Dialogue - Page 25 of 39

Greek referendum: Yes or No and why?

By Maximos Giannis

Alexis Tsipras has asked the Greek people to vote, with a simple yes or no, on whether or not they accept the measures that the country’s creditors, “the Institutions”, want to impose on Greece for the continuation of the bailout deal. The matter seems simple, but in reality the complexity of it may confuse the average voter and lead to a false result. Saying yes to the referendum would mean that the voter accepts the measures and wants Greece to remain within the European Union, still having to pay its debts but continuing to be a part and enjoy the advantages…

The Circular Economy: Doing Less Bad is Not Good Enough

Dialogue , Op-ed
26 June, 2015

By Sevan Holemans

During my years as a student of economics, I developed a particular interest in ecology and new ideas such as sustainable development and the collaborative economy. These appealed to me as revolutionary means to develop a more sustainable society.

The EU’s Dubious Policy on Migration

No news is bad news

Europe is going through sad times. Speaking to the leaders of the 28 EU member states, the European Council President Donald Tusk declared on 25 June war on illegal migration, Hungary announced plans for building a four-meter-high fence along its 175-kilometre border with Serbia to keep migrants from crossing into its territory and the Schengen area. Also, in response to attempts made by desperate migrants who took advantage of a strike among French ferry workers to cross into the UK at Calais on 23 June, the French promised to build stronger fences and station additional border officials there.

In urgent need of a compromise on Greece

On Monday, 22 June, there was yet another Eurogroup meeting in Brussels concerning the Greek crisis. But like many previous attempts to reach an agreement, a conclusive decision was again postponed. Meanwhile, in the Greek capital, Athens, people are anxiously waiting for an answer. It is becoming evident that Greece should not have joined the euro the time it did but it is too late to change that. Ordinary citizens suffer and the country is on the brink of collapse, or social unrest. It is clear that European elites must reach some compromise, not for the sake of SYRIZA, but for the people of Greece.

Juncker investment plan gets the go-ahead

The Juncker investment plan was backed by the European Parliament in a vote on Wednesday, 24 June. The plan, aimed at creating jobs, fostering economic growth and tackling record high unemployment…

Greece needs Europe, and vice versa

I had an epiphany while listening to Pierre Moscovici, European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, speaking to Richard Quest on CNN last night. Mr. Moscovici, clearly exasperated by the never-ending Greece-Eurozone negotiations…

Greece: two or three things that Ms. Merkel should bear in mind at this point in June

Pending , EU
22 June, 2015

By Viktor Sukup

The last few months have not ceased to darken the European scene. Islamist terrorism remains a serious threat, as shown by the attacks in Paris and the high number of “jihadists” made in Europe. The economy is still not taking off; unemployment is not dropping; and the problem of Greece is not yet resolved. As for immigrants and the thousands of deaths from their attempts to reach Europe, as well as the highly shady deals between European countries over how to receive –or rather reject– these immigrants, the NGO, Global Social Justice, estimates, not incorrectly, that we should now be ashamed to be European.

Refugees: the half-closed doors of the European Union

By Lino González Veiguela

The lack of consensus and the measures which are both unrealistic and lacking in solidarity demonstrate the minimum efforts of EU countries to take responsibility for the arrival of refugees…

What’s next for Turkey?

Dialogue , Op-ed
18 June, 2015

By Deniz Torcu

The parliamentary elections on June 7th marked the end of one-party government in Turkey after 13 years. While the Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) still managed to come out as the most voted party in the country, receiving 40.8% of the vote and claiming 258 seats in the Parliament…

Euro-Ramadan: False Unities, True Diversities?

This Thursday (June 18, 2015) marks the first day of the month of Ramadan – the ninth and the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, which is very significant also for the European Muslims. Thousands are expected for the Ramadan opening prayers at the Islamic and Cultural Centre of Belgium (CICB). The building is located in the Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels and is sometimes called the ‘Great Mosque of Brussels.’ Curiously, it’s a gift from the Belgian King.