Democratic Deficit

We follow up our recent post, To veto or not to veto, with more discussion on democracy and the EU (see also Discontented Democrats). Meanwhile here is the definition of the term ‘democratic deficit’ from the EU’s own glossary: “‘Democratic deficit’ is a term used by people who argue that the EU institutions and their … More Democratic Deficit

To Veto or not to Veto?

The EU, stung by criticism of its “democratic deficit”, tried to improve control over its unelected Commission. It hasn’t worked. Two academics, one German and one American, have published a review of legislative procedures in the EU. Their article can be found on a website of the London School of Economics: http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2016/10/25/a-dearth-of-legislative-vetoes/ “Several reforms have … More To Veto or not to Veto?

Freedom of Movement (1)

A review, with quotations, of an analysis of the EU’s pet fundamental, by a legal expert. This blog: http://eulawanalysis.blogspot.my/2016/11/eu-free-movement-law-in-10-questions.html offers useful clarification on the contentious issue of freedom of movement of persons/labour (the two words are widely used indiscriminately but are obviously different. Treaties refer to ‘persons’ but in practice freedom is restricted mostly to workers … More Freedom of Movement (1)

Press to Reject Brexit

Campaigners for and against Brexit have dropped any pretence at balanced discussion and base their arguments on unsupported opinion, half-truths, distortions, diversions and lies. We believe firmly that if the British people – and other Europeans – are to make sound decisions then they need to be offered rational arguments from which they can draw … More Press to Reject Brexit

The Butterfly Effect

A system of great complexity can be dramatically affected over time by small disturbances, as feedback loops plus second or higher-order effects combine to overwhelm expected behaviour. This is popularly known as the butterfly effect after the theory that a butterfly flapping its wings in the tropics can lead to storms elsewhere in the Globe. … More The Butterfly Effect

WTO rules – OK?

The Government is hoping to negotiate a free trade arrangement with the EU when we leave, but what if can’t get agreement from all 27 nations plus the EU Parliament (or Wallonia)? In the worst case we would be reduced to World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms, but how bad is that? For cars the WTO … More WTO rules – OK?