EU

  • With Putin, theories abound on his true identity

    President Putin is an enigmatic figure in Eastern Europe as much as he seen as a charismatic leader in Russia itself. In these countries it’s believed that if you’re not the target of Russia then it’s better to just remain interested and not cause any trouble. This is the reason why there isn’t enthusiastic support for Ukraine even though all of East Europe stands with Ukraine and its battle against Russia.

    The person of Putin is also subject to many theories, and even bordering on conspiracies. A strong current of thought is that Putin was born in a former republic of Yugoslavia that’s now called Slovenia. This is due (so it’s said) to troubles his parents experienced in the Soviet Union where they lived. They didn’t live there long, and the belief is they returned after about three years, but it helps frame him in some way.

    Putin is not liked because Russia is seen as a de facto adversary to East Europe. The corruption that spreads over and interference rackets that frustrate political hopes and dreams are the reason for this. It’s seen as driven by Russian elite figures and upheld by Moscow as a sign of weakness in Europe, much to the chagrin of its neighbours. So Russia’s President may be gossiped over, but he’s not regarded as a real leader.

  • London needs more than a pro-EU Mayor

    The opinions of Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan are as repetitive as some social media posts.

    They’re as frequent, too.

    It may not be usual for UK citizens because Mayoralties have not been elected positions for long, but it’s definitely a part of politics and Mayor Khan has brought this into his own role.

    His idea, by example, that the UK rejoins the EU is about as useful to London as abolishing its own financial services industry.

    It satisfies a willingness to work with others but it doesn’t justify doing things differently, if we need to, which is what the London economy largely is to some experts.

    This holds no promise.

    Mayor Khan is better placed to identify real problems than see countries getting back together in a fruitless enterprise of enlargement.

  • Europe needs a holistic, not precise, engagement now

    The Brexit ‘hunger games’ are over. We’re seeking more from our political representatives out of their participation in our electoral system, and not the much less that we saw before the 2016 referendum.

    It’s the full remit that’s on the table. We’re expecting big returns in our financial and moral investment in people and their exercise in statecraft that is now a 21st Century business bustling with fervent life.

    It’s a reality for all Europeans to consider in their innovations. The holistic wellbeing and status of the Continent is under fire from all corners and we all have to be on our guard. Only the best is needed right now – and it’s only this that deserves our real investments.

    The worded statements that we hear are only a rational response to worded questions. It cannot generate wealth or grow economies in itself. There’s no incitement to hard work in simply saying so, but only in showing such beliefs in action.

    The UK may have to replace the Commonwealth in substance with greater focus on Europe as a continent in action. The links can be kept close but remote for a new micro-arrangement of closer working partnerships in practice in places with renewed interest.

    We’re an intelligent, friendly people at our best and we’re able to grow our interests in things by seeking more room to grow and to expand in new directions. This initiative is a show of strength for such an economy as ours, and benefits all the four nations equally.

  • Westminster Week: Away days

    Tuesday

    This government’s policy on the EU doesn’t yet feel resolved into any particular office, or purpose as it appears. It’s down to us, then, to trust what he or she says. It’s not easy to do. It may or may not constitute a real sets of events that’s accurate or at least recent. To this effect, the Chancellor says this morning, “we’ve reset our relationship with the EU”, and this is meant to be since the election last year. It’s tough to find any credible evidence of it on the ground, at least.

    *

    According to Heidi Alexander MP (Swindon South/Labour), the Transport Secretary, the railways are due an update, but it’s a cloud in the sky if it doesn’t happen.

    Wednesday

    Former PM Liz Truss is again a bugbear as the Prime Minister implies the Leader of the Opposition is auditioning for “The Liz Truss Show” as the guest star.

  • Figures Of Change: Donald Tusk

    Donald Tusk, a Polish politician, is known for his shrewd ideas and grasp of security in a European context. He’s served as Prime Minister of Poland, President of the European Council of the EU, and President of the European People’s Party.

    His networking skills are said to lend him the nickname “Mr Conservative”. He unites across spherical divides to bring together forces that can work on the same platform. His influence in European politics is hard to exceed in our times.