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Edited by Mrph1 on Jan 9th 2024 at 3:24:05 PM
HGW XX/7
This is straight out of Yes Minister. Though, from the report, it seems more like the EU are cracking down on dangerous artificial smoke flavourings.
Professional Forum Ninja
Merkel has fractured her pelvis in a skiing accident forcing her to cancel some diplomatic visits.
MINE!
![[up]](https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/smiles/arrow_up.png "[up]"){kind=icon}
Well at least she didn't crack her skull like Michael Schuhmacher did two weeks ago...
Heinrich Brüning has been largely vindicated by historians. Of course his policy made the social problems worse, but the political circumstances made another approach almost impossible. If he didn't fall out with Hindenburg, he might have been able to solve the crisis, but unfortunately, his succesors reaped the rewards. This time hopefully we'll go the full way and not abandon the austerity policy too soon.
"It's actually kind of surreal to see German people defending their response to the Euro crisis, since from my point of view in the US, Germany was the primary cause of the crisis."
Wow, seriously? So Germany was responsible for creating the Euro, Greece's corruption, Spain's house bubble and Italy's political instability?
"Heinrich Brüning has been largely vindicated by historians."
The Wikipedia page does not entirely agree. His economic policy was mostly junk, really.
V
There's an article from The BBC about the prospects for Europe in 2014. I wouldn't say it sounds great. Here are a few parts from the article:
The European elections in May are not intended as a referendum, but there will be plenty of parties determined to make the vote about the European project itself. Across much of the EU, anti-establishment parties have been polling strongly. They have very different agendas but most of them are anti-immigrant, anti-euro, anti-austerity and anti-Brussels and its power.
Some of them, like Marine Le Pen's National Front (FN) in France and Geert Wilders's Freedom Party (PVV) in the Netherlands, have been leading in the polls. The two leaders have formed a loose alliance to "fight the monster called Europe". If these anti-EU parties get above 30% of the seats they could disrupt the working of the increasingly important European Parliament.
Two points worth remembering: these disparate parties will struggle to work together. Some are from the left, some from the far right and some, like the Five Star Movement in Italy, campaign against the political establishment. Also, the stronger they poll the more likely it is that the established parties in the European Parliament will form alliances to push through their own agenda. In the UK, Nigel Farage and the UK Independence Party (UKIP) will be wary of any alliance with parties which might be branded extreme.
But expect an epic struggle: European leaders and the Brussels establishment will denounce these newer parties as extremists and xenophobes. They, in turn, will direct their fire on what they see as an out-of-touch elite.
France. The mood in France is sour. Protests are widespread. In Brittany there have been the stirrings of a tax revolt and the economy may head back into recession. President Hollande is struggling to make good on his promise to reduce unemployment by the end of 2013. The numbers of the jobless, at 3.29 million, are still rising, albeit more slowly. Only a very loose interpretation of the statistics supports the president's statement that the "reversal of the unemployment curve… has truly begun". In the pipeline are more lay-offs. The sense of malaise may well reveal itself on the streets. And elsewhere in Europe there are mutterings that the French economy is holding back the rest of the eurozone.
Italy. President Napolitano has been warning of social unrest with companies on "the brink of collapse". Here, too, there is the emergence of popular anger with the "Forconi" (Pitchforks) protests. The country needs fundamental reform, both to its labour laws and its electoral system. But above all, after 12 years of stagnation it needs growth. Italy is hoping that in exchange for implementing reforms Brussels will allow it flexibility on reducing its deficit. One sobering thought: over four years into this crisis Italy's debt-to-GDP ratio has jumped to 133%.
Angela Merkel begins her third term as German chancellor. Will she be the same cautious German leader as before? Or will she lead Germany into accepting greater responsibility for the rest of Europe? Already - as part of the coalition deal with the Social Democrats - there will be increased spending at home on social programmes like pensions. The retirement age for some German workers will actually fall and the new measures will add more than 20bn euros (£17bn; $27bn) to German budget expenditure.
Countries in southern Europe - and France - are hoping for much more. They want to see Germany boosting domestic demand to help the exports of other eurozone countries and they hope the new coalition will soften Angela Merkel's insistence on austerity and structural reforms.
World War 1
Much of Europe — in particular the French and the British - will hold ceremonies to remember what is known as the Great War. There will be significant commemorations marking the centenary of the outbreak of war. The Germans, so far, have proved less interested in remembering the 1914-1918 conflict. It is World War 2 that still shapes their politics and outlook towards Europe. But the centenary events will serve as a reminder about what inspired European integration and the creation of what became the European Union.
Note about Germany and World War I.
Those of us who spend time in Brussels and Europe's capitals are frequently asked "what does the UK really want?" Neither Europe's leaders nor officials are clear what the UK will seek as part of renegotiating its relationship with the EU.
There are some countries that privately question whether the EU might not be better off without the UK, but they are very few in number. Some argue, like the Italians, that to have one of the strongest European economies outside the EU would damage the whole project.
What Europe's leaders will hope is that in 2014 the British position becomes clearer. Will the UK insist on repatriating some powers? Will it seek to protect itself from "ever closer union?"
When David Cameron speaks about reforms in the EU he has allies. It is wrong to portray the UK as entirely isolated, but building support for a more flexible EU and winning concessions will be a formidable task.
What the British government will be looking for in 2014 are indications that Germany wants a new treaty - to give proper legal backing to the extra powers that the eurozone crisis has handed to Brussels. Treaty change would open the door for Britain to bring its demands to the table.
So 2014 will reveal whether the EU has fallen out of favour with millions of Europe's voters. The biggest challenge is whether this union of 28 members can deliver growth and prosperity, or whether years of stagnation lie ahead.
So, things are certainly going to be interesting for the European Union, especially with European Elections this year. In Britain, it is very possible that UKIP will win the majority of seats in the Elections.
Keep Rolling On
Never trust Wikipedia on history except when it comes to pure facts. It is most often 30 years behind the current discussion. Many historians have pointed out during the last 20 years or so that Brüning could not have taken a keynesian path even if he'd wanted to, because France would in return never have made any concessions regarding the reparation payments which were crucial for the survival of the German economy.
The European elections should be very interesting. At least in Germany, the anti-Euro party Af D might actually get fewer votes than at the German federal elections.
edited 6th Jan '14 9:50:53 AM by Zarastro
More like giant cherries
@Zarastro, I take it you don't accept Keynesianism? Because the evidence is pretty conclusive.
Paul Krugman and The Economist don't agree on much, but that's one thing they do agree on.
Besides, even from an Austerian point of view, Germany has done massive amounts of self-inflicted damage by dragging its feet on the bailouts and refusing to approve meaningful bank insurance.
edited 6th Jan '14 3:06:11 PM by storyyeller
Blind Final Fantasy 6 Let's Play
My first problem with Keynesianism is that the second stage, saving after the crisis is over, is often ignored by the politicians, because who wants to implement cuts and reforms if you want to be reelected? Despite the obvious problems, it took Italy and Greece an incredibly painful long time to take the needed measures and as soon as there were signs of (small) recovery, politicians in both countries have been calling for the end of the reforms.I just don't believe that with an economic stimulus program as an "easy" way out, these countries would later try to regain their competitiveness and make the necessary savings. It would only be a matter of time until the next crisis unfolds. Please note that I don't hold this against the Southern Europeans specifically, the same happened in Germany before and could happen again.
My second problem is that I don't see how a stimulus could help countries like Greece and Spain, the former has no real industry and the latter already more than enough infrastructure. Germany herself is suffering from a crumbling infrastructe and it would be impossible to justify more money for Spanish highways while the German Autobahnen are hardly usable anymore.
"Besides, even from an Austerian point of view, Germany has done massive amounts of self-inflicted damage by dragging its feet on the bailouts and refusing to approve meaningful bank insurance."
Well, democratic processes tend to be slow. You shouldn't estimate how badly Greece was pictured in Germany in 2010, every new day news appeared about the "Fakelaki", an island full of supposedly blind people et al. Many Germans (wrongly) thought that Greece was doomed anyway and we shouldn't throw money into this "black hole". It was not easy for Merkel to convince the German public and the parliament. We are not talking about some money Germany could have easily afforded, Germany is currently a guarantor for 310bn€ for her European partners. Many German MEP admitted already in 2010 that they had no idea how much money would have to pay and that the situation was almost to hard to comprehend.
Secondly, Germany did not agree to a deeper bank insurance because there were no benefits offered in return. It has been estimated that Spain has the most endangered banks and again, it would be very difficult to explain why German tax payers had to guarantee Spanish banks. Let me give you an example, not so long ago, the Spanish construction company ACS bought the German company Hochtief, which is based in the densely populated Ruhr area (my hometown to be exact) which provoked an outcry in Germany because Hochtief was a healthy company whereas ACS had a lot of debt and was forced by some Spanish banks to buy Hochtief in order to save itself at the cost of Hochtief. Now ACS is basically dismantling Hochtief and axing jobs in Germany, and the Anti-euro party Af D was already preparing a heavy campaign in case of Merkel agreeing to the Banking Union. And in all honesty they would have been right to do so, a Banking Union without deeper political integration (what Merkel demanded in return) is completely unacceptable. Germany should help other countries out, but we also should have control on what the money is used for.
edited 7th Jan '14 7:29:33 AM by Zarastro
V
For an example of un-needed infrastructure in Spain, see the Castellón–Costa Azahar Airport. A massive airport, in the middle of nowhere, that has had no commercial flights ever since it "opened". And now the runway's being taken up.
edited 7th Jan '14 8:24:15 AM by Greenmantle
Keep Rolling On
Indeed, that's what I was refering to.
That's a case of empty and ill-thought-out public projects of dumbassness. Which, are no more sustainable than cutting to the point of pain is. <_<
Both arms of economic thought can be pushed to beyond stupidity. -_-
edited 7th Jan '14 9:52:25 AM by Euodiachloris
MINE!
"cough" Stuttgart 21 "cough"Berlin Brandenburg "cough"
If you want to mine the depths of truly spectacular wastes of resources in the name of keeping things afloat, you're looking in the wrong place. Try Japan.
V
You mean something like this?
More like giant cherries
My first problem with Keynesianism is that the second stage, saving after the crisis is over, is often ignored by the politicians, because who wants to implement cuts and reforms if you want to be reelected?
I don't know about Europe, but the experience of the US and Japan is that stimulus tends to be ended too early, rather than the reverse.
Despite the obvious problems, it took Italy and Greece an incredibly painful long time to take the needed measures and as soon as there were signs of (small) recovery, politicians in both countries have been calling for the end of the reforms.
The same could be said of Germany.
I just don't believe that with an economic stimulus program as an "easy" way out, these countries would later try to regain their competitiveness and make the necessary savings. It would only be a matter of time until the next crisis unfolds. Please note that I don't hold this against the Southern Europeans specifically, the same happened in Germany before and could happen again.
And you expect them to regain competitiveness under current conditions? It's all but impossible. In fact, things have actually gotten worse, not better, since the crisis started.
Blind Final Fantasy 6 Let's Play
Telegraph: We want a United States of Europe says top EU official
Viviane Reding, vice president of the European Commission and the longest serving Brussels commissioner, has called for "a true political union" to be put on the agenda for EU elections this spring.
While I would like the idea of United Europe, I am not fan of forcing it. EU is growing little bit too fast, it should take time to clear out some of the kinks, wait until people have grown used to them and then move on.
It feels like EU tries to become USE (Which, BTW, is horrible acronym for a nation) in a single generation. It should not.
Besides, I am more on Confederate States of Europe, rather than American style union.
Just a harmless giant from a foreign land.
I think if we ever reach that United Europe state, we should simply keep the name at European Union. I like the name and its less of a USA (no offense) knockoff thatn USE of CSE would be.
"You can reply to this Message!"
V
I suspect that may be due to the Senior Eurocrats. After all, for them what greater legacy could there be then a United Europe? Since they're 50+, they feel they haven't got much time.
Keep Rolling On
HGW XX/7
The thing about a United Europe is that I, personally, would want a Scandinavian welfare state and foreign policy, a German political culture, a Dutch economy, a Mediterranean cuisine, and a British drinking culture.
I worry we will end up with a British welfare state and foreign policy, a Mediterranean economy and political culture, a Dutch drinking culture, and, horror of horrors, a Scandinavian cuisine. 
Also, the most important issue of a United Europe is this: do we have to combine our football teams?
edited 9th Jan '14 7:42:33 AM by Achaemenid
Schild und Schwert der Partei
I'd take the fact that there's no "UK" football team outside of special occasions as a precedent.
Also, if else fails we could just invoke Parliamentary Sovereignty and vote to stay in the EU but not join the USE, assuming it works that way.
"Yup. That tasted purple."
FABRICATI DIEM, PVNC!
If we did, we'd have a candidate for the best ever team in every competition. At any given time you could assemble a national team for us that would be better than any other team in history (except maybe the previous team Europe.)
On the other hand, literally hundreds of world-class players would miss out on international competitions. For instance, I don't think there's anyone in the current national teams of England and France that could reasonably expect a guaranteed starting spot in a pan-European dream team.
Buffon
Lahm-Hummels-Ramos-Alba
Pirlo-Xavi-Iniesta
Robben-Benzema-Villa
OK, so I assembled that without much thought or effort, but if that was Europe's starting line-up you'd have no English players and only one French player - and while striker is a position where European countries aren't currently producing the very best of the best, I think Benzema could be replaced with someone of similar quality - maybe Mandzukic or Balotelli.
Quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur.
HGW XX/7
It does make me wonder; would CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, AFC, and OFC prefer to face a single European team which would stand a very high chance of winning everything or the current arrangement, which would, admittedly, give a single country 28 shots at any given World Cup?
edited 9th Jan '14 9:07:50 AM by Achaemenid
Schild und Schwert der Partei
Wow, a pagetopper?
But, anyway. I've recently encountered a rumour that the EU is investigating into the possibility of a ban on smoked sausages, citing health concerns as a reason. Apparently they want to replace smoking as a process with artificial flavourings. here
seems to be the relevant report.
"EU BANS SAUSAGE!" sounds quite a catchy story, so far I have found two references: here
and here
. It has also prompted an Internaut to state that the EU finds "sausage in the arse good, sausage in the smoke bad".
"Atheism is the religion whose followers are easiest to troll"