In The News

The End of Europe

Robert J. Samuelson June 15, 2005
While the rejection of the EU constitution has attracted attention to discontent in Europe, it has distracted the world from more serious European problems: low birthrates and a stagnant economy. In this article, Robert J. Samuelson labels Europe "history's has-been." Declining birthrates and an aging population are further straining an economy already beset with high...

Chinese Shoe Sales Strain EU Trade Ties

Tobias Buck June 9, 2005
China's shoe exports to Europe have increased nearly seven-fold since the beginning of January, when trade quotas limiting its textile and clothing output were abandoned. Low-priced and abundant, Chinese-manufactured footwear has skyrocketed in market share, panicking European shoemakers who fear that their jobs and sales are threatened. Many are calling on Brussels to adopt anti-dumping...

Britain Suspends Referendum on European Constitution

Alan Cowell June 7, 2005
A few days after the rejection of the proposed EU constitution by voters in France and the Netherlands, foreign secretary Jack Straw announced that Britain would suspend plans for a similar referendum. He was careful not to declare the constitution dead, as many British politicians would have preferred, to avoid offending French and German allies who insist that the process should continue. The...

Nationalism Ignites EU Rebellion

Daniel Williams June 5, 2005
Last week's French and Dutch referendums on the EU constitution are believed to be popular expressions of unease over the pace and nature of European integration. While most Europeans have benefited from 50 years of developments that have brought about a common currency, convenient travel and easier trade, many citizens are anxious about future unification measures that threaten to impinge...

Why the Globalization Fund is a Bad Idea

Arnaldo Abruzzini June 3, 2005
The European Commission plans a Globalization Adjustment Fund, hoping that money and a united front can prepare displaced workers for new and better jobs. But this author suggests that the fund sends the wrong signal, that globalization represents more danger than opportunity. By subsidizing jobs, the fund could offer short-term palliatives but not long-term economic reforms sorely needed in many...

A Race to the Top

Thomas L. Friedman June 3, 2005
According to columnist Thomas L. Friedman, while French workers – who voted down the EU constitution – strive to preserve a 35-hour work week, Indian engineers are "ready to work a 35-hour day." In Europe, workers whose 50-year system of benefits is collapsing blame capitalism and outsourcing for their problems. However, writes Friedman, the story is not so cut-and-dry. Jobs are...

A Retreat from Great Europe? – Part II

John Brenkman June 2, 2005
The highly anticipated French referendum on the EU constitution arrived this weekend: The vote was a resounding "Non." And with the Netherlands casting an even more strident "Nee" vote, observers, both European and worldwide, now wonder what lies ahead for the European Union. YaleGlobal examines the fallout of the referendum in a two-part series. In part two, John Brenkman...