eurotrash - the latest from brussels
WORKERS, SEPT 2005 ISSUE
Stick it
Much is made of using treason legislation against advocates of terrorism. However it is still illegal to display the national emblems of England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland on your car in place of the EU—GB symbol. Despite government promises to amend EU legislation, they have not initiated any action.In typical Blairite double-speak, the DVLA has said, "The regulations make provision for the voluntary display of the European flag. They do not allow for the display of any other flag or symbol."
Tsunami failure
Six months after the Asian tsunami, the EU and the US government have delivered barely a third of the "aid" that they promised. A survey has also found that, across the region, most of the aid from the EU and others has gone to businesses and landowners. The poorest people have gained the least .
Unions say no
Over the summer, Unison's annual conference voted unanimously to welcome the French and Dutch no votes and to recommit the union to opposing the EU's "liberalisation and marketisation policies". Unison is also set to launch a high-profile campaign against the Bolkestein Directive on Services, supported so passionately by the government. The RMT conference voted to oppose the EU Constitution and to continue to oppose privatisation of public services across Europe.
Terror bombs "positive"
It's not only the BNP that tries to exploit the London bombs. Josep Borrell, President of the European Parliament, hopes the attacks will "have a positive political effect in making Europeans realise the importance of the European project to better guarantee their safety".
Still not dead
Blair in Le Monde of 24 June argued that voters in France did not actually reject the EU Constitution, but voted instead on other issues. Asked if the Constitution was dead, he said, "I continue to think that the Constitution is a set of rules perfectly apt for Europe to function better. We will have to reflect on it again."