Danish ‘Lego presidency’ could deliver lasting legacy for Europe

9 January 2012 By

The Danish presidency of the European Union comes at one of the most difficult moments in the union’s history.

It’s biggest challenge: Keeping the EU construct together.

If the Danes can manage that successfully, they can look back this summer and claim that they’ve done all they could.

But if they are seen taking up their ambition of being effective bridge builders, then Denmark, as an outsider to the euro zone, could deliver a lasting legacy.

Such a ‘Lego presidency’ could really lead to a more effective Europe, not just a Eurozone with better and stricter rules.

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Euro crisis, in 2011, triggers debate on existence of EU

22 December 2011 By

The European debt crisis in 2011 developed in such a way that some analysts now argue that the European Union is facing an existential crisis. EUX.TV Producer Laura Fernandez compiled key soundbites from the year that is now ending and talked to Janis A. Emmanouilidis, senior policy analyst at the Centre for European Studies in Brussels.

Also read the year’s review on EurActiv.com

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Croatia to become 28th EU member state in 2013

7 December 2011 By

1st of July of 2013. This is the date in when Croatia will become the 28th member of the European Union. Exactly 8 years after its initial bid, accession talks between the ex-yugoslav country and the Union were finalized on Wednesday. Now, the 300 page long treaty is set to be signed by all European heads of state during the upcoming summit in Brussels.

Unlike Romania and Bulgaria’s accession in 2007, Croatia’s treaty does not include a “safeguard clause” that would slow down the process if final requirements were not met by the croatian state. But recent scandals of corruption will see the Union closely monitoring Croatia’s battle against corruption. In 2009, the former prime minister Ivo Sanader was accused of fraud as he allegedly sent money from state-own companies to a fund for personal use.

Croatian authorities have independently decided to hold a referendum on the EU membership. Recent polls showed that 61% of Croats would vote in favour.

The prospect of EU membership comes straight after elections were held last week. Recession, high unemployment and scandals of corruption removed the center-right party from power after it was in office for nearly two decades. Instead, the newly formed center-left coalition Kukuriku won the elections and will govern with Zoran Milanovic, a 45- year-old lawyer and former diplomat, as the next premier.

Kukuriku also is enthusiastic about membership of the union, so the change of government is not going to turn Croatia’s back on EU membership.

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Bubblesconi: Failing EU leadership inspires Dutch artist

5 December 2011 By

The ongoing leadership crisis in Europe is proving to be an unexpected source of inspiration for a Dutch painter of modern art.

As the Eurozone leaders again battle to save the euro, Ilse Wielage is finishing her painting of ejected Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. It’s called Bubblesconi.

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50000 trade union members protest austerity measures in Brussels

2 December 2011 By

Around 50 thousand trade union members marched across Brussels on Friday to protest against austerity measures. In response to the current financial crisis, the newly formed Belgian government agreed last week to cut public spending by 11 billion euros and to liberalise labour regulations. The new budget for 2012 has been described by trade unions as “unbalanced” and “unfair”.

Frustration and anger were common feelings amongst the anti-austerity protesters, who feel that orders from the European Union are forcing national governments to adopt severe public cuts. “This government is directing its power towards the working class”, they say.

The deal includes restrictions on early retirement age and cuts on public services. The budget was agreed after markets and the European Commission applied high pressure on the government, threatening Belgium with a 700 million euros fine if they didn’t commit to severe reductions by Mid-December. Despite the evident disappointment of Belgians, the demonstration passed off peacefully, with little police presence.

The protests come ahead of next-weeks Council summit, when European heads of state will gather in Brussels to discuss potential treaty changes in an attempt to solve the current sovereign debt crisis.

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UN reports progress in battle against HIV-AIDS

30 November 2011 By

2011 was a game changing year for the international response to AIDS and HIV, according to the latest report by the United Nations.

The UN says there is is unprecedented scientific progress while political leadership is generating real results.

New HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have fallen to the lowest levels since the peak of the epidemic around five years ago.

The number of people dying of AIDS fell to to 1.8 million in 2010, down from a peak of 2.2 million around 2005.

At the end of 2010, an estimated 34 million people were living with HIV worldwide, up 17% from 2001.

The fight against AIDS has been particularly successful in sub-Saharan Africa, like here in in Rwanda.

Sub-saharan Africa remains the region most heavily affected by HJIV. With 68 percent of all HIV infections worldwide.

The UN report says there is a notable decline in the rate of new infections. South Africa remains severely affected with an estimated 5.6 million HIV patients.

The number of people living with HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia has nearly tripled during the last decade. Russia and Ukraine account for almost 90 percent of the epidemic in this region, largely because of sexual relations between people who inject drugs.

Addressing the need for a global response, the United Nations now is calling for a transformation in the international approach, and is calling for additional investments that need to match the long-term strategic ambitions instead of the piecemeal short-term approach that has been adopted so far.

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EU welcomes regime change in Rome, Athens

14 November 2011 By

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