Such is the binary nature of political debate in Scotland that views on the economic prospects for an independent Scotland to join the European Union are overwhelmingly Manichean. Either the country will sail through the accession process in a matter of months post-independence. Or the economic, fiscal and monetary obstacles will be so high it may never happen – and Scotland … [Read more...] about Can Scotland meet EU economic criteria?
eurozone
Euro at 20: time for reform
Often written off, its imminent demise repeatedly proclaimed, the euro quietly celebrated its 20th birthday on January 1.It's an event that went virtually unnoticed in Brexit-obsessed Britain where its role (and future) is normally derided. As our currency, the euro has become an integral part of everyday life and it makes it easier for us to trade, travel, study, … [Read more...] about Euro at 20: time for reform
European solidarity or national responsibility?
“The idea of Europe is in retreat and the European Union is at an advanced state of disintegration“. This is how the preliminary version of DiEM25's white paper on a new vision for Europe begins.DiEM25 is an initiative of, amongst others, Yanis Varoufakis, who was finance minister in Greece for five months at the height of its economic crisis in 2015.The white paper … [Read more...] about European solidarity or national responsibility?
A day is a long time in EU politics
Not surprisingly, many commentators have simplified Sunday's votes as meaning Austria: pro-EU and good; Italy: anti-EU and bad. I draw different conclusions from these results. First, all the reports suggest that the biggest factors in the Italian referendum were anti-government feeling, coupled with concerns about the nature of the constitutional changes proposed by … [Read more...] about A day is a long time in EU politics
Europe, sovereignty and the Far Right
On 28-29 January, the leaders of the European Parliament Group Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) met in Milan. Greeted by a sold out venue inside, and attacks from the far left outside, this was the first time the ENF, composed of the most prominent leaders of the European far right, had gathered outside Strasbourg.Under the slogan ‘Freer, stronger: another Europe is … [Read more...] about Europe, sovereignty and the Far Right