The Newsletter n°734 — 31 oct. 2016
La Lettre
Arnault Barichella
—
31 October 2016
Brexit represents a potentially significant change to the way transatlantic relations have been organized since WWII. The "special relationship" between the United Kingdom and the United States, born out of historic and cultural affinities, has come under strain, since America traditionally relied on Britain as its political and economic entry point into Europe. This paper will explore the new, post-Brexit system of multiple partnerships and alliances that is likely to emerge. While the US will be keen to maintain strong bonds with the UK, it will have no other choice but to reinforce ties with other European Union countries.
Elections
1st round of Bulgarian Presidential election on 6th November
31 October 2016
On 6th November the Bulgarians are being called to ballot to appoint the President of the Republic and successor to Rossen Plevneliev, who is not standing again. 21 candidates are running. The most recent poll by Mediana forecasts Tsetska Tsasheva (GERB) with 25.4% of the vote in the first round of voting and Ruman Radev with 18%. Krassimir Karakashanov is due to come 3rd with 9.9% of the vote, followed by Ivaylo Kalfin with 6.1%. The second round will take place on 13th November.
Foundation
"The Consequences of Brexit on Ireland and its relations with the EU"
29 October 2016
On 8th November, Jean-Dominique Giuliani, Chairman of the Foundation will be taking part in a conference-debate on the consequences of Brexit on Ireland and its relations with the European Union. It is obligatory to enrol.
"New security threats: how do we rethink the Defence of Europe?"
29 October 2016
On 3rd November Eurodéfense's international meetings will be taking place in Paris on the theme of "New Security Challenges: how do we rethink the Defence of Europe?" Jean-Dominique Giuliani, the Chairman of the Foundation will be speaking at this event.
E.day, Day of Conferences on Europe
29 October 2016
On 10th November the Journal du Dimanche, the University of Paris-Dauphine and the Connecting Leaders Club are organising E.Day, an event which will bring together many important European players to reflect on the future of Europe. Jean-Dominique Giuliani, the Chairman of the Foundation and Pascale Joannin, the Foundation's General Manager will be participating. It is obligatory to enrol.
Financial Crisis
Government debt down in the euro zone
29 October 2016
According to data published by Eurostat on 24th October the government debt ratio in comparison with the GDP lay at 84.3% in the EU and at 91.2% in the euro zone.
2.8 billion € granted to Greece
29 October 2016
The Board of Directors of the European Stability Mechanism enabled the disbursement of an additional 2.8 billion € on 25th October for Greece as part of the second tranche of the financial assistance programme.
Migration
Unprecedented number of refugees and migrants drowned in the Mediterranean
29 October 2016
On 25th October the UN's High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that 2016 had been the deadliest to date with the number of refugees and migrants who have drowned in the Mediterranean (3,740) was appoint to rise beyond the 2015 figures (3,771).
Extension of the temporary reintroduction of controls on certain borders
29 October 2016
Meeting in Strasbourg on 25th September the European Commission delivered recommendations regarding the management of Europe's borders. It is suggesting an extension of the internal controls on certain borders within Schengen in Austria, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway where controls are continuing for a further three months.
2.6 million new residence permits delivered by the Member States in 2015
31 October 2016
According to a Eurostat press release dated 27th October 2.6 million new residence permits were delivered in the EU to non-community citizens in 2015, notably from Ukraine and USA in 2015.
2nd generation immigrants are well integrated into the labour market
31 October 2016
On 28th October Eurostat published a study on the integration of the immigrant population in the EU in 2014. It shows that second generation immigrants are more qualified and better integrated on the labour market than their parents in spite of disparities in the Member States.
Commission
The Commission presents its 2017 work programme
29 October 2016
On 25th October the European Commission, which met in Strasbourg, presented its 2017 work programme. It sets out 10 priorities in the Commission's political agenda for the year to come focused on the goal "Delivering a Europe that protects, empowers and defends".
In support of corporate tax reform for the Union
29 October 2016
On 25th October the Commission announced projects that aim to reform the way businesses are taxed within the Single Market. The common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB) will make it easier and cheaper for companies to do business function on the Single Market and will comprise a powerful tool to counter tax evasion.
Budgets: the Commission asks for details from 7 euro zone Member States
29 October 2016
On 25th October the European Commission asked 7 euro zone Member States (Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, Finland and Lithuania) for explanations of their draft budgets in order to ensure that they are compatible with European objectives.
A new space strategy
29 October 2016
On 26th October the European Commission presented its new space strategy that promotes the development of new services and encourages the dominant role played by Europe in space.
Proposed fishing quotas in the Atlantic and the North Sea in 2017
29 October 2016
On 27th October the Commission presented its proposals for fishing quotas in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2017 guarantee sustainable fishing and the protection of resources.
Kristalina Georgieva leaves the Commission to join the World Bank
29 October 2016
On 28th October Bulgarian Kristalina Georgieva, the Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the budget announced that she would be leaving her post to joint the World Bank in January.
Parliament
Democracy and the rule of law: MEPs ask for European watchdog
29 October 2016
On 25th October MEPs adopted a legislative initiative asking the Commission to introduce a new European mechanism to ensure that all of the Union's Member States respect the values established in the treaties from the point of view of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights.
EU 2017 Budget
29 October 2016
In a press release on 26th October MEPs expressed their position on the EU 2017 budget. They notably asked for more money to counter youth unemployment, to support growth and to help third countries overcome the migratory crisis. On the same day the Council indicated that it could not accept all of the amendments. This vote opens a three week period of conciliation with the Council in order to reach an agreement.
Sakharov Prize for the Freedom of Thought 2016
29 October 2016
The 2016 Sakharov Prize for the Freedom of Thought was awarded to two Yezidi survivors of Daesh Nadia Mourad Bassi Taha and Lamiya Aji Bachar, following a decision by the European Parliament on 27th October. It will be awarded on 4th December.
Diplomacy
EU-Latin America: Saint Domingo Declaration
29 October 2016
On 25th October during an EU Foreign Affairs Ministers' Meeting together with the Community of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC) in Saint Domingo a declaration was signed to strengthen the bi-regional partnership.
Signature of the free-trade agreement between the EU and Canada
31 October 2016
On 30th October the EU and Canada finally signed a free-trade agreement which will now have to be ratified by the national and regional parliaments of the Union but which will only enter into force when the European Parliament votes in December.
Spain
Mariano Rajoy reappointed Prime Minister
31 October 2016
On 25th October the King of Spain, Felip VI asked Mariano Rajoy, the outgoing Prime Minister to form a new government. On 29th October during a vote in Parliament, Mariano Rajoy was reappointed by 170 votes in support, 111 against and 68 abstentions.
France
Europa - the last chance for Europe
31 October 2016
Former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing gave a speech at the University of Zurich on 25th October with a plea for Europe on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Winston Churchill's speech.
Iraq and Syria Coalition Defence Ministers Meeting
29 October 2016
During a meeting on 25th October of the Defence Ministers of the Coalition in Iraq and Syria, French President François Hollande recalled that the battle for Mosul would not just be won with the participation of the Iraqi and Peshmerga forces.
Poland
Poland will not comply with the EU's recommendations
31 October 2016
On 27th October Beata Szydlo, the Polish Prime Minister declared that Poland would not make any changes to its legal system in order to steer it towards true rule of law, deeming that the EU's recommendations went against the interests of Polish citizens and that they were not really founded. Poland has thereby refused to act before the deadline of 27th October set by the Commission. This refusal might mean sanctions.
UK
UK: first "Joint Ministerial Committee" since December 2014
31 October 2016
On 24th October the first "Joint Ministerial Committee" since December 2014 took place with Theresa May, the British Prime Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister, Carwyn Jones the Welsh First Minister, Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness, respectively First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland. Theresa May notably suggested to include them in discussions over the Brexit via a committee involving representatives from the four constituent nations of the UK.
The Court of Justice of Northern Ireland rejected an appeal against Brext
29 October 2016
On 28th October the High Court of Northern Ireland took the first legal decision regarding the challenge being made to the UK's exit of the EU. It rejected the appeals made by the complainants who maintain that the Brexit decision should be submitted to the approval of the Parliament of Northern Ireland, since they deem that leaving the Union would infringe the peace agreements signed in 1998.
Georgia
General elections in Georgia
31 October 2016
On 30th October the second round of the general elections in Georgia took place. The pro-Western party in office won 48 of the 50 constituencies, but these results were severely criticised by the opposition.
Iceland
General elections in Iceland
31 October 2016
On 29th October the Icelanders went to ballot to elect the 63 MPs for Parliament. The Pirate Party which was running neck and neck with the outgoing party, the Independence Party, finally came third.
Moldova
Presidential election in Moldova
31 October 2016
On 30th October the Moldovans went to vote, taking part in the first direct presidential election since 1997. The election opposed supporters of closer links with Russia against pro-Europeans.
Montenegro
Montenegro: Prime Minister not standing again
31 October 2016
On 26th October Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic surprised everyone by announcing that he would not be standing again following the general elections on 16th October which had been marred by the arrest of many Serbs suspected of plotting against him. He will be replaced by his loyal ally, Dusko Markovic.
Ukraine
Meeting between French and Ukrainian Prime Ministers
31 October 2016
On 27th October Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymir Groysman, met his French counterpart, Manuel Valls in Paris to discuss cooperation between the two States.
NATO
Meeting of Defence Ministers
29 October 2016
On 26th and 27th October NATO's Defence Ministers decided to deploy further military contingents to the East of Europe (Baltic States and Romania) as well as to step up NATO and EU cooperation, notably in terms of monitoring the borders in the Mediterranean and the Aegean.
Studies/Reports
Report on relations between the European and Ukraine
29 October 2016
On 28th October the European Commission published a report that relates the results of cooperation between the European Union and Ukraine in the implementation of reforms in the country.
Publication
Hubert Védrine: "Sauver l'Europe"
31 October 2016
In his book published with Liana Levi Publishing, in which the Foundation is quoted, former French Foreign Affairs Minister, Hubert Védrine calls for Union in Europe, in spite of the difficulties encountered by European integration over the last 20 years and for it to rise above national identities.
Culture
Exhibition of self-portraits at the Palace of Buckingham
31 October 2016
From 4th November to 17th April 2017 Buckingham Palace will be hosting an exhibition on the self-portraits of world renowned artists like Rembrandt, Rubens and Leonardo da Vinci.
The Reina Sofia Museum working with Lothar Baumgarten
31 October 2016
From 3rd November to 16th April 2017 the National Museum Reina Sofia in Madrid will be promoting the most recent creation of Lothar Baumgarten, who planned the garden at the Fondation Cartier.
Dance Festival "Moving in November" in Helsinki
31 October 2016
Until 5th November the 30th Moving in November dance festival is taking place in Helsinki - it is one of the oldest and biggest contemporary dance festivals in Finland.
Museum Night in Amsterdam
31 October 2016
On 5th November more than 50 Amsterdam museums will be open from 7pm to 2am for the annual Museum Night. Temporary exhibitions as well as permanent collections will be open to the public. There will also be screenings of films as well as dance and music shows.
Agenda
6th November
Presidential Election (Bulgaria)
7th November
Eurogroup Meeting (Brussels)
8th November
Economy and Finances Council Meeting (Brussels)
Newsletter Archives
Digital legislation: convergence or divergence of models? A comparative look at the European Union, China and the United States
Ukraine's accession negotiations with the European Union: reforms undertaken in ten years and the challenges ahead
Draghi Report: as strategic a guide as it is diplomatic for Europe
A Union of criminal law - the vital European area of freedom, security and justice.
General elections 26 October in Georgia: a referendum on Europe
The Editors of the Newsletter :
Charles de Marcilly, Helen Levy ,Ester Bonadonna, Léa Degorre, François Frigot,Lucas Mehler, Benjamin Penassou, Athina Reuter
N°ISSN : 2729-6482
Editor-in-Chief :
Eric Maurice
Director of Publication :
Pascale Joannin
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