“We’re defending Czechia – hard and without compromise.” The billboards of the Czech Republic’s ruling ANO party for this week’s election for the European Parliament show that something has gone badly wrong with the country’s relationship with the EU. Czechs have never been great EU enthusiasts but over the past few years opinion polls have consistently shown they are among the weakest supporters of the European Union. Only 47 per cent say they would vote to remain members, according to a Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the European Commission in April, with only Britain showing less support at 45 per cent. Turnout in the last European Parliamentary elections was also the second-lowest at 18 per cent. Consequently there have even been serious – if exaggerated – concerns that the country could be heading towards a “Czexit”. A troubled history of being dominated by big powers and betrayed by allies has created a … [Read more...] about Power Complex: Why Czechs Look Askance at European Union
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Movie stars issue manifesto backing European Union
Cinema stars have produced a manifesto backing the European Union ahead of continent-wide elections.The manifesto claims the union is threatened from the outside, and from within Europe itself from people “looking for a way out”. Film-makers issued a rallying cry praising the EU as an inspiration “for all of humanity” and claiming the bloc is under attack “on all fronts”.Actor Ralph Fiennes and directors Stephen Frears and Sir Alan Parker are among about 500 signatories of the document, which claims the future could depend on the outcome of voting this week.The document has been signed by stars gathered at the Cannes Film Festival, who called on voters to unite behind the EU as extremism and regression are “spreading like a plague”.The manifesto says: “Let us remember that Europe united for peace. What started as a union of six countries has now grown to include 28 countries in a unique alliance that is inspiring for all of … [Read more...] about Movie stars issue manifesto backing European Union
European Union To Consider Visa Free Travel For Fijians
The EU and Fiji also reviewed bilateral relations, including development cooperation, the EU-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), bilateral cooperation on tax good governance, visa issues, fight against climate change, as well as developments in the Pacific region. The European Union (EU) and Fiji held their fourth High Level Political Dialogue under article 8 of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) - EU Partnership (Cotonou) Agreement in Brussels, Belgium, on 20 May 2019 under the co-chairmanship of Foreign Minister Inia Seruiratu and EEAS Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, Gunnar Wiegand. The European Union (EU) will give due consideration to Fiji’s call for inclusion in the list of countries with visa-free access to the Schengen area. This is expected to take place at the next review of EU’s visa list. This was highlighted after the EU and Fiji held … [Read more...] about European Union To Consider Visa Free Travel For Fijians
Could Scotland stay in the European Union after Brexit?
THE UK voted to leave the European Union in the referendum in 2016, though Brexit has been delayed until at least October 31. But will Scotland be leaving the EU when Brexit finally happens? Here's what we know. Will Scotland stay in the EU? The Scottish National Party (SNP) want a second referendum on Scottish independence after Scottish people voted to stay part of the UK in 2014. The party believes a second referendum on independence will allow them to stay part of the EU. Nicola Sturgeon claims there is a "real chance" for Scotland to stay after Brexit. The SNP leader claimed Westminster had "ignored the overwhelming vote in Scotland" to remain in the EU. She claims a vote for the party in the upcoming European elections will allow Scotland's voice to be heard. Sturgeon said: "We can stand up for Scotland's right to be heard, and we can proclaim our determination to remain a European nation. "On 23 May people can send Theresa May - or whoever comes after her - a strong and resolute … [Read more...] about Could Scotland stay in the European Union after Brexit?
The European Union: 60 years of twists and turns
From economic union via the euro to a migration crisis and Brexit, here is a look at 60 years of ups and downs in the European Union. - Birth of a European bloc - On May 9, 1950 French foreign minister Robert Schuman unveils proposals for an economic union between France and West Germany. A year later six countries -- Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands -- establish the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). - Towards the EU - On March 25, 1957 the same six sign the Treaty of Rome that establishes the European Economic Community, a common market. It takes effect a year later, establishing key European institutions: the Council of Ministers, the executive European Commission and the Parliamentary Assembly, which later becomes the European Parliament. The first parliamentary elections by direct universal suffrage take place in 1979. Britain, Denmark and Ireland join the EEC on January 1, 1973. They are followed by Greece in 1981, Portugal and Spain in … [Read more...] about The European Union: 60 years of twists and turns