EU shenanigans
For my sins, I have taken to checking the EU's press releases to see what they are up to in Brussels / Strasbourg, and lo and behold the German presidency of the union promises a new land grab. The German theme for its presidency is 'Living Europe Safely', and issues of abuse of the English language to one side, it means this, c/o German Minister of the Interior, Dr Wolfgang Schäuble:
"Even though we have achieved a great deal, we continue to face major challenges in Europe today. International terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration increasingly threaten our security. Especially in these areas, citizens expect Europe to provide solutions".
The last sentence is, to say the least, open to debate. A skim of the last euro barometer poll does not disclose a question addressing attitudes to those issues per se, although there is majority support for a common defence and security policy in each member country, even the UK.
Anyway, here is the sting: "This is at once a policy challenge and a policy opportunity. By taking decisive, joint action, we will be able to strengthen our liberty and security while gaining popular support for the common European project. Europe’s citizens need to feel that Europe provides added value for them. And we can succeed in further integrating and deepening the Community only with the support of the European population".
What I expect this means is that every day that goes by without a Madrid train bombing, London tube / bus bombing will be hailed as a triumph for Euro action, rather than crediting the policing of individual countries, and, sad to say, luck. Plus it is a very strange conception of liberty that sees it being increased by higher levels of state intervention.
I think I will start referring to John Reid as Minister of the Interior. He is sufficiently sinister to merit the tag.
"Even though we have achieved a great deal, we continue to face major challenges in Europe today. International terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration increasingly threaten our security. Especially in these areas, citizens expect Europe to provide solutions".
The last sentence is, to say the least, open to debate. A skim of the last euro barometer poll does not disclose a question addressing attitudes to those issues per se, although there is majority support for a common defence and security policy in each member country, even the UK.
Anyway, here is the sting: "This is at once a policy challenge and a policy opportunity. By taking decisive, joint action, we will be able to strengthen our liberty and security while gaining popular support for the common European project. Europe’s citizens need to feel that Europe provides added value for them. And we can succeed in further integrating and deepening the Community only with the support of the European population".
What I expect this means is that every day that goes by without a Madrid train bombing, London tube / bus bombing will be hailed as a triumph for Euro action, rather than crediting the policing of individual countries, and, sad to say, luck. Plus it is a very strange conception of liberty that sees it being increased by higher levels of state intervention.
I think I will start referring to John Reid as Minister of the Interior. He is sufficiently sinister to merit the tag.
Labels: EU fun and games
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on Friday, January 05, 2007 at 9:51 am.
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That is far too nice.
John Reid, Minister for Death and Public Woe. Secretary to the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
If he reads this we'll just be giving him ideas you know...
CU - That is outstanding. I can feel a new thread coming on.
Before the hilarity breaks out C: you said every day that goes by without a ... bombing will be hailed as a triumph for Euro action
But it's more sinister than that. Every bombing that does take place will be hailed as a reason for more Euro action.
And that's when the conspiracy theories really kick off.
ND - good point well made.
A lovely bit of Drewery and CU -ery toboot. Should we call Broon the lying Scotsman or it done ? Who would get the minor positions in the infernal cabinet
Minister for uncomfortable chairs tickly coughs and inconvenient time tables . Its a bit cobbled together isn`t it so I nominate Tessa Jowell
Cleverly said, CU.
I was thinking of returning to Europe, but I just don't think I could bear it.
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