The Newsletter42922 févr. 2010

La Lettre

Thierry Chopin, Marek Kubišta

22 February 2010

Foundation

Editorial

1 January 1970

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Just as the Greek crisis shook the strength of the euro area the Chairman of the Robert Schuman Foundation, Jean-Dominique Giuliani published an editorial on his internet site "The European Union: from the Zollverein to power?" in which he pleads in favour of budgetary coordination between the members of the Eurosystem so that they speak with one voice within international financial organisations.

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Financial Crisis

OECD

1 January 1970

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According to an OECD study published on 17th February the GDP in the OECD zone rose by 0.8% in the fourth quarter of 2009 higher in comparison with growth of 0.6% witnessed in the previous quarter. In the USA and Japan the GDP increased by 1.4% and 1.1% respectively. GDP growth in the euro area slowed by 0.1% in the fourth quarter. Year on year the GDP in the OECD zone declined by 0.7% after a fall of 3.4% in the third quarter of 2009. The main part in GDP decline in the OECD zone can be explained by developments within the euro area which represents 0.5 percentage points overall.

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Spain

1 January 1970

According to final data published on 17th February by the National Statistics Institute the Spanish GDP declined by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2009 in comparison with the third. However the contraction in activity dropped by half in the fourth quarter: -0.1% after -0.3% in the previous quarter. In 2009 the Spanish GDP declined by 3.6% in comparison with 2008.

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Commission

1 January 1970

In February according to forecasts published by the Commission on 18th February the consumer confidence index in the euro area recorded the first decrease in 10 months (from -17.4 to -15.8 the previous month). This index also decreased in the EU as a whole but to a lesser degree (from -13.6 to -13.1).

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Belgium

1 January 1970

Belgian GDP declined by 3% in 2009 according to the annual report by the Belgian National Bank (BNB) published on 17th February which speaks of the most serious depression since the Second World War. According to its most recent figures in 2010 the BNB is forecasting 1% growth. The Belgian government, which is more optimistic, believes that this figure could reach 1.4%. Net job losses reached 67,000 in Belgium in 2009 mainly affecting agriculture, industry, construction and services. The unemployment rate rose to 7.9% of the working population on average over the first three quarters of 2009 in comparison with only 7% in 2008 as a whole. The BNB notes that due to a delay in repercussions the labour market continued to worsen in the second quarter in spite of a recovery in economic activity. This situation is due to last into 2010.

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Norway

1 January 1970

Norway's GDP declined by 1.5% in 2009 in comparison with 2008 heralding the first annual decline in the Norwegian economy in 20 years said the Central Bureau for Statistics on 18th February. In the fourth quarter alone the "continental" GDP, hydrocarbons and maritime transport apart, did increase however by 0.3% year on year. This index is preferred in Norway because it excludes strong variations associated with the production of hydrocarbons, of which the country is a major exporter. If hydocarbons are included the Norwegian GDP only increased by 0.1% in the fourth quarter for an annual decrease of 1.5%.

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UK

1 January 1970

Nearly 70 renowned British economists together with their American and French counterparts including Josephy Stiglitz, Robert Solow and Jean-Paul Fitoussi indicated in two open letters published in the Financial Times on 19th February that there was a risk in the event of an abrupt reduction in the British public deficit which will be one of the main issues in the spring election. They say that the British deficit is far from being abnormal and that the return of growth will bring it down automatically. They warn against any plan to reduce the deficit too drastically. These letters are therefore a criticism of the conservative programme to reduce the deficit rapidly.

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Latvia

1 January 1970

On 17th February the International Monetary Fund announced that its Executive Board had approved the payment of the third part of its loan to Latvia to a total of 200 million euros. The international institution had granted a loan of 1.71 billion euros to this EU member country in December 2008 after it fell victim to a deep economic crisis. The payment approved on 17th February by the highest decision making body in the IMF brings the amount paid to 1 billion euros said the Fund in a press release. The former Soviet republic of 2.2 million inhabitants which joined the EU in 2004 in which it became the champion of growth was due to experience the greatest contraction in activity amongst the 27 EU Member States in 2009.

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Romania

1 January 1970

On 19th February the IMF announced that its Executive Board had approved the payment of the third part of its loan to Romania to a total of 3.3 billion dollars.

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Commission

Yahoo/Microsoft

1 January 1970

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On 18th February the European Commission gave the greenlight for the acquisition of Yahoo's on-line search activities by Microsoft since this merger does not significantly impede competition in Europe. In virtue of this agreement Microsoft will acquire a ten year licence over Yahoo's search technologies and will become the exclusive supplier of results and advertisements and will retain 12% of the revenue generated. This will enable it to increase its market share and thereby compete against Google which has a 90% market share, since the enhancement of competition may provide greater added value to advertisers.

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Climate

1 January 1970

The President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso addressed a letter on 18th February to the 27 Heads of State and government of the EU to communicate the Commission's programme regarding the climate. He stresses the importance of continuing the international negotiation process, notably by implementing the "fast start" funding for developing countries. In order to bring other international players to join European positions and commitments he invited the Commissioner for Climate, Connie Hedegaard to launch a consultation of international partners. In addition to this on 17th February two new Directorates General were created "DG Energy (ENER), led by Briton Philip Lowe, which brings together units from the DG Transport and External Relations, and the DG Climate Action (CLIM), led by Belgian Jos Delbeke, which includes the services of the DGs Environment, External Relations and Industry.

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Parliament

Human Rights

1 January 1970

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On 18th February MEPs approved three resolutions with regard to Human Rights. With regard to Venezuela they said they were concerned with the authoritarian drift of President Hugo Chavez who has closed channels that did not broadcast one of his speeches; he also severly repressed demonstrations that followed. MEPs also condemned the "coup d'Etat" by Mr Rajoelina in Madagascar which infringes the agreements of power sharing between the Madagascan parties; they also condemned the repression of the opposition, the censorship of the media and the initimidation and arrest of journalists. Finally they called on the Burmese junta to stop using child soldiers and ethnic cleansing campaigns and to guarantee that the next elections will take place in line with international norms, notably with the liberation and participation of Aung San Suu Kyi. To support this resolution MEPs asked the Council to maintain restrictions targeting the Burmese regime and for it to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken.

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Council

Eurogroup

1 January 1970

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The Finance Ministers of the 16 Member States of the euro area who met on 15th January looked into the economic situation of the euro area. According to Eurogroup chair, Jean-Claude Juncker "growth is asserting itself but will remain weak and moderate in 2010." They gave Greece one month for it to show the first results in its recovery plan with regard to public finance. Although the situation is not satisfactory it will have to take additional measures. On 16th March next the Greek government will send the European Commission and the European Central Bank a report on the results achieved. Greece committed to reducing its public deficit by four GDP points, dropping from 12.75% to 8.70% in 2010 and to bring this below the 3% mark in 2012. They agreed to put forward the present governor of the Central Bank of Portugal, Vitor Constancio, as the future Vice-President of the European Central Bank.

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Economy/Finances

1 January 1970

The 27 European Finance Ministers addressed the Greek economic situation for which they decided on an in-depth re-adjustment of the public deficit and the implementation of major structural reforms. They supported Athens' commitment to reducing its deficit by four points in 2010, to bringing it down from 12.75% to 8.7% of the GDP and to bringing it below the 3% mark in 2012. They also confirmed the appointment of the chairman of the Portuguese Central Bank, Vitor Constancio, as Vice-President of the ECB. Finally as part of the excessive deficit procedure they addressed new recommendations to Lithuania, Malta and Romania extending deadlines to correct the deficits by one year because of the worsening of their economies beyond what had already been planned.

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Education

1 January 1970

The 27 European Education ministers looked into the role of education and training as part of the new EU2020 strategy for growth and employment on 15th February. They stressed the need to use the potential of the new strategic framework for European cooperation in the area of education and training and to include a specific objective in terms of education as part of the future EU2020 strategy and to incraese investments in this area by using resources in a "targeted, effective, transparent" manner but also be taking greater account of the importance of education in the future reform of the Union's budget.

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Development

1 January 1970

European aid to Haiti and the Millenium Development Goals were the focus of debate by European Development Ministers on 17th and 18th February. Those responsible for aid to Haiti from the USA, Rajiv Shah and the UN, Edmond Mulet attended the meetings to coordinate matters effectively. The most urgent action is to give Haitians the means to face the hurricanes which will soon hit the country but long term work has to be done to strengthen Haitian institutions. Ministers also looked into the preparation of a September conference on the MDG's, the goals set in 2000 by the UN to be completed by 2015 such as the eradication of hunger and poverty in the world, universal education, sexual equality and the reduction of infant mortality rates.

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Balkans

1 January 1970

Catherine Ashton, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy travelled to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo from 17th to 19th February. Before her visit she stressed that these countries were a priority for the EU's foreign policy. In Sarajevo she promised European aid for Bosnia-Herzegovina which is facing continued institutional crisis so that it can join the EU in the future. In Belgrade she said the number of reforms undertaken by Serbia were good. But she recalled that cooperation with the ICTY was key to Serbia joining the EU.

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Car

1 January 1970

On 19th February the Vice-President of the European Commission for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani met ministers responsible for the car industry. They discussed the economic challenges facing the European car industry, short term measures available and the mid-term strategy that will ensure sustainable recovery after the crisis.

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Croatia

1 January 1970

An intergovernmental conference (IGC) between Croatia and the EU took place on 19th February and led to the opening of two new chapters in accession negotiations (chapters 13 'fisheries' and 27 'environment'). Since the beginning of negotiations on 3rd October 2005, 30 chapters have been opened and 17 have been provisionally closed.

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Germany

Social Minima

1 January 1970

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On 17th February one week after the Federal Constitutional Court questioned the means of calculating social minima in the wake of the Hartz IV reform in Germany the Employment and Family Minister published a catalogiue of "exceptional needs" which will be effectively funded by the nation. The Federal Constitutional Court declared that the present means of calculating benefits was unconstitutional because it did not allow people to live decently from a material, cultural or social point of view. It asked for reform before the end of the year. In the meantime recipients of social minima benefits can ask the State to fund exceptional needs. The publication of a catalogue of measures aims to avoid an anarchical rise in demands for "exceptional requirements'" funds on the part of these recipients whose benefits total 359 euros per month (plus rent and heating).

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Austria

Danube

1 January 1970

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The 14 Ministers of the Danube basin who met on 16th February in Vienna committed to cleaning up and protecting this 2,860km long river, the second biggest in Europe in length after the Volga. The representatives of the countries lying on the banks of the Danube (Germany, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Montenegro and Moldova) as well as executives from the European Commission adopted a management plan to implement by 2015 so that "the river's environmental situation together with that of its affluents are improved". Various measures have been planned ranging from a reduction in pollution, the maintenance of dykes and the construction of hydro-electric power stations.

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Belgium

Balkans

1 January 1970

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Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme has made a trip to the Balkans. He travelled to Albania, Montenegro and Serbia on 16th February. He said how happy he was with the work achieved by the Balkan countries over the last few years "a region that had been destabilised by war" and in "which there were now democracies that were working towards a market economy, truly set in a Euro-Atlantic trend." He also pointed to Albania's integration which would be a factor of stability in the region.

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Denmark

Energy

1 January 1970

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DONG Energy, the energy leader in Northern Europe and Siemens signed a cooperation agreement in areas such as energy consumption, renewable energy and CO2 emissions. Both parties should use joint knowledge and technology to stimulate new initiatives in terms of optimisation, distribution and energy production. The partnership should also focus on buildings designed to produce energy for their own consumption as well as on consulting advice on the part of the energy sector for private and public companies. Siemens is also planning to improve the energy efficacy of its buildings and installations. Siemens will buy its electricity from the offshore wind farm Horns Rev 2, held by Dong Energy in the North Sea off the Danish coast. Horns Rev 2 was inaugurated in September 2009 and is at present the biggest offshore wind farm.

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Finland

Sustainable Growth

1 January 1970

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On 17th February the working group for the growth project gave Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen its interim report. It appears that the potential of the information society to renew working methods and develop new prodcuts is of vital importance for the future of Finland. New solutions might then help enhance productivity, guarantee social redistribution in spite of a reduction in the labour force and support the competitiveness of companies in Finland. The group's goal established in autumn 2009 is to identify the means that will enable the promotion of improvements in productivity in 2010. The issue of employment will therefore be the focus of debate.

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France

Rights/Women

1 January 1970

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On 17th February the examination of the proposal to align women's rights in France with those of European countries where they receive greater guarantee took place a mood of consensus, with all the amendments from the left and the right being adopted. "We do not think that this resolution would be accepted as it stood, that it would be unanimously accepted including the amendments," said rapporteur Pascale Crozon. This clause of "the most advantaged European woman" aims to establish an inventory of the most advantageous legislation for women in Europe and to retain the best ones.

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Greece

UK

1 January 1970

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On a visit to London on 19th Feburary Greek Prime Minister Georges Papandreou announced that Greece was not asking the EU for a rescue plan. He re-iterated that his county had a progressive reform programme to face the crisis. He denounced the apathy of the previous government and recalled that Greek citizens widely supported his programme and were determined to change their country. In answer to journalists after his interview with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown he said he preferred to wait for the assessment of his programme on 15th March before announcing any new measures. Mr Papandreou excluded any requests of the IMF.

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Hungary

Germany

1 January 1970

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German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle travelled to Hungary on 17th February. He met Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai as well as his counterpart, Peter Balazs. In an interview with the Hungarian newspaper "Nepszabadsag" he explained the main orientations in Germany's foreign policy. He said he intended to direct Germany's policy towards central and eastern Europe to achieve as high a level of confidence and cooperation as that which Germany has developed with France.

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Italy

External Trade

1 January 1970

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The National Statistics Institute (Istat) published data on 15th February relative to trade in December 2009. With regard to flows wih other Union countries exports and imports respectively recorded an increase of 1.4% and 9.1% in comparison with December 2008; this resulted in a trade deficit that grew to reach 1.396 million euros. On a monthly basis exports increased by 3.3%, imports by 3%. If all trade with all countries in the world is taken into account, in comparison with the previous year exports declined by 1.9% and imports by 3% (bringing the deficit to 123 million euros) but in comparison with November 2009 there has been a rise of 4.4% and 1.6% respectively.

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Demography

1 January 1970

The National Statistics Institute (Istat) published its forecasts on 18th February with regard to the main demographic indicators in 2009. The Italian population has increased: it rose to 60,387,000 inhabitants (14% who are aged under 14, whilst 20.2% are over 65). This is mainly due to a positive migratory balance whilst the natural balance (the difference between births and deaths) is negative. The number of foreigners is increasing and they now represent 7.1% of the population. The contribution made by the immigrant population is significant with regard to births: the number of children per woman is still very low for Italian women (1.33) whilst it lies at 2.05 for immigrant women (1.44 on average). Finally life expectancy continues to rise : 78.9 for men and 84.2 for women.

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Corruption

1 January 1970

The Head of the Italian government Silvio Berlusconi presented a draft law on 19th February increasing sanctions against corruption the civil service in the wake of a report by the Auditors' Court which noted a 229% rise in complaints in 2009. Silvio Berlusconi announced that members of political parties who were targeted for investigation would not be able to stand on electoral lists.

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Ireland

Resignation

1 January 1970

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Irish Defence Minister Willie O'Dea presented his resignation on 18th February after wrongly accusing an opposition member of having been involved in the management of a brothel said the government. Willie O'Dea is however challenging the reasons for this resignation which according to him is because the Green party no longer supports the government coalition. The Irish government just avoided a vote of no-confidence on the same day; this could have brought the government down as it has been struggling since the start of the economic crisis.

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Netherlands

Government

1 January 1970

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Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende announced on 20th February the end of the government coalition which he had led since 2007. He delivered the resignation of his government to Queen Beatrix. The government has fallen victim to internal differences over the country's continued presence in Afghanistan - which is being requested by NATO beyond the summer. Early general elections are due to take place before the summer according to the Interior Minister. Elections were due to be held in March 2011. The portfolio of the Labour Party ministers are due to be taken over by ministers from the CDA and the CU in a temporary government responsible for managing current affairs and preparing for the elections.

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Poland

EIB

1 January 1970

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The European Investment Bank is to lend 20.8 million euros for the construction and use of the bioethanol factory in Goswinowice (South West Poland). According to Marta Gajecka, the EIB's Vice-President responsible for lending operations in Central Europe this loan will help the country achieve the specific objective which stipulates that renewable energies will have to represent a minimum 10% of fuels used in transport by 2020. This project will help make Poland less dependent on energy imports and will help to create jobs in a rural area. The new factory will produce 139 million litres of bioethanol per year using local and imported maize.

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Moldova

1 January 1970

To overcome the crisis Poland has lent 15 million dollars to Moldova. The two countries signed an agreement on 18th February in Warsaw - this is designed to stabilise Moldova's financial situation which has been severely hit by the economic crisis. The Moldovan head of government Vlat Filat said the Poland's support with regard to relations with the EU was very important. He also showed his support for the Eastern Partnership that is designed to enhance links between the EU, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. This loan from the Polish leaders is to help Moldova stabilise its public finances. The International Monetary Fund also approved a loan of 574 million dollars at the end of January.

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Primaries

1 January 1970

On 16th February Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the organisation in March of primary elections to appoint the candidate for the presidential election on the part of his party Civic Platform (PO), which has been declared favourite in the polls. Mr Tusk announced at the end of January that he would not stand for the position as Head of State desiring to remain head of government. The 46,000 members of PO will have to decide between the present Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and the leader of the Diet (the lower chamber in Parliament) Bronislaw Komorowksi. "Before the end of March we shall organise these primary elections via internet and post in a well prepared, safe system," he declared, indicating that the results will be announced "just before Easter", ie before 4th April.

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Romania

Gas

1 January 1970

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Romania would like "long term cooperation" with the Russian gas giant Gazprom, declared Romanian Economy Minister Adriean Videanu on 19th February. "Romania which has been invited to join the South Stream Project is going to analyse every initiative that aims to contribute to the country's energy security and to that of the EU with interest," he indicated during a press conference.

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UK

Unemployment

1 January 1970

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According to the British Statistics Office in January the number of job seekers increased in the UK with 23,500 additional unemployed last month ie the highest monthly increase since July 2009. The market was expecting a reduction in applications of around 10,000. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5% of the working population ie 1.635 million unemployed. In the fourth quarter of 2009 unemployment rose to 7.8%. Although employment rates remained at 72.4% it should be noted however that there has been a decline in full time work (-37,000 people) and an increase in part time (+25,000), which generally has not be purposely chosen.

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Eurojust

1 January 1970

On 16th February the Eurojust College, a European judicial cooperation organisation elected Briton Aled Williams 62, as its new chair. His election now has to be approved by the European Council of Justice Ministers. He succeeds Portuguese José Luis Lopes da Mota, who resigned on 16th December after being accused of influencing magistrates in his country in a corruption scandal. Aled Williams joined Eurojust in 2006 and said he was very happy to be able to take the chair of this organisation which following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, has acquired new competence and responsiblities in terms of judicial cooperation.

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Spain

1 January 1970

The British and Spanish Prime Ministers, Messrs Brown and Zapatero met on 19th February in London. They announced the establishment of a four point plan to support employment in both of their countries. Mr Brown stressed the importance of maintaining public spending to support the economy. Amongst the measures announced are an increase in the number of apprentices, the establishment of a Hispano-British working group on employment and the launch of a competition for young entrepreneurs. Employment Ministes of both countries are to hold a joint summit next month when they will meet the head of the biggest British and Spanish companies. The two heads of government also spoke of climate negotiations, progress towards the Millenium Development Goals and their cooperation as far as security was concerned.

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Slovakia

Germany

1 January 1970

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German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle travelled to Slovakia on 18th February. His Slovakian counterpart Miroslav Lajcak pointed to the major economic partnership which linked the two countries: 400 German companies are established in Slovakia employing 70,000 people.

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Sweden

Unemployment

1 January 1970

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Unemployment in Sweden increased in January to 9.4% in comparison with 8.6% in December said the Central Statistics Bureau (SCB). From January 2009 to January 2010 unemployment rates had risen by 2.1 percentage points affecting "every age category from 20 to 54" said the SCB. On 31st January 2010 Sweden had 458,000 job seekers ie 108,000 more than a year before and 41,000 more than in December. At the end of January the Swedish government reviewed its economic forecasts and is now reckoning on an unemployment high of 9.5% in 2010 in comparison with 10.7% estimated up until now. After suffering the crisis full on Sweden emerged from recession in the 2nd quarter of 2009 and its new growth forcast of 3% in 2010 is one of the highest in the EU.

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Croatia

Investiture

1 January 1970

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The new Croatian President Ivo Josipovic took office on 18th February. Jurist and classical composer he is the country's third president since independence in 1991. He succeeds Stipe Mesic. Ivo Josipovic set his main goals as leading his country into the EU by 2012 and to supporting the fight against corruption. He will have to work with the government led by Jadranka Kosor.

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Kosovo

2 years

1 January 1970

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On 17th February Kosovo celebrated two years of independence which is still being challenged by countries such as Serbia and Russia. Kosovar President Fatmir Sejdiu spoke to Parliament and recalled that the young country had a long way to go as far as development was concerned. Serbia reacted by way of its President, Boris Tadic who called on the UN and the Security Council to declare Kosovo's declaration of independence invalid.

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Ukraine

Election/End

1 January 1970

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On 20th February Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Timoshenko gave up her challenge to the victory of the presidential election by her rival, Viktor Yanukovich thereby opening the way to his investiture as president on 25th February. After more than five hours of debate the college of fifty judges accepted the withdrawal of the case.

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Council of Europe

Russia

1 January 1970

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The Russian Duma approved Protocal 14 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom thereby amending the Convention's system of control. The President of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Jean-Louis Costa welcomed this vote because the protocol which had already been ratified by the 46 other Member States of the Council of Europe can now come into force. It should enable the improvement in efficacy of the system which examines the cases put to the ECHR.

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Future/ECHR

1 January 1970

On 19th February the 47 Member States of the Council of Europe adopted an "action plan" designed to increase the efficacy of the European Court of Human Rights which is facing an increasing number of applications. Ministers recalled that it is the Member States' responsibility to ensure the respect of the European Convention on Human Rights and the jursiprudence of the Court. They also invited the Court to continue its internal reform and decided to wait for the esablishment of the measures included in Protocol 14 before deciding whether any additional steps are necessary. Switzerland, which is presently presiding the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers mentioned the possibility of demanding a fee when lodging an application to reduce their number. France is against this in the name of equality between those standing trial from the various Member States.

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Eurostat

External Trade

1 January 1970

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According to figures published by Eurostat on 17th February for the month of December 2009 the euro area recorded a surplus of 4.4 billion euros with the rest of the world in comparison with -1.8 billion in December 2008. The balance recorded in November 2009 was +4 billion, in comparison with -6.9 billion in November 2008. In December 2009 in comparison with November 2009 exports increased by 3.1% and imports by 1.7%. The first forecasts for the extra-Union trade balance for December 2009 indicated a deficit of 2.5 billion euros in comparison with -11.3 billion in December 2008. In November 2009 the balance lay at -6.8 billion in comparison with -24.4 billion in November 2008. In December 2009 in comparison with November 2009 seasonally corrected export figures rose by 2% and imports by 0.5%.

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Construction

1 January 1970

According to figures published by Eurostat on 17th February corrected production figures after seasonal variations rose by 0.5% in the construction sector both in the euro area and the EU in December 2009 in comparison with the previous month. In November production declined respectively by 0.8% and 0.4%. In comparison with December 2008 production dropped by 3.1% in the euro area in December 2009 and by 3.3% in the EU. In comparison with 2008 the average production index decreased in the construction sector by 8% in 2009 in the euro area and by 8.2% in the EU. Amongst the Member States construction production figures declined in 11 Member States and increased only in Romania (+6.9%) and Spain (+6.2%). The biggest contractions were recorded in Slovakia (-11.3%), in Slovenia (-8.1%) and in Bulgaria (-7.9%).

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GDP/Regions

1 January 1970

The data published on 18th February by Eurostat revealed that major differences continue between European regions: the richest area is Inner London, in the UK with a GDP equal to 334% of the European average, followed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (275%), Brussels (221%), Hamburg (192%), Prague (172%) and Ile de France (169%). The poorest area in Europe is Severozapaden in Bulgaria with a GDP equal to 26% of the Union average. One region in seven rises above 125% including nine in Germany, and one in four is below 75%, notably in Bulgaria and Romania.

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Publications

Defence

1 January 1970

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La Documentation Française has published in its series "Réflexes Europe" a paper by Fabien Terpan on "The EU's foreign, security and defence policy". With the Laeken Declaration in 2001 the European Security and Defence Policy became an operational part of the CFSP with the aim of acting to resolve crises via operational, civilian and military means. With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1st December 2009 the ESDP became the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

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Culture

Exhbition/Munch

1 January 1970

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Until 18th July the Pinacothèque in Paris is devoting an exhibition to Norwegian painter, Edvard Munch (1863-1944), known only for one piece of work: the Cry, emblematic but not representative of his entire work. The exaggerated fame of this picture led to the eclipse of the artist's real dimension and true message. The exhibition shows the other face of Munch via 60 paintings and 40 drawings.

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Exhibition/Turner

1 January 1970

English painter William Turner (1775-1851) is believed to be one of the greatest artists of the 19th century. However this revolutionary artist constantly drew inspiration from the work of other old and modern masters. The "Turner and His Masters" exhibition at the Grand Palais from 24th February to 24th May will bring together around 100 works of art and for the first time brings together Turner and "his masters": Rembrandt, Poussin, Titien, Watteau ..."

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Exhibition/Gauguin

1 January 1970

The Van Gogh Museum of Amsterdam is putting on an exhibition devoted to the French post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin until 6th June - the exhibition focuses on a series of 11 prints presented for the first time at the Mr Volpini's Café des Arts in 1889. The 11 zincographs on yellow canary paper offer an overview of the themes central to Gauguin's work with bathing women from the exotic islands. The exhibition "Paul Gauguin. The breakthrough to modernity" also presents fifty pieces of work by Paul Gauguin and his friends who were associated with the "Volpini Suite" such as Emile Bernard or Vincent van Gogh.

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Exhibition/Caravaggio

1 January 1970

An exhibition is being held in Rome devoted to Caravaggio (1571-1610) until 13th June. For the 400th anniversary of his death 24 of the 64 paintings made during his 39 years of existence have been brought together at the Scuderie del Quirinale. Under the influence of the exhibition's curators, the rooms have been plunged into semi-darkness, thereby bringing the visitor face to face with the blaze of Caravaggio's world. The works follow suite from room to room thanks to exceptional loans that have been made by some of the most important museums. Apart from the obvious beauty of the most famous pictures the exhibition is interesting because the visitor can see some of the master's lesser known work.

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Agenda

Newsletter Archives

A Union of criminal law - the vital European area of freedom, security and justice.

General elections 26 October in Georgia: a referendum on Europe

What the European Parliament should ask of future Commissioners

The European Union between the United States and China: should we choose between equidistance and following?

What future for European defence?

The Editors of the Newsletter :
Stefanie Buzmaniuk, Helen Levy

N°ISSN : 2729-6482

Editor-in-Chief :
Eric Maurice

Director of Publication :
Pascale Joannin

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The Newsletter n°429- version of 22 févr. 2010