Angela Merkel
Common Franco-German position on Greek debt
As I wrote earlier this morning, rumours of a ‘common Franco-German position’ on Greek debt were circulating in the early hours. Details are now emerging. Nicolas Sarkozy has dropped plans… Continue reading
18 CommentsGetting a grip of the crisis
“I’m very worried, this building [the Treasury] is very worried and this government is very worried,” said George Osborne of the unfolding crisis in the Eurozone. In an interview with… Continue reading
5 CommentsGearing up for another European drama
Away from the amateur dramatics in parliament this afternoon, the government is fighting yet another battle with the European Commission over banking reform. European leaders will vote later today on proposals… Continue reading
11 CommentsMerkel is running out of patience with the eurozone
Like an unseasonal Atlantic gale, the Portuguese sovereign debt crisis has blown in to ruin the latest EU summit. This meeting was intended to mark the beginning of the end… Continue reading
47 CommentsIn Defence of Germany
Among the many odd things about the Libyan "debate" is the argument that Germany’s decision to abstain during the Security Council vote is somehow disgraceful and proof that Germany still… Continue reading
12 CommentsA Grim St Patrick’s Day
St Patrick’s Day is often pretty grim, not least on account of the American habit of suggesting the poor old boy is actually the patron saint of uncooked hamburgers. It… Continue reading
8 CommentsMeltdown danger
The situation in Japan is deteriorating further. In the early hours of this morning, the last workers are said to have left the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant as the… Continue reading
52 CommentsCameron signs up to muscular liberalism
"State multiculturalism has failed." Angela Merkel put voice to that sentiment last October. Now it David Cameron’s turn to do the same. In a speech in Munich today, the Prime… Continue reading
68 CommentsWhat Cameron should push for in Brussels
As David Cameron stays in Brussels for his third European summit as PM, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the EU’s approach to the eurozone crisis – put up short-term cash… Continue reading
24 CommentsA "two stone" solution to the Euro crisis will unbalance the coalition
Whatever the British government wants, moves are now afoot on the Continent to address some of the structural problem with the Euro. They may in the end lead to some… Continue reading
12 CommentsIreland’s crisis is the fault of Fianna Fáil, not just the euro
In all likelihood, George Osborne will rise this afternoon to groans if not jeers. Britain looks set to lend Ireland £7bn as part of multilateral and bilateral bailouts. Many, particularly… Continue reading
29 CommentsG-20 in Seoul: Beyond “Camerkelism”
David Cameron is now in Seoul for the first G-20 summit hosted by a non–G-7 member state. It will be the Prime Minister’s second G-20. But things have changed dramatically… Continue reading
6 CommentsA wasted opportunity for EU reform?
David Cameron made his statement on last week’s EU summit yesterday, answering a range of questions on the 2011 EU budget increase and future changes to the EU treaties. The… Continue reading
13 CommentsCameron emerges unscathed
David Cameron’s statement on the European summit just now was an opportunity for pro-European politicians to tweak the Conservative party’s tail about the coalition’s stance on Europe. Ed Miliband told… Continue reading
22 CommentsCameron’s euro battle is just beginning
David Cameron sold himself a hospital pass in Europe this week. His failure to secure a budget freeze has revealed that Britain’s clout has been wildly exaggerated. The likely 2.9… Continue reading
49 CommentsCameron must play his cards well to win in Europe
The British media woke up this week, realising that Europe still exists. As David Cameron travels to Brussels, questions loom over what, exactly, he can achieve in Europe – at… Continue reading
25 CommentsCameron prepares for the Brussels offensive
David Cameron’s first battle with the EU opens on Thursday. Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy hope to introduce a treaty that will deliver tough sanctions on eurozone members that break… Continue reading
42 CommentsTime for a new approach to the EU
All eyes are on the spending review, but yesterday another potentially huge challenge landed in the Coalition’s in-tray: the prospect of a new EU treaty. In the small town… Continue reading
28 CommentsFinessing the coalition’s EU referendum lock
The Coalition Government’s proposal for a ‘referendum lock’ on future transfers of powers to the EU has already been branded “worthless” by some Tory backbenchers . It’s easy to share… Continue reading
29 Comments