Posts Tagged ‘European Union’

A United EU Can Address Shared Problems – Continued

dimanche, janvier 24th, 2016

Discussion of « Only a united European Union may successfully address its shared problems » is continued  in this guest blog posting on a personal basis,  by Erika Angelidi, the Conservatives Abroad Representative in Greece.

It is not to be doubted that the roots of the issue of immigration lie in impoverishment and life’s conditions, that are climaxing in the countries facing the problem of the almost obligatory flight of their inhabitants. These countries could, perhaps, undertake, in coordination with the UN, a project that may relieve and support their inhabitants. Should such projects have been implemented in source countries sooner, there would have been a notable improvement of life conditions for the natives, and the inflow of immigrants into the European Continent would have been moderate in comparison.

There only remains a single question to be answered before: Is a constructive cooperation among all countries involved feasible? This is the only premise in order for decent life conditions and security for all (immigrants or non immigrants) to be achieved.

While we think these simple words ?humane and decent life conditions and security for all?, what comes to mind? Though the answer ought to be self-understood by all, to many it is not, thus the phenomena of social turbulence leading to immigration are to be observed.

Let us revisit these very great and simple words to define their meaning: ?humane life conditions and security?…If we were to ask a group of people in various places worldwide about the way they perceive these words, we are bound to receive different, if not contradictory, responses..

As a Physicist, I would like to suggest the adoption of a « common frame of reference » (Physics) or in other words a common point of reference and then these differences would bear only nuances at most. What is this noteworthy point of reference then? None other than our democratic institutions and our common, unquestionable humanity.

This would be the safest way toward the creation of societies respecting the factors ?individual?, ?person?, ?human being?. As citizens of the European Union we bear an abounding legacy that can prove to be indispensable in facing the challenge of the current immigration; we may become main actors in an effort to reach a broader espousal of democracy and human rights in areas of the world where these are yet not solidified.

It is a heartfelt wish that a common multinational effort may be undertaken, in the noble ambition to support source countries and allow inhabitants, who wish to, to start their lives anew. Such a new beginning ought to be characterised by the espousal of democratic values and a dowry of our deeply felt, shared humanity.

Erika Angelidi
Conservatives Abroad,
Athens

EU Referendum Round-Up, January 2016 – Matthew Goodwin

vendredi, janvier 22nd, 2016

Here’s the latest round-Up of research on Britain’s EU Referendum by Matthew Goodwin, Professor of Politics, University of Kent & Visiting Fellow Chatham House.

Is Leave Gaining Ground?

The Boris Effect – overrated?

What of the Renegotiation?

The Scottish Question.

A United EU Can Address Shared Problems

jeudi, décembre 17th, 2015

Our guest blog post today is from Erika Angelidi, the Conservatives Abroad Representative in Greece, and represents her personal point of view.

« Only a united European Union may successfully address its shared problems »
I begin with this phrase as I believe that this thought is no less than the cornerstone in debating and solving all of the ?ld continent?s issues?

During the last months a relatively new issue has arisen: it is the massive illegal entry of paperless immigrants from Syria (and other countries currently at war in the Middle East) into the EU mostly through the Greek borders. Unfortunately, along with people stricken by such great misfortune, there has been an inflow of criminal elements, as has been recently proven. The gist of addressing this problem lies in the decisive help stemming from common EU efforts regarding the safeguarding and adequate patrolling of the Greek sea borders. One may not forget that the Greek borders are the European Union?s borders to the East.

Due to the current financial situation, it may be noted that Greece has not adequate means to deal with such a massive phenomenon by safeguarding its borders. In addition to this, the problem also lies in creating data bases with the incoming immigrants, their origin and goal country in order to capture the true dimensions of the existing situation. To this end, and to being able to monitor fake passports or other legal documents, high-tech equipment and special training is required. Another idea that has been presented is to offer motivation to those contemplating immigration, either in their own countries or even other, financially robust Arabic countries, where the adaptation would be much quicker and efficient due to the common culture, religion, language and customs.

This is an issue that will be on top of the European agenda for a long time to come. Politicians need to make appropriate and correct long-term decisions in order to establish a somewhat lost sentiment of security and peace with regards to the average citizen. At the same time, decent and sanitary life conditions ought to be secured for immigrants in the receiving countries. Lastly, it is to be noted that we ought not to forget that the nature of this issue is political and economical and that for answers and solutions we must go to its very root?. (to be continued)

Erika Angelidi

Conservatives Abroad Representative, Greece

Britain & the Future of Europe – Paul Thomson

samedi, mai 16th, 2015

The BCiP Key Issues Programme

As a result of the May 7th election outcome the referendum on Europe now stands front and centre in both British and European Union political life. BCiP therefore has launched a programmatical series to identify and help clarify the big issues attaching to the question of Britain?s place in Europe: ?Britain and the Future of Europe: BCiP Key Issues Programme?.

The first event will set the stage for those following, by recalling the institutional framework of the main European bodies, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, attendant (desirable or less so) institutional dynamics and unresolved difficulties. The picture thus emerging will be set against the expressed positions of the Conservative Party ? both as to end results sought and process to get there. And then we shall ask: (a) what are the big institutional issues? and (b) starting from here and now, how can they be tackled?

Subsequent events will focus on different policy fields or choices of existential importance to both Europe & Britain: the sources of identity ? Britain and Europe compared; the geopolitics of Europe & Britain?s understanding of its own defence and international relations game plan; comparative economics: staying on board versus jumping board; and in conclusion, to step back and sum up: strategic and cultural choices ? what is at stake? what does Britain really want?

Internal and external speakers will figure.

We hope to draw participants and/or observers to the Programme from beyond as well as within BCiP.?

Paul Thomson
BCiP Vice Chairman

EU Myths

vendredi, janvier 9th, 2015

Here’s a provocative article from Daniel Hannan MEP questioning nine myths about the EU, including securing peace in Europe, World’s largest free trade market, boosts competition, underpins democracy, force for good, necessary for countries to work together, increases prosperity, provides collective clout and high- water mark of federalism.

http://www.conservativehome.com/thecolumnists/2015/01/daniel-hannan-mep-nine-myths-about-the-eu.html