This Week in Europe: 29/04/18
Let's have a look at what's been going on this week in Europe
Ironically, the major European event of this week was not in Europe but in fact in the United States. Macron went to visit Trump, a follow-up to Trump's visit to France. After some awkward kissing (Trump is clearly not used to such intimacy between human beings) and the planting of a tree, Macron dispelled notions that love was in the air by laying into Trump's agenda in a speech given to the US Congress. Nonetheless, Trump seemed content enough with the visit - though we can't rule out another bout of vigorous hand-shaking the next time the two men meet.
Back in Europe, attempts to form a government in Italy continue without much progress. M5S, who won the recent elections, seemed to close the door on a coalition with far-right Lega and are pushing for the Democrats to open talks. This is not an obvious task as the Democratic Party is divided on this issue, torn between those believe a period in opposition will revitalise the party and show-up the populists and those who think it best for the adults to steer and moderate the populist impulses. At any rate, it's not clear how long M5S will maintain this stance given their flexible approach to politics. For now, we will have to wait and see as the Democratic Party will only discuss the idea of going into coalition on May 3rd.
European military integration took another small step forwards as German and French officials agreed on the key aspects of a new warplane to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes. The aim is to have these new warplanes operational by 2040. Italy, Spain and possibly Britain are also likely partners for this project.
Not to be left out, Sweden and Finland have also taken steps towards greater military cooperation, passing new measures that allow each country's troops to operate in the other's territory - a possible model and precursor for a more general 'military Schengen area' that has been under discussion recently.
In the UK, Brexit remains the only subject of discussion for the 80th week running. Following on from the House of Lords vote in favour of retaining a customs partnership with the EU, the House of Commons also passed a non-binding motion to the same effect. To add to the Brexit headaches, ministers are trying to work out how to solve the fact that the UK will be excluded from the EU's Galileo satellite programme after Brexit. The UK wants to stay a member but if this does not happen then the government may launch its own satellite programme, a move that would incur no small cost.
Serbia's President has stated that they are open to negotiations in order to find some sort of compromise with regards to Kosovo, the de facto state that broke away in the 1990s. President Aleksandar Vučić believes that a compromise is possible, even if it falls short of formally recognising Kosovo's independence, but will only be possible if Serbia gets something in return. Serbia's President has been criticised for authoritarianism but may receive some leniency from the international community if he can produce a workable settlement between Serbia and Kosovo.
Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, gave a speech in Berlin this week emphasising the importance of EU membership for the state and that denying Albania this chance could fuel Islamist radicalism. He also condemned the way populist politicians in Europe stoked anti-Muslim rhetoric. Albania is one of the few countries in Europe to hold a Muslim majority and there is concern that Russia is trying to radicalise Muslims in the country in order to destabilise the Balkans. The Albanian government hopes that EU membership and a full investment in the region from the EU could counteract these radicalising forces.
Finally, in Romania, the possible move of the Romanian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem has sparked a major conflict between the President and the Prime Minister. President Iohannis made a public speech this week saying that he was not consulted about the move (which could be a constitutional violation) and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister, Viorica Dancila.
This is a test piece - it's relatively intensive to produce and so if the response is good then it will continue next week, otherwise it will not, so if you liked it be sure to let me know.
Ironically, the major European event of this week was not in Europe but in fact in the United States. Macron went to visit Trump, a follow-up to Trump's visit to France. After some awkward kissing (Trump is clearly not used to such intimacy between human beings) and the planting of a tree, Macron dispelled notions that love was in the air by laying into Trump's agenda in a speech given to the US Congress. Nonetheless, Trump seemed content enough with the visit - though we can't rule out another bout of vigorous hand-shaking the next time the two men meet.
Back in Europe, attempts to form a government in Italy continue without much progress. M5S, who won the recent elections, seemed to close the door on a coalition with far-right Lega and are pushing for the Democrats to open talks. This is not an obvious task as the Democratic Party is divided on this issue, torn between those believe a period in opposition will revitalise the party and show-up the populists and those who think it best for the adults to steer and moderate the populist impulses. At any rate, it's not clear how long M5S will maintain this stance given their flexible approach to politics. For now, we will have to wait and see as the Democratic Party will only discuss the idea of going into coalition on May 3rd.
European military integration took another small step forwards as German and French officials agreed on the key aspects of a new warplane to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes. The aim is to have these new warplanes operational by 2040. Italy, Spain and possibly Britain are also likely partners for this project.
Not to be left out, Sweden and Finland have also taken steps towards greater military cooperation, passing new measures that allow each country's troops to operate in the other's territory - a possible model and precursor for a more general 'military Schengen area' that has been under discussion recently.
In the UK, Brexit remains the only subject of discussion for the 80th week running. Following on from the House of Lords vote in favour of retaining a customs partnership with the EU, the House of Commons also passed a non-binding motion to the same effect. To add to the Brexit headaches, ministers are trying to work out how to solve the fact that the UK will be excluded from the EU's Galileo satellite programme after Brexit. The UK wants to stay a member but if this does not happen then the government may launch its own satellite programme, a move that would incur no small cost.
Serbia's President has stated that they are open to negotiations in order to find some sort of compromise with regards to Kosovo, the de facto state that broke away in the 1990s. President Aleksandar Vučić believes that a compromise is possible, even if it falls short of formally recognising Kosovo's independence, but will only be possible if Serbia gets something in return. Serbia's President has been criticised for authoritarianism but may receive some leniency from the international community if he can produce a workable settlement between Serbia and Kosovo.
Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, gave a speech in Berlin this week emphasising the importance of EU membership for the state and that denying Albania this chance could fuel Islamist radicalism. He also condemned the way populist politicians in Europe stoked anti-Muslim rhetoric. Albania is one of the few countries in Europe to hold a Muslim majority and there is concern that Russia is trying to radicalise Muslims in the country in order to destabilise the Balkans. The Albanian government hopes that EU membership and a full investment in the region from the EU could counteract these radicalising forces.
Finally, in Romania, the possible move of the Romanian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem has sparked a major conflict between the President and the Prime Minister. President Iohannis made a public speech this week saying that he was not consulted about the move (which could be a constitutional violation) and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister, Viorica Dancila.
This is a test piece - it's relatively intensive to produce and so if the response is good then it will continue next week, otherwise it will not, so if you liked it be sure to let me know.
Comments
Post a Comment