European parliament's response to the Reform Treaty: Unacceptable

This morning I wrote a post on the board directs Germano-French Europe at the moment of austerity and sacrifice for all countries except one, "example" of solidarity for the Union.

The issue is that Ms. Merkel in an attempt to Germanize Europe, has gone so far that you have missed the whole European institutional constellation, as the sacrosanct European Council, Commission and the President of the Union. The European Parliament will not quote here because I have my suspicions that the German Chancellor, this institution knows or barely notices it.

But today, lo and behold there has been a strong and pluralistic European parliament in which he criticizes that such a reform proposal misses the entire EU institutional articulation.

In the Declaration that was presented today in Brussels, begins with a categorical statement: "The latest draft of the treaty of economic union reinforced is unacceptable." Parliament can not accept it as is, in the words of the MEPs participating in the group preparing the draft treaty. These are Elmar Brok (EPP), Roberto Gualtieri (Social Group), Guy Verhofstadt (ALDE) and Daniel Cohn-Bendit (Greens / EFA), according to the Declaration that had been bandied at 15:00 hours today.

According to this statement, the draft presented is not compatible with the existing EU Treaties and fails to respect the "Community method" in the decision process.

Also emphasize that this draft ensures that does not respect any decision can be taken is carried out by legal proceedings attending the EU, and emphasize that this draft is not consistent with the legislation concerning the package of six economic measures that approved in September 2011.

The highlight of this statement, I believe, is that they make a special reference to the parallel need for fiscal stability, it has to be done on the basis of sustainable and inclusive growth.

Note that in this statement, one of the signatories is the MEP Elmar Brok, member of the German CDU, so the statement if possible, acquire a greater political strength. Another issue is whether Mrs. Merkel will listen to what he asks for the EP, or if on the contrary will continue as before, leading Europe to their Diktat, with the acquiescence of the European heads of government.

What worries me is that this does not say a single word in the national media, and if done, will be sideways. Pedagogy fails again in Europe, but few follow it.

I hope that the European parliament remains in the gap. At present there is no reference to this statement on the website in Spanish of the institution , but you can find the original, in English at this link .

I will continue reporting ...

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Vereinigte Staaten der Willkommen in Deutschland von

Yes, that's what I think Merkel wants to build, with the stunning acquiescence of Sarkozy: The United States from Germany. I will not be me explain at this point, Ms. Merkel, the unpopular and dangerous it can be for Europe and its citizens, especially the feeling that Germany has "conquered" Europe, through the imposition slowly and gradually in a series of "measures" to see them is going well and the rest of us is completely wrong.

It must be very smart to realize that this kind of sensation led Europe to disaster at one time than another, two in the last century to be exact, and this feeling is reinstalled in public opinion, already worrying (and understand) the voices that warn about it, as it has Mario Monti , in the day. Right on the eve of the meeting between both leaders, which will take place today in Berlin.

The point is that everything works, more or less, when Germany was built to European, but when Europe is the German built (or attempted) is a real blunder. Is not it ironic that one of the most non-compliant with the criteria of the Stability and Growth Pact of the EU, the other partners requiring draconian conditions, about something that Germany itself has failed several times.

Make no mistake. In Germany's interest that this continues. Today we know, that despite a decline in the previous quarter in 2011 grew by 3% and also in the last auction of debt, earn more money than they need with a negative interest , which is financed by other European countries, with unemployment reaching 6%. So far everything seems great, but the data yielded by the Bundesbank is that in 2012 only grow by 0.5%.

If Germany does not understand, that if the eurozone (their neighbors) are doing wrong, they are going to go wrong, sooner than later. Where will you put your expensive (and great) products?, In the BRICs, in Africa. The answer is obvious: its main market is Europe. But for Ms. Merkel is tempting you to finance the debt, your GDP growth, and your unemployment is stable, while others are drowning and you take advantage of its skilled young workforce. This is not the European construction.

But to make matters worse, on January 6 Open Europe , made ​​known the draft Fiscal Reform of the Treaties (in English) that is being negotiated now, under the auspices of the European press pseudodirectorio the Merkozy calls. I say pseudo, because such an "institution" is not contained in any Treaty, Sarkozy because the weight of it becomes void (is overwhelmed by the presidential elections in France and trying at all costs that rating agencies do not take away the Triple A, to our neighbors).

Meanwhile, Germany leads the Reform Treaty, under the name of "fiscal pact" and a message focused Meridian: austerity, discipline and sanctions. Never in the history of the EU had been so blunt as to the disciplinary matter (if that treaty had been fulfilled to the letter in the last 20 years, may not be living this episode).

Of course, the truffle with the words "growth" and "employment" as a concession to the eurozone countries in trouble to sell the change to lower public opinion reaction. Indeed, public opinion once again dropped in a crucial issue, and a media unable to explain and update on what's happening. Again, the possibility of building a European public opinion, is lost in the memory of the EU.

Basically the Treaty highlights four crucial aspects:

  1. Member States will have a maximum deficit of 0.5%, and require a change in their constitutions (Spain and made ​​that work, with an unusual speed) is the European Court of Justice in charge of ensuring the provision of the Treaty.
  2. Only those states that have a public debt below 60%, may reach 1% of the annual deficit.
  3. Those with a debt exceeding 60% shall be reduced to a rate of 5%.
  4. The key: exceeding the limits set by the Treaty will enter into a program called "Budgetary and Economic Partnership Programme", euphemistic name for your financial and economic system is operated by the EU, particularly through the mechanisms established by the Council and the Commission, and under the supervision of the Court of Justice.

Another novelty: that the Treaty enters into force, it only needs to ratify 15 of the 17 members of the Eurozone, so the UK's role here is completely inane. A further concern for Cameron;

And by the way ... Welcome to 1984 (pronounced in German).

This is the scenario in the coming months, and disconcerting, is there an ideological debate over the role of States, the EU and parliamentary systems, what will happen? The answer is clear: No.

I already tell you that I do not like anything. We will be watching.

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Born in Europe Limbo

On Saturday December 10th is the day after Day 1 of Year 0 of the New Europe, or at least that is what everyone can understand, after the dangerous game that our "leaders" in Europe have been afoot in the EU. It has been many months of stress and indecision, which nearly swept away what cost so much after World War II.

This forcibly Germanized Europe, unable to reply or alternative model, at least there have been two key issues: on one side is left behind the paralyzing threat to Britain's permanent veto any decision that we did draft in progress EMU or any other issue that might be relevant, and second, as a result of this, the suicide of a UK history has never known who is now in the global environment in which the match was played in history .

While France and Germany have taken, or that seem to understand that their individual weight is negligible in the world as a whole, the UK refuses to understand his tiny role on the world stage, and that is the tip of the iceberg of the problem to Euro crisis brought it up.

In addition, there are other issues that are too paradoxical in this process. Precisely the Franco-German directory has been precisely the worst offenders of the Stability Pact (with 14 ads in both cases, compared to 4 of Spain) in recent years. On the other hand, the Commission's role has faded completely, due to be held by a technocrat able to unite the voice of the College, despite the efforts of Van Rompuy to develop agreements and philias from its institutional role .

But if anything is evident throughout this crisis, and it's highly disturbing, is the European parliament is seen as entirely separate. The voice of the European citizen sovereignty was conveniently silent. This Union, intergovernmental seems more than ever, with too powerful a European Council, which is led by a team that has no translation in the EU treaties, and therefore lacks institutional legitimacy (not democratic) to carry to implement their decisions. Once again, the great sacrifice of a crisis scenario is the European people, and all for the defense of austerity policies imposed on us zero deficit markets, but have not been subjected to rigorous debate, and in Parliament National or foreign ministries.

We have two years to make sacrifices and there's not a moment of relaxation. The risk premium rises, the bags do not grow, or increase growth or low unemployment ... Therefore, the question is clear, this model takes imposing over the years does not work to generate wealth and growth. Do you feel our leaders to raise alternative policies, or are we going to have to jump through hoops Mrs. Merkel permanent in the coming years, financing the German debt free? What will happen when they start manufacturing a surplus in its warehouse will ajarse because nobody in Europe can buy them by the fall in demand?, Does China, Vietnam, India, Brazil? I doubt it. Germany is by shooting in the foot and is bleeding to death slowly, almost without realizing it.

But back to the new European limbo. Already have clearly defined border, and is among the North Sea and the Strait of Dover, is called Great Britain. Thanks to UK may be the biggest boost to federal court since the Treaty of Rome, with a very confederal as hitherto led. Not surprisingly the addition of the United Kingdom to the European Economic Community in 1973, was more an attempt to counterbalance its national interests, which add to the construction of a European, indeed invented contraCEE, this monstrosity called EFTA, the left to die when they saw that even the partners who are not EU members, are interested in developing bilateral agreements to take advantage of the integrated market of the Union.

David Cameron has gone further than even Margaret Thatcher would have liked, much Europhobes, very pragmatic, knowing that being inside is always about to stop any purpose that is considered an "attack" national against British interests. You know, friends have to have them around, but even more enemies. The point is that far from being a good choice (in the short term it is), the medium is suicide for the United Kingdom. Not in political terms, the British press is very much in line with Cameron, even the Guardian is not very radical to this position, to the Financial Times is quite light, the feeling is that they are "free" from the European dictatorship.

But make no mistake. The City UK financial represents the worst of the global financial crisis. It is almost a tax haven that has allowed Europe to avoid disturbing his wayward European partner. It is the largest "washing" dirty money coming from the countries of Eastern Europe (especially one), and other "markets" of questionable character. The way the House of Commons and Lords who bring millions pampers currency under his arm, as new banking or investment funds, has produced such a drunk Cameron's attitude is a reflection of it. In fact, attended the summit in Brussels no Plan B, as all his predecessors have done for 40 years because they knew they were going to give everything for them not to leave until the situation has unanimously false gone, finally.

In fact the UK has many economic problems, a large debt and running out of the protective mantle of the EU can bring more problems than advantages. If the measures will be implemented tax harmonization and a strict EMU, the pound will be alone, and the Euro may paradoxically screened out of this crisis, doing in a year, which had to be done in a decade.

However, Cameron's government will crumble soon, because even the support of David Clegg is vital to the support of the government, thanks to Tory pact with the LibDems: the truth is that the foundations of this party are open European and this can be considered as another betrayal (being especially recently, the rise in university fees, and lost the referendum on electoral reform.) politically Clegg died several times, and even the cats are limited lives. First, we must see what happens with the "lost" politically and ideologically Miliband's Labour Party, not very pro-European and that this step will greatly out of position to give the following. And do not forget that Cameron has more enemies at home it was: the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail , to give three examples glaring.

The point is that this weekend a new Europe is born, neither better nor worse, different. A Europe that we will discover together, and in which the voice of citizens can not be extinguished.

The United Kingdom has always said the fog of English Channel separates the continent from the islands, but today the feeling is that the UK fleet in the Atlantic solo limbo, not knowing who they are, where they go and most importantly never imagined that would make this journey alone, without anyone and without the siren across the Atlantic that have been forgotten in Europe and Asia clearly look.

Are we witnessing a historic euthanasia in the UK, or is a new page in European construction, we do not know where it leads? I see among all

PS: You may have noticed the inane Baroness Ashton of what happened this weekend, will find out tomorrow or the newspapers.

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Manifesto "More Europe"

On this day I received an invitation to join a pro-European manifesto that have driven some Europeans few friends and bloggers, which claim the necessary commitment to make Europe, the backbone necessary measures and policies that bring to our continent of the current crisis, far from being an economic crisis with dire social consequences, will also be a crisis of values ​​that will make us forget that European integration has been done to build our welfare state, in each of the member states.

So I want to thank my friends Alejandro Palomino and Jorge Morante , the opportunity to execute and deliver this manifesto, I encourage you to sign and spread through social networks. I leave the full text.

We need more Europe than ever:

Manifesto "More Europe"

Given the dramatic social situation in many Member States caused by the economic crisis and the anti-European voices that advocate the breakup of the Economic and Monetary Union, the undersigned ask more Europe.

Consider it necessary to move towards greater European integration to address the situation of current social and economic crisis affecting Europe, and for this reason WE WILL JOIN forces as European citizens closer integration that includes:

1) The Schengen area of free movement, the result of political and social work of a generation knowing the devastating consequences of World War II, is a guarantee of equality, security, communication, cooperation and, ultimately, freedom among citizens Europeans. This manifesto supports the defense of this area as a whole, between Member States, as any exception is unequal rights of European citizens and residents in Europe.

2) The symbols and the flag of the EU, beyond mere objects represent community values ​​fundamental to the progress and democracy in European society.

3) encourage public authorities to implement a common subject in all European educational systems on the European Union, its history, its operation and its corresponding significance in the national and international society today.

4) Given the daily voices rising on the international scene by questioning the strength of a monetary union without precedent in human history, we consider it essential and urgent to establish a fiscal and social harmonization. The more similar the economic instruments and social benefits in the eurozone, we will further reinforced the situation we live in today, and most likely will be the preservation of the welfare state.

5) We consider it very important to increase the participation of citizens in European decision making, that the election of the President of the European Commission more directly, through the presentation of candidates to preside in electoral rolls some possible supranational European Parliament .

6) From this platform More Europe believe it is essential to set a single seat of the European Parliament, either in Brussels or Strasbourg, in order to reduce costs and duplication. We believe that this austerity measure will bring the institutions closer to citizens. As reuse proposal for the headquarters in Strasbourg, Brussels should be chosen as the only venue, raise the possibility that it may remain as a symbol of the creation of the EU and even become a peace museum or community history.

7) In order to prevent campaigns for European Parliament elections take place in national and key so that citizens can learn during those years the work of their representatives in the Parliament, we propose the creation of a European Electoral Act governing elections to the European Parliament in order to foster public debate and participation, and promote the visibility and understanding of policies that are decided and implemented at European level.

More From Europe we call on citizens to support and join in the defense of a greater European integration, to join forces and contribute to building a bottom-up project, which allows for greater identification with the common project all Europeans and to facilitate the achievement of a Europe of Citizens. This is necessary for the preservation of the unity of all Europeans, it has been possible through the process of European integration and the EU's institutional design, which allowed the political union of a continent that has historically been fragmented.

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We are not yet final settlement, please.

Today is a day of surf, following the announcement yesterday in Brussels by European Rescue Fund , which hardens further conditions of access to credit or bank in Spain, but at least you will not need to inject more public money to them, lest they fall, although in his rescue that money is not used to inject liquidity into the financial fabric of SMEs Spanish, which store for more unemployment, less growth and, though contrary to logic, despite the current price of money, more inflation.

The bags welcomed verve s that decision and the increases were widespread, but a few moments (about 11:00 hours on 28 October), the German Constitutional Court suspended the Fund's approval , despite the approval by the Bundestag it. Although alarming, this decision must be understood from a purely legal point of view of the German parliamentary system, and fear, increasing Chancellor Merkel will have to give account of their erratic European voyage, being magnanimous in the term. It appears to be a problem to be solved by roads.

Also, last night, French President Nicolas Sarkozy mused aloud about something that has been installed in all the chancelleries of Europe, for over a decade and that the required label and political correctness have never said so bluntly out : Greece should not have entered the Euro , as its input data were false. Something that was known by the vast majority of the stakeholders of European political power and that no one dared to point out. In fact, it was done to avoid creating a two-speed Europe, an obsession postMaastricht, and that due to the creation of the eurozone, the euro, has caused per se. Do not we have a two-speed Europe?, The Euro, represented by the Eurozone and the rest, yes, with two clear distinct groups: those who can afford, yet, to be out in UK and Denmark and the rest will come inexorably, some because they do not qualify for disquisitions and other nationalist incomprehensible.

Moreover, the Greek case is of particular interest because its entrance was not exactly hard on the former EEC. While Spain and Portugal were required countless sacrifices (read: industrial restructuring, labor market adjustment, the legal system, etc..) To Greece, was acquitted of many of his duties, due to pressure from our side of the other Across the Atlantic, more obsessed with its military strategy to strengthen and corner out of the Soviet fleet in the Bosphorus Strait. Those were different times, and the Cold War and military supremacy predominated on the agenda, to which the EEC itself succumbed.

You see, far from improving the scene tends to get worse. Also does not help that one as Paul Krugman Nobel opinion that the best we can do in Europe is to drop the Euro . Big mistake. A Europe without the Euro, in store financial and economic instability that would take ahead of large economies such as Spanish, Italian and French surely. With the resulting social and political chaos that it might bring, both at internal borders and external investigations. Do not forget that the area of ​​the Balkans remains a tinderbox, which currently acts as a dormant volcano, because the prize, the EU, is still higher than the abyss of conflict. This data is not trivial, and is present in more than a chancery Central and Eastern Europe.

But also there is an overwhelming fact, to believe in our future. I say this more than once, the answer is more Europe. Yes, do not hesitate friend / Reader / a, our future is bound to create a new system of citizen organization and governmental, federal, federal character itself. In our states, with guaranteed democratic systems, with effective protection of cultural minorities, and social welfare system a world leader, no risk of the disappearance of inner voices in our territories. The danger lies in the disappearance of our voices at the state level in the whole world. Germany, Britain and especially France and Italy have lost its place of influence in the world, are not military powers (the great handicap of Germany, to be heard even more) or major economic powers alone. And this we must understand by all, but we are succumbing to the arrogant step of the XXI century history that is distinctly Asian, not Chinese.

Survival of the European cultural model, which exists and is tangible, the sum of the union of peoples and cultures living on this continent, is the added value to build a different model, a European mini-UN, showing that with the cooperation and "soft power" can achieve goals of peace and social stability, but without forgetting that our model is not currently a tendency to imitate, and that this need that senior European policy (the Defence, Security and External Relations ) has a European vision and not individual states, and therefore willing to make ourselves heard and play areas of influence in order to defend a model that has been proven to work. We must display the blue and star power accordance with the principles of international relations mainstream, not desires. Do not forget that we will have opposite powers seeking to gain spaces (are) not respecting human rights, nor the essential principles of democracy. The influence of China in Africa is a clear example of this .

Therefore, it should be remembered in these shaky times, as the EU that we remain the world's leading commercial power, our GDP is just over 30% worldwide, while the U.S. accounts for 23'4% and China is in by 7.1%. [ Report EuroStat 2010 ] So please do not kill us so fast. But of course, what our leaders do not want to see us yet, for fear of what this means is that we are living in a war, a war that we had never seen before, and replacing bullets currencies, which leaves no dead but worse, empty souls, beaten and reviled, having lost their purchasing power and throw them into poverty. On this day, Spain reached the 5 million unemployed, and a frightening figure, a total of 1.5 million households in our country have all members on the dole . Is not this the result of a terrible war?, Where we are unable to defend ourselves, because this theater of war was never designed, we can not even see it. They attack with hedge funds, with financial and accounting tricks and are not able to defend ourselves. You do not even see the solution, since financial markets are vastly faster than our institutions.

It's very simple, if Europe falls, your space will be occupied by more quickly, others not defend a social model like ours (more expensive and allows fewer benefits). We live in the bloody dictatorship of the maximization of efficiency, and we are not able to see before us the possibility of building new areas of defense of the buildings after World War II, Europeans who suffer in our territory. If we overcome this, we will not be able to see the benefits of a Federal Union largoplacismo that protects our model. Will they be able to see him at 10 Downing Street, at the Elysee and the Moncloa? I hope that day comes.

The solution: more Europe, more integrated and externally defending that which unites us to manage our territories and we have the principle of subsidiarity apply it.

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