Eurotrash - The latest from Brussels
WORKERS, JAN 2007 ISSUE
Ridicule? Surely not!
The German ambassador to Britain said that he expects Germany to introduce proposals for the future of the European Union constitution by the end of its presidency in June. A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "We can bring this forward faster than anyone realises."Germany has, however, rejected the idea of a mini-EU constitution. A diplomat said, "It is in our interest to try to preserve the maximum substance of the text. We are happy with it. We are not going to pick out the cherries. The 18 countries who ratified it do not want to look ridiculous!"
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has written to his fellow commissioners reaffirming his support for the EU Constitution and insisting, "We can find a way out and give Europe a second chance."
Consulates creep in
In a first step towards establishing a full EU diplomatic corps, the European Commission is to set up EU consulates around the world, an idea floated in the rejected EU Constitution. With a diplomatic corps in place, national representatives could then be usurped.
Pope's Turkey hope
The Pope has backed Turkey's unpopular bid for EU membership. Speaking during his visit to Turkey, the Pope told the Turkish prime minister, "We are not political but we wish for Turkey to join the EU."
Is there a doctor in the east?
The EU provides trained health personnel with the easy option of emigration westwards, instead of staying and fighting for better pay and conditions at home. In 2004, almost 500 Polish doctors registered in Britain, 30 times as many as in 2003.
Kent moved across the Channel
Public information maps in Kent are being replaced with a new Regional title, "Kent – Pas du Calais Nord". New maps are being rolled out twinning Belgium, Northern France, Southern and South West Britain as new regional administrative areas. These new regions seemingly have no electoral basis – they are just for administration!