In The News

Euro Stabilizes After Dutch No Vote

Steve Johnson June 2, 2005
When the French, and now the Dutch, voted against the new EU constitution, the fate of the euro appeared precarious. Speculation ensued as to the long-term viability of the euro. "Without political integration, the eurozone is a roofless house that becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Many inhabitants will want to leave the house sooner or later," said economist Paul De Grauwe. The...

Just Say No to Progressive Values

Ian Williams June 1, 2005
For reasons that many observers feel are inscrutable, France voted "no" this weekend to the new EU constitution. The constitution, which guarantees health care, social services, and workers' rights to European citizens found united opposition from both France's ultra-conservative element and, more surprisingly, its left. At a glance, it seems that workers in France voted...

A Retreat from Great Europe? – Part I

Shada Islam May 31, 2005
The highly anticipated French referendum on the EU constitution arrived this weekend: The vote was a resounding "Non." Voters signaled their distaste for the proposed constitution, as well as their opposition to the economic consequences of integrating new members. And as the Netherlands prepares for a similar vote, observers, both European and worldwide, now wonder what lies ahead...

Mood of Mistrust Shocks French Ruling Class

Jon Henley May 31, 2005
In the wake of France's rejection of the proposed EU constitution, President Jacques Chirac is expected to select a replacement for Jean Pierre Raffarin, "the most unpopular prime minister in the history of the Fifth Republic," according to The Guardian. But this turnover is just one of the political implications of the referendum, which this commentary characterizes as disastrous...

A French Region Considers the Costs of a New Europe

Craig S. Smith May 18, 2005
A recent decision by a tiny transformer factory in the French city of Schirmeck to move its facilities to Romania has energized opponents of the EU constitution. As people become increasingly angered by the loss of jobs to countries new to the EU, the French government has stepped up its campaign to win support of the constitution. Arguing that France cannot match the cheaper production costs...

Mountains Still to Climb

May 13, 2005
The decision to allow new member states into the European Union has been met with vigorous debate in the past year, with none as contentious as that of Turkey's inclusion.Though Turkish officials declare their commitment to whatever actions will further the nation's bid, a host of obstacles still remain in the path to full membership. Tensions between Turkey and Cyprus in the past may...

Spain Grants Amnesty to 700,000 Migrants

Giles Tremlett May 11, 2005
Going against the grain of regional ideology, Spain this week granted political amnesty to nearly 700,000 illegal immigrants living in the country. This is the latest in several blanket amnesties since 1990. During a three-month period in which illegal workers and their employers could file for the necessary papers, thousands of immigrants, from Latin America and around Europe came out from...