EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission is due to unveil a bill specifying conditions under which patients can seek health care in other EU member countries on Wednesday (2 July). The proposal comes after a huge opposition from MEPs and some national capitals to Brussels' previous attempt to tackle the issue last December, and the commission signalling earlier this year it would not revisit the topic during its current mandate, set to expire in autumn 2009. Brussels is to take up again the controversial issue of patients' mobility across the EU ( But after a switch in personnel in the post of EU health commissioner, the new Cypriot delegate, Androula Vassiliou, decided to give it a try and address opponents' concerns in a new approach towards the controversial subject. Previously, the EU executive hewed close to several verdicts by the European Court of Justice, stating that the bloc's general principle of freedom to receive and provide services should apply equally to the health sector, while recognising "the specific character of these services."
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission is due to unveil a bill specifying conditions under which patients can seek health care in other EU member countries on Wednesday (2 July).
The proposal comes after a huge opposition from MEPs and some national capitals to Brussels' previous attempt to tackle the issue last December, and the commission signalling earlier this year it would not revisit the topic during its current mandate, set to expire in autumn 2009.
Brussels is to take up again the controversial issue of patients' mobility across the EU (
But after a switch in personnel in the post of EU health commissioner, the new Cypriot delegate, Androula Vassiliou, decided to give it a try and address opponents' concerns in a new approach towards the controversial subject.
Previously, the EU executive hewed close to several verdicts by the European Court of Justice, stating that the bloc's general principle of freedom to receive and provide services should apply equally to the health sector, while recognising "the specific character of these services."
he Government warned today it would not finance a "health tourism" free-for-all under plans to give NHS patients rights to shop around Europe for the best and quickest medical treatment. Proposals from the European Commission would guarantee that the cost of treatment elsewhere in the EU is reimbursed by the patient's own national health scheme back home. The plan follows years of legal cases in which European court judges have ruled that freedom to cross EU borders for treatment should be a right for all. Today's draft law states that, as long as a treatment is covered under the patient's national healthcare system, he or she can opt to receive the treatment in another EU country and be reimbursed "without prior authorisation".
he Government warned today it would not finance a "health tourism" free-for-all under plans to give NHS patients rights to shop around Europe for the best and quickest medical treatment.
Proposals from the European Commission would guarantee that the cost of treatment elsewhere in the EU is reimbursed by the patient's own national health scheme back home.
The plan follows years of legal cases in which European court judges have ruled that freedom to cross EU borders for treatment should be a right for all.
Today's draft law states that, as long as a treatment is covered under the patient's national healthcare system, he or she can opt to receive the treatment in another EU country and be reimbursed "without prior authorisation".
How dare patients expect their rights! Our knowledge has surpassed our wisdom. --Charu Saxena.
EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson has fired back at criticism by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, arguing that Mr Sarkozy's statements were "undermining" the EU's position in world trade talks. "I am being undermined and Europe's negotiating position in the world trade talks is being weakened and I regret that," Mr Mandelson told the BBC's Newsnight programme on Tuesday (1 July). The trade commissioner is "mystified" by Mr Sarkozy's criticism "It is very disappointing because the mandate under which I am negotiating in the world trade talks - and trying on Europe's behalf to bring them to a successful conclusion - has been agreed by all the member states," he added. Speaking on French national television on Monday - on the eve of the launch of the French EU presidency - France's president again accused the British commissioner of offering too many concessions during the talks. "[WTO chief] Mr Lamy and Mr Mandelson want to make us accept a deal under which Europe would commit to cutting farm output by 20 percent and reduce farm exports by 10 percent," Mr Sarkozy told national television channel France 3 on Monday.
EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson has fired back at criticism by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, arguing that Mr Sarkozy's statements were "undermining" the EU's position in world trade talks.
"I am being undermined and Europe's negotiating position in the world trade talks is being weakened and I regret that," Mr Mandelson told the BBC's Newsnight programme on Tuesday (1 July).
The trade commissioner is "mystified" by Mr Sarkozy's criticism
"It is very disappointing because the mandate under which I am negotiating in the world trade talks - and trying on Europe's behalf to bring them to a successful conclusion - has been agreed by all the member states," he added.
Speaking on French national television on Monday - on the eve of the launch of the French EU presidency - France's president again accused the British commissioner of offering too many concessions during the talks.
"[WTO chief] Mr Lamy and Mr Mandelson want to make us accept a deal under which Europe would commit to cutting farm output by 20 percent and reduce farm exports by 10 percent," Mr Sarkozy told national television channel France 3 on Monday.
Smouldering rivalry between Peter Mandelson, the EU's trade commissioner, and Nicolas Sarkozy, its incoming president, has reignited with a vengeance. And this time it's embarrassingly personal. John Lichfield on a clash between two of Europe's mightiest egosIn the blue corner, messieurs-dames, we have the feisty French bantam cock, Nicolas "six brains" Sarkozy. In the red corner, ladies and gentlemen, we have the tricky British peacock, Peter "prince of darkness" Mandelson. This is a heavyweight contest, not in physique, but in subject matter. Two of Europe's vainest and cleverest politicians are trading punches over trade. When were world trade negotiations last so entertaining? You do not have to know all about tariff coefficients, ceilings and waivers to enjoy what is going on (but it helps). M. Sarkozy has mostly punched with his left fist. he accuses Mr Mandelson, the EU trade commissioner, of (wham, bang) betraying French farmers and African babies by imposing his "ultra-free-market" doctrine and trying to dismantle European farm protection and subsidies. After bobbing and weaving for two weeks, Mr Mandelson finally replied with a right hook. He accuses M. Sarkozy, who has just taken over the EU presidency, of (smash, bang, wallop) betraying European unity at the world trade talks which resume in Geneva on 21 July. By calling into question the EU pro-free-trade negotiating position, Mr Mandelson says M. Sarkozy is threatening to destroy seven years of negotiations and plunge the world into tit-for-tat protectionism and recession.
In the blue corner, messieurs-dames, we have the feisty French bantam cock, Nicolas "six brains" Sarkozy. In the red corner, ladies and gentlemen, we have the tricky British peacock, Peter "prince of darkness" Mandelson.
This is a heavyweight contest, not in physique, but in subject matter. Two of Europe's vainest and cleverest politicians are trading punches over trade. When were world trade negotiations last so entertaining? You do not have to know all about tariff coefficients, ceilings and waivers to enjoy what is going on (but it helps). M. Sarkozy has mostly punched with his left fist. he accuses Mr Mandelson, the EU trade commissioner, of (wham, bang) betraying French farmers and African babies by imposing his "ultra-free-market" doctrine and trying to dismantle European farm protection and subsidies.
After bobbing and weaving for two weeks, Mr Mandelson finally replied with a right hook. He accuses M. Sarkozy, who has just taken over the EU presidency, of (smash, bang, wallop) betraying European unity at the world trade talks which resume in Geneva on 21 July. By calling into question the EU pro-free-trade negotiating position, Mr Mandelson says M. Sarkozy is threatening to destroy seven years of negotiations and plunge the world into tit-for-tat protectionism and recession.
After weeks of internal debate, the German government agreed on a draft 2009 budget on Wednesday, July 12. The government expects to spend 288.4 billion euros ($456 billion) next year, a 5 billion euro increase. The proposed 2009 budget includes a modest 1.8 percent spending increase over this year. Germany's Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck has been eager to keep new spending down in a bid to cut back on borrowing. Yet Steinbrueck and other cabinet members largely avoided proposing painful budget cuts that could put them on the defensive ahead of national elections which will likely be held in September 2009.
The proposed 2009 budget includes a modest 1.8 percent spending increase over this year. Germany's Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck has been eager to keep new spending down in a bid to cut back on borrowing.
Yet Steinbrueck and other cabinet members largely avoided proposing painful budget cuts that could put them on the defensive ahead of national elections which will likely be held in September 2009.
The negotiations were bitter at times. But finally on Wednesday, Germany's government presented its budget for 2009. The goal of a balanced budget by 2011 remains within sight despite a 5 percent increase in military spending. German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück had difficulties putting together a budget this time around. Germany finally has a budget for 2009. After months of intra-government quarrelling, Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet on Wednesday agreed to a €288.4 billion ($454.7 billion) package that largely reflects Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück's continued insistence on frugality. The total planned expenditures represent a 1.8 percent increase over the 2008 fiscal year and include just €10.5 billion in new loans. The goal is a balanced budget by 2011, which would be the first time since 1969 that Germany's expenditures did not exceed its revenues. Tax revenues for 2008 are expected to be €248.7 billion. "I think that staying on the path towards a balanced budget is an important indication of this government's competence, assertiveness and capacity to act," said Steinbrück in a breakfast television interview on ZDF.
The negotiations were bitter at times. But finally on Wednesday, Germany's government presented its budget for 2009. The goal of a balanced budget by 2011 remains within sight despite a 5 percent increase in military spending.
German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück had difficulties putting together a budget this time around. Germany finally has a budget for 2009. After months of intra-government quarrelling, Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet on Wednesday agreed to a €288.4 billion ($454.7 billion) package that largely reflects Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück's continued insistence on frugality.
The total planned expenditures represent a 1.8 percent increase over the 2008 fiscal year and include just €10.5 billion in new loans. The goal is a balanced budget by 2011, which would be the first time since 1969 that Germany's expenditures did not exceed its revenues. Tax revenues for 2008 are expected to be €248.7 billion.
"I think that staying on the path towards a balanced budget is an important indication of this government's competence, assertiveness and capacity to act," said Steinbrück in a breakfast television interview on ZDF.
Danke, Voll Daneben Bush, for making this world's priorities even more insane. Skennah Kowa
With France now in the driver's seat, EU officials on Wednesday unveiled new bloc-wide social policies aimed at putting an end to discrimination in all areas. It will be up to the 27 member states to implement them. The European Commission on Wednesday, July 2, presented a comprehensive social package that ranges from anti-discrimination laws to health care abroad to labor rights. After Ireland's clear No to the European Union's reform treaty last month, Brussels is looking for ways to win back the support of the people. "It's important to us to understand the message of the Irish voters," said Francois Fillon, the prime minister of France, which began its six-month EU presidency on July 1. "They're telling us: fewer discussions about institutions, more concrete solutions for the problems in Europe."
The European Commission on Wednesday, July 2, presented a comprehensive social package that ranges from anti-discrimination laws to health care abroad to labor rights.
After Ireland's clear No to the European Union's reform treaty last month, Brussels is looking for ways to win back the support of the people.
"It's important to us to understand the message of the Irish voters," said Francois Fillon, the prime minister of France, which began its six-month EU presidency on July 1. "They're telling us: fewer discussions about institutions, more concrete solutions for the problems in Europe."
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission has come up with a renewed "social agenda" to highlight its efforts for better protection of citizens, despite criticism by some in the European Parliament and in national capitals, accusing Brussels of a narrow focus on economic growth and the internal market. The commission's health care proposal aims to help patients to receive medical help outside their home country "Europe's social dimension has never been as relevant as it is today," commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said on Wednesday (2 July) in a statement on a package of documents addressing the key social policy areas where Europe is currently active. Patients' rights and a new anti-discrimination bill have so far attracted the most attention in the basket of policies, but the social agenda also includes specific ideas on how to help Roma people, as well as a proposal on works councils which currently operate in 820 major firms and cover some 14.5 million employees. Brussels argues the role of works councils in big multinational companies should be strengthened, so as to help foster "transnational social dialogue in large enterprises, to improve corporate governance and to anticipate and manage change in a socially responsible way."
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission has come up with a renewed "social agenda" to highlight its efforts for better protection of citizens, despite criticism by some in the European Parliament and in national capitals, accusing Brussels of a narrow focus on economic growth and the internal market.
The commission's health care proposal aims to help patients to receive medical help outside their home country
"Europe's social dimension has never been as relevant as it is today," commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said on Wednesday (2 July) in a statement on a package of documents addressing the key social policy areas where Europe is currently active.
Patients' rights and a new anti-discrimination bill have so far attracted the most attention in the basket of policies, but the social agenda also includes specific ideas on how to help Roma people, as well as a proposal on works councils which currently operate in 820 major firms and cover some 14.5 million employees.
Brussels argues the role of works councils in big multinational companies should be strengthened, so as to help foster "transnational social dialogue in large enterprises, to improve corporate governance and to anticipate and manage change in a socially responsible way."
Nut the narrative that social policies are theater, and cannot really be implemented, gets yet another bit of friendly support. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
A gay politician would have better chances than a retiree of getting elected in Europe, a new survey shows. European Union citizens would prefer to elect a gay leader than have one they consider too old, a study released in Brussels revealed Tuesday, July 1. A Eurobarometer study of 27,000 EU citizens across the bloc found that just 17 percent of Europeans would be totally comfortable with someone over the age of 75 in their country's highest elected post. That is less than half than the 36 percent who would be at ease with a homosexual leader, and well below the support for a leader drawn from an ethnic minority (26 percent totally comfortable) or a different religion (30 percent totally at ease). It is also substantially below the support for a national leader who is younger than 30 -- an idea with which one in four Europeans said they were completely comfortable.
European Union citizens would prefer to elect a gay leader than have one they consider too old, a study released in Brussels revealed Tuesday, July 1.
A Eurobarometer study of 27,000 EU citizens across the bloc found that just 17 percent of Europeans would be totally comfortable with someone over the age of 75 in their country's highest elected post.
That is less than half than the 36 percent who would be at ease with a homosexual leader, and well below the support for a leader drawn from an ethnic minority (26 percent totally comfortable) or a different religion (30 percent totally at ease).
It is also substantially below the support for a national leader who is younger than 30 -- an idea with which one in four Europeans said they were completely comfortable.
Lech Kaczynski's newfound skepticism of the Lisbon Treaty is yet another blow to the European Union in the wake of Ireland's 'No' vote. German papers warn that Brussels needs to recognize the growing sense of mistrust among EU citizens. EU and French flags at the Elysee Palace in Paris. As the French six-month presidency of the European Union kicked off on Tuesday, it looked increasingly as if the Lisbon Treaty was in the process of unravelling. Following the rejection of the EU Reform Treaty by Irish voters in June, Polish President Lech Kaczynski announced on Tuesday that he was unwilling to sign the treaty (more...). He told the Polish dailyDziennick that it was now "pointless" to sign the treaty even though Poland's parliament had already voted in favor of ratification. The EU leaders had initially agreed to go ahead with ratification (more...) in the other 26 member states with the hope that the Irish government could somehow find a way around its citizens' "No" vote. However, it now looks as if the Irish referendum result could have given a boost to euroskeptics across the continent. Czech President Vaclav Klaus has already said he thinks the treaty is "finished." The Czech Constitutional Court is currently assessing whether the charter is compatible with the national constitution.
Lech Kaczynski's newfound skepticism of the Lisbon Treaty is yet another blow to the European Union in the wake of Ireland's 'No' vote. German papers warn that Brussels needs to recognize the growing sense of mistrust among EU citizens.
EU and French flags at the Elysee Palace in Paris. As the French six-month presidency of the European Union kicked off on Tuesday, it looked increasingly as if the Lisbon Treaty was in the process of unravelling.
Following the rejection of the EU Reform Treaty by Irish voters in June, Polish President Lech Kaczynski announced on Tuesday that he was unwilling to sign the treaty (more...). He told the Polish dailyDziennick that it was now "pointless" to sign the treaty even though Poland's parliament had already voted in favor of ratification.
The EU leaders had initially agreed to go ahead with ratification (more...) in the other 26 member states with the hope that the Irish government could somehow find a way around its citizens' "No" vote. However, it now looks as if the Irish referendum result could have given a boost to euroskeptics across the continent. Czech President Vaclav Klaus has already said he thinks the treaty is "finished." The Czech Constitutional Court is currently assessing whether the charter is compatible with the national constitution.
Angela Merkel, German chancellor, has offered France her full support as Paris seeks to salvage the European Union's Lisbon reform treaty. Speaking after Tuesday's announcement that Lech Kaczynski, Polish president, would not sign the treaty, Ms Merkel told the mass-market Bild newspaper: "Together with the French presidency [of the EU], we will do all we can to bring the ratification process forward."Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German foreign minister, echoed the chancellor, saying: "Lisbon is the best foundation for a strong Europe acting self-confidently in the world. That is why we need to preserve it. The French presidency is working towards this goal and it can count on our full support."
Speaking after Tuesday's announcement that Lech Kaczynski, Polish president, would not sign the treaty, Ms Merkel told the mass-market Bild newspaper: "Together with the French presidency [of the EU], we will do all we can to bring the ratification process forward."
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German foreign minister, echoed the chancellor, saying: "Lisbon is the best foundation for a strong Europe acting self-confidently in the world. That is why we need to preserve it. The French presidency is working towards this goal and it can count on our full support."
Polish President Lech Kaczynski on Tuesday (1 July) toned down his rhetoric against the Lisbon treaty, with the French EU presidency also downplaying the mini-crisis and analysts saying Mr Kaczynski's stance is a bargaining tool for foreign policy concessions. "If the Irish change their mind, not under pressure, but of their own free will, there will not be the slightest obstacle to ratification from the Polish side...I will also sign the treaty," he said on a visit to Georgia, PAP reports. "I had a big role in negotiating this treaty, and I support it." Mr Kaczynski: playing games with Lisbon The comments come after Mr Kaczynski in a newspaper interview earlier the same day said signing the treaty would be "pointless" after the Irish voted No in June. The Polish parliament approved Lisbon in April but the president must now ink a so-called Ratification Act. "The Polish president is an honest, politically-engaged man and I don't doubt for a moment he will keep his word," French leader Nicolas Sarkozy said at a press conference in Paris on Tuesday. "I can't imagine that someone who negotiated the treaty and signed it would question their own signature."
Polish President Lech Kaczynski on Tuesday (1 July) toned down his rhetoric against the Lisbon treaty, with the French EU presidency also downplaying the mini-crisis and analysts saying Mr Kaczynski's stance is a bargaining tool for foreign policy concessions.
"If the Irish change their mind, not under pressure, but of their own free will, there will not be the slightest obstacle to ratification from the Polish side...I will also sign the treaty," he said on a visit to Georgia, PAP reports. "I had a big role in negotiating this treaty, and I support it."
Mr Kaczynski: playing games with Lisbon
The comments come after Mr Kaczynski in a newspaper interview earlier the same day said signing the treaty would be "pointless" after the Irish voted No in June. The Polish parliament approved Lisbon in April but the president must now ink a so-called Ratification Act.
"The Polish president is an honest, politically-engaged man and I don't doubt for a moment he will keep his word," French leader Nicolas Sarkozy said at a press conference in Paris on Tuesday. "I can't imagine that someone who negotiated the treaty and signed it would question their own signature."
As rising energy and food prices continue to fuel inflation, the economies in industrialized countries are beginning to stagnate. The mix, known as stagflation, presents politicians and central bankers with virtually insurmountable problems. The European Central Bank is meeting Thursday. It is expected to raise interest rates to try to deal with inflation. A leading politician sometimes encounters real life on the premises of his own ministry. One such place is the grand chamber of Germany's Finance Ministry. That was where Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück, a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), had summoned his workforce to a general meeting the Friday before last. The minister expected his staff to arrive in good spirits, especially since this year Germany's public sector employees are getting their first perceptible pay increase in a long time. But the civil servants Steinbrück encountered seemed less than enthusiastic, bluntly informing their minister that while they may be getting a raise, the rising cost of fuel and food is eating up most if not all of their additional income. "Inflation is really getting to my people," Steinbrück concluded. They aren't the only ones. Workers everywhere are complaining that they are deriving little or no benefit from pay increases. Although wages and salaries increased by 2.8 percent in the first quarter in Germany, prices rose even faster, by close to 3 percent, reflecting a tendency that has been in place for some time. In the eurozone as a whole inflation hit a record 4 percent in June.
As rising energy and food prices continue to fuel inflation, the economies in industrialized countries are beginning to stagnate. The mix, known as stagflation, presents politicians and central bankers with virtually insurmountable problems.
The European Central Bank is meeting Thursday. It is expected to raise interest rates to try to deal with inflation. A leading politician sometimes encounters real life on the premises of his own ministry. One such place is the grand chamber of Germany's Finance Ministry. That was where Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück, a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), had summoned his workforce to a general meeting the Friday before last. The minister expected his staff to arrive in good spirits, especially since this year Germany's public sector employees are getting their first perceptible pay increase in a long time.
But the civil servants Steinbrück encountered seemed less than enthusiastic, bluntly informing their minister that while they may be getting a raise, the rising cost of fuel and food is eating up most if not all of their additional income. "Inflation is really getting to my people," Steinbrück concluded. They aren't the only ones. Workers everywhere are complaining that they are deriving little or no benefit from pay increases. Although wages and salaries increased by 2.8 percent in the first quarter in Germany, prices rose even faster, by close to 3 percent, reflecting a tendency that has been in place for some time. In the eurozone as a whole inflation hit a record 4 percent in June.
FRANKFURT: As Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson Jr. travels through Europe this week, he wants to reassure jittery audiences that the United States will right its economy and its financial markets. But with both sides of the Atlantic now suffering from a similar combination of sagging growth, rising inflation and shaky banks, Paulson's visit is turning into a case of misery loves company. "There's no doubt that the second quarter will be a tough quarter," Paulson said during an interview after meeting with the president of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet. "There's no doubt in any of our minds that the high oil prices are going to have an impact." The meeting in Frankfurt came on a day when the European economy, which had recently been more resilient than that of the United States, began showing signs of an American-style slump. Manufacturing activity in the 15 countries that use the euro shrank in June for the first time in three years, according to an influential survey of purchasing managers released Tuesday.
FRANKFURT: As Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson Jr. travels through Europe this week, he wants to reassure jittery audiences that the United States will right its economy and its financial markets.
But with both sides of the Atlantic now suffering from a similar combination of sagging growth, rising inflation and shaky banks, Paulson's visit is turning into a case of misery loves company.
"There's no doubt that the second quarter will be a tough quarter," Paulson said during an interview after meeting with the president of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet. "There's no doubt in any of our minds that the high oil prices are going to have an impact."
The meeting in Frankfurt came on a day when the European economy, which had recently been more resilient than that of the United States, began showing signs of an American-style slump.
Manufacturing activity in the 15 countries that use the euro shrank in June for the first time in three years, according to an influential survey of purchasing managers released Tuesday.
with both sides of the Atlantic now suffering from a similar combination of sagging growth, rising inflation and shaky banks,
Last quarter growth, on a yearly rythm: Germany 6%, USA 1% Shaky banks: the European banks with the most spectacular losses are Swiss or British. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
The EU and the US are edging closer to a deal ensuring data privacy as the two increasingly share sensitive information on their citizens such as credit card details and travel histories in the fight against terrorism. A senior EU official said on Tuesday, July 2 the European Union could strike a deal with the United States next year to protect personal data collected on their citizens to bolster the fight against terrorism but warned that important questions still needed to be resolved. "The work is not over yet, there's still more to be done, but we may look forward I think, if things continue to go well, to an international agreement probably some time next year," Jonathan Faull, director of the European Commission's justice and interior affairs department said at a news briefing in Brussels. Faull said he and US officials have been holding informal talks over the past 18 months to draft common standards on how data such as credit card details, e-mails or passenger travel records should be handled by authorities.
A senior EU official said on Tuesday, July 2 the European Union could strike a deal with the United States next year to protect personal data collected on their citizens to bolster the fight against terrorism but warned that important questions still needed to be resolved.
"The work is not over yet, there's still more to be done, but we may look forward I think, if things continue to go well, to an international agreement probably some time next year," Jonathan Faull, director of the European Commission's justice and interior affairs department said at a news briefing in Brussels.
Faull said he and US officials have been holding informal talks over the past 18 months to draft common standards on how data such as credit card details, e-mails or passenger travel records should be handled by authorities.
The European Commission sought Wednesday to ease fears that details about the medical conditions and sexual preferences of EU citizens could be abused by the American authorities under a trans-Atlantic system allowing law enforcement and security agencies to obtain private information. The European Union is under pressure from the United States to make it possible for the American authorities to obtain information about EU citizens - particularly about those who travel to the United States - as part of a fight against terrorism and international crime. At the same time, the EU is under pressure from its own citizens and lawmakers to adhere to stringent standards on access to information about how citizens surf the Internet, what they buy with their credit cards and places they have visited. Talks between officials in the United States and Europe on the issue have been under way for 18 months. The International Herald Tribune reported Saturday that an agreement was close to completion.
The European Commission sought Wednesday to ease fears that details about the medical conditions and sexual preferences of EU citizens could be abused by the American authorities under a trans-Atlantic system allowing law enforcement and security agencies to obtain private information.
The European Union is under pressure from the United States to make it possible for the American authorities to obtain information about EU citizens - particularly about those who travel to the United States - as part of a fight against terrorism and international crime.
At the same time, the EU is under pressure from its own citizens and lawmakers to adhere to stringent standards on access to information about how citizens surf the Internet, what they buy with their credit cards and places they have visited.
Talks between officials in the United States and Europe on the issue have been under way for 18 months. The International Herald Tribune reported Saturday that an agreement was close to completion.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Swedes may cherish openness and transparency, but not enough to accept a new law giving the government the right to snoop on all e-mails and phone calls crossing the country's borders. Outrage over the statute has led to 2 million protests - filed by e-mail. The online petition drive comes as other European Union countries consider granting authorities unprecedented spying powers over their own citizens amid fears of a mounting terror threat. "This would have been totally unthinkable before Sept. 11," said Anne Ramberg, secretary-general of the Swedish Bar Association, calling for challenges to the law in Swedish and European courts. Andreas Hellsten, a 37-year-old engineer, said the new law reminded him of something the dreaded East German police would have dreamed up had e-mail been around during the Cold War. "It looks too much like the Stasi," he said. "It is surprising when Sweden passes a law like this."
Outrage over the statute has led to 2 million protests - filed by e-mail.
The online petition drive comes as other European Union countries consider granting authorities unprecedented spying powers over their own citizens amid fears of a mounting terror threat.
"This would have been totally unthinkable before Sept. 11," said Anne Ramberg, secretary-general of the Swedish Bar Association, calling for challenges to the law in Swedish and European courts.
Andreas Hellsten, a 37-year-old engineer, said the new law reminded him of something the dreaded East German police would have dreamed up had e-mail been around during the Cold War.
"It looks too much like the Stasi," he said. "It is surprising when Sweden passes a law like this."
A barrage of gloomy corporate news hit sterling on Wednesday and sent the currency lower across the board.Shares in Taylor Wimpey, the UK's largest housebuilder, halved after the company said it may breach its banking covenants if the housing market did not recover. Also, Marks and Spencer, the bellwether UK retailer, said sales had fallen sharply in the first quarter.Adding to the pound's woes were figures showing activity in the UK construction sector in June declining at its fastest since 1997. Data from the Bank of England showing mortgage equity withdrawals falling to their lowest since 2001 also weighed on sterling.Jonathan Loynes, of Capital Economics, said that with the Bank of England unable to cut interest rates aggressively because of rising inflationary pressure, the prospects for the UK economy looked bleak. He said: "Recent news has suggested that things are likely to be even worse than we had previously thought, with a strong chance that the economy enters a technical recession."By midday in New York sterling, which on Tuesday hit a three-month high of $2.0006 against the dollar, fell 0.1 per cent to $1.9930, eased 0.6 per cent to £0.7915 against the euro and fell 0.1 per cent to Y211.20 against the yen.
Shares in Taylor Wimpey, the UK's largest housebuilder, halved after the company said it may breach its banking covenants if the housing market did not recover. Also, Marks and Spencer, the bellwether UK retailer, said sales had fallen sharply in the first quarter.
Adding to the pound's woes were figures showing activity in the UK construction sector in June declining at its fastest since 1997. Data from the Bank of England showing mortgage equity withdrawals falling to their lowest since 2001 also weighed on sterling.
Jonathan Loynes, of Capital Economics, said that with the Bank of England unable to cut interest rates aggressively because of rising inflationary pressure, the prospects for the UK economy looked bleak. He said: "Recent news has suggested that things are likely to be even worse than we had previously thought, with a strong chance that the economy enters a technical recession."
By midday in New York sterling, which on Tuesday hit a three-month high of $2.0006 against the dollar, fell 0.1 per cent to $1.9930, eased 0.6 per cent to £0.7915 against the euro and fell 0.1 per cent to Y211.20 against the yen.
Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Tuesday agreed to start direct talks on a peace settlement, reviving hopes of ending the island's 34-year division.Demetris Christofias, the Greek Cypriot president, and Mehmet Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriot leader, appeared to have resolved a deadlock over questions of sovereignty and citizenship after more than four hours of discussions held under United Nations auspices.A UN statement said the leaders "agreed in principle" but would discuss "details of implementation during full-fledged negotiations". They are due to meet this month to review preparations over the past three months and set a starting date for the talks.Analysts said Tuesday's agreement that Cyprus would have a single sovereignty and citizenship, rather than becoming a confederation of separate Greek and Turkish states, was a significant step forward."The momentum for reaching a settlement is there. Once the direct talks start, there's no way back," said Philip Savvides, an Athens-based analyst.
Demetris Christofias, the Greek Cypriot president, and Mehmet Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriot leader, appeared to have resolved a deadlock over questions of sovereignty and citizenship after more than four hours of discussions held under United Nations auspices.
A UN statement said the leaders "agreed in principle" but would discuss "details of implementation during full-fledged negotiations". They are due to meet this month to review preparations over the past three months and set a starting date for the talks.
Analysts said Tuesday's agreement that Cyprus would have a single sovereignty and citizenship, rather than becoming a confederation of separate Greek and Turkish states, was a significant step forward.
"The momentum for reaching a settlement is there. Once the direct talks start, there's no way back," said Philip Savvides, an Athens-based analyst.
MEPs want to torpedo the Free Internet on July 7th
Brussels, July 1st, 2008 - updated : July 2nd, 2008 One week before a key vote in the reform of European law on electronic communications ("Telecoms Package"), La Quadrature du Net (Squaring the Net) denounces a series of amendments aimed at closing the open architecture of the Internet for more control and surveillance of users. European Internet users could be blocked from lawful activities by mandatory spyware, in the interests of their security. The right to use free software for internet access would therefore not be assured anymore. The neutrality of the Internet is also directly attacked, as is the principle that technical intermediaries have no obligation to prior surveillance of contents. Other amendments will de facto enable administrative authorities to obligate ISPs to work with content producers and rights-holders' private police, including the sending of intimidating messages, with no judicial or regulatory oversight. These measure goes further than the French "graduated response" project, which has been subject to widespread opposition, including by the European Parliament on April 10th. That is undoubtedly why those amendments have turned up on early july, and why those drafting them use subtle rhetoric and crossed-references to make the overall text harder to understand (more than 800 amendements on 5 directives were tabled).
European Internet users could be blocked from lawful activities by mandatory spyware, in the interests of their security. The right to use free software for internet access would therefore not be assured anymore. The neutrality of the Internet is also directly attacked, as is the principle that technical intermediaries have no obligation to prior surveillance of contents. Other amendments will de facto enable administrative authorities to obligate ISPs to work with content producers and rights-holders' private police, including the sending of intimidating messages, with no judicial or regulatory oversight. These measure goes further than the French "graduated response" project, which has been subject to widespread opposition, including by the European Parliament on April 10th. That is undoubtedly why those amendments have turned up on early july, and why those drafting them use subtle rhetoric and crossed-references to make the overall text harder to understand (more than 800 amendements on 5 directives were tabled).
"The politicians who engage in these summer manoeuvres dishonour Europe and their mandate. They rely on the fact that nobody watches them a week before Parliamentary holiday, to divert the Telecoms package from its primary objectives of consumer protection. They pave the way for the monitoring and filtering of the Internet by private companies, exceptional courts and orwellian technical measures. It is inconceivable for freedom but also for European economic development. We call on all MEPs to oppose what they have already rejected." said Christophe Espern, co-founder of La Quadrature du Net (Squaring the Net).
Netzpolitik.org summarises thus:
A very complex law (5 directives, more than 800 amendments), and crucial votes on the beginning of the summer in a very opaque process. Various amendements (from Mavromatis, Guardans, Harbour, Trautmann, etc.) seem to do the opposite of the announced goal of the text of increasing the consumer protection.
That I'd call a trojan law, then.
See also futurezone@orf.at: EU-Pläne bedrohen das freie Internet
The ‘Telecoms Package’ and the copyright amendments – a European legal framework to stop downloading, and monitor the Internet / by Monica Horten, PhD researcher in European communications policy at University of Westminster, Communications and Media Research Institute. – Draft, 2008-06-30
This is far more serious than the journalistic neutrality bill.
How likely is it to pass?
European Parliament: Telecom Package: overhauling EU rules (Free movement of services - 07-05-2008 - 11:05)
EU legislation needs to be updated to keep pace with the rapid progress in the market and technologies of the electronic communications industry internet, fixed line and mobile telephone. Two committees of the European Parliament are sharing this legislative workload: the Internal Market Committee focuses on universal service provision and consumer rights while the Industry Committee deals with other aspects of the telecoms package. Both committees debated these issues with about 20 industry and consumer experts on Tuesday. Industry Committee: ensure investments in next-generation networks ... Set up a small, streamlined "Body of European Regulators in Telecoms" (BERT) ... Internal Market Committee: experts' views ... Better information for consumers ... Easier access to emergency numbers ...
Both committees debated these issues with about 20 industry and consumer experts on Tuesday.
Industry Committee: ensure investments in next-generation networks
...
Set up a small, streamlined "Body of European Regulators in Telecoms" (BERT)
Internal Market Committee: experts' views
Better information for consumers
Easier access to emergency numbers
Amendment H1, Harbour : Allows national regulation authorities and the Commission to establish standards which restrict the running of lawful applications and lawful services and access and distribution of lawful content. A national regulatory authority may issue guidelines setting minimum quality of service requirements, and, if appropriate, take other measures, in order to prevent degradation of services and slowing of traffic over networks, and to ensure that the ability of users to access or distribute lawful content or to run lawful applications and services of their choice is not unreasonably restricted. Those guidelines or measures shall take due account of any standards issued under article 17 of Directive 2002/121EC (Framework directive). The Commission may having examined such guidelines or measures and consulted [XXX], adopt technical implementing measures in that regards if it considers that the guidelines or measures may create barrier to the internal market. Theses measures designed to amend non-essential elements of this directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 37(2).
A national regulatory authority may issue guidelines setting minimum quality of service requirements, and, if appropriate, take other measures, in order to prevent degradation of services and slowing of traffic over networks, and to ensure that the ability of users to access or distribute lawful content or to run lawful applications and services of their choice is not unreasonably restricted. Those guidelines or measures shall take due account of any standards issued under article 17 of Directive 2002/121EC (Framework directive).
The Commission may having examined such guidelines or measures and consulted [XXX], adopt technical implementing measures in that regards if it considers that the guidelines or measures may create barrier to the internal market. Theses measures designed to amend non-essential elements of this directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 37(2).
This is basically a call for DRM for both software and content, and possibly bandwidth caps on file sharing.
But DRM exists already, and so do bandwidth caps. Measures like these are always unenforceable in practice because it would mean data monitoring at the OS level. Considering what a disaster that has been in Vista, and considering how much iTunes sucks, and considering how easy it is to rip CDs and DVDs without DRM, and considering that there is no reliable DRM technology, it's not going to happen. I can't see Linux being outlawed just yet, especially when some governments are looking at Open Source options to save cash.
Para 2 is more worrying, because it could be read as a net neutrality Trojan, depending on how generous your definition of 'lawful' is.
But I'm not convinced yet that this is a serious push to give corporate content bandwidth priority, or that the support exists to make any such push a reality.
Article 2 point 5 a (new) Directive 2002/58/EC Article 14 paragraph 1 (5a) In Article 14, paragraph 1 shall be replaced by the following: 1. In implementing the provisions of this Directive, Member States shall ensure, subject to paragraphs 2 and 3, that no mandatory requirements for specific technical features, including, without limitation, for the purpose of detecting,intercepting or preventing infringement of intellectual property rights by users, are imposed on terminal or other electronic communication equipment which could impede the placing of equipment on the market and the free circulation of such equipment in and between Member States. For information paragraph 2 and 3 mentionned in this paragraph 1 : 2. Where provisions of this Directive can be implemented only by requiring specific technical features in electronic communications networks, Member States shall inform the Commission in accordance with the procedure provided for by Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and of rules on information society ser vices(9). 3. Where required, measures may be adopted to ensure that terminal equipment is constructed in a way that is compatible with the right of users to protect and control the use of their personal data, in accordance with Directive 1999/5/EC and Council Decision 87/95/EEC of 22 December 1986 on standardisation in the field of information technology and communications(10).
This is 'If there are measures, they have to be standardised across the EU and can't be seen as restriction of trade.'
It's almost redundant given the previous amendment.
I'm not seeing suggestions here for institutional government monitoring of all data, or blanket crack-downs on file sharing. If there are proposals to do that, they're not in these amendments.
File sharing can't be stopped, because if someone is prosecuted for file sharing legal files - which is always possible - these amendments mean there's no legal case against them.
If I upload one of my own songs to Demonoid, and people download it, it's going to be hard to persuade any court that laws have been broken.
The entire "codecision" file is here. This is a first reading of the original Commission proposal. When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes
So this must be a vote in committee. When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes
MOSCOW: Russia's new president, Dmitri Medvedev, less swaggering than his predecessor but as touchy about criticism from abroad, said in an interview that an America in "essentially a depression" was in no position to lecture other countries on how to conduct their affairs. With soaring oil revenues bolstering the Russian economy and Kremlin confidence, Medvedev brushed aside American criticism of his country's record on democracy and human rights. He also said that a revived Russia had a right to assume a larger role in a world economic system that he suggested should no longer be dominated by the United States. Medvedev made his comments on Tuesday in a meeting with a small group of foreign journalists a day after the American treasury secretary, Henry Paulson Jr., appealed in Moscow for Russian investment in the United States. The symbolism of the visit resonated here, in that only a decade had passed since the Russian economy was in shambles and the country was desperate for Western aid. Medvedev seemed to be seeking in the interview to raise his profile before attending the Group of 8 meeting of industrialized nations next week in Japan. Medvedev leads Russia in tandem with his predecessor and mentor, Vladimir Putin, who is now prime minister and is still widely considered Russia's pre-eminent leader.
MOSCOW: Russia's new president, Dmitri Medvedev, less swaggering than his predecessor but as touchy about criticism from abroad, said in an interview that an America in "essentially a depression" was in no position to lecture other countries on how to conduct their affairs.
With soaring oil revenues bolstering the Russian economy and Kremlin confidence, Medvedev brushed aside American criticism of his country's record on democracy and human rights. He also said that a revived Russia had a right to assume a larger role in a world economic system that he suggested should no longer be dominated by the United States.
Medvedev made his comments on Tuesday in a meeting with a small group of foreign journalists a day after the American treasury secretary, Henry Paulson Jr., appealed in Moscow for Russian investment in the United States. The symbolism of the visit resonated here, in that only a decade had passed since the Russian economy was in shambles and the country was desperate for Western aid.
Medvedev seemed to be seeking in the interview to raise his profile before attending the Group of 8 meeting of industrialized nations next week in Japan. Medvedev leads Russia in tandem with his predecessor and mentor, Vladimir Putin, who is now prime minister and is still widely considered Russia's pre-eminent leader.
The Disk has been interpreted very differently. Several attempts to decipher it have been made, none clearly accepted and some very strange. The most consistent is the decoding produced by Jean Faucounau: Le déchiffrement du disque de Phaistos. Preuves et conséquences [The decoding of the Phaistos disc. Evidence and consequencesT], L'Harmattan, 1999. A former student has given me the book and I'm studying it.
(Sorry. I do not know how to insert images, links and these things. I am of the generation of the pencil in his ear. Yes, yes. I have seen the New User Guide. But even so! And my baby does not want to explain this to me.) When Procrustes looks after you, you're sure to fit in.
The European Central Bank raised interest rates in the eurozone for the first time in more than a year on Thursday as it stepped up efforts to control mounting inflation pressures.As expected, the ECB lifted its main interest rate by a quarter percentage point to 4.25 per cent - the first rise in eurozone borrowing costs since June last year.The increase comes just days after official figures showed eurozone inflation had hit 4 per cent, the highest since the launch of the euro in 1999 and more than double the ECB's target of an annual rate "below but close" to 2 per cent.Based on reconstructed-historic data, eurozone inflation was last higher in May 1992.Jean-Claude Trichet, ECB president, is expected at a press conference on Thursday to stress the central bank's hawkish credentials and determination to prevent the inflation surge caused by high oil prices feeding through into wage settlements and other costs.Financial markets will scrutinise his comments for signals on whether further interest rate increases are likely. With oil prices soaring to fresh highs, eurozone inflation rates are expected to rise still higher in coming months.
As expected, the ECB lifted its main interest rate by a quarter percentage point to 4.25 per cent - the first rise in eurozone borrowing costs since June last year.
The increase comes just days after official figures showed eurozone inflation had hit 4 per cent, the highest since the launch of the euro in 1999 and more than double the ECB's target of an annual rate "below but close" to 2 per cent.
Based on reconstructed-historic data, eurozone inflation was last higher in May 1992.
Jean-Claude Trichet, ECB president, is expected at a press conference on Thursday to stress the central bank's hawkish credentials and determination to prevent the inflation surge caused by high oil prices feeding through into wage settlements and other costs.
Financial markets will scrutinise his comments for signals on whether further interest rate increases are likely. With oil prices soaring to fresh highs, eurozone inflation rates are expected to rise still higher in coming months.
Bastard! When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes
Only the second mechanism applies if the cause of inflation cannot be controlled by interest rates. Today the ECB announced that it intends to increase EU unemployment substantially in order to protect the economy. Or something.
To sum up, a cross-check of the outcome of the economic analysis with that of the monetary analysis clearly confirms the assessment of increasing upside risks to price stability over the medium term, in a context of very vigorous money and credit growth and the absence thus far of significant constraints on bank loan supply.
If (as some suggest) banks in France (for example) were only making safe loans in the domestic market, then the lending levels won't change that much. Banks to need to continue "safe lending" to keep their cashflow up.
The problem in the UK is that a large percentage of lending was "unsafe" so it's sudden disappearance amounts to a credit crunch. If you are a safe bet (under the assumptions of say, 10 years ago) you can get money from a British bank right now, with few problems. The issue is that consumers and businesses had both adjusted to a different regime, so few of them qualify as safe bets right now.
