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While waiting for the first results at 6 pm you could
+ click through our blog's categories Crossing Europe A - Z, Parties And Parliament and Picked Up and read what we have posted in the last weeks
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Slovenia's European election campaign missed any European aspects stated an Austrian newspaper. As in other member states, the financial crisis was a big deal. Moreover, unsolved border issues with Croatia dominated, as usual, the discussions. These problems are not well known within the EU, but postponed accession talks with Croatia this year. Both countries are arguing mainly about the line of demarcation in Piran bay. This all leads to tension between people from both countries. While some Croatians want to boycott Slovenian goods, Slovenians feel validated in judging the others as arrogant and snobbish.
Piran bay.
Picture is reserved under a Creative Commons Licence (shaggyshoo/flickr).
Here what came to my mind while thinking about Sweden and the upcoming elections. Just extend this list if you'd like:
Snow storms in April | EU presidency from July to December 2009 | A handsome prince | Furniture with do-it-yourself assembly instructions | Funny city names (at least for a German girl.. sorry): UPPSALA rocked already years ago | Not only elks on street signs but also cats | Swedish Jack Sparrows capturing politics | Köttbullar and potatos | Red hair and red houses | High-class music: Mando Diao for the dancers, Kristofer Astrom for the dreamers
Photos are private or reserved under a Creative Commons Licence. All by flickr: Pippi/CDrewing, inbus/hmboo, snow/-12C, köttbullar/incinerator, house/kreativkind.
What a battle: On October the 15th, Poland beat Slovakia in the FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualifiying Match with 2 goals to 1, with a spectacular turn in the 85th and 86th minute by Stanislav Sestak, striker of the German football club VFL Bochum. Currently Slovakia (12 points) is two points ahead of Poland (10 points) in the chart.
Old Town Hall in Bratislava
Have you ever tried to turn a map of Europe upside down? Maybe you'll see a salamander just as Franck Bianchari did. The reptile became Newropeans' icon. Newropeans claims to be the first truly pan-European political party. Its members' aim was to run for this year's European Parliament election in all European Union member states simultaneously. But they only campaign now in three countries: in Germany, France - and in the Netherlands.
The smallest state in the European Union has five seats in the European Parliament. Since March 2003, after a successful referendum – the Maltese voted 53:47 for the EU membership. The referendum was initialized by the government and denied by the oppositional labour party. But the leading National party couldn’t benefit from their actions: In 2004, the Government just won two seats, the oppositional labour party which was against the Maltese joining to the EU, achieved the other three seats.
Malta between skepticism and optimism
Is it a kind of European skepticism or a domestically Maltese phenomenon? Well, observers stated that the voters possibly expressed their discontentment with the leading National Party. In 2004, there was a special atmosphere at the election for the Maltese. But what could be expected for the European Election on the first weekend in June? The parties will fight for the voter’s voice to secure their influence in the European Parliament. Malta has the least number of seats in the EU and would profit by the new Lisbon treaty. But, because of Ireland’s “No”, their hopes on one more seat have dropped.
Questionable attitude towards refugees
But that’s just paper waste compared to the problems Malta has with immigrants by the sea and their way dealing with them. Jacques Barrot, Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, has expressed his resentment about the situation of the refugees in March 2009. “The Maltese attitude towards the immigrants is racist and has to change immediately.” Since 2008, more than 2700 refugees entered Malta by sea and were housed in refugee camps with the worst reputation in the whole European Union. In January 2009, the United Nations (UN) has stated the conditions as “alarmingly”.
A glimpse of hope
But there are also good news, even in relation to the worldwide still underestimated situation for refugees at the European borders. Katrine Camilleri, a 37-year old lawyer, received in 2007 the most prestigious United Nations refugee award for her “tireless efforts” to lobby and advocate for refugees. Just two layers and two case workers try to help the refugees in their mostly unpromising situation. Camilleri has also helped to set up a study unit for law students at the University of Malta. There, the students could take cases and also get in contact with refugees and asylum seekers while helping them with their skilled knowledge.
What next Malta?
Good news indeed, but the situation in 2009 is still precarious. Malta has won a lot with their “Yes” to join the European Union in 2003: political influence in Europe and financial support by the Union. But they also have commitments towards the other members of the EU and a high responsibility as the new border in the south of the European Union. Malta will be in the focus in the next couple of years, especially with their handling of the refugee situation. Whoever will gain the majority of seats, he has the duty to act responsible thoughtful. Maybe the Maltese people are out for another surprise at this year’s European Election - and will support neither the National Party nor the Labour Party. The observers couldn’t tell.
Image is preserved under a Creative-Commons-Licence (marfis75/flickr).
This week, Silvio Berlusconi's government won three confidence votes to pass a security law, which makes it easier to deport illegal immigrants among other things. Berlusconi's centre-right party promised to pass this bill during the legislative election campaign last year. Now, just some days before the European elections, it has passed the Italian chamber. Opposition leaders called this an "act of propaganda". In fact, the bill will ensure a majority approval among the voters. And Berlusconi's quarrel with his wife will be forgotten.
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This blog is launched by the successful german online magazine E-POLITIK.DE to address the upcoming EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS, held between 4th and 7th June 2009 in 27 member states of the European Union. We give an overview of current politics and events, parties and party programs as well as regional pecularities concerning European Union politics and this year elections. We do not try to convince you of the necessity and importance of your individual vote, but to sensibilise you for persons, structures and processes affecting you and your life. After all any power of persuasion is of less importance and you hopefully have own intended reasons to participate in european politics.