German government goes batsh*t crazy
What on earth does the German government think it’s doing? According to the Sunday Times, its diplomats are briefing journalists that it trying to ensure Czech President, Vaclav Klaus, is impeached for...
View ArticlePay restraint in Germany
According to the FT, the German government is proud that it is keeping pay down in both the public and private sectors, and hopes this will provide an example to less prudent Eurozone economies. But...
View ArticleForeign Office leads EU coup
It’s taken as a given here in the UK that Brits wield little influence in Europe. But apparently – not. According to the Guardian, an FCO-led coup is under way: Germany is planning to stop what it sees...
View ArticleOn the web: London’s global financial standing, EU security and defence...
– The FT has news that London’s position as the dominant global financial hub is slipping, with the UK capital now tied with New York for top spot in the latest rankings. Elsewhere Barry Eichengreen...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Germany to Europe – do as we say and do
A few weeks ago, I questioned German wage restraint, pointing out that other Eurozone countries would prefer Germany to allow salaries to rise, thus stimulating domestic demand, and helping address...
View ArticleKosovo re-assessed?
I’ve written on the BBC Editors site about whether the Kosovo intervention is being reassessed in the light of allegations against Prime Minister Thaci Kosovo has been back on the front pages in recent...
View ArticleHas Will Hutton gone mad?
Over the weekend, Will Hutton offered a ‘modest proposal’ so bizarre that it must have left his colleagues at the Observer fearing for his sanity. David Cameron, he suggested, should… … travel to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Are we neglecting our soft power assets?
Last week saw the launch of a new global #softpower report, ranking the UK at the top of a 30-country index. Compiled by Portland, Facebook and ComRes, the report is described by Joseph Nye (who...
View Article