The Newsletter n°754 — 3 avr. 2017
La Lettre
Jean-Paul Betbeze
—
3 April 2017
We recognise the donkey in the "Animals sick of the pest": the source of the virus according to La Fontaine. The graph presented by Marine Le Pen during the debate between the five candidates on TF1 on 20th March 2017 illustrates a modern donkey – the euro – the source of Europe's ills. The graph could/intends to show a link of cause and effect between the euro and the deindustrialisation of the euro zone's major economies, namely France, Italy and Spain, except for Germany, which benefited from it. This very simple approach deserves some... credit since it allows us to comment and criticise. Here are five observations
Front page!
Which European policy for the new French president?
3 April 2017
In an editorial published on his site Jean-Dominique Giuliani explains that a great deal is expected of France in Europe and that the new French president must be an exemplary European.
Foundation
Order the "Schuman Report on Europe, State of the Union 2017"
3 April 2017
The 2017 edition of the "Schuman Report on the State of the Union" has been published by Lignes de Repères in French and English. Find this vital work for a complete understanding of Europe in bookshops or on the Foundation's website. You will notably find an article on referendums in Europe by Yves Bertoncini. Order your copy now!
"For a few stars more ... What European policy for France?" has been published
2 April 2017
The Chairman of the Foundation Jean-Dominique Giuliani, has published "For a few stars more ... What European policy for France?". As he theorises the concept "of integration via the example" this novel essay reconciles national interests and revives the European project beyond the recurrent debate over sovereignty. Order it now!
European Council
The EU wants to set the pace of negotiations with the UK
2 April 2017
On 29th March the President of the European Council Donald Tusk responded to the notification of Brexit by stating that the 27 were determined to act as one. On 31st March he set the conditions rejecting London's request to undertake the divorce agreement and their future relations at the same time.
Commission
New impetus for youth mobility in Europe
3 April 2017
On 27th March the European Commission announced a subsidy to enable "at least 5,000 young people" to travel to another country in Europe, thanks to a package of 2.5 million € taken by the Erasmus programme budget.
Authorisation for a merger between Dow and DuPont on certain conditions
3 April 2017
On 27th March the European Commission approved the merger of the American chemical companies Dow and DuPont under certain conditions. The authorisation is subject to the cession of a major share of DuPont's global activities in the pesticide sector, including its world R&D structure.
No merger between Deutsche Börse and the London Stock Exchange
3 April 2017
The European Commission has prohibited the merger planned between Deutsche Börse AG (DBAG) and the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) in virtue of European legislation on mergers since this would lead to the creation of a de facto monopoly.
Protecting fishing resources in the Mediterranean
2 April 2017
On 30th March the European Commission achieved a commitment on the part of the 8 EU Member States and seven third countries for the next ten years regarding the protection of fishing resources in the Mediterranean and that of the region's economic and ecological heritage.
Parliament
French and German Home Affairs Ministers discuss security in Parliament
3 April 2017
On 27th March the French and German Home Affairs Ministers debated security before the MEPs of the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee mentioning the necessary protection of the external borders, information sharing and the coding of communications.
Draft resolution to set the rules for the Brexit
2 April 2017
On 29th March four leaders of the political groups (EPP, S&D, ALDE and the Greens/EFA) and the constitutional affairs committee at the European Parliament approved a resolution on the conditions for the UK's exit of the EU. This resolution will be debated and voted on in plenary on 5th April.
Council
The Council adopts conclusions on the migratory and security policy
2 April 2017
On 27th and 28th March the 28 Ministers of the "Internal Justice and Affairs Council" adopted conclusions as part of the implementation of the Malta Declaration (strengthening of resources on the external borders, return policy, fight to counter travel document fraud).
Extension of sanctions against three Libyan personalities for 6 months
3 April 2017
On 31st March the EU extended sanctions against three Libyan personalities for six months - the latter are accused of preventing the implementation of the Libyan political agreement signed on 17th December 2015.
Results of the Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting
3 April 2017
On 3rd April the 28 Foreign Affairs Ministers adopted conclusions on Syria, Yemen and Somalia. They re-iterated their wish to protect and promote children's rights as part of the external policy in terms of Human Rights.
Agriculture Council and Fisheries
1 January 1970
The 28 Agriculture Ministers exchanged views on the agriculture chapter of the "omnibus" regulation. They also released solidarity funds against natural disasters in Cyprus, Portugal and the UK.
Court of Justice
Russia: European sanctions against Rosneft valid
2 April 2017
On 28th March the EU's Court of Justice validated the sanctions decided in 2014 by the EU against the Russian company Rosneft which challenged them in the UK. "There is no factor to affect the validity of the decision or the regulation" establishing sanctions said the Court.
ECB
New 50€ note
3 April 2017
The new 50€ note with new, upgraded security features will be floated by the ECB as of 4th April.
Germany
Launch of Germany cyber-army
3 April 2017
On 5th April Germany will inaugurate a cyber-army who mission it will be to protect the Bundeswehr from IT attacks. Given the development in areas of conflict (Germany is said to have suffered 300,000 cyberattacks since the beginning of the year), the German Defence Minister wants to have a significant and autonomous cyber-army.
Belgium
Lloyd's of London is to open a branch in Brussels
2 April 2017
On 30th March the famous insurance bank, Lloyd's of London announced that it was to open a branch in Brussels explaining that it was taking this measure "in view of the UK's decision to leave the EU".
Spain
Spain adopts its 2017 budget
3 April 2017
On 31st March the Spanish government adopted the draft 2017 budget. The goal is economic growth and good management of public finances.
France
Meeting between the German and French Presidents
3 April 2017
On 30th March the new German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with his French counterpart, François Hollande as he undertook his first foreign visit. They recalled the responsibility held by the Franco-German couple as far as the future of the EU was concerned.
Italy
G7 declaration on cultural heritage
3 April 2017
On 31st March the G7 Ministers of Culture adopted a joint declaration to oblige the States to introduce "strong, effective measures to counter the trafficking and plunder of cultural goods."
Lithuania
Georgian President visits Lithuania
3 April 2017
To mark the implementation of the Georgia-EU agreement which will now allow visa-less 90 day travel over a period of 180 days, the Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili travelled to Lithuania on 30th and 31st March where he was hosted by President Dalia Grybauskaite.
Malta
The Maltese budget balanced for the first time in 35 years
3 April 2017
The Maltese government announced that its public finances were in balance with a surplus of 8.9 million euro. This is a first in 35 years.
Poland
Visegrad Declaration on Digital Innovation
3 April 2017
On 28th March the Prime Ministers of the Visegrad group of countries (Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic) adopted a joint declaration on their mutual cooperation in terms of innovation and the digital.
UK
Theresa May triggers article 50 of the TEU on the exit of the EU
2 April 2017
On 28th March British Prime Minister Theresa May signed the official letter asking for the exit of the EU thereby triggering of article 50. On 29th she addressed the House of Commons and admitted that the UK "would lose influence", on 30th March the British government published its "Great Repeal Bill".
The Scottish First Minister asks for a new referendum on independence
2 April 2017
On 28th March the Scottish Parliament approved a motion (69 votes against 59) enabling First Minister Nicola Sturgeon negotiate with the British Parliament regarding the organisation of a second referendum on independence for Scotland. On 31st March Nicola Sturgeon formally addressed this request to the British Prime Minister.
Difficulties in forming a coalition government
3 April 2017
Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party have not succeeded in forming a government in Northern Ireland within the given time span, i.e. three weeks as of the elections that took place on 2nd March. Discussions continue.
Armenia
General election results
3 April 2017
According to the Armenian Electoral Committee on 3rd April at midday the Republican Party (RPA) of outgoing the President won 48.9% of the vote. The opposition party, Alliance Tsarukyan won 27.2% of the vote. Turnout lay at 60.9%. A press release by the OSCE published on 3rd April denounced irregularities during the general election..
Moldova
Moldova Association Council-European Union
3 April 2017
On 31st March during the 3rd meeting of the EU-Moldova Association Council the Union re-iterated the necessary conditions for the development of the political association and economic process of Moldova.
Serbia
Presidential election in Serbia
3 April 2017
Outgoing Prime Minister Aleksandr Vucic won the Serb presidential election on 2nd April with 57% of the vote. Turnout lay at 54.13%.
NATO
"The transatlantic link is vital"
3 April 2017
On 31st March NATO's Foreign Affairs Ministers looked into the issue of a fairer sharing of the burden, responses to terrorism and a united stand regarding Russia.
Migration
The HCR support enhanced cooperation in Greece for the reception of migrants
3 April 2017
On 27th March the UN's High Commission for Refugees (HCR) stressed the need for enhanced cooperation to improve the situation of asylum seekers and refugees in Greece.
Hungary: the detention of refugees enters into force
3 April 2017
The Hungarian bill on the systematic detention of refugees entered into force on 28th March. According to the new legislation all asylum seekers in Hungary must be brought together in closed camps on the Serb border.
Italy passes a bill to take on board child migrants
3 April 2017
On 29th March the Italian Parliament adopted a bill to take on board unaccompanied child migrants confirms the practice of non-expulsion of unaccompanied minors. Already approved by the Senate it was adopted by 375 votes against 13 in the Chamber of Deputies.
The situation of refugees in Turkey
3 April 2017
On 31st March the Steering Committee responsible for following the EU-Turkey agreement on the reception of refugees in Turkey postponed reported on further projects in terms of education and healthcare. Half of the financial aid (1.5 billion €) has been spent.
Eurostat
One third of European trade with the USA and China
3 April 2017
On 29th March Eurostat published a study of the EU's international trade. China (14.9%) and the USA (17.7%) are still the leading trade partners ahead of Switzerland (7.6%), Russia (5.5%), Turkey (4.2%) and Japan (3.6%).
Unemployment down to 8% in the Union and 9.5% in the euro area
3 April 2017
On 3rd April Eurostat published a study indicating that the unemployment rate in the EU had dropped in February 2017 to 8%, i.e. its lowest rate since January 2009 and that of the euro area now lay at 9.5%, at an all time low since May 2009.
Annual inflation rate in the euro area down to 1.5%
2 April 2017
According to a Eurostat study published on 31st March the euro area's annual inflation rate is estimated at 1.5% in March 2017 against 2% in February 2017.
Studies/Reports
OECD report on counterfeiting
3 April 2017
In its report on the trade of counterfeit goods published on 28th March the OECD notes that one mobile phone in five and one video game consoles that cross the borders are counterfeit.
Report on the cohesion and investment policy
3 April 2017
On 31st March the Commission published a first positive assessment of the prior conditions that the Member States must meet to be able to benefit from the European structural and investment funds. These have given a strong incentive for Member States to undertake reform.
Culture
Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival Warsaw
3 April 2017
Until 14th April Warsaw is paying tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven with around 30 concerts on the occasion of the Easter Festival.
European Film Days Prague
3 April 2017
From 6th to 13th April Prague is hosting a festival devoted to European cinema. Around 50 films are being screened.
Museum Week in the Netherlands
3 April 2017
Until 9th April the National Museum Week is being held in the Netherlands. Hundreds of museums are open. Free or guided visits, exhibitions, workshops or conferences are on the agenda.
International Science Festival in Edinburgh
3 April 2017
Edinburgh is hosting the international science festival until 16th April. It aims to make science attractive and accessible to all and raise public awareness of sustainable development.
Musical Fountains Show of Versailles
3 April 2017
Enjoy the Versailles Palace to the full with the opening of the Musical Fountains Show running until 29th October. Discover the gardens with the music of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Lully and Rameau.
Easter Festival in Salzbourg
3 April 2017
The Easter Festival (Osterfestspiele) of Salzbourg is celebrating its 50th anniversary until 17th April with Richard Wagner's opera "Walküre" on the programme.
Easter Festival of Baden-Baden
3 April 2017
The Easter Festival of Baden-Baden is taking place from 7th to 17th April with Puccini's "Tosca" as its inaugurating opera.
Agenda
3rd April
Foreign Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
3rd April
Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Luxembourg)
3rd to 6th April
Plenary Session of the European Parliament (Strasbourg)
4th and 5th April
Conference on the future of Syria and the region (Brussels)
7th April
Eurogroup Meeting (Valletta)
Newsletter Archives
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
What the European Parliament should ask of future Commissioners
The Editors of the Newsletter :
Charles de Marcilly, Helen Levy ,Laurent Boulay, Hanna Létang, Béatrice Manole,Elise Mathevon, Lorène Weber.
N°ISSN : 2729-6482
Editor-in-Chief :
Eric Maurice
Director of Publication :
Pascale Joannin
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