Wednesday
(1)Samizdata readers may have noticed a distinct absence of postings from me in the last couple of weeks. To those who miss my regular outbursts I offer my hearty apologies and the excuse of an unusually heavy workload. To those who rejoice in my absence I say, enjoy it while it lasts for I expect normal service to be resumed quite shortly.
In the meantime, however, I have noticed that the UK Times is carrying a banner headline that is so tempting that I am forced to drive a crowbar into the midst of my packed schedule and prize open enough space to briefly comment:
Barroso calls for help to avert crisis at the heart of Europe.
Don't all rush now.
A few months in the job and already he's sounding like Rowan Williams.
Posted by Peter at October 27, 2004 01:51 AM
Is there any way in which a crisis can be encouraged.
If one occurs it will lead to lots of fun viewing.
Posted by Julian Nicholson at October 27, 2004 02:01 AM
TO: David Carr
RE: Helluva Way...
...to run a government. Eh?
Enjoy,
Chuck(le)
Posted by Chuck Pelto at October 27, 2004 04:30 AM
Well the European parliament finally shows some spine, and Barroso calls it a crisis. A loss of power for the commision, that's what it is.
Posted by Ralf Goergens at October 27, 2004 09:57 AM
Yes, any thing that encourages a crisis in Brussels is obviously a good thing.
Posted by Andrew Ian Dodge at October 27, 2004 01:09 PM
Well, err.. sorry to disappoint you Andrew but in this case you are wrong.
Of the three main institutions of the European Union; the Parliament, the Commission and the Council of Ministers. (Yes there are other less important ones - they really are irrelevant ECOSOC anyone?) the Parliament is the scariest.
The Council of Ministers works at an intergovernmental level and is, nominally, accountable to the Member States own governments - which is why when Blunkett wants to hand over more rights he does so in person.
The Commission is still appointed by national Governments. So the choice of HMG is Mandelson, the choice of the Italian Government is Butiglione.
The only truly federalist body in Europe is the Parliament.
What we have experienced today was a successful power grab by the only truly "European" institution in Brussels. The Parliament was playing chicken with Commission, and the Commission blinked.
Thus the centre has just been strengthened and one more aspect of national, rather than supra-national power has been struck down. Worse, because of the fact that there is some (less than 50% turnout but some nonetheless) democratic legitimacy they are more likely to be able to justify their actions.
Sorry guys but not a day to celebrate.
Posted by Gawain at October 27, 2004 02:36 PM
Senhor Barroso pleaded with Parliament: “I appeal to your sense of responsibility. I appeal above all to your European identity. If this commission is not supportedit will be . . . a bad day for Europe.” Senhor Barroso pledged to step up measures to combat racism and discrimination of all forms
Do you know anyone with 'a European sense of identity'? I don't. 'A bad day for Europe' (meaning not Europe but a creeping toxic leakage by the name of the EU) will cause a surge of fierce joy in many hearts in many European countries. And, oh dear, you mean if operations are suspended, there will be a moratorium on the breathless creation of ever-more iron-fisted 'measures to combat racism and discrimination in all forms'?
Sounds like a good hair day to me.
Posted by Verity at October 27, 2004 02:44 PM
"The only truly federalist body in Europe is the Parliament."
You forgot the ECJ, an utterly unaccountable court that has repeatedly defined the principal purpose of its existence as furthering "ever closer union."
Posted by Dave J at October 27, 2004 03:51 PM
