Europe
Apart from a few years in the middle-east, I've lived my whole life in europe; the great majority in britain. I am a european, both from conviction and pragmatism. Europe, of which the uk remains a part, is helping forge a new way forward for the world. It is a lighthouse of how old enemies can become not just new allies, but so closely bound and integrated that their future prosperity depends on them hanging ever closer together. At its best, europe brings real benefits from bigger and freer flowing markets, economies of scale, the circulation of best practice and safety in numbers. I have written a lot about europe, mainly in my guise of new europe, and you can read it all here. Watch the clip, by oscar-winning producer alice doyard
the paralysis of contentment (March 2006)
Saturday 13th December 2008
Not enough people see globalisation as opportunity not threat, and polls show that most Europeans associate the EU with globalisation: one reason for its growing unpopularity. Yet, to be against globalisation is like Canute commanding the waves to turn back: it’s here, it’s now and it rules, OK ?
different strokes (March 2006)
Saturday 13th December 2008
A core group - the euro area - needs to go quickly forward in areas such as taxation, research and development, and a single area of justice, security - and of course foreign policy...
the state we’re in (July 2006)
Saturday 13th December 2008
Talk of a European state is strange, but if it walks like duck and quacks like a duck..?
time for europe (May 2006)
Saturday 13th December 2008
Unlike smaller Member States, which generally only have regional or border policies, the bigs have perceived political interests around the world, and glittering embassies and other historical baggage to match. They are not ready for foreign policy by committee...
give a man a fish (August 2006)
Saturday 13th December 2008
Trade is a rare area where the EU has one policy and one voice. The European Commission occupies a single chair at the WTO: Member States can’t speak...
the perfect storm (November 2006)
Saturday 13th December 2008
A desperate need for economic reform, widespread resistance to it, deep exposure to devaluation, an increasingly polarised society, economically and politically, a weak government and a samsonesque opposition, determined to win at any cost: the perfect storm ?
permission slips (October 2006)
Saturday 13th December 2008
NATO’s protective blanket solved Franco-German security, allowing the EU to be born and the German economic miracle’s era of growth and prosperity...