Monthly Archives: April 2011

Does “European journalism” exist? (guest post)

Posted on 30 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

This post was authored by Michaël Malherbe, a communications consultant, professor and blogger on EU communications. I have translated and slightly edited this post from the original French. I’ve added it here as I thought it presents a very good overview of … Continue reading →

Posted in En français, guest post | 2 Comments

UK’s electoral reform, explained to cats

Posted on 30 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

Very amusing and informative guide to the possible electoral reform in UK. Only in the age of the internet!

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Week in Review

Posted on 25 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

Here’s some of the “of interest” stories of the past week as reported by European media and the blogosphere. The Eternal Wars: The French Socialist Party considers France’s “military presence” in Afghanistan is “no longer justified”. This is one of the … Continue reading →

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Eurozone chair: “I’m for secret, dark debates”

Posted on 23 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

Jean-Claude Juncker, the decades-long Prime Minister of Luxembourg and current president of the Eurogroup (the meetings of the Eurozone’s finance ministers) has decided to set aside the langue de bois. EUobserver reports him complaining that open debate on monetary policy tended … Continue reading →

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On Post-Apocalyptic Wastelands: Sightseeing in Chernobyl

Posted on 23 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

The Fukushima disaster has hurt the credibility of nuclear power everywhere, threatening plans for its expansion in Italy and the U.K. among others. However, another consequence has been boosting tourism to Chernobyl. It will be the 25th anniversary of that … Continue reading →

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Portfolio getting fatter and other changes

Posted on 20 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

As you can see there’s been some changes to the site. This is partly in celebration of getting onto the Guardian Online’s “Best of Europe’s blogs”. Sadly no longer visible. It did however give a solid bump to my traffic … Continue reading →

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Press Review: War and Democracy

Posted on 20 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

I am often a little frustrated by not having the time to blog about topics which, while they might not merit a whole post, I would like to mention. How could I not bring up EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard … Continue reading →

Posted in press review | 2 Comments

Pan-European party lists and, maybe, elected Commissioners

Posted on 19 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

Liberal British MEP Andrew Duff has proposed legislation for 25 of the European Parliament’s 736 members to be elected on a pan-European list. This in itself would not be revolutionary, but it would be very interesting if, as suggested, it were … Continue reading →

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Erdoğan accuses French MP of being French

Posted on 16 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

When asked by French MP Muriel Marland-Militello about freedom of religion in Turkey, the Turkish Prime Minister responded that “I believe this friend is French? She is also ‘French’ to Turkey.” Being “French” about something is a colloquial Turkish expression … Continue reading →

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Ashley Fox on Strasbourg: Nothing damaged except “French pride”

Posted on 16 April 2011 by craigjameswilly

EUobserver did this interview with Tory MEP Ashley Fox, architect of a recent overwhelming vote by MEPs – including majorities within all political groups – to reduce Strasbourg sessions. Sums up the issue well, although Fox might have also noted the … Continue reading →

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