something to keep well in mind, otherwise it would be impossible to understand how it is possible in southern stand of the stadium special effects take place. That's true: most of the time red and yellow fans prefer realizing amazing choreographies without the magic, but in other cases they do, as visible on the left side. Here we can see Gryffindor supporters using magic sticks to produce this coulored mist at the stadium...
Thursday 18 September 2014
«A mistake to stop EU enlargement», said Bettel
Luxembourgish prime minister critic on Juncker's policy
Emanuele Bonini
Jean-Claude Juncker's decision to stop the European enlargement process for the next five years «is a mistake», said the prime minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, meeting the international press in Luxembourg city. «When we start a race we have to finish it», underlined the head of government criticizing next European commission president's policy. «We can't say to Turkish and to Macedonian we will let them enter but not now». That's the reason why «I believe it's a mistake saying that for the next five years enlargement is over».
Bettel, Juncker's political opponent in Luxembourg, was referring to what Juncker said in Strasbourg the 15th of July during his speech in the Plenary in the occasion of the vote for his presidency of the next European Commission. In that occasion Juncker stated that «there will be no new enlargement in the next five years», and that because «the EU needs to mark a pause in its enlargement process so that we can consolidate what has been done with twenty eight». Marking the distance from Juncker, Bettel told «it's not me who will stop the European enlargement process».
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| Xavier Bettel |
Jean-Claude Juncker's decision to stop the European enlargement process for the next five years «is a mistake», said the prime minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, meeting the international press in Luxembourg city. «When we start a race we have to finish it», underlined the head of government criticizing next European commission president's policy. «We can't say to Turkish and to Macedonian we will let them enter but not now». That's the reason why «I believe it's a mistake saying that for the next five years enlargement is over».
Bettel, Juncker's political opponent in Luxembourg, was referring to what Juncker said in Strasbourg the 15th of July during his speech in the Plenary in the occasion of the vote for his presidency of the next European Commission. In that occasion Juncker stated that «there will be no new enlargement in the next five years», and that because «the EU needs to mark a pause in its enlargement process so that we can consolidate what has been done with twenty eight». Marking the distance from Juncker, Bettel told «it's not me who will stop the European enlargement process».
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Fiji votes finally. EU to resume ties
Tomorrow first electoral competition since the 2006 takeover and the 2009 failure
Emanuele Bonini
Here we go. For the first time after the 2006 coup Fiji come back to vote. Tomorrow the South Pacific ocean archipelago will (hopefully) restart to be a normal country. After his military takeover in 2006, Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama, commander of the republic of Fiji military forces, was not able to held the election called in 2009 and Fiji was firstly suspended from participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, and then it was suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations. Now the international community is focused on Fiji: the future of the national will depend on the elections. Main runners are Frank Bainimarama, from his Fiji First party, and Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, from the mainly indigenous i-Taukei Social Democratic Liberal party. «Fiji return to democracy is crucial», said the European Union today through Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson of the High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy for the EU. The European Union, she added, calls for «credible elections» and will monitor the situation on the ground. «With the return to democracy we plan to resume full cooperation» with Fiji, underlined Catherine Ashton's spokesperson.
Following the 2006 military coup and Fiji's violation of human rights, democratic principles, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, the EU suspended its development assistance to Fiji. Since then, the EU has promoted a return to democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law in Fiji via enhanced political dialogue. General election will take place tomorrow, but only the day after will be possible to know what Fijians decided. The Fiji elections office said results should be known within 24 hours of the close of the poll.
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| source: truthforfiji |
Here we go. For the first time after the 2006 coup Fiji come back to vote. Tomorrow the South Pacific ocean archipelago will (hopefully) restart to be a normal country. After his military takeover in 2006, Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama, commander of the republic of Fiji military forces, was not able to held the election called in 2009 and Fiji was firstly suspended from participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, and then it was suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations. Now the international community is focused on Fiji: the future of the national will depend on the elections. Main runners are Frank Bainimarama, from his Fiji First party, and Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, from the mainly indigenous i-Taukei Social Democratic Liberal party. «Fiji return to democracy is crucial», said the European Union today through Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson of the High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy for the EU. The European Union, she added, calls for «credible elections» and will monitor the situation on the ground. «With the return to democracy we plan to resume full cooperation» with Fiji, underlined Catherine Ashton's spokesperson.
Following the 2006 military coup and Fiji's violation of human rights, democratic principles, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, the EU suspended its development assistance to Fiji. Since then, the EU has promoted a return to democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law in Fiji via enhanced political dialogue. General election will take place tomorrow, but only the day after will be possible to know what Fijians decided. The Fiji elections office said results should be known within 24 hours of the close of the poll.
Monday 15 September 2014
International community banned Iceland whaling
Thirty five countries signed a letter to condemn commercial policies undertaken in Reykjavík
by Emanuele Bonini
In a joint letter signed today the European Union, its 28 Member States and the governments of the United States, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Monaco and New Zealand condemned the Icelandic government for its permission of commercial whaling, in particular the hunting of fin whales and the subsequent trading of fin whale products. The EU Ambassador to Iceland, Matthias Brinkmann, along with the diplomatic representatives of the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom thus delivered a démarche to this effect to the Icelandic government this morning. The Ambassador also pointed out that public opinion in the countries that are Iceland's main trading partners is very much against the practise of whaling. This is evidenced by the public pressure put on companies around the world to boycott Icelandic goods, not to mention the pressure that voters and various organisations put on their politicians, encouraging them to send Iceland an increasingly stronger message.
«We, the European Union and its Member States and the Government of the United States of America, Australia, Brazil, Israel and New Zealand, wish to express our strong opposition to Iceland's continuing and increased commercial harvest of whales, particularly fin whales, and to its ongoing international trade in whale products», is written in the joint démarche by the EU, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Monaco and New Zealand.
In a joint letter signed today the European Union, its 28 Member States and the governments of the United States, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Monaco and New Zealand condemned the Icelandic government for its permission of commercial whaling, in particular the hunting of fin whales and the subsequent trading of fin whale products. The EU Ambassador to Iceland, Matthias Brinkmann, along with the diplomatic representatives of the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom thus delivered a démarche to this effect to the Icelandic government this morning. The Ambassador also pointed out that public opinion in the countries that are Iceland's main trading partners is very much against the practise of whaling. This is evidenced by the public pressure put on companies around the world to boycott Icelandic goods, not to mention the pressure that voters and various organisations put on their politicians, encouraging them to send Iceland an increasingly stronger message.
«We, the European Union and its Member States and the Government of the United States of America, Australia, Brazil, Israel and New Zealand, wish to express our strong opposition to Iceland's continuing and increased commercial harvest of whales, particularly fin whales, and to its ongoing international trade in whale products», is written in the joint démarche by the EU, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Monaco and New Zealand.
Saturday 13 September 2014
Juncker to change EU Commission: will it work?
Seven team leader will act as a board of governors over the rest of the college. Berlaymont toward a slim institution. Will be possible to decide?
Opinion
A bet for better. Jean-Claude Juncker's idea for next EU Commission can be read as a crucial moment for European policies. From the 1st of November, when Juncker's Commission will be in force, a huge experiment will start. Hopefully, we would say, it will start to work. Something to be outlined since it's not clear at this stage if the next European Commission will be able to be successful. What Juncker did was re-organize the whole structure: he created seven big "project team", one for each vice president. In practice we can imagine each vice president as a sort of director general coordinating seven or eight commissioners. In this way - that is Juncker's vision - European Commissioners will be not controlled by governments or corporations any more. In practice, Juncker doesn't want EU member states and lobbies interfere with Berlaymont activity. For such a reason commissioners will be responsible for their own portfolios, but they will not have the exclusivity. Competences will be shared. Just to make an example (see the picture up), the vice president in charge for Growth and jobs will the team leader for a team composed by commissioners for Economic affairs, Digital economy, Employment and social affairs, Financial stability, Internal market and industry, Transport, Climate action. Vice president in charge for the Euro will be the team leader of a team composed by commissioners for Economic affairs, Employment and social affairs, Financial stability, Internal market and industry, Regional policy, Justice. In theory the next president of the European Commission is supposed to have slim institution, with a president (Juncker), a board of governors (seven vice president, or team leaders), and "simple" commissioners. The point is: will "simple" commissioners accept to have not autonomy? Since the seven vice president will have power of veto, rejecting commissioners proposals, wow to be sure complains will be over? The truth is the institution could get jammed at any moment. EU officials said «Juncker's proposal is ambitious, but we don't know if it will work».
A bet for better. Jean-Claude Juncker's idea for next EU Commission can be read as a crucial moment for European policies. From the 1st of November, when Juncker's Commission will be in force, a huge experiment will start. Hopefully, we would say, it will start to work. Something to be outlined since it's not clear at this stage if the next European Commission will be able to be successful. What Juncker did was re-organize the whole structure: he created seven big "project team", one for each vice president. In practice we can imagine each vice president as a sort of director general coordinating seven or eight commissioners. In this way - that is Juncker's vision - European Commissioners will be not controlled by governments or corporations any more. In practice, Juncker doesn't want EU member states and lobbies interfere with Berlaymont activity. For such a reason commissioners will be responsible for their own portfolios, but they will not have the exclusivity. Competences will be shared. Just to make an example (see the picture up), the vice president in charge for Growth and jobs will the team leader for a team composed by commissioners for Economic affairs, Digital economy, Employment and social affairs, Financial stability, Internal market and industry, Transport, Climate action. Vice president in charge for the Euro will be the team leader of a team composed by commissioners for Economic affairs, Employment and social affairs, Financial stability, Internal market and industry, Regional policy, Justice. In theory the next president of the European Commission is supposed to have slim institution, with a president (Juncker), a board of governors (seven vice president, or team leaders), and "simple" commissioners. The point is: will "simple" commissioners accept to have not autonomy? Since the seven vice president will have power of veto, rejecting commissioners proposals, wow to be sure complains will be over? The truth is the institution could get jammed at any moment. EU officials said «Juncker's proposal is ambitious, but we don't know if it will work».
Tuesday 9 September 2014
«Sanctions against Russia to stop EU recovery»
Martin Schulz warned about the "boomerang effect" in dealing with the Ukrainian crisis
by Emanuele Bonini
Be careful with Russia: any kind of fine will hit Europe and its economy. That's what the president of the European Parliament said today in front of governors of the European regions. Of course the EU has to show determination in order to find a solution to the Ukrainian crisis, but the leaders cannot hide the truth. And, underlined Martin Schulz, the truth is Europe risks to face another crisis. «Sanctions against Russia - though politically expedient - are expected to dampen growth expectations». For this reason, made clear the president of the European Parliament, «we have to be honest with our citizens: sanctions will not only entail economic costs for the other side, they will also come at an economic cost for Europe». Situation and scenarios are serious. «Some experts are warning about a deflation, others are even fearing the return of the Euro crisis». That would a huge problem, since the European Union is very weak. «Sadly, the crisis has not bound us Europeans closer together». On the contrary, «the crisis has driven us apart».
Be careful with Russia: any kind of fine will hit Europe and its economy. That's what the president of the European Parliament said today in front of governors of the European regions. Of course the EU has to show determination in order to find a solution to the Ukrainian crisis, but the leaders cannot hide the truth. And, underlined Martin Schulz, the truth is Europe risks to face another crisis. «Sanctions against Russia - though politically expedient - are expected to dampen growth expectations». For this reason, made clear the president of the European Parliament, «we have to be honest with our citizens: sanctions will not only entail economic costs for the other side, they will also come at an economic cost for Europe». Situation and scenarios are serious. «Some experts are warning about a deflation, others are even fearing the return of the Euro crisis». That would a huge problem, since the European Union is very weak. «Sadly, the crisis has not bound us Europeans closer together». On the contrary, «the crisis has driven us apart».
«Courageous reforms from Italy and France»
Martin Schulz congratulates with the two governments. «But will take time for positive effects»
by Emanuele Bonini
Italian prime minister and French president are doing something impressive on the path of structural reform, the president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, said today in Brussels. But he warned it's necessary give time in order to understand better how huge is the work the two leaders are making. «Italy and France are undertaking courageous reforms, but we have to be realistic: it will take time for the positive results of these reforms to bear fruits». After all «this is the nature of structural reforms», recalled Schulz.
Thus all those who ask for fiscal discipline should reduce their pressure. In return both Italy and France will must produce efforts for other policies. «Structural reforms are just one side of the coin», stated Schulz. In order to boost growth «investments are needed» taking into account fiscal consolidation. According to president Schulz «thinking the only answer to the problem are haircuts doesn't solve the question», but at the same time «we can't leave mountains of debt all around». Finally the president of the European Parliament invited all the EU member states not to let down the guard. «The crisis will only be over when the 25 million European unemployed have found a job again that allows them to live in dignity». This crisis, he emphasized, «will only be over when our children will no longer be in danger of becoming a lost generation and instead are looking towards a bright future». Last but not least, «the crisis will only be over when young entrepreneurs will again be able to obtain funding for their brilliant business idea».
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| Martin Schulz |
Italian prime minister and French president are doing something impressive on the path of structural reform, the president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, said today in Brussels. But he warned it's necessary give time in order to understand better how huge is the work the two leaders are making. «Italy and France are undertaking courageous reforms, but we have to be realistic: it will take time for the positive results of these reforms to bear fruits». After all «this is the nature of structural reforms», recalled Schulz.
Thus all those who ask for fiscal discipline should reduce their pressure. In return both Italy and France will must produce efforts for other policies. «Structural reforms are just one side of the coin», stated Schulz. In order to boost growth «investments are needed» taking into account fiscal consolidation. According to president Schulz «thinking the only answer to the problem are haircuts doesn't solve the question», but at the same time «we can't leave mountains of debt all around». Finally the president of the European Parliament invited all the EU member states not to let down the guard. «The crisis will only be over when the 25 million European unemployed have found a job again that allows them to live in dignity». This crisis, he emphasized, «will only be over when our children will no longer be in danger of becoming a lost generation and instead are looking towards a bright future». Last but not least, «the crisis will only be over when young entrepreneurs will again be able to obtain funding for their brilliant business idea».
Sunday 7 September 2014
bLOGBOOK - New York city
Road overflowed by cars, side walks overcrowded of people. Traffic noise and human buzz: the sound of the city. Despite the sun, streets are enlightened by the multicolour banners and signs fixed everywhere. In the air fragrances of melted asphalt and garbage, replaced sometimes by the smell produced by hot dogs sellers at the corner of the street. New York city is amazing. Messy and agitated, but in this environment the so called "big apple" is rational and logic. The urban organisation in blocks makes easy to move within the city. Fifth avenue, 43th street west, 45th street east... Streets have not name, but numbers. There are simply map reference point. Everything is perfectly organised in Cartesian plan. Of course in New York city there are Madison Square, Times square, Broadway, but all these destinations lies in the precise urban net. Skyscrapers, glass buildings and few level houses stand together conferring a curious and unique dimension. The New York public library, the second library in the U.S. after that one of the federal Congress, stands out. Its classic style is included in a space made by high buildings and modern towers. And in the back Braynt park is a lovely surprise: an oasis of relax and pleasure, a place where have a break before coming back to the city life. Between Broadway and Times Square New York never sleeps. Shows, musicals, concerts, drinks: welcome to the night life! In "Stardust" is possible to experience a typical N.Y. dimension. In this restaurant waiters and waitresses serve and work singing. Here Broadway talent scout come to find people for shows and musicals, putting under contract people from the service staff. All around people in mask try to sell a picture with superheroes and cartoon characters. Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, Daisy, Iron man, Spider man... All these people live in Times Square, every day. With them people in costume promote the musical or the show of the day. And at every corner, blacks selling ticket for panoramic view of the city and night bus tour. Wow. New York city gives the idea everything can happen, and in somehow it does.
Friday 5 September 2014
Juncker's EU commissioners list unveiled
The twenty six names sent to the Italian prime minister. Next step the distribution of seats
by Emanuele Bonini
The president-elect of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, today sent the list of Commissioners-designate to Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi in his capacity as president of the Council of the European Union. The Council must now agree to this list, after which the list will be published in the Official Journal of the EU (the EU Statute Book). Only after all that Juncker will proceed to the distribution of portfolios. Finally, the European Parliament will vote on the entire College of Commissioners proposal, including the president and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Here the proposed list of Commissioners-designate for the next Commission, in alphabetical order:
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| Jean-Claude Juncker |
The president-elect of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, today sent the list of Commissioners-designate to Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi in his capacity as president of the Council of the European Union. The Council must now agree to this list, after which the list will be published in the Official Journal of the EU (the EU Statute Book). Only after all that Juncker will proceed to the distribution of portfolios. Finally, the European Parliament will vote on the entire College of Commissioners proposal, including the president and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Here the proposed list of Commissioners-designate for the next Commission, in alphabetical order:
Wednesday 3 September 2014
Quotes
«"Concrete reactions" wants to be another motto of the Italian presidency of the EU».
Sandro Gozi, Italian under secretary of State for European Affairs (Brussels, 3 September 2014)
Sandro Gozi, Italian under secretary of State for European Affairs (Brussels, 3 September 2014)
Russia is not a strategic EU partner any more?
In next High Representative of the EU view special ties are over. But reality says the opposite
by Emanuele Bonini
According to the Italian minister for Foreign affairs and next High Representative of the EU, Federica Mogherini, «Russia is not a strategic partner anymore» for Europe. A declaration released because of the current crisis in Ukraine and the hegemonic behaviour of Vladimir Putin, whose purpose is to maintain the control over the former soviet republics of USSR. Finally the European Union finds out the courage to react using hard tone toward Moscow. But it's totally useless: it's too late and it's a lie. Long time before Federica Mogherini's stance on Ue-Russia ties, at the very beginning of the Ukrainian crisi Russia decided to start selling gas to China. The construction of the new pipeline began two days ago: Gazprom’s Power of Siberia pipeline will deliver 4 trillion cubic meters of gas to China over 30 years. In perspective and in practice, by the Russian side EU stopped to be a strategic partner well before Russia stopped to be for EU. Secondly, it's impossible to can state Russia is not a strategic partner any more, because the EU still depends by Russian supplies and Europe will not be able to replace provider in the short term. Federica Guidi, the Italian minister for Economic development, contradicted Mogherini few hours later the latter she said «Russia is not a strategic partner any more». Guidi said «there's the need to develop strong and stable relationship both with current gas suppliers and with transit countries». Russia is among Europe current gas suppliers and for Guidi's same admission «it's clear that Russian supplies are relevant».
According to the Italian minister for Foreign affairs and next High Representative of the EU, Federica Mogherini, «Russia is not a strategic partner anymore» for Europe. A declaration released because of the current crisis in Ukraine and the hegemonic behaviour of Vladimir Putin, whose purpose is to maintain the control over the former soviet republics of USSR. Finally the European Union finds out the courage to react using hard tone toward Moscow. But it's totally useless: it's too late and it's a lie. Long time before Federica Mogherini's stance on Ue-Russia ties, at the very beginning of the Ukrainian crisi Russia decided to start selling gas to China. The construction of the new pipeline began two days ago: Gazprom’s Power of Siberia pipeline will deliver 4 trillion cubic meters of gas to China over 30 years. In perspective and in practice, by the Russian side EU stopped to be a strategic partner well before Russia stopped to be for EU. Secondly, it's impossible to can state Russia is not a strategic partner any more, because the EU still depends by Russian supplies and Europe will not be able to replace provider in the short term. Federica Guidi, the Italian minister for Economic development, contradicted Mogherini few hours later the latter she said «Russia is not a strategic partner any more». Guidi said «there's the need to develop strong and stable relationship both with current gas suppliers and with transit countries». Russia is among Europe current gas suppliers and for Guidi's same admission «it's clear that Russian supplies are relevant».
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