AP Report Van Aartsen wil economische hervormingen in Europa afdwingen

AP Report
Van onze verslaggever Daan Diederiks

Volgens VVD fractieleider van Aartsen moeten de afspraken om de Europese Unie economisch te hervormen (de Lissabon agenda) in onwillige en lakse lidstaten afgedwongen kunnen worden.

Op een bijeenkomst op maandag 25 januari van de Europese Beweging Nederland (EBN) keerde de VVD leider zich tegen het Franse en Duitse etatistische economische beleid. De Commissie probeert met de Lissabon agenda de EU de meest competitieve en moderne economie te maken.

Volgens van Aartsen werken `peer-pressure´ en `bench-marking´ als drukmiddel om de Lissabon agenda uit te voeren niet voldoende.
"Lissabon moet iets meer het dwingende van het stabiliteitspact krijgen," aldus van Aartsen.

Debat tussen voorstanders EU Grondwet

Ter gelegenheid van het begin van het politieke seizoen in 2005 en als start naar het referendum over het EU Grondwettelijk verdrag organiseerde de EBN een publieksdebat tussen de vier fractieleiders Bos (PvdA), Halsema (GroenLinks), Verhagen (CDA) en van Aartsen (VVD).

De belangrijkste vraag die de EBN aan de vier deelnemers voorlegde was; valt er nog wel iets te keizen? Zijn de partijen het eigenlijk niet roerend met elkaar eens?


AP Report | Lees verder...
AP Report Van Aartsen wil economische hervormingen in Europa afdwingen

- posted by DD @ 1:05 PM

 
Simple yes or no for voters on EU constitution

Telegraph | News | "The Government cleared the first hurdle for a referendum on the new European constitution yesterday when the main parties approved a straightforward question to be put to the voters.

The public will be asked: 'Should the United Kingdom approve the treaty establishing a constitution for the European Union?'

The referendum, expected to be held in the spring of 2006 if Labour is returned to power at the election - or by the end of this year if there is a Conservative victory - will be the first national vote on Britain's membership of the EU since 1975."
Simple yes or no for voters on EU constitution

- posted by DD @ 9:42 AM

 
NATO to be marginalised by the EU

EUobserver.com | "NATO is set to be marginalised by the EU as the primary institution for Europe, says a report compiled by US intelligence experts.

Within a general analysis on world developments over the next 15 years, by CIA thinktank, the National Intelligence Council, the experts posed the question: 'Could Europe become a superpower?'

'The EU, rather than NATO, will increasingly become the primary institution for Europe, and the role which Europeans shape for themselves on the world stage is most likely to be projected through it', said the forecast.

'Whether the EU will develop an army is an open question, in part because its creation could duplicate or displace NATO forces', says the report."
NATO to be marginalised by the EU

- posted by DD @ 2:14 PM

 
'Rapid reaction force' to monitor Constitution debate

EUobserver.com | A 'rapid reaction force' has been set up by MEPs to try and put the record straight if lies are told about the European Constitution.

'Within three hours, or at least within the same day, we want to react to lies and distortions about the Constitution', stated Jo Leinen, head of the European Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee.
'Rapid reaction force' to monitor Constitution debate

- posted by DD @ 2:00 PM

 
Rice pledges improved relations with partners

EUobserver.com | The US will do its best to improve relations with 'both the old and new allies', the incoming Secretary of State promised on Tuesday (18 January).

Stability in Iraq and the fight against terrorism should be the highest priorities of Washington's future foreign affairs agenda, said Condoleezza Rice, the nominee for the top US job in external relations.

Speaking in front of US senators, Ms Rice did not admit any diplomatic failure of the previous administration concerning war in Iraq.

However, she confirmed that she wants to improve dialogue with American partners, suggesting that the US interaction with the rest of the world 'must be a conversation, not a monologue'.
Rice pledges improved relations with partners

- posted by DD @ 1:59 PM

 
France to get EU vote 'by summer'

BBC NEWS | "President Jacques Chirac has promised to give the French people a vote on the EU constitution 'before the summer'.

In a New Year's address on television Mr Chirac said: 'You, the sovereign people, will be called on to choose your own destiny.'
The EU treaty aims to make the bloc more efficient following its expansion to 25 nations in May 2004, but it has met resistance in several countries.

Some states are aiming to ratify it in parliament, others with a referendum."
France to get EU vote 'by summer'

- posted by DD @ 2:13 PM

 
PM urged to back EU constitution

BBC NEWS | "Prime Minister Tony Blair has been urged to mount a solid defence of the European Union's constitution in 2005.

Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief, stressed the importance of the constitution as more countries join.

Mr Solana told BBC Radio Four's Today programme that a No vote in the UK would raise questions about its relations with countries who voted Yes.

The UK referendum on the constitution - which the Tories say is flawed - is expected to be held in spring 2006. "
PM urged to back EU constitution

- posted by DD @ 2:11 PM