In The News

In Eastern Europe, Skepticism Over the Euro

Mark Landler December 6, 2004
While the euro continues to grow in strength and prominence, the trans-national currency has failed to win the enthusiasm of the European Union's newest members. Countries like Hungary and Poland have hesitated in planning their integration into the "one-size-fits-all" economy of the euro. Critics suggest that adopting the euro now will severely hamper Hungary's fast growing...

Peacekeeping Forces Power Agenda

Ian Black December 2, 2004
As NATO relinquishes its peacekeeping duties in Bosnia this week, the EU will step into the role, launching the most ambitious peacekeeping mission yet undertaken by the body. In Bosnia, the EU will attempt to crack down on organized crime while dangling the prospect of future Union membership as an incentive for internal reform. With a major effort underway to amp up its defense capabilities,...

The Ukrainian Divide

Keith A. Darden November 29, 2004
In the turmoil over the rigged elections in Ukraine, there is a growing danger of a new divide emerging between Russia and the West. Yet, contrary to many newspaper comments, this divide was not inherent in the elections which were more a referendum on the corrupt regime of Leonid Kuchma. However, according to Keith A.Darden, a Yale University specialist on Ukraine, the ill-judged attempt by...

Companies Should Set Own Hours

Heike Göbel November 19, 2004
Years of economic stagnation and high unemployment have forced the world’s “leisure-time champions” to accept that stronger economic performance requires a longer workweek. “But it takes a very long time before the recognition of a mistake actually leads to a correction - at least in Germany,” writes columnist Heike Göbel. Germany’s unions add to the problem. Despite agreeing to some concessions...

The Plot Thickens: Testing European Tolerance

Shada Islam November 17, 2004
The recent murder of a Dutch filmmaker has provoked anger and fear across the Netherlands. As anti-Muslim violence escalates, some mainstream Dutch politicians have broken from their traditionally tolerant approach, calling for a crackdown on their own Muslim citizens. The problem, however, is both deeper and more widespread. Although European governments have worked hard to extend an olive...

Bridging the Mediterranean

Ayman El-Amir November 15, 2004
The Euro-Mediterranean region has historically been a culturally diverse area with European, African, and Middle Eastern influences. The Byzantine, Roman, and Prussian empires have all taken foot-hold in this region, creating a cycle of "conquest, counter-conquest, competition, and colonialism," according to the Al-Ahram Weekly. When the Arabs extended their regional influence, they...

A Grim Report on Future Grabs Europe's Attention

Graham Bowley November 12, 2004
The economies of the European Union have been struggling, and according to a former Dutch Prime Minister, the situation will only get worse. According to data from the International Monetary Fund, over the past 10 years, US growth has averaged about 3.3 percent a year, compared to only 2.1 percent for the EU. To make matters worse, Europe simultaneously faces rising life expectancies and...