Germany (still) calling Chancellor Merkel is struggling to put together a coalition government and many experienced EU commentators believe that little progress can be made with Brexit negotiations until Germany is able to make the decisions – it could take months. This tells us a lot about the distorted power structure of the EU, which … More Shorties-12
At the last election the main parties offered election manifesto promises to respect the Referendum vote but the wreckers, thinking only one move ahead, are determined that we don’t leave or only pretend to leave, with a Brexit so soft that it is meaningless. If we leave but cannot reach a fair agreement with the … More Euro Sloth
The EU says it is a firm believer in the benefits of globalisation: “While globalisation brings huge benefits and opportunities, it also means that Europe has to face increased competition in all traded goods and services. “Through globalisation, EU firms receive easier access to new and expanding markets and sources of finance and technology. EU … More Globalisation or Regionalism?
This week The Economist’s Europe columnist (‘Charlemagne’) describes how the UK has largely lost any influence in Brussels and how smaller nations particularly feel more exposed to French and German hegemony (read the original article here). Without challenge from Britain it will be far harder for other member states to resist pressure to join the … More Influence or Impotence?
A collection of four short, independent pieces on various topics. A European Union was (and is) a good principle, taken up by people with bad ideas, inherited by others with priest-like faith and self-interest. The EU jihadis intend us harm in retaliation for our apostasy. This demonstrates a deep lack of confidence in their project; … More Shorties-11
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, has said, in response to a House of Commons statement by Theresa May, that both the EU and the UK may need to start planning for the negotiations to fail to reach an agreement – the ‘no deal’ outcome. He said that there is no chance that the … More Negotiating – really?
A deliberate typo might have this as ‘Barniers to Exit’ but that would not only be a bad pun but also unfair on the man, who is only the mandated mouthpiece for an organisation that cannot win hearts and minds but believes that it does not need to, because it will suffice to win the … More Barriers to Exit
Voters who are undecided about the benefits of leaving or remaining in the EU say they just want the facts. There is much to argue in the detail but stand back and look at the broad picture, ask yourself whether the EU is a successful union. Has it fostered growth, employment, civic order and good … More Shorties Revisited
Score Settling The Greek MEP, Stelios Kouloglou, insists that the EU’s Brexit negotiators must raise the issue of the return of the “Elgin Marbles” to the Parthenon. This has concerned Greek politicians for many years but regardless of whether the case is justified it is not related to EU membership. Member states should not link … More Signs of Fragility
Remainers are pleased with their often-repeated slogan that “the people didn’t vote to be poorer.” But they did. Or at least they voted to leave the EU despite being given an official Government warning in a pre-Referendum mailshot that the economy would suffer an immediate shock, jobs would be lost and families would be permanently … More For Richer or Poorer?
This EU Won't Work 