Tag: European Union

Hungary Tests the E.U.’s Norms

Hungary Tests the E.U.’s Norms A fresh constitutional amendment has provoked alarms within Europe and elsewhere over the balance of the Hungarian government.

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BBC News: Hungary defies critics over change to constitution

BBC News: Hungary defies critics over change to constitution  Hungary’s parliament has adopted a package of constitutional changes proposed by the ruling Fidesz party which critics say undermine democracy. The EU expressed concern about the bill, which defies some court rulings. “These amendments raise concerns with respect to the principle of the rule of law, EU law and Council of Europe standards,” a statement by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland said.

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reuters: Britain’s European partners told David Cameron on Wednesday his demand for radical reform of the EU and an “in-out” referendum on UK membership showed a selfish and ignorant attitude. France went so far as to call Britain’s bluff and say it was free to leave. Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said he had told a recent meeting with British businessmen: “If Britain wants to leave Europe we will roll out the red carpet for you.” READ ON: Selfish, ignorant, dangerous: Europe’s verdict on Cameron speech

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Nobel Prize: “your peace, your prize”

Nobel Prize: “your peace, your prize” The European Parliament’s President Martin Schulz will go to Oslo for the official ceremony to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union. In Strasbourg and Brussels, live broadcasts of the ceremony, a photo exhibition, and a formal ceremony in the Strasbourg plenary chamber will mark the occasion. Many activities are also planned in EU capitals. Click for more on the schedule and further details of events!

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The European Union picks up its (our) Nobel Peace Prize next week. 🙂 Great video by the European Council. 🙂 (Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

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US election: Europeans endorse Obama for a second term | EurActiv

US election: Europeans endorse Obama for a second term | EurActiv Interesting piece on why we in Europe care about this election at all…

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Reasons why I am happy for the EU winning this year’s Nobel Peace Prize

I start with declaring again that I am happy. I was happy when I first heard the news, and two days after, thinking over all the issues that cause doubt in others, I am still happy. So, this seems to be a very controversial decision of the Norvegian committee, I read all the publications about how this is the worst possible time awarding the EU, when its future is really at stake. It might be, yes. But the achievements of the past 55 years of integration and contribution to Europe’s and not just Europe’s development is unquestionable.  There always were…

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Breaking News: European Union wins Nobel Peace Prize

Breaking News: European Union wins Nobel Peace Prize breakingnews: New York Times:The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded its 2012 peace prize to the European Union, saying it had contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation across the continent. With the body wrestling with the most severe financial crisis in its history over the single euro…

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General debate of the 67th session of the UNGA concluded on Monday

I know I am very late with this, but I wanted to cover the rest of the general debate same as I did with the first day, and then I wanted to do it properly, so at last I decided not to post it in pieces. That’s why this is going to be a long one.  So, my thoughts on the general debate part 2 as follows.  Whether Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad heeded the Secretary General’s warning or this speech was the original plan anyway, I – someone who expected nothing but the worst from him – thought he moderated…

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Happy European Day of Languages!

Every year, 26 September is the day we celebrate Europe’s rich linguistic heritage – the EU’s 23 official languages, the 60 or so regional/minority languages, and the languages spoken by people who’ve come to Europe from other parts of the world. As Italian director, Federico Fellini put it: "A different language is a different vision of life.“ To learn more about European Day of Languages and find language learning resources, click on the following links: European Day of Languages homepage European Commission’s page on Languages Council of Europe’s page on Language learning

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