cafebabel.com

Birthday gift ideas for Maastricht treaty, 20 years today

('Cristina Cartes',) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:52:54 -0000

The Maastricht treaty, signed on 7 February 1992, came into force in November 1993, when most of cafebabel.com's editorial team were children. The treaty heralded both the creation of the European union, formerly the 'European economic community', and the euro as a single currency. Two decades on, it’s attracting the wrath of crisis-struck Europeans

Britain-Europe: confessions of an angry Lib Dem

('dominicmaciver',) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:42:58 -0000

Type 'What Defines an English Person' into google right now and see the top result - this is how unpopular we are with the rest of the world, especially after the UK chose not to join a new EU treaty governing the finance system. Europe has divided a two-headed monster, 'Clammeron', in half: the government led by David Cameron and Nick Clegg since 2010 has been spliced together by iron threads of political contingency

Do the Merkel, Monti and Sarkozy dance

('euro topics',) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:13:29 -0000

On 24 November German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Nicolas Sarkozy agreed on plans to amend the EU treaties to impose budget discipline on the 17 eurozone countries. Italian prime minister Mario Monti also supports the initiative

Between Italy and Slovenia, Europe referendum conundrums in 2011

('europaeus',) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:30:31 -0000

In the past a lack of information and lukewarm participation have turned a potentially powerful tool of public reform into a strenuous but futile exercise. The unexpected results of the referendum held in Italy on 12 and 13 June bring one of the oldest form of direct democracy to the fore

Franco-German 'competitiveness pact' spanner in Europe's works

('Carol Howard',) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:43:29 -0000

The revival of the German-French axis after the numerous discords of recent years should be greeted with pleasure. Yet in the Merkel-Sarkozy era there is not much left of what was once the ‘driving force for European integration’. A Franco-German ‘competitiveness pact’ suggests a lost sense of solidarity and a deep distrust of EU institutions

One year on - what's the Lisbon treaty again?

('Melanie',) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:37:23 -0000

Yes, you, Europe voted this constitutional document in and it came into effect on 1 December 2009. It's more institutions and regulations which doesn't really help to understand the burden of the EU and its thousand of details, so here's one option of an instant mini guide

Greece crisis: lowdown on Germany's role, US credit agencies and more

('Andrew Burgess',) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:45:00 -0000

Interview with French economist Céline Antonin ahead of the eurogroup summit on 7 May, where the attendees should confirm their €110 billion financial aid package to Greece, and the three burning questions arising from the crisis which also apply to the European union

Spain vs EU: gender violence clash

('Elaine Jordan',) — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:52:50 -0000

The proposals are for a monitoring system and a single helpline number under the Spanish presidency of the EU. But discussions on a European protection order remain up in the air because of responsibilities across institutions

Historical dinner live: on the menu, one president

('Arnaud Houdmont',) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:32:18 -0000

Tony Blair? (or David Miliband?) Herman van Rompuy? Peter Balkenende...? The culmination of a long, outdrawn and rather undemocratic process that is shaping the future of Europe is nigh; 19 November, to be precise, and the cafebabel.com Brussels team are invited - check their blog out this evening

Jean-Christophe Bas: 'the erasmus generation doesn’t know how lucky it is'

('Helen Swain',) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0000

Finally, on 9 November 1989, there was peace. Young Europeans born after this historic day did experience the war. But what does the construction of Europe mean to them? In his book L’Europe à la carte, Jean-Christophe Bas calls upon the spoiled children of the eurogeneration’s in order to create a less self-centred Europe.

EU press talks of virginity and Benjamin Button as Lisbon treaty is ratified

('euro topics',) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:07:35 -0000

After months of blocking progress, Czech president Václav Klaus became the last head of state to sign on 3 November. The constitutional court in Brno had previously rejected claims brought against the legislative document by conservative senators. As the EU reform treaty can now come into effect, the Danish, Polish, Italian, Czech and Irish press react

When pigs fly

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0000

On Saint Never's day, a blue moon rises in the sky and the scene is like Noah's Ark. The creatures climb on board, in an attempt to prove that an event will never happen: they are hairy frogs, toothy chickens, flying pigs, flying donkeys, whistling crawfish and dark Germans .... it's the idiom of the week

Tories, Klaus and Kaczyński: EU 'three kings' vs Lisbon treaty

('euro topics',) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:55:20 -0000

The eurosceptic Pole Lech Kaczyński plans to sign the EU reform document in the next few days, Czech president Václav Klaus refuses and British conservative leader David Cameron again promises his country a referendum if he is elected prime minister in 2010 and the treaty has still not taken effect. The Irish, Czech, German and Hungarian press react

67% in Ireland say 'yes' to the Lisbon treaty

("Daniel O'Leary",) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:15:44 -0000

On 2 October, the Irish public allowed changes to the constitution to ratify the Lisbon treaty. The 'resounding' and 'convincing' vote dispels fears that the referendum would pass by a slim margin and demonstrate a lack of Irish faith in the democratic process, and in the EU

Acts of Random Kindness Ltd: Irish clothing startup to ‘change your world’

('walshno',) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:11:48 -0000

'It’s like putting on a superhero costume - except your superpower might be the willingness to give up your seat on the bus,' said the Irish Times about a group of young people who hold business meetings up trees. With a new website and T-shirt range due for launch, one of the four members describes the nature of the startup

Lisbon vote no: a second referendum? How democratic

("Daniel O'Leary",) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:16:40 -0000

It’s ironic that the Irish 'No' to Lisbon in June 2008 was taken as a blow to Europe and a step away from democracy, when the treaty would take away our right to vote at all. Focus on media bias and the illusion of choice

Lisbon treaty: I'm voting yes for jobs and climate change

('bartstoran',) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:11:05 -0000

Democracy, cross-border crime and climate change are issues that resonate with young Irish people, a 'yes' campaigner says, which is why people should vote for the EU reform Lisbon treaty in a referendum on 2 October

Lisbon treaty: Ireland shouldn't feel obliged to vote yes

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:22:57 -0000

Remember that other time that Irish voters were told they had returned the wrong result in Nice in 2001? Citizens shouldn't feel they 'owe' anyone on 2 October

Lisbon treaty: Irish expats lose their vote abroad

('Angela Steen',) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:14:05 -0000

The only Irish citizens who are able to vote abroad are diplomats or army personnel. For others, it’s a question of finding the time, money or strength to take a Ryanair flight back home for the second referendum on 2 October, which almost all 27 EU members have ratified

Libertas' Declan Ganley comeback against ‘democracy-hating’ Lisbon treaty

("naomi o'leary",) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:00 -0000

He opposed the Lisbon treaty. He got 600 candidates to run for his party across all the 27 member states in 2008; yet only one was (re-)elected in Hungary. The Galway multimillionare, 41, resigned from politics after his failure. But the Libertas leader is back to push for a second Irish No

Peddling for votes; cycle across Ireland for Lisbon treaty

("naomi o'leary",) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:00:00 -0000

A group of cyclists from around Europe are embarking on a tour of the Irish countryside to demonstrate for a higher voter turnout ahead of the 2 October Lisbon referendum. Organiser Grace Cox enthuses about the ‘yes’ movement that’s gathering speed - and even Ryanair are getting on board

Cheaper Ryanair seats for Lisbon yes votes

("naomi o'leary",) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:00:00 -0000

The battle for the second Lisbon referendum is heating up in Ireland; and now, the yes side have aircraft. CEO Michael O’Leary joins Seamus Heaney, U2 and Intel in throwing his weight behind a Lisbon yes

Libertas: eurosceptic, but first real europarty?

('Matthew',) — Wed, 20 May 2009 10:45:00 -0000

The Irish European parliament elections in June 2009 represent a key moment in Ireland’s future relations with the EU. The Lisbon treaty was rejected in June 2008; will Ireland elect many eurosceptic MEPs? Or are the Irish population really interested in a more inclusive and cohesive EU?

Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia: domino game of governmental crash

('Astrid vW',) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:15:20 -0000

On 22 March, Hungary’s socialist prime minister, businessman Ferenc Gyurcsany, announced his resignation for 14 April. There is a huge amount of strategy beneath his move and it reveals a trend appearing in central and eastern Europe. Today, the Czech Republic establishes a new chapter

Luis Yáñez: 'Jean Claude Juncker for Europe'

('Astrid vW',) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:22:47 -0000

The socialist and veteran of *Felipe Gonzalez’s Sevillian generation entered the European parliament in 2004. His critics maintained that he had landed there after being spurned from national politics. The 65-year-old intends to run for a second term in 2009

Vaclav Klaus versus 'totalitarian' Europe

('Alexandra Baxter',) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Following the Czech government’s approval of the Lisbon treaty, the Czech president lashes out at the EU and the European parliament. Latest titbit of news from Brussels

Lisbon treaty and recession Europe, give us a kiss

('Andrew Christie',) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

In these times of economic crisis Europe is able to laugh and is supposedly stronger for it. Even the Lisbon treaty gives a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. 2009 will be a decisive year

Trade you my anti-missile shield for your Lisbon treaty

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0000

The incumbent EU president is still making itself the talk of the town. This time, it seems that the treaty will become a tool of pressure in return for the question of a little anti-missile shield. Latest tibit news from Brussels

Got a solution for a powerful Europe?

('Lindsey Evans',) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:55:06 -0000

Voter abstention, traditionally high in European elections, reveals more about the lack of politicised debate about Europe than it does about any real apathy among its people, who seem – in fact – to be looking for a meaning in this project

Martin Schulz on 'vague' Barroso: 'one day he is left-wing, the next liberal'

('Kate Stansfield',) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

The German leader of the socialist group in the European parliament outlines their strategy in the run-up to the European elections in June 2009. How does he plan to win the elections? Interview

Lisbon treaty says: European institutions

('Sarah Truesdale',) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Plans are afoot to stabilise the European council, thereby ensuring the continuity of its work and providing greater visibility of European power. But who will take charge?

German, Slovak media on Czech 'Lisbon treaty' yes

('euro topics',) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:13:55 -0000

On 27 November the constitutional court gave a green light to the Lisbon treaty. Judges in Brno rule that the treaty neither impinges on Czech sovereignty nor violates the country's constitution. Will president Václav Klaus sign the document? Press review

What the fridge is the European parliament?

('Neil Saddington',) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:45:00 -0000

Every five years, MEPs are elected democratically across Europe. A look behind the scenes of this legislative power. Plus, a video

Nawal El Moutawakel: ‘girls think that sport is a macho world’

('Helen Swain',) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:01:41 -0000

The former Moroccan women's track hurdler and current youth and sports minister says nobody wants to change. Interview

What the fridge is the council of ministers?

('Neil Saddington',) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0000

Not to be confused with the European council, the council of ministers makes decisions which touch all member governments of the EU. But what do they really do?

Confusion over the future of the Lisbon treaty

('Fiona Herdman Smith',) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:42:17 -0000

The European commission says that 24 of the 27 member states have approved the Lisbon treaty. The ratification process is still taking place in two other states, with Ireland having rejected the Treaty. But is this really the case? Analysis

Nick Witney: 'If you wait for 27 people to sit down at the table, dinner will never begin'

('Erin Woycik',) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:15:00 -0000

With elections just around the corner, the EU will be debating its global military and diplomatic role. Interview with a British analyst

Exclusive: Barroso on the Lisbon treaty, Croatia and Brussels

('Adriano Farano',) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:27:54 -0000

In response to questions from the cafebabel.com network from Berlin to Istanbul, the president of the European commission on the Irish ‘no’ vote, future EU candidates and why ‘Europe is not Brussels’

Dublin: why 862, 415 Irish voted no to the Lisbon treaty

('Matthew Pagett',) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0000

Courtesy call in Dublin, two months after the ‘no’ on the Lisbon treaty. The Irish response seems to have been motivated by a lack of knowledge on what the document was and by a fear of change. But perhaps Europe has not sufficiently proven its case?

Bronislaw Geremek brought Europe back to Europeans

('John Smith',) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0000

The former adviser to Lech Walesa and MEP since 2004 was a European and a convinced democrat. On 13 July, he died in a car accident in his native Poland. This tribute was written by one of his former students at the College of Europe

Irish “no”brings European impasse

('David Robinson',) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0000

In the European debate, we always come back to the same topic: democracy. Now that the Irish have rejected the Lisbon Treaty, Europe’s chronic inability to create ‘true’ democracy is once again at the forefront of the debate.

Lisbon treaty: French preach about the Irish vote

('Susannah Readett-Bayley',) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Many partisans of European construction were grieved – the French the first. However, Kouchner and his preaching cronies only rubbed the Irish up the wrong way – the Irish with the chance to decide

Happy fourth birthday to central and eastern Europe

('c\xc3\xa9dric AUDINOT',) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0000

It has been four years since the European Union opened its door wide open and welcomed ten member states. It's not been a 100% success story for every member though

Videogames: banning 'Manhunt 2'

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0000

The Lisbon treaty continues its parliamentary pilgrimage across EU member states, organ donations, protecting minors from video games and food aid – it’s the latest news from Brussels

Åland - å land neither Finnish nor Swedish

('Angela Steen',) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0000

The 26, 000 islanders of this archipelago neighbouring Finland have the power to shape the future of Europe

Lisbon ratified

('Hanna Sankowska',) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Latvia and Germany ratified the Lisbon treaty on 7 and 22 May, after Portugal and Denmark did so on 23 April. The EU's 16 other members should follow suit by 1 January 2009

Brussels: where’s Waris?

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

What with missing Somali supermodel-cum-UN ambassadors, the Spring European Council and naughty pupil Britain, ‘twas a hot climate this week in Brussels

No Lisbon treaty referendum for the Brits

('Adriano Farano',) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

A Europhile goes against the British PM's masquerade, as the bill has its first reading in the House of Lords on 12 March

EU frames Kosovo's independence

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Unemployment, professional opportunities and the Lisbon treaty: the latest news from Brussels, where all eyes are on the world's newest state

Ireland: 64% unsure on ratifying Lisbon treaty

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Debates continue in the EU - to partner or accede Turkey? Plus a new 'Justice Forum' from the European commission - the latest news from Brussels