Messages in the Media 2014

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS !

We would like express the deepest appreciation to Robert Austin, Randall Hansen, and Kate Korycki for their advice and supervision.

Furthermore, we would like to thank the Arts and Science Students’ Union and the Centre for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs for their financial assistance, which made this project possible. Additionally, we are immensely grateful to Georgina Steinsky-Schwartz for contributing to this initiative. We are thankful to Anna Korteweg for her advice and encouragement. We also acknowledge and applaud the efforts and determination of the analysts and editors, without whom this journal would not be a reality. !

 

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ADVISORY BOARD !

Robert Austin, PhD Randall Hansen, PhD Kate Korycki, PhD Candidate

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EDITORIAL BOARD !

Cristina Stoica- editor-in-chief Alev Kayagil- editor-in-chief Danijela Stajic- editor-in-chief

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Natasha Abraham- editor Gabe Buscab- editor Victoria Bouthillier-Crouteau- editor Eisa Girard- editor Emily Katz- editor Giancarlo Mignardi- editor Ian Schober- editor Jessica Singh- editor Alexandros Tsermentselis- editor

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Cover Design by Dmitry Novoselov !

© The European Studies Students’ Association 2014

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CONTENTS !

PREFACE

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NOTE ON METHODOLOGY

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NOTE ON SOURCES

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ARMENIA

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by Grant Babayan BELGIUM

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by Claire Copland BULGARIA

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by Ivan Petrov CROATIA

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by Tamara Gligorevic CYPRUS

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by Vassilia Julia Al Akaila CZECH REPUBLIC

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by Taylor Forsyth FRANCE

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by Sebastian Dutz GERMANY

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by Friederike Wilke GREECE

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by Vasileios Tsianos

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HUNGARY

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by Daniel Csorgo IRELAND

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by Marika Cukrowski ITALY

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by Olivia Suppa LATVIA

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by Eriks Bredovskis LUXEMBOURG

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by Elizabeth Tudor-Beziés THE NETHERLANDS

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by Emma de Leeuw POLAND

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by Alex Foster PORTUGAL

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by Giancarlo Mignardi THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

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by Volodymyr Sukhodolskiy SPAIN

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by Marcos Perez TURKEY

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by Seray Pulluk, Akman Özel, Onat Akcapar UKRAINE

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by Larysa Workewych UNITED KINGDOM

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by Norman Chung

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PREFACE !

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The successful publications of the ESSA journal from the past two years has encouraged The European Studies Student Association to undertake the project again this year. Fortunately, this year we have encountered much support from a number of undergraduate students willing to partake and help us produce our 2013 edition. This year’s edition contains 22 reports: 18 EU Member States; and 4 countries that are either candidates, or are within the EU sphere of influence.

2013 was another momentous year for the European Union, with the introduction of Croatia into the Union in July as well as the continuing effects and discussion regarding the Eurozone crisis. The past year’s events mainly focused on the pressing domestic issues such as border control, immigration, federal elections and budgeting. These themes have been prevalent in major topics of discussion in EU countries and neighboring countries, as they have influenced relations with the EU institution and contributed to the bettering or worsening of communication. We hope that our analysts’ reports will provide great insights that will contribute to the understanding on the issues affecting EU-Member state relations. Furthermore, the reports on influential nonmember states illuminate the challenges that the EU faces in dealing with its peripheral countries while the Union is still recovering from its economic crisis.

We expect that you will find this year’s journal captivating, interesting and informative. In addition, we hope that these insights will greatly enrich understand your understanding of the manner in which

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the EU is portrayed to its citizens and neighbors, whether you are a scholar of European Studies or not.

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Cristina Stoica, Alev Kayagil and Danijela Stajic Editors-in-Chief 

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NOTE ON METHODOLOGY

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While we endeavour to provide a cross-section of the society within any country reported on, there are limitations due to our methodology.

When selecting media sources we ask that our analysts select them based upon the following guidelines: they must provide free access to all areas of their website; their circulation numbers should reflect that they are widely-read; and that they report on issues affecting the EU. Bearing this in mind, we feel that our publication provides insight to the general population’s perception of the EU within any country covered.

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NOTE ON SOURCES

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All country background information has been sourced from the CIA World Factbook, unless otherwise noted. The data used for the media sources is from Presseurop, unless otherwise stated.

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Armenia Grant Babayan

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BACKGROUND • • • • •

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Population: 2,974,184 (July 2013 est.)

Unemployment: 17.3% (est. 2012) GDP per capita in 2011: $5,838(2011 est.)

EU member entry date: EU funding in 2013: EU Eastern Partnership -2010-2013 approx. 400 million EUR

MEDIA SOURCES • • • •

Haykakan Jamanak – Armenian Times Founding date: 1998 Ownership: DARESKIZB, A. S. Readership/ daily circulation: 8,000 copies sold, and reaches up to 12,000 readers per day.

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Armenia Liberty Founding date: 1954 Ownership: RFE/RL, A. S. Readership/ daily circulation: 250,000 listeners and 8,000 views daily

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1in.am (First) Founding date: 2004 Ownership: 1in.am News and Analyses Readership/ daily circulation: 120,000 online readers. .

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FINDINGS Total number of articles referenced: 92 (Haykakan Jamanak Armenian Times -30; Armenia Liberty – 29; 1in.am (First) -33) • List of search words: “Armenia and the EU¨, ¨EU – Armenia relations ¨, ¨Europe in Armenia¨, ¨Eastern Partnership EU¨ From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Bulgarian - EU relations reported on in 2013: •

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EU Association Agreement •

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The most discussed topic by Armenian media throughout the 2013 was integration of Armenia into the European Union structures, by signing the EU Association Agreement.12 The issue was extensively covered throughout the whole year and has a crucial importance for Armenia’s further integration with the EU.34 The whole process ends or its finalized during the Vilnius conference that will take place on the November 29, 2013.5 6 I assume you want to delete this last sentence?

Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement •

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The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) and its possible signature by the Armenian side was widely presented to the Armenian public throughout the summer of spring 2013.78 The DCFTA agreement refers to the economic part of the EU Association agreement.91011 The agreement with the EU is of a great importance for Armenia, because it would allow Armenia to engage and access the European market without any restrictions, thus improving its economic situation.1213

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Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Resolution •

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Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, known also as Artsakh Liberation War (in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh), refers to an armed conflict that took place during and after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in the enclave Nagorno-Karabakh, between the ethnic Armenian majority backed by Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. .In 1988, the parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh had voted in favor of unification with Armenia. Also a referendum was held, which was boycotted by Azerbaijani minority, where majority of voters voted in favor of independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict started in 1988 and transformed into undeclared bloody war in 1991 until May 1994. In 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh declared independence from Azerbaijan and became a de facto republic, however not recognized by international community. After a military victory of Nagorno-Karabakh Army backed by Armenia, ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan was signed in 1994, leaving 36000-40000 casualties and 1 million displaced people on both sides.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict resolution takes a very important part in relationship between Armenia and European Union and it is extensively covered by Armenian media.1415 EU plays a key role in conflict resolution between Armenia and Azerbaijan and it is represented by France in the Minsk Group.1617 Furthermore Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution is a key factor of further integration with the EU and on the other hand decreasing tension with Turkey as well.181920

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2013 IN REVIEW Year 2013 was very eventful for Armenia, both in terms of internal events as well as the relations with the EU. The controversial presidential elections 2013 that occurred with many violations resulted in victory of incumbent president Serge Sargsyan. The public opinion and trust of Armenians towards the European Union significantly decreased since the EU election observers did not condemn the falsified election outcomes. The Eastern Partnership program was launched in 2010, during the government of president Serge Sargsyan, thus the EU expected Armenia and other 5 members of Eastern Partnership program to sign an Association Agreement with the EU in Vilnius, which took place in November 29. Nevertheless, things got very complicated and resulted in calling off the EU-Armenian agreement during Sargsyan’s official visit to Moscow in September 2013, leaving both EU officials and the Armenian population in shock.

The question of EU Association pact was a main topic that was discussed throughout the whole year and will probably be discussed heavily in the upcoming year. The majority of articles focused on the benefits and analysis of the agreement itself, where political and economic benefits were evaluated and presented to general public.

Furthermore, articles also touched upon the Russia-led Customs Union as an alternative for the EU Association agreement, which was unexpectedly pre-signed between Serge Sargsyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin. After the 180 degree change in Armenia’s foreign policy, many mass protests in the streets took place in major Armenian cities, supporting the fact that the Customs Union association was signed under the heavy Russian political and economic pressure and that this decision was solely decision of the political ‘elite’ and not the population. It is worth noting that the decision was not put into

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discussion in the parliament neither the option of referendum was considered.

Another topic that was broadly discussed in Armenian media was the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), economic agreement that was proposed by EU to the Eastern Partnership countries. Articles discuss the benefits of the DCFTA and the positive effect that it can have for the unstable and crumbling economy of Armenia. They remind that access to the European market with no restrictions will be indeed more beneficial than the economic cooperation with so called Customs Union states (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan) and would indeed attract more foreign investment, thus improving country’s economy. The Vast majority of articles express a positive opinion, however few of them also remind that this agreement could worsen relationship with Russia and therefore close the Russian market for the Armenian products. In the end of the year most articles address the fact that DCFTA was linked to the EU Association agreement, which was called off. This meant that DCFTA solely or EU Association agreement could not be signed.

Furthermore, the topic of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement was present in all newspapers, since it represents one of the most important issues for Armenia. The body that deals with the conflict settlement is the OSCE Minsk Group. The council is represented by USA, Russia and France, who acts on behalf of the EU. Media touched upon the crucial position of the EU as an entity who has a direct interest in the fast and peaceful conflict settlement and they support the initiatives of the EU and France in organizing the meeting between presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in end of November.

Overall, year 2013 brought was very intriguing and interesting in terms of Armenia-EU relations. The major topics discussed in Armenian media were, the EU Association agreement, DCFTA

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economic pact and also the involvement of the EU in the OSCE Minsk Group for the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Nevertheless, the public opinion regarding EU did not change much from the previous years. The research conducted in December showed that 60-70% of the population was in favor of further deepening and integration with the European Union as opposed Customs Union.

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ՈՒ ԵՄ-Ն ԻՐԱՐ ՉԵՆ ՀԱՍԿԱՆՈՒՄ» – Haykakan Jamanak1 Nov 2013 Date accessed. 24 Nov 2013 2

«Վիլնյուսում Հայաստանի և ԵՄ-ի համատեղ հայտարարություն կընդունվի». ՀՀԿ 1in.am 27 Nov 2013Date accessed. 24 Nov 2013 3

«ԵՄ-ն ﬓալու է և աշխատելու է այստեղ. Ժոզե Մարիա Մեդինա Նավարո» 1in.am 3 Nov 2013 Date accessed. 25 Nov 2013 4

ԵՄ-ն «երես չի թեքում Հայաստանից» Azatutyun 27 Sep 2013Date accessed. 28 Oct 2013 5

«Հայաստանը նախընտրեց ՄՄ-ն՝ «Եվրոպայի և Ռուսաստանի առճակատման արդյունքում» Azatutyun 18 Dec 2013Date accessed. 29 Oct 2013 6

«ԵԿԵԼ ԵՍ ՎԻԼՆՅՈՒՍ, ՈՐ Ի՞ՆՉ ԱՆԵՍ» - Haykakan Jamanak 29 Nov 2013Date accessed. 29 Oct 2013 7

«ԵՄ Ասոցացման համաձայնագրի «սուր» կետերը. Հայկական «կոնյակի» վերջը - 1in.am 24 Jun 2013 Date accessed. 28 Nov 2013 8 Armenia-EU Ties

‘Severely Damaged’ - Azatutyun 25 Sep 2013Date accessed. 28

Nov 2013 9

«ԽՈՐԸ ԵՎ ՀԱՄԱՊԱՐՓԱԿ ՓԱԿՈՒՂՈՒ ՄԵՋ» - Haykakan Jamanak 23 Nov 2013Date accessed. 30 Nov 2013 10

«Սերժ Սարգսյանը մասնակցելու է Վիլնյուսի գագաթնաժողովին» - Azatutyun 16 Oct 2013Date accessed. 22 Nov 2013 11

«ՄՄ-ն ավելի շատ քաղաքական բաղադրիչներ ունի, քան տնտեսական գրավչություն. Թաթուլ Մանասերյան» - 1in.am 22 Nov 2013Date accessed. 22 Nov 2013 12

«Մահ կամ Մաքսային ﬕություն» - 1in.am 5 Oct 2013Date accessed. 24 Nov 2013 13

ՄՄ-ին Հայաստանի ﬕանալու ճանապարհային քարտեզը՝ «արդեն այս դեկտեմբերին» - Azatutyun 25 Oct 2013Date accessed. 21 Nov 2013

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«Ղարաբաղյան հարցում ԵՄ֊ն զգուշավոր է հակամարտության խաղացողների, այդ թվում Մոսկվայի վրա հարձակվելուց» -1in.am 11 Nov 2013Date accessed. 30 Oct 2013 15

«ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆՆ ՈՒ ԵՄ-Ն ԻՐԱՐ ՉԵՆ ՀԱՍԿԱՆՈՒՄ» - Haykakan Jamanak 1 Nov 2013Date accessed. 27 Nov 2013 16

«Մահ կամ Մաքսային ﬕություն» – Azatutyun 13 Sep 2013 Date accessed. 29 Nov 2013 17

ՑԻԿԼԻԿ ԲԱՆԱԿՑՈՒԹՅՈՒՆՆԵՐ »– Haykakan Jamanak 19 Nov 2013Date accessed. 26 Nov 2013 18

«ՍԱՐԳՍՅԱՆ-ԱԼԻԵՎ ՀԱՆԴԻՊՈՒՄ ԿԿԱՅԱՆԱ» – Haykakan Jamanak 6 Nov 2013Date accessed. 24 Nov 2013 19«Երևանում

են ԵԱՀԿ Մինսկի խմբի համանախագահները», Azatutyun 24 May 2013 Date accessed. 24 Nov 2013 20

«ԵԱՀԿ գործող նախագահն ընդունել է Մինսկի խմբի համանախագահներին» Azatutyun 15 Jun 2013 Date accessed. 29 Nov 2013

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Belgium Claire Copland

BACKGROUND

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Population: 10, 444, 268 Unemployment: 8.8% (est. 2012) GDP per capita in 2011: $38, 900 EU member entry date: 1957 EU funding in 2011: Net contributor

MEDIA SOURCES

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L’Avenir Founding date: 1918 Ownership: Editions de L’Avenir Readership/ daily circulation: 118,000

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Le Vif Founding date: 1983 Ownership: Roularta Readership/ daily circulation: 95, 300

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Le Soir Founding date: 1887 Ownership: Rossel & Cie Readership/ daily circulation: 90, 000

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FINDINGS • •

Number of articles consulted: 54 (Le Soir-10; Le Vif-28; L’Avenir- 16) List of search words: “UE Belgique”, “UE Reynders”, “UE Di Rupo”, “Belgique Mali”, “Belgique Syrie”

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From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Belgium-EU relations reported on in 2013:

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Belgium to lose a seat in the European Parliament •

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It was announced on February 18th that the number of Belgian seats in the European Parliament was to be reduced from 22 to 21.1 This is in order to make room for Croatia’s accession into the European Union and will come into effect in May 2014.2 This is the second reduction that Belgium has experienced in recent years, as they decreased from 24 to 22 seats in 2009.3 The reduction in Belgian representation is necessary under the terms of the Treaty of Lisbon, which states that there should be no more than 751 seats in the European Parliament.4 The addition of Croatia brought this up to 766, thus making it necessary to reduce the representation of existing member states in order to maintain this quota.5 This has sparked debate as to which Electoral College within Belgium would sacrifice a seat.6 Interior Minister Joëlle Milquet confirmed on May 1 that it would be the Flemish Electoral College that would see the reduction.7 This would bring Flemish representation down to 12 seats. This allows the French to retain their 8 seats and the Germans would also keep their 1 seat.8 However, some Belgians believe that a reduction in Flemish representation does not appropriately reflect Belgian demographics.9 Many opponents to the Flemish reduction argue that it should be the German seat that is removed, as the maintenance of the German representation is unnecessary and comes at the expense of the country’s majority. This view was expressed by the Vice-President of the Independence Party, Ben Weyts, who stated on 1 May that the German Electoral College should be eliminated because “the allocation of seats in the

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European Parliament has always been characterized by an overrepresentation of smaller entities.”10

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Failure to Comply with EU Environmental Standards •

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The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on 17 October that Belgium must pay €10 million for failing to adhere to a 1991 directive concerning standards of urban water treatment and management.11 Specifically, it was ordered that towns with more than 10,000 residents were to have a comprehensive system of water waste treatment. Belgium was issued a warning in 2004 that various regions had not fulfilled the terms of the 1991 directive and were instructed to correct this.12 Should Belgium continue to defy the legislation, it will incur an additional penalty of €859,000 per each semester that the directive is not implemented.13 There is some controversy as to who should pay the fine, as Belgium’s water treatment is managed at the regional rather than federal level. As such, it was ruled by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Melchoir Wathelet, that the payment of the fines will be allocated throughout the three regions based on the proportions of infractions.14 A 2013 report by the European Environmental Agency identified Belgium as a major contributor of European greenhouse gases, as it has failed to reduce its emissions to an appropriate level.15 This includes carbon dioxide and certain pollutants that cause respiratory issues.16 No fine was issued, but Belgium was seriously reprimanded and was instructed to reduce its emissions.

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Belgian Intervention in Mali •

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There has been ongoing intervention by various European states in Mali since late 2012. This has been spearheaded by France, which launched Operation Serval in January 2013. This mission was intended to stop Islamic militants in the north of Mali and restore domestic order.17 Belgium’s contribution included various medical helicopters and support personnel.18 However, Belgium stated that they would only allow these resources to be used until 1 March.19 It was decided in mid-January that the European Union would establish the EU training mission in Mali (EUTM). The purpose of this operation was to provide support and training to Malian army officials and soldiers.20 Belgium was initially hesitant to provide support, and cited the potential financial costs of participating as a major deterrent.21 On February 14, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, formally solicited Belgium to participate in the EUTM Mali.22 This was following a tentative declaration of participation from Belgium on 2 February, which stated that the country would wait until its presence in Operation Serval ended on March 1 to decide on any further course of action.23 Various meetings were held between Belgian ministers and EU representatives throughout the months of February and March. It was confirmed on 22 April that Belgium would provide both equipment and training personnel to the EUTM Mali.24 More details were released in late June, which confirmed that 70 Belgian training personnel were to be deployed along with two medical helicopters.25 However, the support personnel were not deployed until 10 July, and the helicopters remained in Mali only until the end of the month.26

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In addition to providing equipment and training personnel, Belgium announced on May 15 their intention to donate €31.5 million in aid to the efforts in Mali.27

2013 IN REVIEW

A significant portion of Belgium’s media coverage in 2013 dealt with broad issues concerning Belgium’s role within the EU. This was clearly demonstrated by Belgium’s role in the EUTM Mali. When Catherine Ashton formally solicited Belgium for help, it implied that they held an influential place within EU foreign affairs during 2013.

This was substantiated by the praise of NATO, which congratulated Belgium on their quick response in Operation Serval.28 The question of Belgian intervention in Mali was also a highly covered issue by the press, indicating a high domestic interest in Belgium’s role in European foreign policy during the past year.

Belgium’s willingness to defect from European environmental legislation provides a different interpretation of the country’s relationship with the EU. Specifically, Belgium’s defiance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions indicates that Belgian policymakers place pan-European environmental performance below their own priorities.

The consequence of this, along with similar behavior from other states, is that the European Union is no longer on track to meet their target of a 40% reduction in C02 output by 2020.29 As such, there has been talk that this quota will need to be pushed back to 2030.30 Since Belgium was only issued fines for its water quality, it has little incentive to improve its air quality. As such, Belgium may continue to exceed its emissions quota for the next few years as it did during 2013.

The past year also saw a domestic divide in relation to Belgium’s regional representation within the EU. This was best exemplified by the debates over which region in Belgium would lose a seat in the Euro Parliament, as well as the debate over how the water quality fines would be paid. Consequently, press coverage of 2013 made it clear that

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domestic stability within Belgium manifests itself at the European level, thus influencing how the country is represented within the EU. Less major topics that were covered by the press included Belgium’s opposition to European sanctions in Zimbabwe. Foreign Minister Dider Reynders appealed to the European Council on Foreign Affairs to partially lift the sanctions against the Zimbabwean diamond industry, as he believed that they were undermining the government’s ability to properly function and maintain stability.31 This is a further example of Belgium’s assertiveness in foreign affairs during 2013, although this instance went counter to current policy.

Minister Reynders also acted as a prominent figurehead for the overall European effort in Syria. At times he spoke of the Syrian conflict in terms of an overall European security threat, and not just as a danger to Belgium. For example, on July 22, he stated, “We can not remain inactive in the face of an attack on European soil."32 Here we see Reynders acting as a spokesperson for pan-European security by expressing his concern for the wellbeing of the EU. What’s more, he was one of the first European leaders to support Russia’s initiative to place Syrian chemical weapons under international control.33 Belgium’s approval of this proposal came before that of other major European powers, such as France and Great Britain.34 Reynders European leadership in the Syrian crisis was also encapsulated by worldwide support for his call to provide health services to the victims of the violence.35 Belgium was also keen on improving relations with less traditional European allies, such as Poland and Romania. Minister Reynders visited Poland in mid-January, stating his intention to deepen relations with Poland, whom he believes to be an up and coming player within the EU.36 With Poland being the seventh largest economy in Europe, Reynders expressed enthusiasm over the deepening diplomatic and economic partnership.37 Reynders also held talks with his Romanian counterpart regarding the EU’s commitment to lifting the

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arms embargo on Syria.38 The two announced their joint decision not to send weapons to Syrian rebels once the arms embargo was lifted.39 The re-affirming of relations with these eastern states indicates that 2013 was a year of forward thinking for Belgium. Reynders was laying the groundwork for deeper relations with states that he deems to be important to the future of the EU. The past year also saw Belgium standing strong against Great Britain’s appeal to have its place within the EU re-negotiated. Reynders responded to a statement by Cameron by saying that "Europe works as a menu. We don’t need to enjoy everything, but we must accept the menu. It is not à la carte.”40 He re-iterated this sentiment when he met with the British Foreign Minister William Hague in October 2013.41 Overall, we can see that 2013 was an important year in Belgian-EU relations. We see that Belgium is willing to cooperate with European policy, such as in the case of Mali, but also feels secure enough to defect when it suits their needs. Certain instances of conflict, such as the improper water treatment facilities, stemmed from underlying regional differences within Belgium. As such, certain aspects of the Belgian-EU dynamic were characterized by a regionalization of interests within Belgium. This was also seen in the question of regional representation within the Euro Parliament, the effects of which we will not know until the new Parliament is formed in 2014.

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Labaki, Maroun. “Confirmé: un eurodéputé belge de moins en 2014.” Le Soir, 20 February 2013. http://archives.lesoir.be/confirme-un-eurodepute-belge-de-moinsen-2014_t-20130220-02A3YX.html?queryand=Belgique+%2B+Union+europ %E9enne&firstHit=30&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay= 01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos=3 9&all=19009&nav=1.

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“Parlement européen: l’adhésion de la Croatie nous coûtera un siege." L’Avenir, 13 March 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx? articleid=DMF20130313_00281697.

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“La Belgique devrait perdre un siège au Parlement européen en 2014.” Le Vif, 19 February 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/belgique/la-belgique-devrait-perdreun-siege-au-parlement-europeen-en-2014/article-4000250791597.htm.

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“Un siège en moins pour la Belgique au Parlement européen.” L’Avenir, 27 June 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx?articleid=DMF20130627_00329716.

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“L'adhésion de la Croatie coûte un siège à la Belgique au Parlement européen.” Le Vif, 13 March 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/l-adhesion-de-lacroatie-coute-un-siege-a-la-belgique-au-parlement-europeen/ article-4000261670818.htm.

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Labaki, Maroun. “Un eurodéputé belge de moins : tensions communautaires en vue?” Le Soir, 18 February 2013. http://archives.lesoir.be/un-eurodepute-belge-demoins-tensions-communautaires_t-20130218-02A2CN.html?queryand=Belgique+ %2B+Union+europ %E9enne&firstHit=40&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay= 01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos=4 3&all=19009&nav=1.

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“La N-VA n'accepte pas la réduction du nombre d'élus flamands au Parlement européen en 2014.” Le Vif, 1 May 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/belga-politique/la-nva-n-accepte-pas-la-reduction-du-nombre-d-elus-flamands-au-parlement-europeenen-2014/article-4000291512240.htm.

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“Un siège en moins pour la Belgique au Parlement européen.” L’Avenir, 27 June 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx?articleid=DMF20130627_00329716.

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“Adhésion Croatie - Un siège en moins pour la Belgique au Parlement européen.” Le Vif, 27 June 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/belga-generique/adhesion-croatie-unsiege-en-moins-pour-la-belgique-au-parlement-europeen/article-4000337835895.htm.

10

“La N-VA n'accepte pas la réduction du nombre d'élus flamands au Parlement européen en 2014.” Le Vif, 1 May 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/belga-politique/la-nva-n-accepte-pas-la-reduction-du-nombre-d-elus-flamands-au-parlement-europeenen-2014/article-4000291512240.htm.

11

“Eaux usées : l'Europe condamne la Belgique à une amende de 10 millions d'euros.” Le Vif, 17 October 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/environnement/ eaux-usees-l-europe-condamne-la-belgique-a-une-amende-de-10-millions-d-euros/ article-4000425993134.htm.

Muelenaere, Michel. “Sales eaux en Belgique.” Le Soir, 22 March 2013. http:// archives.lesoir.be/sales-eaux-en-belgique_t-20130322-02AUHJ.html? queryand=Belgique+%2B+Union+europ %E9enne&firstHit=10&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay= 01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos=1 0&all=19009&nav=1.

12

“Eaux usées : la Cour européenne de justice condamne la Belgique à une amende de dix millions.” L’Avenir, 17 October 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/ detail.aspx?articleid=DMF20131017_00376507.

23

13

De Sadeleer, Nicolas. “La Belgique condamnée sur les eaux urbaines résiduaires : qui va payer la facture de 10 millions d'euros?” Le Vif, 22 October 2013. http:// www.levif.be/info/actualite/belgique/la-belgique-condamnee-sur-les-eaux-urbainesresiduaires-qui-va-payer-la-facture-de-10-millions-d-euros/ article-4000430461464.htm.

14

“Eaux usées - Melchior Wathelet juge surréaliste la demande de la Flandre.” Le Vif, 17 October 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/belga-politique/eaux-usees-melchiorwathelet-juge-surrealiste-la-demande-de-la-flandre/article-4000426366377.htm.

15

“Réduction d’émissions de gaz à effet de serre: la Belgique pointée du doigt.”

L’Avenir, 9 October 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx? articleid=DMF20131009_00372492.

16

Michel, Muellenaere. “Pollution : l’air belge reste trop chargé.” Le Soir, 19 March 2013. http://archives.lesoir.be/pollution-l-air-belge-reste-tropcharge_t-20130319-02ATLH.html?queryand=Belgique+%2B+Union+europ %E9enne&firstHit=10&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay= 01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos=1 4&all=19009&nav=1.

17

“La Belgique n’a (encore) rien promis comme contribution à la mission européenne de formation de l’armée malienne.” L’Avenir, 29 January 2013. http:// www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx?articleid=DMF20130129_00261721.

Spleeters, Damien and Mourin Labaki. “Les Belges se tâtent, les Anglais se hâtent.”

Le Soir, 14 January 2013. http://archives.lesoir.be/les-belges-se-tatent-les-anglais-sehatent_t-20130114-028JNE.html?queryand=Belgique+%2B+Union+europ %E9enne&firstHit=110&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay =01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos= 118&all=19009&nav=1.

“Mali: l'engagement militaire belge approuvé par la Commission de la Chambre.” Le Vif, 16 January 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/mali-lengagement-militaire-belge-approuve-par-la-commission-de-la-chambre/ article-4000234384514.htm.

18

“Mali : l'UE demande son aide à la Belgique.” Le Vif, 14 February 2013. http:// www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/mali-l-ue-demande-son-aide-a-la-belgique/ article-4000248554199.htm.

Lallemand, Alain. “La Belgique « est prête », mais dans le cadre européen.” Le Soir, 12 January 2013. http://archives.lesoir.be/la-belgique-%AB-est-prete-%BB-maisdans-le-cadre-europeen_t-20130112-028GNP.html?queryand=Belgique+%2B+Union +europ %E9enne&firstHit=110&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay =01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos= 119&all=19009&nav=1.

“Armée belge au Mali : on envoie les fonds de tiroirs.” Le Vif, 16 January 2013. http:// www.levif.be/info/actualite/belgique/armee-belge-au-mali-on-envoie-les-fonds-detiroirs/article-4000234060911.htm.

24

19

Regnier, Philippe. “L’Europe au Mali: sans les Belges.” Le Soir, 5 February 2013. http://archives.lesoir.be/l-europe-au-mali-sans-les-belges_t-20130205-029JT6.html? queryand=Belgique+%2B+Union+europ %E9enne&firstHit=70&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay= 01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos=7 0&all=19009&nav=1.

20

Regnier, Philippe. “Fabius évoque un renfort européen au Mali.” Le Soir, 18 January 2013. http://archives.lesoir.be/fabius-evoque-un-renfort-europeen-au-malifaits-du_t-20130118-028Q3W.html?queryand=Belgique+%2B+Union+europ %E9enne&firstHit=110&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay =01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos= 110&all=19009&nav=1.

“Feu vert du gouvernement à l'envoi de 70 militaires au Mali.” Le Vif, 20 June 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/belgique/feu-vert-du-gouvernement-a-l-envoide-70-militaires-au-mali/article-4000332922944.htm.

21

“La Belgique au Mali : jusqu'où?” Le Vif, 15 February 2013. http://www.levif.be/ info/levif-blog/le-midi-du-vif/la-belgique-au-mali-jusqu-ou/ opinie-4000248858084.htm.

“La Belgique s’engage avec l’UE au Mali.” L’Avenir, 19 February 2013. http:// www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx?articleid=DMF20130219_00270389.

22

“La Belgique sollicitée pour le Mali.” L’Avenir, 15 February 2013. http:// www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx?articleid=DMF20130215_00268696.

23

“Quelle sera la contribution belge au Mali?” Le Vif, 17 February 2013. http:// www.levif.be/info/actualite/belgique/quelle-sera-la-contribution-belge-au-mali/ article-4000249645373.htm.

24

“Mali: De Crem confirme à Paris la participation belge supplémentaire à l'EUTM.” Le Vif, 22 April 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/mali-de-cremconfirme-a-paris-la-participation-belge-supplementaire-a-l-eutm/ article-4000285156747.htm.

25

“Feu vert du gouvernement à l’envoi de 70 militaires au Mali.” L’Avenir, 20 June 2013.http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx?articleid=DMF20130620_00326403.

26

“Une cinquantaine de militaires belges en route pour le Mali.” Le Vif, 10 July 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/belga-politique/une-cinquantaine-de-militaires-belges-enroute-pour-le-mali/article-4000347454088.htm.

“Accord sur l'envoi d'une cinquantaine de militaires au Mali.” Le Vif, 13 March 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/belgique/accord-sur-l-envoi-d-une-cinquantaine-demilitaires-au-mali/article-4000261836330.htm.

27

“Conférence pour le Mali - La Belgique promet 31,5 millions d'euros en 2013 et 2014.” Le Vif, 15 May 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/belga-politique/conferencepour-le-mali-la-belgique-promet-31-5-millions-d-euros-en-2013-et-2014/ article-4000303139430.htm.

25

28

“Premier vol stratégique des C-130 belges vers le Mali.” Le Vif, 18 January 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/belgique/premier-vol-strategique-des-c-130-belgesvers-le-mali/article-4000235534162.htm.

29

“Gaz à effet de serre: la Belgique pointée du doigt.” Le Vif, 9 October 2013. http:// www.levif.be/info/actualite/environnement/gaz-a-effet-de-serre-la-belgique-pointeedu-doigt/article-4000418911927.htm.

30

“Climat: l'UE va devoir faire plus d'efforts d'ici 2030.” Le Vif, 11 June 2013. http:// www.levif.be/info/actualite/environnement/climat-l-ue-va-devoir-faire-plus-d-effortsd-ici-2030/article-4000325227267.htm.

31

Kiesel, Veronique and Jurek Kuczkiewicz. “La Belgique en avocate de Mugabe et de ses diamants.” Le Soir, 16 February 2013. http://archives.lesoir.be/la-belgique-enavocate-de-mugabe-et-de-ses-diamants_t-20130216-02A0KZ.html? queryand=Belgique+%2B+Union+europ %E9enne&firstHit=40&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay= 01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos=4 4&all=19009&nav=1.

32

“Didier Reynders: «On ne peut pas rester inactif face à un attentat sur le sol européen.” L’Avenir, 22 July 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx? articleid=dmf20130722_00338803.

33“La

Russie appelle Damas à mettre sous contrôle international ses armes chimiques.” Le Vif, 9 September 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/ la-russie-appelle-damas-a-mettre-sous-controle-international-ses-armes-chimiques/ article-4000394723987.htm.

“Syrie : Reynders salue la proposition russe.” Le Vif, 10 September 2013. http:// www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/syrie-reynders-salue-la-proposition-russe/ article-4000395494641.htm.

“Conflit en Syrie - Reynders salue la proposition russe de mise sous contrôle de l'arsenal chimique syrien.” Le Vif, 10 September 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/belgapolitique/conflit-en-syrie-reynders-salue-la-proposition-russe-de-mise-sous-controlede-l-arsenal-chimique-syrien/article-4000395234605.htm.

“Reynders salue la proposition russe de mise sous contrôle de l’arsenal chimique syrien.” L’Avenir, 10 September 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx? articleid=dmf20130910_00358585.

34

“Syrie : Obama, Cameron et Hollande d'accord pour examiner la proposition russe.” Le Vif, 10 September 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/ syrie-obama-cameron-et-hollande-d-accord-pour-examiner-la-proposition-russe/ article-4000395664881.htm.

26

35

“Syrie: l'appel humanitaire lancé par Reynders soutenu par 28 ministres étrangers.”

Le Vif, September 21 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/syrie-lappel-humanitaire-lance-par-reynders-soutenu-par-28-ministres-etrangers/ article-4000404027274.htm.

“Conflit en Syrie - Un appel initié par la Belgique pour favoriser l'accès aux soins de santé.” L’Avenir, September 21 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx? articleid=dmf20130921_00364030.

36

Kuczkiewicz, Jurek. “Les nouveaux amis font les alliés de demain.” Le Soir, 13 January 2013. http://archives.lesoir.be/les-nouveaux-amis-font-les-allies-dedemain_t-20130131-029AZ5.html?queryand=Belgique+%2B+Union+europ %E9enne&firstHit=80&by=10&when=-1&begYear=1989&begMonth=01&begDay= 01&endYear=2013&endMonth=11&endDay=14&sort=datedesc&rub=TOUT&pos=8 0&all=19009&nav=1.

37

“Le ministre Reynders entretient les contacts politiques et économiques en Pologne.” L’Avenir, 29 January 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx? articleid=dmf20130129_00261738.

38

“Syrie: l’UE décide de lever l’embargo sur les armes pour les rebelles.” L’Avenir, 28 May 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx? articleid=dmf20130528_00316463.

39

“Syrie: ni la Belgique ni la Roumanie ne livreront d’armes à la rebellion.” L’Avenir, 28 May 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx? articleid=DMF20130528_00316490.

“Ni la Belgique ni la Roumanie ne livreront d'armes à la rébellion syrienne.” Le Vif, 28 May 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/ni-la-belgique-ni-laroumanie-ne-livreront-d-armes-a-la-rebellion-syrienne/article-4000314231016.htm.

“La Belgique ne livrera pas d’armes.” L’Avenir, 29 May 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/ article/detail.aspx?articleid=dmf20130529_00316929.

“Syrie : "La Belgique ne livrera pas d'armes aux rebelles." Le Vif, 28 May 2013. http:// www.levif.be/info/actualite/international/syrie-la-belgique-ne-livrera-pas-d-armesaux-rebelles/article-4000314062244.htm.

40

“Reynders répond à Cameron: «L’Europe fonctionne avec un menu, pas à la carte.”

L’Avenir, 23 January 2013. http://www.lavenir.net/article/detail.aspx? articleid=dmf20130123_00259444.

41

“Rencontre bilatérale entre Didier Reynders et William Hague à Londres.” Le Vif, 10 October 2013. http://www.levif.be/info/belga-politique/rencontre-bilaterale-entredidier-reynders-et-william-hague-a-londres/article-4000420221622.htm.

27

Bulgaria!

Ivan Petrov!

!

BACKGROUND !

!

• • • • •

Population: 6,981,642 (July 2013 est.)1!

Unemployment: 11.6% (2013 est.)!

GDP per capita in 2011: $14,100 (2012 est.)2!

EU member entry date: January 1, 20073!

EU funding in 2013: net recipient4!

MEDIA SOURCES !

! ! !

• • • •

Trud!

Founding date: 19365!

Ownership: German press empire WAZ Media Group6!

Readership/ daily circulation: 100,0007!

• • • •

Standart!

Founding date: 19928!

Ownership: Standart News Agency9!

Readership/ daily circulation: 100,00010!

• • • •

Dnevnik !

Founding date: 199911 !

Ownership: Economedia12!

Readership/ daily circulation: 30,00013!

FINDINGS! • •

Number of articles consulted 101 (Trud-30, Standart-36, Dnevnik-30)!

The following search words and phrases were used: “European Union”, “European Union and Bulgaria”, “EU”, EU and Bulgaria”, “Schengen”, “Protests”, “Ambassadors”!

28

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Bulgarian - EU relations reported on in 2013:!

!

Bulgaria’s Candidacy to join Schengen!

•

•

•

•

This issue involves the Bulgarian Government, represented by President Rosen Plevneliev, Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski, and Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin, and the European Commission, Represented by José Manuel Barroso and the Governments of Germany, The Netherlands and Great Britain.!

In 2013, the media continued to report extensively on the numerous delays to sign an ascension treaty. Reporting began in early February and will likely continue into 2014.14!

Bulgaria’s protracted bid to join the Schengen Agreement has been an ongoing issue since the country’s accession to European Union membership in 2007. The failure of consecutive Bulgarian governments to implement pertinent judicial reforms and the fear of mass Bulgarian immigration to the Eurozone, in the midst of contracting labor markets, has led to opposition by The Netherlands, Germany, France and Great Britain. On November 12, citing this growing disapproval within the EU, EC President Barroso predicted that Bulgaria will not join the Schengen zone in 2014.15 The refusal of the European Commission to accept Bulgaria’s candidacy illuminates its growing dissatisfaction with the failure of the Borisov and Oresharski governments to institute real judicial reforms and combat high-level corruption.!

In February, all three newspapers reported on the Bulgarian government’s expectation that the European Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) would consider granting Bulgaria and Romania partial access to Schengen (by air and water) on March 7 – 8 in Brussels. However, the JHA postponed deliberations, citing long-standing opposition by the governments of The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, over Bulgaria’s poor

29

•

•

•

record on fighting corruption and organized crime. In early March, German foreign minister Hans-Peter Friedrich said that he would block Bulgaria’s bid to join the zone, because of the lack of an independent judiciary in the country. Great Britain also supported the move. The results of the JHA meeting showed that only ten EU members remained in support of Bulgaria’s candidacy.16 Fred Teeven, the Dutch State Secretary for Security and Justice, suggested that Bulgaria’s bid would be revisited in December; however, a favorable ruling would require two positive consecutive EC progress reports.17 In June, Norway entered the group of EU members opposing Schengen enlargement, citing growing discontent within Norwegian society at the prospect of welcoming new waves of immigration.18!

In May, the media reported that the EC remained in favor of Bulgaria’s ascension to Schengen status, and that the delay was due to the European Council’s inability to agree on a date. In September, this statement was echoed by EC President José Manuel Barroso’s declaration that Bulgaria and Romania have met all technical requirements and should join Schengen as soon as possible. He criticized Great Britain for populist campaigns depicting Bulgarian and Romanian workers as second-class citizens.19!

In October, at a press conference with Croatian president Ivo Josipovic, Bulgarian president Plevneliev reiterated that the country had fulfilled all technical requirements, and the postponement of Schengen entry was politically motivated.

According to him, Bulgaria had agreed to a compromise that allowed for a partial entry into the zone and a series of inspections by the EC had confirmed the country’s readiness to safeguard European borders.20!

In December, after the latest meeting of EU justice ministers postponed Bulgarian and Romanian membership bids, in a bid to strengthen their position, the two countries came up with a

30

joint declaration that reiterated their opinion that they had met all membership requirements and that further postponement was unjustified. Bulgarian interior minister Tsvetelin Yovchev suggested that the free movement of people was a core EU value that had been neglected vis-à-vis Bulgaria and Romania.21!

!

Countrywide protests by students and trade unions against nepotism and corruption in government!

•

•

•

•

Organized mainly by students and trade unions, these popular anti-government movements do not have a consolidated leadership. They express a deepening lack of confidence in government institutions and disillusionment with the general state of the Bulgarian political system.!

Protests against Boyko Borisov’s government began in January and ended with Borisov’s resignation on February 20.22 The current round of protests against the Oresharski government began on June 14 and is still ongoing.!

The significance of the protest movement for Bulgarian-EU relations was demonstrated in a spat between the European People’s Party and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament. The issue was the nontransparent appointment of Delyan Peevski to the post of national security chief. Overturning the appointment was one of the demands protesters raised internally with the Oresharksi government. Other demands included combating government corruption and nepotism, which expressed their disillusionment with the general failure of the political system.23!

In January, Bulgarian media reported on popular protests against high utility prices in the South Western cities of Blagoevgrad and Sandanski. The protesters’ demands included lowering of utility prices, the dissolution of intermediaries and the declassification of contracts between utility companies and the government.24 By mid-February, protests had spread throughout

31

•

•

the country demanding anti-monopoly legislature, the dissolution of all private utility companies, ! the declassification of all contracts in the energy sector and demands for responsibility from government officials who had signed them.25 The protests were fuelled by long-standing resentment against the stringent austerity measures imposed by the Borisov government. The potential for violence on the streets of the capital, Sofia, pushed the government to resign on February 20.26 After winning the most votes, but failing to secure a majority, Borisov’s party, Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB), was forced to accept the formation of a technocratic government led by Plamen Oresharski.27!

February 21 saw the first of series of self-immolations that shocked Bulgarian society. Plamen Goranov’s desperate act came because of the young man’s disillusionment with the state of Bulgarian society in general and his opposition to widespread government corruption. This was a widespread popular sentiment and was coupled with the conviction that the mass protests would prove incapable of transforming the political landscape. Days before his self-immolation, Goranov had confided his determination that “something bigger” had to be done.28 March 6 became a day of mourning following Goranov’s death two days earlier.29!

Between March and May only small-scale protests continued until the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) demanded the adoption of a balanced program for the dissolution of private monopolies and the restructuring of the energy sector, guaranteeing jobs and including the trade unions in the decision-making process.30 On June 14, people took to the streets in numbers for the second time in 2013. This time the salient issue was the appointment of Delyan Peevski as head of the State Agency for National Security (DANS). Peevski, a media mogul with connections in

32

the banking sector, had no prior experience in the security sphere and was forced to resign at least two previous appointments, because of insufficient qualifications and allegations of blackmail.31 On May 15, Peevski withdrew from the post, but protester demands morphed into calls for restructuring of the entire political system, electoral and constitutional reforms. Many saw the fact that the Bulgarian Socialist Party, successor of the country’s communists, has been a steady presence in Bulgarian politics ever since the fall of Communism and were responsible for merging political and economic interests into shady rent-seeking monopolies.

According to them, Peevski’s appointment was another example of the acceptance of deep connections between business and politics and a blatant disregard for the democratic process.32!

!

Support for the popular protest movement by German and French ambassadors to Sofia!

•

•

•

French ambassador Philippe Autie, German ambassador Matthias Hoepfner and Foreign Minister Vigenin and President Plevneliev.!

This scandal began in September with an open letter signed by the two ambassadors expressing concern with the general state of the Bulgarian political and judicial systems and support for the popular protest movement.!

The open letter and subsequent meeting with protesters earned the ambassadors popular support within Bulgaria and the ire of the Bulgarian government, who perceived their actions as meddling in internal affairs. The government’s dissatisfaction took the form of refusing to award the departing Autie with the customary state distinction. Bulgarian foreign minister Vigenin cited the comprehensive overhaul of the awards process as the reason for not awarding the order to Autie.33!

33

•

•

In June, French and German ambassadors to Sofia came up with a joint statement, titled “Good Governance is in Everybody’s Interest” which sharply criticized the oligarchic nature of the Bulgarian political system. They expressed concern that the June protests signaled a second major political and social crisis since the beginning of 2013. The biggest issue, according to them, was the profound crisis of representation that Bulgaria’s political elite was experiencing. The only way out would be the creation of a functioning civil society, predicated on electoral change and the improvement of media freedom. They emphasized the need to elect “indisputable” officials based on professional merit and through transparent election procedures.

The two ambassadors expressed a long-standing concern over the centralization of media outlets within business groups with ties to organized crime and political elites. They called for the adoption of effective legal frameworks to ensure media freedom. The document praised the expression of popular sentiment, albeit in the form of protest, as a sign of Bulgaria’s evolving civil society and Bulgarians’ desire to live in a democratic society and espouse core European values.!

The media reported that Autie and Hoepfner’s open letter was unprecedented and the Bulgarian government certainly had reasons to label it as internal meddling. However, two things became clear: first, the ambassadors expressed the views of their respective governments and second, those governments were not indifferent to Bulgaria’s fate. According to some media outlets, by engaging in such public discourse, the two diplomats affirmed their status as friends of Bulgaria. Yet, upon his departure from Sofia in September, Autie did not receive the customary order “Stara Planina”, traditionally awarded to outgoing high-ranking diplomats. This decision sparked protests with ex-culture minister Rashidov openly demanding from Oresharksi to reconsider.34!

34

2013 IN REVIEW! This was a seminal and cathartic year for Bulgaria. It was seminal because many of the dramatic events that shook Bulgarian society in 2013 are likely to inform the country’s political future for decades. It was cathartic because Bulgarians broke with their habit of servile complacency and a “we can get through this” attitude, and supplanted them with zealous protest and calls of “no pasaran.”

Twenty-four years after the fall of communism and six years after joining the EU, Bulgarians’ disillusionment with the state of the country’s political system and the promise of a better life within the Union, reached a boiling point. A series of self-immolations echoed Jan Palach’s example during Prague Spring,35 and signaled the birth of Bulgarian civil society.!

Plamen Goranov’s self-immolation and death on March 4, in protest against corrupt local government practices in Varna, coincided with German interior minister Hans-Peter Friedrich’s statement of resolve to block Bulgarian entry to Schengen. Many Bulgarians saw a symbolic connection between the two events. They expressed their despondence and disillusionment at the protracted ascension process and their perceived treatment as second-class citizens, after decades of economic crises, austerity measures and crime. To many of them, the austerity measures imposed by the cabinet of ex-prime minister Borisov had been a way to demonstrate to Brussels that he was a good steward of EU funding. This was true despite the fact that in 2008 the country entered the financial crisis with exceptional performance indicators (one of the lowest levels of public debt in Europe at 15% of GDP and a budget deficit below 3%)36. Therefore, Borisov has had trouble justifying the logic for austerity measures as anything other than lackeying to Brussels. What started as protests against concrete issues such as high electricity prices and non-transparent appointments of officials soon grew into a retrospective exploration of the benefits of EU membership, extreme dissatisfaction with the pace of reforms in the judiciary and the overall state of the political system.!

35

Many Bulgarians regarded joining the EU in 2007 as a welldeserved reward for enduring the misery and indignity of the previous two decades. Their disappointment grew after it became clear that EU membership did not mean economic prosperity, and after years of delays, many are beginning to realize that neither does Schengen membership. More importantly, in the last six years, those who had hoped that EU membership would morph the Bulgarian oligarchy into a semblance of civil society have begun to despair, and in 2013, this desperation turned to anger. This anger is aimed at consecutive Bulgarian governments for failing to ensure the rule of law. However, there is also blame cast towards the EU for its failure to live up to its potential as a factor for democratization. Today, for many Bulgarians it is impossible to shake the fatalistic belief that being born on the wrong side of an ethereal curtain is the sole reason for their continued suffering.!

Despite being a domestic matter, the election of Delyan Peevski as head of the State Agency for National Security (DANS) surprisingly did not just expose! the weaknesses of the political and judicial systems; it also confirmed the logic and findings of consecutive negative EC progress reports and EU member states that opposed Schengen enlargement. First, Peevski had served as a prosecutor, a deputy minister and a MP while maintaining considerable interests in media and banking. The tension between business interests and professional ethics resulted in his dismissal due to allegations of blackmail. Second, despite having no prior security experience, he took the helm of the country’s major intelligence service. This occurred barely a year after the Burgas bus bombing, which claimed the lives of five Israeli tourists and their Bulgarian driver.37 Although Oresharski withdrew Peevski’s candidature, the episode made clear that even a technocrat such as Oresharski still had to adhere to the oligarchic rulebook. In Bulgaria, it is common knowledge that the task of delineating organized crime and business is daunting at best. It becomes all but impossible considering that the intersection between the two is home to a maze of political and

36

bureaucratic structures, often headed by loyal party functionaries with high bank balances and low brows. Thus, however unlikely this prospect may seem today, the rationale for postponing Bulgaria’s entry into Schengen until two consecutive favourable EC reports certainly has merit.!

In this respect, the open letter of ambassadors Autie and Hoepfner illuminated these issues and added concern for the state of the Bulgarian media. Undoubtedly, coordinated with the French and German governments, the letter and consecutive public appearances sent a strong signal to the Bulgarian political elite. The ruling Oresharski cabinet decided not to award Autie with the customary state distinction for outgoing diplomats, citing a hastily organized reconfiguration of the country’s award guidelines. Perhaps the urge to stand up to the “big guys” for interfering in domestic affairs was stronger than the surprising realization that the ambassadors’ actions betrayed the EU’s active interest, which despite cynical claims to the contrary, proved incapable of indifference. A more cynical treatment on the matter would remind Oresharksi that in the not so distant past, foreign meddling in Bulgarian domestic politics rarely took such elegant forms and yet was always rewarded.!

1

“CIA - The World Factbook: Bulgaria," Central Intelligence Agency, accessed January 23, 2014. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ geos/bu.html

2

“CIA - The World Factbook: Bulgaria," Central Intelligence Agency, accessed January 23, 2014. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ geos/bu.html

3

“CIA - The World Factbook: Bulgaria," Central Intelligence Agency, accessed January 23, 2014. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ geos/bu.html

4

“Which countries are net contributors to the EU budget,” EU Information Centre, accessed January 23, 2014. http://www.eu-oplysningen.dk/euo_en/spsv/all/79/

5

"Source Profile: Trud." Presseurop, accessed January 24, 2014. http:// www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-information/471741-trud

6

"Source Profile: Trud." Presseurop, accessed January 24, 2014. http:// www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-information/471741-trud

37

7

"Source Profile: Trud." Presseurop, accessed January 24, 2014. http:// www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-information/471741-trud

8

"Source Profile: Standart." Presseurop, accessed January 23, 2014. http:// www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-profile/222251-standart

9

”Company Overview of Standart News Ltd.” Bloomberg Businessweek, accessed January 23, 2014. http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/ snapshot.asp?privcapId=134109088

10

"Source Profile: Standart." Presseurop, accessed January 23, 2014. http:// www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-profile/222251-standart

11

"Source Profile: Dnevnik." Presseurop, accessed January 24, 2014. http:// www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-information/48191-dnevnik

12

”Economedia: Publications.” Economedia, accessed January 23, 2014. http:// www.economedia.bg/izdania.php

13

"Source Profile: Dnevnik." Presseurop, accessed January 24, 2014. http:// www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-information/48191-dnevnik

“Холандия смекчи позицията си за Шенген,“ Труд, February 13, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1769653. „Холандия е смекчила позицията си за влизането на България в Шенген,“ Дневник, February 13, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http:// www.dnevnik.bg/evropa/novini_ot_es/ 2013/02/13/2002039_holandiia_e_smekchila_poziciiata_si_za_vlizaneto_na/ „Холандия омекна за Шенген“, Standart News Agency, February 13, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/svyat-svyat/ holandiya_omekna_za_shengen-177787.html 14

15

“Барозу: През 2014-а България и Румъния няма да бъдат приети в Шенген,” Труд, November 12, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http://www.trud.bg/ Article.asp?ArticleId=2435572

16

“Само 10 страни ни искат в Шенген,” Standart News Agency, March 7, 2013, accessed December 27, 2014. http://www.standartnews.com/svyatevropeyski_sayuz/samo_10_strani_ni_iskat_v_shengen-180320.html

17

“Европейската комисия обявява как ще продължи наблюдението на България и Румъния,” Дневник, March 13, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013. http:// www.dnevnik.bg/evropa/evropeiski_parlament/novini_za_ep/ 2013/03/13/2021286_evropeiskata_komisiia_obiaviava_kak_shte_produlji/

18

“Норвегия не иска Румъния и България в Шенген,” Дневник, August 2, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/svyatevropeyski_sayuz/ norvegiya_ne_iska_rumaniya_i_balgariya_v_shengen-198970.html

19

“Барозу призова България да влезе по-скоро в Шенген,” Дневник, September 14, 2013, accessed December 28, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/balgariyapolitika/barozu_prizova_balgariya_da_vleze_poskoro_v_shengen-204573.html

38

20

“Отлагането на България за Шенген е политическо,” Standart News Agency, October 14, 2013, accessed December 28, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/ balgariya-politika/ otlaganeto_na_balgariya_za_shengen_e_politichesko__-209132.html

21

“България и Румъния с обща декларация за Шенген,” Standart News Agency, December 5, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/ balgariya-politika/ balgariya_i_rumaniya_s_obshta_deklaratsiya_za_shengen-217052.html

„БОЙКО ПОДАДЕ ОСТАВКА,“ Standart News Agency, February 20, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/balgariya-politika/ boyko_podade_ostavka-178596.html „Меркел звъни на Бойко Борисов,“ Труд, February 27, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1805893 22

23

“Страсбург обсъжда протестите в София,” Труд, July 2, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=2115912

24

“Протести срещу високите сметки за ток,” Standart News Agency, January 28, 2013, accessed December 29, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/regionalni/ protesti_sreshtu_visokite_smetki_za_tok-175861.html

25

“Протести срещу тока заливат страната,” Standart News Agency, February 17, 2013, accessed December 29, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/balgariyaobshtestvo/protesti_sreshtu_toka_zalivat_stranata_-178279.html

26

“Световните медии: Протести свалиха Борисов,” Standart News Agency, February 20, 2013, accessed December 30, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/ svyat-svyat/svetovnite_medii_protesti_svaliha_borisov-178604.html

27

“БСП прие мандата,” Standart News Agency, May 23, 2013, accessed December 30, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/balgariya-politika/ bsp_prie_mandata-189594.html

28

“Варна събира кръв за Пламен,” Standart News Agency, February 21, 2013, accessed December 31, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/balgariyaobshtestvo/varna_sabira_krav_za_plamen_-178816.html

29

“Пламен почина,” Standart News Agency, March 4, 2013, accessed December 31, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/balgariya-obshtestvo/ plamen_pochina_-179899.html

30

“КНСБ заплаши със стачка и протести в енергетиката,” Standart News Agency, May 18, 2013, accessed December 29, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/ balgariya-obshtestvo/ knsb_zaplashi_sas_stachka_i_protesti_v_energetikata-188905.html

31

“Делян Пеевски е възстановен като следовател без дебати,” March 14, 2013, mediapool.bg, accessed January 5, 2014. http://www.mediapool.bg/delyanpeevski-e-vazstanoven-kato-sledovatel-bez-debati-news204026.html

39

32

“Втора вечер на протести,” Standart News Agency, June 15, 2013, accessed December 31, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/balgariya-obshtestvo/ vtora_vecher_na_protesti_-192577.html

„Плевнелиев иска от Вигенин орден за френския посланик (Обзор),“ Труд, September 3, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http://www.trud.bg/ Article.asp?ArticleId=2278389 “Николай Младенов: Случаят с френския посланик е скандал,” Standart News Agency, September 3, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http:// www.standartnews.com/balgariya-politika/ nikolay_mladenov_sluchayat_s_frenskiya_poslanik_e_skandal-203122.html “Френският посланик Филип Отие няма да получи традиционния орден в края на мандата,” Дневник, September 3, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013. http:// www.dnevnik.bg/bulgaria/ 2013/09/03/2133762_frenskiiat_poslanik_filip_otie_niama_da_poluchi/ “Вигенин отказа коментар за ордена на френския посланик,” Standart News Agency, September 4, 2013, accessed January 5, 2013. http:// www.standartnews.com/balgariya-politika/ vigenin_otkaza_komentar_za_ordena_na_frenskiya_poslanik-203251.html 33

34

“Рашидов настоява да връчат орден на Филип Отие,” Standart News Agency, September 4, 2013, accessed January 3, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/ balgariya-politika/ rashidov_nastoyava_da_vrachat_orden_na_filip_otie-203238.html

35

“България скърби за Пламен,” Standart News Agency, March 6, 2013, accessed January 5, 2013. http://www.standartnews.com/balgariya-obshtestvo/ balgariya_skarbi_za_plamen-180144.html

36

“The spirit of protest in Brazil and Turkey has now swept into Bulgaria,” The Guardian, June 25, 2013, accessed December 31, 2013. http:// www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/25/turkey-brazil-bulgaria-protest

37

“Атентат в Бургас! Взривиха автобус на летището, има загинали,” Standart News Agency, July 18, 2013, accessed December 28, 2013. http:// www.standartnews.com/balgariya-obshtestvo/ atentat_v_burgas_vzriviha_avtobus_na_letishteto_ima_zaginali-157750.html

40

Croatia!

Tamara Gligorevic !

!

BACKGROUND!

!

• • • • •

Population: 4,475,611!

Unemployment: 20.5% (est. 2013) !

GDP per capita in 2011: $18,100!

EU member entry date: July 1st, 2013!

EU funding in 2013: € 655.1 million !

MEDIA SOURCES!

! !

• • • •

Jutarnji List!

Founding date: 1998!

Ownership: Europa Press Holding (EPH)!

Readership/ daily circulation: 100,000!

• • • •

Vecernji List!

Founding date: 1959!

Ownership: Styria Media Group AG (since 2000)!

Readership/daily circulation: 100,000!

• • • •

Novi list!

Founding date: 1900!

Ownership: self-managed!

Daily circulation: 36,888 !

!

FINDINGS !

•

Number of Articles Reviewed: Total of 95 articles from the following media sources: Jutarnji List, Vecernji List, Novi List!

• List of Search Words: “Croatia and the EU,” “Slovenian Ratification of Croatia,” and “Lex-Petrović”!

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Croatia -EU relations reported on in 2013:!

41

Slovenian Relations with Croatia !

•

•

! ! !

Upon the decisive conclusion of the Ljubljanska Banka affair, that have rattled relations between Slovenia and Croatia, Slovenia had ratified Croatia as a future member of the European Union. The fear of Slovenia vetoing Croatia from entry into the European Union was eliminated from the political agenda. !

All three media sources reported on the Slovenian brawl with Croatia. Media coverage was aggressive towards the possibility of Slovenian to exploit its veto power in order to “force Croatia to abide by [Slovenian] terms.”1 The Croatian fears were put to rest when Elmar Brok, current Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, announced that no nation, can use its veto to their advantage to coerce another state to abide by their terms. 2 Due to the bilateral issue, specifically the Ljubljanska Banka lawsuit, Slovenia accused Croatia as being non-compliant to the task at hand, hence in their defense, Slovenia was only pursuing legitimate steps by refusing to ratify Croatia as a future member of the European Union.3 Slovenian officials wanted Croatia to withdraw the lawsuit entirely before being accepted within the European Union.4 However, public opinion in Slovenia scrutinized the government’s actions, according to a poll done by “Delo,” 76 percent of the civilians questioned supported the ratification of Croatia as a European Union member state, and hence support for Croatia was present amongst the populace of Slovenia, despite the government’s actions.5 With this support and the pressure mounting from the other European Union member states, Slovenia ratified Croatia as the 28th member state of the European Union on the 2nd of April 2013.6!

42

Skepticism and Expectations !

•

•

!

Having fulfilled the obligations required to become a member of the European Union, the Croatian government and the populace enthusiastically celebrated the occasion on July 1st, 2013. 7 However, not everyone shared such optimism; for instance, Večernji List published several articles on the issues facing Croatia in its future in the European Union. !

The problem of “low levels of competition” in Croatia, as seen through the eyes of the Austrian government, is highlighted by the media.8 The 92 percent decrease in investment caused the Austrians to fear whether Croatia will be able to keep up with the levels of competition present in the other 27 member states.9 However, they remain optimistic to see an increase in growth, due to the 460 million dollar investment made in the beginning of the year by the European Union. 10 On the other hand, poverty,11unemployment,12corruption,13and human rights14 continue to be issues that the Croatian government needs to resolve. Nevertheless, hopes are high for the youth generation to find employment and better standards of living across the border in the other member state nations15, especially with ! the advantage of being part of the European Employment Services initiative, which allows for greater mobility and employment throughout the European Union.16 !

Perković Predicament !

•

•

As a consequence of the European Commission’s warning of economic sanctions on Croatia, there has been a divide in government between those who support the European Commission’s judgments versus those who remain optimistic and believe that there will not be any economic sanctions brought upon the nation.17 !

The economic sanctions have much to do with the transitional phase of complying with European judicial laws and standards.

43

•

!

The Croatian government was being put under duress to efficiently reform their judicial process to reflect those of the European Union’s expectations and standards.18 Specifically, regarding the case of Lex Perković, accused of murdering a Croatian emigrant Stjepana Đureković, in 1983 in Bavaria.19 !

Because of this case the European Union threatened the Croatian government that they would implement economic sanctions upon the nation, unless they complied, and handed Perković over to a German court. 20 The end result was in fact a turn-over of Perković to Germany, despite their fervent claims of sovereignty over the issue.21!

2013 IN REVIEW! Throughout 2013 the most commonly reported topics pertaining Croatia and the European Union were the following: Croatian relations with Slovenia, Skepticisms and Expectations of the Croatian government and people upon entry in the European Union, and lastly the contested issue of the hand-over of “Lex-Perković” to be dealt with the German judicial system, rather than the Croatian courts. The reviewed articles portrayed both optimistic and pessimistic attitudes of accession to the European Union. !

One of the most contested topics throughout the first couple of months was the Slovenian ratification of Croatia to the European Union.

The media portrayed the conflict between the two nations as chiefly resulting from the Slovenian inability to compromise and drive to force compliance vis-à-vis their veto advantage. Nevertheless, due to international pressure, Slovenia was forced to ratify Croatia’s membership April 2nd, 2013. Relations between Slovenia and Croatia were once again restored to normal standards. !

The second prominent theme from the media sources was Euro skepticism and the expectations following accession in the European Union. Most skepticism revolved around the economic aspects of the nation. As mentioned previously, the “low levels of competition”22

44

caused member-states to fear whether the Croatian economy would be capable of fostering economic growth. Moreover, the contemporary issues of unemployment, poverty, corruption, and human rights, were not prioritized by the Croatian government. Therefore, the media portrayed a more grim side of the accession to the European Union and the Croatian government’s incompetence at tackling these contested issues. !

Lastly, the “Lex-Perković” case brought relations with the European Union to a boiling point, where the European Union threatened the Croatian government with economic sanctions if Perković was not handed over to be dealt with by the German judicial system. Despite becoming a member of the European Union, approximately two months later Croatia exercised their right to stand up to the European Union to defend their court sovereignty over the matter.23 The matter was concluded on a positive note, when the Perković predicament was resolved by both to avoid disciplinary action.

However, there may be consequences that could potentially have a lasting impact on the relations between the European Union and Croatia. !

The three most prominent issues that faced Croatia in 2013, specifically, the relations between Slovenia, the expectations upon entry, and the court handover of Perković, in practice, showed the Croatian government that the experience of giving up their sovereignty would have to become a common occurrence. All of the other twentyseven member-states have become acquainted with this practice, and yes, there have been conflicts in the past, however, this is a mandatory rule for becoming a member-state of the European Union. Moreover, being a new member state, Croatian government officials will have to learn how to abide by these newly enacted laws and standards of the European Union on a long-term basis.!

!

45

1

Krasnec, Tomislav, "Slovenija se ne smije igrati vetom da bi do gola svukla Hrvatsku” Vecernji List January 22, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014 http://www.vecernji.hr/hrvatska/ slovenija-se-ne-smije-igrati-vetom-da-bi-do-gola-svukla-hrvatsku-500804 2

Ibid

3

Ibid

4

Ibid

Hina, “Čak 76% Slovenaca za Ratifikaciju Hrvatskog Ugovora S Europskom Unijom: Otkrila je to anketa u ljubljanskom Delu,”Jutarnji List, February 4th, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2013, http://www.jutarnji.hr/--cak-76-posto-slovenaca-zaratifikaciju-hrvatskog-ugovora-s-eu--vodeci-slovenski-list-delo-objavio-rezultateankete/1083015/ 5

6

HINA, “Slovenija sutra ratificira hrvatski pristupni ugovor s EU,” Novi List, April 1st, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2013, http://www.novilist.hr/Vijesti/Hrvatska/ Slovenija-sutra-ratificira-hrvatski-pristupni-ugovor-s-EU 7“Evo

koji su kljucni datumi na Hrvatskom putu u Europsku Uniju”Vecernji List, July 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.vecernji.hr/eu/evo-koji-su-kljucnidatumi-na-hrvatskom-putu-u-europsku-uniju-577151; Kristina Turčin, “Prve EU bebe iz petrove: sretna sam moj mali Jan I Hrvat je I Europljanin” Jutarnji List, July 1st, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.jutarnji.hr/prve-eu-bebe-iz-petrove-sretna-sam--moj-mali-jan-i-hrvat-je-i-europljanin--/1112043/; HINA, “Hrvatska je Usidrena u Europski Prostor Mira: Hrvatska zastava zavijorila se ispred europskog parlamenta” Jutarnji List, July 1st, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014,http:// www.jutarnji.hr/foto---hrvatska-je-usidrena-u-europski-prostor-mira--hrvatskazastava-zavijorila-se-ispred-europskog-parlamenta/1112051/; Viktorija Macukić, “Zene iz visoke politike izvukle najbolje iz ormara” Jutarnji List, July 1st, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014 http://www.jutarnji.hr/zene-iz-visoke-politike-izvuklenajbolje-iz-ormara--vesna-pusic-dobra-uz-prigovor--a-zena-premijera-zvijezda-veceri/ 1112035/ 1st,

8

Deutsche Welle, “Hrvatska – Problematicno dijete Europske Unije” Vecernji List, July 20th, 2014, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.vecernji.hr/eu/hrvatskaproblematicno-dijete-europske-unije-587004 9

Ibid

10Ibid 11 Antonio

Mandir/VLM, “Hrvatska je Rekorder po broju Siromasnih u Uniji” Vecernji List, July 17th, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.vecernji.hr/ hrvatska/hrvatska-je-rekorder-po-broju-siromasnih-u-uniji-585781 12

Deutsche Welle, “Hrvatska – Problematicno dijete Europske Unije” Vecernji List, July 20th, 2014, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.vecernji.hr/eu/hrvatskaproblematicno-dijete-europske-unije-587004

46

13

kh/VLM, “Merkel: Hrvatska u borbi protiv korupcije mora ici puno dalje” Vecernji List, June 30th, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.vecernji.hr/eu/merkelhrvatska-u-borbi-protiv-korupcije-mora-ici-puno-dalje-577228; 14

ig/VLM, “ Iako je Primljena u EU Hrvatska ne postuje sva ljudska prava” Vecernji List, June 28th, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.vecernji.hr/eu/iako-jeprimljena-u-eu-hrvatska-ne-postuje-sva-ljudska-prava-576188 15

Dijana Kožul/VLM, “Sto Zagrepcani ocekuju od EU? Jedni posao, drugi vece mirovina,” Vecernji List, June 26th, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014, http:// www.vecernji.hr/zg-vijesti/sto-zagrepcani-ocekuju-od-eu-jedni-posao-drugi-vecemirovine-575023 16

Božena Matijević,”Nadjite Posao u EU ili radnika iz EU besplatno iz svoje zemlje,” Vecernji List, July20th, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.vecernji.hr/eu/ nadjite-posao-u-eu-ili-radnika-iz-eu-besplatno-iz-svoje-zemlje-586833; 17

Jelena Lovrić, “Lex-Perković podijelio vrh drzave nezadovoljnici iz SDPa masovno idu Josipoviću na Pantovčak” Jutarnji List, September 16th, 2013, accessed January 14th, 20114 http://www.jutarnji.hr/lex-perkovic-podijelio-vrh-drzave-nezadovoljniciiz-sdp-a-masovno-idu-josipovicu-na-pantovcak-/1126420/ 18

Denis Romac, “Naš stvarni ulazak u EU” Novi List, October 23th, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014 http://www.novilist.hr/Komentari/Kolumne/Zlu-ne-trebaloDenisa-Romca/Nas-stvarni-ulazak-u-EU 19

Miho Dobrašin, “Za nas je slučaj Perković završen ukoliko se ne dogodi nešto neočekivano,” Večernji List, December 31st, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014, http:// www.vecernji.hr/hrvatska/za-nas-je-slucaj-perkovic-zavrsen-ukoliko-se-ne-dogodinesto-neocekivano-912705 20

Ibid

21

Ibid

22Deutsche Welle,

“Hrvatska – Problematicno dijete Europske Unije” Vecernji List, July 2014, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.vecernji.hr/eu/hrvatskaproblematicno-dijete-europske-unije-587004 20th,

23

Denis Romac, “Naš stvarni ulazak u EU” Novi List, October 23th, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014 http://www.novilist.hr/Komentari/Kolumne/Zlu-ne-trebaloDenisa-Romca/Nas-stvarni-ulazak-u-EU; Miho Dobrašin, “Za nas je slučaj Perković završen ukoliko se ne dogodi nešto neočekivano,” Večernji List, December 31st, 2013, accessed January 14th, 2014, http://www.vecernji.hr/hrvatska/za-nas-je-slucajperkovic-zavrsen-ukoliko-se-ne-dogodi-nesto-neocekivano-912705

47

Cyprus!

Vassilia Julia Al Akaila!

!

BACKGROUND! •! Population: 1,155,403 (July 2013 est.)!

•! Unemployment: 17.4% (est. 2013) !

•! GDP per capita in 2013: $24,500 (2013 est.)!

•! EU member entry date: 2004!

•! EU funding in 2013: N/A!

!

MEDIA SOURCES! • Phileleftheros !

•! Founding Date: 1955!

•! Ownership: Phileleftheros Publishing Company Ltd.!

•! Daily Circulation/Readership: 70 000!

!

• H Kathimerini!

•! Founding Date: 2008!

•! Ownership: Board Chairman Kostas Iordanides, CEO Dimitris Lottides, Director Andreas Parasxos (Κώστας Ιορδανίδης, Δημήτρης Λοττίδης, Ανδρέας Παράσχος)!

! !

• •!

•!

•!

Cyprus Mail!

Founding Date: 1945!

Ownership: Cyprus mail Ltd.!

Daily Circulation: 10,000!

FINDINGS! •! Number of articles consulted: Phileleftheros-13; H Kathimerini-28; Cyprus Mail-24!

•! List of search words: “Cyprus EU relations”, “Cyprus EU Greece”, “Cyprus EU Turkey”, “Cypriot economic/

48

financial crisis”, “Cyprus Troika”, “Cyprus unemployment”, “Cyprus carbon credits”, “Cypriot political problems”, “Helleno-Turkish problem”, “Cypriot Banks”, “Cyprus Banking bail-out”!

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Cyprus- EU relations reported on in 2013:!

!

The Cypriot Banks and the unemployment rates that followed • On June 4th the committee chairman Lefteris Christoforos (DISY) publicly stated “it is not only the Cypriot people's duty but also a pressing necessity, if we want to save the economy and our future, to support Cypriot workers and local manual labour.” This statement came out as a result of the outreach to the public and private sectors to prefer and promote local products and manpower as a way of restraining the further rise in unemployment and to benefit the national economy in general. 1 • According to national estimates published by Eurostat on June 14th, among other EU countries, Cyprus “registered the largest employment decreases in the EU during the first quarter of 2013.”

Cyprus’ growth rate reached -1.3 per cent. 2 • In June, Cyprus had the highest annual increase in unemployment rates among all EU member states. The number of unemployed people reached 78.000. According to Eurostat releases, Cypriot unemployment rates increased from 11.7 per cent to 17.3 per cent.

3

• Among all the EU countries whose unemployment rose between 2012-2013, Cyprus had the fastest increase. The social insurance data that the labour force compiled suggest the following breakdown:

49

Greek Cypriots: 68.3 per cent Turkish Cypriots: 0.4 per cent Foreigners (non-EU): 12.1 per cent EU citizens: 19.2 per cent These represent the number of gainfully employed people but also point to the high immigration rates of the country. [What is rather disturbing is the fact that almost 60 per cent of people registered who have completed primary or secondary education and another 10 per cent that have graduated from technical schools constitute the almost 65 per cent that have been unemployed for six months or less as well as a 15 per cent that have been unemployed for a year or more.] 4 • The head of one of the European Commission Board sections, Isabel von Koppen Mentes, believes there is no reason to worry while lending members of the international delegation, Troika, did not anticipate any problems. Personnel salaries have been reduced from 756.3 million euro in 2012 to 580 million euro in 2013.

Capital formation also declined by 43.3 per cent. 5 • During the second half of July 2013, Troika inspectors (European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund) visited Cyprus and assessed the economic situation of the country, concluding that the economic adjustment program in place is on track. “The fiscal targets were met as a result of significant fiscal consolidation measures underway and prudent budget execution, while structural reforms have been improved in important areas, although delays and partial compliance were observed in a number of cases” said the report by the European Commission that was drafted on Monday 2 September. If the report is approved by the EU finance ministers, the next tranche of aid which equals -1.5 billion euro from the eurozone’s bailout fund will be discussed for Cyprus in the form of bonds that will

50

•

•

•

•

•

recapitalize the island’s financial sector except for the Bank of Cyprus (which has a different restoring project) as well as Laiki Bank which shut down. 6 The island’s statistics’ office stated on 12 November that compared to the 0.5 per cent year on year inflation, the September reading reached a +0.3 per cent. 7 The Cypriot government spokesman, Christos Stylianides, said that 100 million euro was approved and will be made available in 2014 for infrastructure projects and to tackle unemployment rates.

In late October, another 100 million euro for 2015 was approved by the European Parliament (EP) as part of the EU Cohesion policy. The country also expects to receive around 874 million euro from EU funds for its 2014-2020 (yearly) budgets, most of which will be used to boost growth, say authorities. 8 On Thursday, 28 November, a dialogue took place between Cypriot citizens and Politicians about the “kind of Europe” that they want. The discussion was part of the European Year of citizens 2013, dedicated to the rights of European citizens. The topics covered in Cyprus particularly, were focused around the Cypriot economy as well as the future of the EU’s intervention. 9 The Cypriot PM, Harris Georgiades, stated the following on December 15th in Brussels: “we have learned the hard way that what is risk free in theory is not so in practice.” The risks the PM referred to regard the banking consequences that came about as a result of the Greek government’s bond losses. 10 In the first months of the year, the bank of Cyprus posted a 1.94 billion net loss. A bail-in aid of 10 billion euro from international lenders was deposited in March 2012. The agreement terms which caused Laiki Bank to shut down resulted in some of the assets to be absorbed by the Bank of Cyprus. Deposits of more than 15.4

51

•

•

•

•

•

billion euro since September 2013 however show that customer confidence is slowly being restored. 11 The decision made on March 25th by the Eurogroup to impose reorganization measures for the Bank of Cyprus as well as (the) Laiki Bank was the reason the Eurogroup and the European Union are being accused of violating the right to property, the general principles of non-discrimination and for going against the protection of legitimate expectations and proportionality rules that are enshrined in EU law. 12 More than 50 Cypriot depositors and shareholders have filed a claim demanding compensation for the damage caused. The spotlight was on the fact that this case is a first in all of the judiciary years of practice since the creation of the EU. 13 The Cypriot President, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, went on to express his satisfaction on the issues that were promoted by the Σύνοδος ??as well as for the political agreement that was reached on the European banking Consolidation. 14 Between 2-17 November, the pan-European Barometer survey was conducted on behalf of the European Commission. Among the personal interviews that took place within the EU member states, 97% of the Cypriot citizens find the current economic situation rather bad while only 3% expressed the opposite view. On a personal economic scale, 27% of Cypriots responded that they were “good” and 39% answered “bad”. 15 According to the Ministry of Finance, during the JanuaryNovember period, revenue fell by 1.93 per cent, from 5.60 billion euro to 5.49 billion, while government spending decreased by 3.54 per cent from 6.19 billion euros to 6.42 billion. In the same period, expenditure declined from 6.14 billion to 6.03 billion euros. Social insurance fund payments rose by 2.43 per cent while payments for

52

interest on public debt decreased from 589.01 million to 535.06 million in eleven months. 16 • The Cypriot government was called to implement 10 (new) laws for the purpose of raising 270 million euro to achieve its fiscal objectives for the support program. Creditors believe that with these measures, Cyprus will manage to reduce its primary deficit to 3.1 per cent of GDP while hoping that the country’s budget deficit will reach 8.4 per cent of GDP. 17

! !

The Unresolved Cyrpiot-Turkish Problem • The President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, noted that the status quo is not a viable solution for Cyprus. He urged both sides of the table to adopt a long-term vision with the help of the EU and to abandon any prejudiced attitudes. 18 • The Cypriot President informed his European partners about the current living circumstances of the Turkish and Greek sides and brought up the unresolved Cyprus problem of the past 39 years, pointing to the need for assistance from the EU for common ground to be found. He made reference to the work of the Σύνοδο as well as that of the EMU which he claimed lay the foundation for employment growth and competition. 19 • The Cypriot President also discussed the importance of a solution to the long lasting Cypriot problem in regards to the reinstitution of economic confidence. 20 • The Speaker of the Parliament conveyed an optimistic message on the 23 December regarding the national economy despite the loss of resources. He also noted the importance of insisting upon a solution for the HellenoTurkish problem that will benefit Cypriot Hellenism. 21

!

53

Carbon Credits to Boost the Cypriot Economy

! ! !

• 4.1 million euro was approved by the European Commission for the funding of projects that are part of the EU Life+ programme (the EU’s environmental fund). Among the fields of nature conservation, climate change, environmental policy, information and communication, 248 new projects are being financed. In Cyprus the three projects being financed are the LIFE LIFEWASTE, which will be implemented by the Cyprus Institute of Technology, the LIFE+SmartPV by the University of Cyprus and the LIFE-RIZOELIA project of the Forestry Department. 22 • The minister of agriculture and environment, Nicos Kouyialis, stated on the 19th of December that Cyprus may raise from 80 million euro to 110 million from the auctioning off of carbon credits between 2014-2020. As decided in the Cabinet meeting, along with the establishment of a “Green Development Fund,” which will be used for causes such as the creation of energy saving buildings, steps will be taken to maintain Cyprus’ surplus carbon credits to other EU countries, assisting in the fund raising process generally. The projects that result from these decisions will also play a role in tackling (youth) unemployment by creating jobs.

The minister hopes to have this plan implemented by springtime 2014. 23 • Cyprus is part of the EU, Emissions Trading System (ETS) agreement from which it was exempted for about 11 million ETS carbon credits for the period between 2012 and 2013. According to the head of production at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, a country’s emissions quota is not limited to the power sector; it includes heavy industry and transport. 24

54

2014 IN REVIEW The Cypriot-European relationship has always been a rather complicated one given the fact that the country is populated by two groups of people, one of which is not part of the European Union. This, of course, was one of the matters widely reported on by the media in the country, as is always and as will continue to be until the issue is resolved. The views on the Helleno-Turkish matter during the 2013 period were rather positive, giving the impression that the EU will be assisting the Cypriot government in finding a solution that will hopefully benefit both “sides” of the island while also being “accepted” by the Greek and Turkish governments accordingly. A motion as such can help solidify what brings Cypriot people together rather than what drives them apart while it can also assist to rebuild the country’s economic confidence.

On a different note, the country appears to be doing extensively well on environmental action matters, which play a decisive role in the shaping of the country’s financial course. With the assistance of the EU and by following the ETS agreement, Cyprus is likely to make a worthy amount of money which it can use along with the Green Development Fund for the purpose of not only supporting its agricultural sector but also for the purpose of creating jobs. This is vital given the continuously rising unemployment rates, which have placed the country in a stagnant position. EU officials appear optimistic regarding Cyprus’ labour decrease, as they believe that the country can meet the challenge of the most visible and painful consequences of the financial crisis.

Possibly the most vastly covered “event” by the media that took place within the Cypriot borders during the year 2013 was the imperfect picture of the economy and the methods by which the difficulties faced and created by it will be tackled. The primary case focused on the EU’s legitimate or illegitimate organizations as well as their impact on Cypriot people’s lives. Despite the high unemployment rates, which

55

possibly rose due to the implementation decisions set by the Eurogroup, the Cypriot economy seems to be on the road to recovery though it is still early to tell. The economic crisis has indeed been the main focal point in the country’s general status but it has not “destroyed” the Cypriot-European relationship, as many may claim. Rather, it has made it stronger by enhancing the ties between the two via better communication. This cannot only be seen on the side of the citizens but on the side of the European banking sector as well.

Despite the financial collapse, steps are being taken for the purpose of creating a better future whether that is through financial and tangible assistance or through their active regional support.

1

“MPs want Cyprus listed as a ‘poor EU country.’” Cyprus Mail 5 June 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 2

“Cyprus among EU member states with largest employment decreases in 2013 Q1.”

Cyprus Mail 14 June 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 3

“Cyprus jobless EU’s biggest increase.” Cyprus Mail 31 July 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 4

“A detailed look at unemployment in Cyprus.” Cyprus Mail 4 August 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 5

“Cyprus Fiscal deficit for Q2 2013 reduced to 225.5 million euro.” Cyprus Mail 24 August 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 6

“Cyprus on track with bailout reforms, EU report says.” Cyprus Mail 2 September 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 7

“A detailed look at unemployment in Cyprus.” Cyprus Mail 4 August 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 8

“Extra EU funds for Cyprus.” Cyprus Mail 13 November 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 9

“Ο λόγος στους Ευρωπαίους πολίτες της Κύπρου.” Ο Φιλελεύθερος 28 November 2013. Date of access: 21.02.2014

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10

“Moment of truth for Europe’s banks.” Cyprus Mail 15 December 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 11

“Bank of Cyprus posts 1.94 billion euro nine-month net loss.” Cyprus Mail 18 December 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014 12

“Πρόσφυγη κατά του Eurogroup από 50 καταθέτες.” Ο Φιλελεύθερος 20 December 2013. Date of access: 21.02.2014 13

“Πρόσφυγη κατά του Eurogroup από 50 καταθέτες.” Ο Φιλελεύθερος 20 December 2013. Date of access: 21.02.2014 “Αποζημιώσεις από την ΕΕ ζητούν καταθέτες.” Ο Φιλελεύθερος 21 December 2013. Date of access: 21.02.2014 14

“Για τις εξελίξεις στο Κυπριακό ενημέρωσε ο Πρόεδρος Αναστασιάδης.” Ο Φιλελεύθερος 20 December 2013. Date of access: 21.02.2014 15

“Απαισιόδοξοι οι Κύπριοι για την οικονομική κατάσταση.” Ο Φιλελεύθερος 23 December 2013. Date of access: 21.02.2014 16

“Στο 3,63% του ΑΕΠ το έλλειμμα στο 11μηνο του 2013.” Η Καθημερινή 28 December 2013. Date of access: 23.02.2014 17

“Φορολογική “καταιγίδα” φέρνει στην Κύπρο το 2014.” Η Καθημερινή 30 December 2013. Date of access: 23.02.2014 18

“Μ. Σουλτς: Το status quo δεν είναι βιώσιμο, επέιγει η λύση.” Ο Φιλελεύθερος 2 December 2013. Date of access: 21.02.2014 19

“Για τις εξελίξεις στο Κυρπιακό ενημέρωσε ο Πρόεδρος Αναστασιάδης.” Ο Φιλελεύθερος 20 December 2013. Date of access: 21.02.2014 20

“Για τις εξελίξεις στο Κυρπιακό ενημέρωσε ο Πρόεδρος Αναστασιάδης.” Ο Φιλελεύθερος 20 December 2013. Date of access: 21.02.2014 21

“Μήνυμα αισιοδοξίας από τον Πρόεδρο της Βουλής.” Η Καθημερινή 23 December 2013. Date of access: 23.02.2014 22

“EU grants Cyprus 4.1 million euros for green projects.” Cyprus Mail 3 July 2013.

Date of access: 22.02.2014 23

“Cyprus could raise 80 million euro from carbon credits.” Cyprus Mail 20 December 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014

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24

“Cyprus could raise 80 million euro from carbon credits.� Cyprus Mail 20 December 2013. Date of access: 22.02.2014

58

Czech Republic!

Taylor Forsyth!

!

BACKGROUND !

• • • • •

!

Population: 10,162,921!

Unemployment: 7.6% (est. 2013)!

GDP per capita in 2012: $28,100!

EU member entry date: 1 May 2004!

EU funding in 2013: 3,029,070,000 Euros!

MEDIA SOURCES! • Mladá fronta DNES! • Founding date: 1945!

• Ownership: MAFRA, A.S.!

• Readership/ daily circulation: 221,000!

!

• • • •

!

Lidové noviny!

Founding date: 1893!

Ownership: MAFRA, A.S.!

Readership/ daily circulation: 40,000!

• Právo!

• Founding date: 1991!

• Ownership: Borgis!

• Readership/ daily circulation: 109,000 !

!

FINDINGS! • Number of articles consulted-93 (Mladá Fronta Dnes-30; Lidové noviny!

-31; Právo-32) !

• List of search words: ¨Česká republika a EU¨, ¨Evropská Unie¨, ¨Evropa a Česko¨, ¨Novinky z EU¨ !

59

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Czech- EU relations reported on in 2013: !

!

Approval of the European Parliament Budget!

•

•

• •

!

The major discussion in Czech media for the year 2013 was the multiyear European Parliament budget. The budget had been in the discussion stage for nearly two years and was finally passed in November 2013.1 !

The budget laid the framework for economic policy in the EU from January 1, 2014 through 2020.2 The budget will see 908 billion Euros spread throughout member countries, which is 3.7 percent less than in the previous period.3 !

While the Czech Republic remains a net beneficiary of the budget, there was some bright news for the nation.4 !

The European Commission concluded in November that the Czech Republic would be among the countries to experience strong economic growth in 2014 and 2015 (1.8% of GDP and 2.2% respectively).5!

Social Conditions in the Czech Republic!

•

•

•

The issue of social conditions in the Czech Republic touched on many issues in 2013 including working hours, standard of living, poverty, and the significant amount of time spent filling out tax forms. Throughout 2013 these issues were at the forefront, as it was found that Czechs spend more time at work than any other European Union citizens.6 !

Furthermore, a report was published showing that the standard of living in the Czech Republic in 2010 had declined to below the average level of the European Union in terms of purchasing power parity.7 !

Perhaps most shocking when it came to social conditions in the Czech Republic, was the finding that 20% of Czechs live on or near the poverty line.8 The groups that were significantly

60

•

!

affected by this include seniors, single-parent families, and ethnic minorities.9 !

All of these issues caused friction with other EU countries and many experts believe had a collective effect on the European Parliament budget released in November 2013.!

Canada Abolishes Visa Rule!

•

•

•

!

In 2009 the Canadian government introduced a visa requirement for all Czech nationals entering Canada.10 This came as a result of the extraordinarily high amount of applications for asylum in Canada by Czech citizens.11 !

However, Canada announced in mid-October of 2013 that it would “at the earliest possible time” cancel visas for Czech citizens.12 And indeed this became the case in mid-November when Otto Jelinek, the Canadian ambassador in Prague, justified the move as the result of a 99 percent decrease in the requests for asylum.13 !

This abolition has resulted in decreased pressure from the European Parliament in Brussels on the Czech Republic, as it now aids in progress to the completion of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada.14!

2013 IN REVIEW! !

2013 saw significant political, economic and social changes in the Czech Republic. The issue, which garnered the most consistent media coverage, was the approval of the European Parliament budget.

The budget that had been in the works for over two years finally came to completion in November and passed in the Parliament 537 to 126, with 19 representatives abstaining. Much of the Czech Republic followed the budget talks with great interest, while questioning how it would affect their everyday lives. The Czech media mostly treated the situation without bias, although there was some discussion on how the

61

budget, multi-year in nature, would deal with the current economic situation (discussion came especially from Mladá fronta DNES).

Ultimately, the European Parliament passed what is known as the Multi-Annual Financial Framework which provided for 908 billion euros in payments against 960 billion euros in funding commitments, 3.7 percent and 3.5 percent less respectively than in the previous 2007-2013 budget. Czech Republic would again be a net recipient although there was some bright news for the nation; the European Commission concluded that the country would be among those to experience strong economic growth in 2014 and 2015 (1.8% of GDP and 2.2% respectively).! !

Perhaps the biggest highlight for many Czech citizens was the first-ever direct election of their president. Right from the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the passing of a new constitution in 1992, the president was chosen by a joint session of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Czech Republic. The possibility of a directly elected President has been controversial because of concerns that it could weaken a government under the Prime Minister. However the direct election was allowed, and on January 26, 2013, Miloš Zeman of the Party of Civic Rights won the second round of the election and was elected the next president of the Czech Republic. He won 54.8% of the second-round vote, compared to Schwarzenberg of TOP 09 with 45.2%. He assumed office after being sworn in March 2013.! !

Early legislative elections were held in the Czech Republic on October 25 and 26, 2013, seven months before the constitutional expiry of the elected parliament's four year legislative term. This came as a result of the forced resignation of the government, elected in May 2010 and led by Prime Minister Petr Nečas, on charges of corruption. The two parties gaining the most seats were the Czech Social Democratic Party (50 seats) and the new party Action of Dissatisfied Citizens (47 seats). The Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia came third, with a 3.6% swing in its favour. The two parties from the previous coalition government who were contesting the election, TOP 09 and the Civic Democratic Party, both lost substantial numbers of seats, coming fourth

62

and fifth respectively. Two other parties gained seats, the new Dawn of Direct Democracy party and the Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People's Party.!

Finally, the issue that may have hit the hardest for many of the Czech people revolved around social inequality. As it became evident that working hours were high, standard of living was low, and poverty increasing in comparison to other European Union nations, extensive debate and unrest followed. Furthermore, the Czech Republic’s visa dispute with Canada caused discomfort between the Czech Republic and the EU. With the proposal of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) awaiting ratification, approval from the Czech Republic was required. The Czechs refused to approve unless the visas to Canada were lifted. Fortunately this occurred on November 14, 2013, saving further controversy and debate.! ! !

1

“Státy EU se dohodly s europarlamentem. Rozpočet je hotov,” Lidové noviny, 12 November 2013, accessed 21 November 2013, http://byznys.lidovky.cz/staty-eu-sedohodly-s-europarlamentem-na-rozpoctu-unie-pro-2014-pue-/statni-pokladna.aspx? c=A131112_100330_statni-pokladna_ebr. See also: “Europarlament schválil sedmiletý rozpočet. Snížil se 3,7 procenta,” Mlada Fronta DNES, 19 November 2013, accessed 21 November 2013, http://ekonomika.idnes.cz/europarlament-schvalilsedmilety-rozpocet-feq-/eko_euro.aspx?c=A131119_123111_eko_euro_fih.

2

“V Bruselu se dohodli na rozpočtu, ČR po povodních dostane miliónů 412” Pravo, 12 November 2013, accessed 23 December 2013, http://www.pravo.cz/zahranicni/ evropa/318925-v-bruselu-se-dohodli-na-rozpoctu-cr-po-povodnich-dostane-412milionu.html.

3

“Státy EU se dohodly s europarlamentem. Rozpočet je hotov.” See also: “Dohady jsou u konce, EU má nový rozpočet. Nižší než ten předchozí,” Lidové noviny, 19 November 2013, accessed 22 November 2013, http://byznys.lidovky.cz/dohady-jsouu-konce-eu-ma-novy-rozpocet-nizsi-nez-ten-predchozi-pvw-/firmy-trhy.aspx? c=A131119_125950_firmy-trhy_ttr.

4

“Europarlament schválil unijní rozpočet, je nižší o tři procenta,” Pravo, 19 November 2013, accessed 23 December 2013, http://www.pravo.cz/ekonomika/ 319693-europarlament-schvalil-unijni-rozpocet-je-nizsi-o-tri-procenta.html.

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5

“Commission: Czech economy to grow next year,” Pravo, 6 November 2013, accessed 23 November 2013, http://pravo.newtonit.cz/default.asp?cache=60756.

6

“Czech working hours longest in Europe,” Lidové noviny, 7 September 2013, accessed 23 November 2013, http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/ 332861-czech-working-hours-longest-europe 7

“Pětina Čechů žije na hranici bídy, nejvíce v pohraničí,” Mlada Fronta DNES, 12 November 2013, Accessed 24 November 2013, http://zpravy.idnes.cz/chudoba-vcesku-narusta-0v6-/domaci.aspx?c=A131112_141126_domaci_maq.

8

“Česko chudne, životní úroveň se vzdaluje evropskému průměru,” Lidové noviny, 31 July 2013, accessed 23 November 2013, http://byznys.lidovky.cz/cesko-

chudne-zivotni-uroven-se-vzdaluje-evropskemu-prumeru-pra-/mojepenize.aspx?c=A130731_121914_moje-penize_mev.

9

Ibid.

10

“Kanada se 'v řádu týdnů' chystá zrušit víza pro Čechy,” Lidové noviny, 16 October 2013, accessed 25 November 2013, http://www.lidovky.cz/kanada-se-v-radu-tydnuchysta-zrusit-viza-pro-cechy-f8u-/zpravy svet.aspx? c=A131016_233540_ln_zahranici_mpr. See also: “Kanada „v nejbližší možné době“ zruší víza pro občany Česka,” Mlada Fronta DNES, 16 October 2013, accessed 25 November 2013, http://zpravy.idnes.cz/zruseni-vizove-povinnosti-v-kanade-d69-/ zahranicni.aspx?c=A131016_231107_zahranicni_neh.

11

“Kanada zrušila víza pro Čechy,” Pravo, 14 November 2013, accessed 23 December 2013, http://www.pravo.cz/zahranicni/amerika/319185-kanada-zrusilaviza-pro-cechy.html.

12

Ibid.

13

“Kanada zrušila víza pro Čechy. Už nejsou nutná, řekl velvyslanec,” Mlada Fronta DNES, 14 November 2013, accessed 24 November 2013, http://zpravy.idnes.cz/ zruseni-viz-do-kanady-0tv-/zahranicni.aspx?c=A131114_091334_zahranicni_im.

14

“Konec víz do Kanady. Země se znovu otevřela Čechům,” Lidové noviny, 14 November 2013, accessed 25 November 2013, http://www.lidovky.cz/konec-viz-dokanady-zeme-se-znovu-otevrela-cechum-fbq-/zpravy-svet.aspx? c=A131114_141832_ln_zahranici_msl.

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France Sebastian Dutz

!

BACKGROUND

!

• • • • •

Population: 65,951,611 Unemployment: 10.5% (est. 2013) GDP- per capita: $36,100 Year of EU Entry: 1952 EU Funding: Net contributor

MEDIA SOURCES • • • • • •

Le Monde Founding Date: 1944 Ownership: Mathieu Pigasse, Xavier Niel and Pierre Berge Daily Circulation: 340,131 Internet Page Hits: >40 million hits monthly Political Orientation: centrist

• • •

Liberation Founding Date: 1973 Ownership: Eduoard de Rothschild, Pathe and a staff consortium.

Daily Circulation: 134,800 Political Orientation: centre-left

• • • • •

!

• •

!

!

Le Figaro Founding Date: 1826 Ownership: Dassault, a major civil and military aeronautics group Daily Circulation: 479,000 Political Orientation: conservative/ right-leaning

65

FINDINGS • •

!

Total number of articles referenced: 45 (Le Monde- 19; Le Figaro- 10; Liberation- 13; Other- 1 List of search words: “EU”, “Eurozone crisis”, “Roma”, “France-EU relations, “France foreign policy”, “Schengen”

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to France-EU relations reported on in 2013:

!

The Eurozone: Continued Crisis •

•

In January 2013, an IMF report predicted another year of negative growth in the Eurozone, leading to negative forecasts for the year ahead from the French media.1 Predictions for the French economy improved incrementally when the IMF’s annual report on France, released in August, revealed that France showed signs of debt reduction and increasingly stable banks. However, the IMF highlighted a high minimum wage and spending on imports as areas of concern.2 The surprising announcement of a positive growth rate of 0.5% in late August was credited to increased domestic demand and better European economic standards, but was met with skepticism.3 By the end of the year, the growth rate regressed to the mean; France’s annual growth in 2013 was a mere 0.2%.4 The frailty of the Eurozone was highlighted in March by the need to bail out Cyprus, the fifth such bailout since the start of the crisis.5 The situation in Cyprus led to a renewed call for the implementation of a comprehensive Eurozone banking union.6 The necessity of such a union was reaffirmed over the summer by the G8 group, which emphasized shared banking regulation as the next step European economies should take.7 The realization of a European banking union on December 18th was

66

•

•

•

greeted with optimism as a step in the right direction, for both France and Europe.8 Two new economic issues came to the fore in 2013. In October, deflation emerged as a pressing concern facing both France and the Eurozone as a whole.9 The inflation rate reached its lowest point since 2009 in 2013.10 France’s inflation rate, the lowest in the Eurozone, was seen as a warning of potentially disastrous deflation and as something the Hollande administration should prioritize.11Continued high wages in the face of high levels of unemployment was cited as unsustainable, and a “major problem.”12 Increasing wages were seen to be inhibiting economic recovery and growth.13 Left wing media sources emphasized France’s special responsibility to deal with the Eurozone crisis, arguing that austerity was a problem rather than a solution.14 Austerity was widely criticized in the French media, with claims that austerity measures may even go so far as to compromise basic human rights.15 New strategies such as increased banking regulations, a crackdown on tax-free havens and investment in renewable energy were suggested as alternative solutions.16 News of economic rebound and growth in Germany led to new perceptions of the Franco-German relationship. The economic and social realities in both countries were described as the most divergent they have ever been, with France trending negatively in both sectors.17 Public opinion polls reveal that while 54% of Germans believe EU integration has been good for their economy, only 22% of the French believe this holds true for the French economy.18 This divergence in views widened in 2013 and strained the relationship between the two countries.

Following the re-election of Angela Merkel in September, French sources re-iterated the need to keep strong France and

67

Germany’s symbolically and economically important relationship strong.19

!

Racism and the Roma •

•

•

•

The tension in French society caused by immigration led to spirited debate throughout 2013. Media outlets reported that France has gone too far, becoming a hating, closed and racist society.20 The radicalization of immigration discourse in French politics, specifically the discourse surrounding the Roma, was criticized for legitimating racism.21 Although there are less Roma in France in absolute numbers than in neighbouring countries, tensions surrounding the Roma population are extremely high.22 The Hollande government intensified the Roma policies put in place by Nicholas Sarkozy. The number of Roma expelled from France in 2013 was 20,000, which is almost double the number from the previous year.23 The dismantlement of “illegal” Roma encampments, as labeled by the French government, and subsequent expulsion of inhabitants remains controversial. A spokesperson for the Roma framed it as a “politics of rejection.”24 Francois Hollande was criticized for having an inconsistent position on the Roma. Contradictory statements made by Hollande reveal how the government position changed from supporting to expelling the Roma in order to appeal to political constituents.25 The Schengen Zone and its potential impact on immigration was a pressing issue in French media throughout the year. The centre-right party Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) released a statement saying that if other EU members cannot fulfill their obligation to maintain border security and prevent

68

•

•

•

•

!

unrestricted immigration to France, they must leave the Schengen Zone, or “France will leave instead”.26 In September, the government contemplated opposing the planned 2014 entry of Romania and Bulgaria into Schengen.27 The Minister of the Interior, Manuel Valls, claimed he had reservations about the Schengen Zone, and emphasized the prioritization of the security of French citizens.28 This line of thought had been developing among right-wing political parties since the beginning of the year. In February, the leader of the Front National repeatedly pointed out the danger posed by the arrival of Romania and Bulgaria into Schengen.29 French interests were framed differently from those found in EU immigration policy.30 An opinion poll conducted in Le Figaro illustrates the conservative consensus; 91% of respondents agreed that the circulation of Roma in Schengen should be curtailed.31 Left-wing sources urged moderation, countering alarmist claims by explaining that the expansion of Schengen will only allow Bulgarians and Roma to work in France for an allotted three month period.32 In October, discourse increased after the high profile case of Leonarda, a Roma girl going to school in France, who was detained on a field trip and deported to Kosovo.33 The decision to deport a minor drew criticism from the center and left of French society; it was viewed as emblematic of the institutionalized power of conservative immigration policy.34

French Foreign Policy: Increasingly Interventionist •

On January 11, 2014, Francois Hollande announced that France would send troops, under the authorization of a UN resolution, to assist the besieged Malian government in a war against Islamist insurgents.35 The operation, codenamed Serval, was

69

•

•

justified solely as “fighting against terrorism” and would last “as long as necessary.”36 The intervention was unique as it was distinctly unilateral; no other EU member state participated in the operation.37 The French military mission in Mali engaged insurgents throughout the year. In September, at a conference with regional African leaders in Bamoko, Mali, Hollande declared that France had “won the war.”38 The intervention in Mali was used strategically by the Hollande administration as a sign of positive, decisive, and powerful action.39 France saw itself as unique among European nations, and the government claimed to be fulfilling its part in the historic mutual relationship between former French colonial possessions in Africa and France itself.40 The intervention led to positive perceptions of France’s role in the world; an opinion poll showed that 58% of French citizens agreed with Hollande’s decision.41 The intervention in Mali was criticized in some of the French media as a new form of French colonialism in “Franceafrique”.42 France’s increased role in former French colonies in Africa was further evidenced by the decision to send troops to the Central African Republic in December.43 France also adopted a hard stance in favour of intervention in Syria. An anti-Assad stance has been the norm in France since 2012, when France was the first EU country to recognize the Syrian opposition as the only legitimate group in Syria.44 In light of alleged chemical weapon attacks perpetrated by the Syrian government in August, France reaffirmed its determination to sanction and punish the regime.45 France was alleged to have a “historical responsibility” to Syria due to its legacy as a French mandate.46 In late August, France invoked the “responsibility to protect” as its policy concerning Syria.

This stood in contrast with other EU members such as Great Britain that emphasized economic sanctions.47

70

•

!

In September, France emphasized the credible use of military force as part of an international coalition. While public opinion in France was against French military action [64%], the Hollande administration was not bound to put the decision up to a vote in parliament.48 The British parliament voted against military intervention, setting a precedent that EU member states would not immediately intervene.49 France, however, did not immediately take the military option off the table. Its policy on Syria only realigned with the rest of the EU in October, when a joint statement was signed committing all member states to “take practical measures to solve humanitarian problems in Syria�.50

2013 IN REVIEW The media trends covered thematically in this report demonstrate the tension in France-EU relations at the economic, social and foreign affairs levels. In 2013, there was increasing disillusionment with the EU across all three levels, and divergence in terms of foreign policy. The most pertinent issue to France, as evidenced by its prominent coverage in the media remains the economy, and the continued Eurozone financial crisis.

French opinion on the economic relationship between France and the EU is of the utmost importance. Concerns about the French economy play into skepticism about the EU as both an economic and political institution. The economic crisis puts great strain on French-EU relations, thus changing the relationship. The lack of real, sustained growth in 2013 means a sense of weariness has taken hold in France.

Headlines throughout the year were dominated by negative perceptions of the current banking system, job market and Eurozone as a whole.

Positive developments were met with cynical skepticism. A consensus found in the French media is that austerity is more problematic than beneficial. This has strained the Franco-German relationship. The

71

positive response to a European banking union, and signs of slow economic growth means that while France is disillusioned with the EU, its policies will likely not diverge greatly.

At the social level, the polarized debate over immigration dominated, specifically about the “Roma Question.” As mentioned earlier, although the actual number of Roma in France isn’t exceptionally large, France’s preoccupation with national pride and identity, coupled with a pervasive norm for immigrants to immigrate, makes the issue an especially important one. It is widely believed in France that the Roma have failed to successfully integrate into French society. The Roma are perceived as a problem that needs solving. These solutions range from attempting to improve social conditions to dismantling Roma camps and kicking them out of the country. Views on the Roma fit roughly in a general left wing to right-wing political spectrum in France. The political stance on the Roma is intertwined with views on the EU-France relationship more generally. The free circulation granted by the Schengen Zone has been met with much resistance in France, specifically in relation to Bulgaria and Romania.

Many in French society are worried about the security threat that may be imposed by weaker external borders for the EU and increased Roma immigration. There is pressure on the grounds of immigration policy for France to diverge from the EU norm.

Throughout 2013, France displayed a willingness to be activist and interventionist in global affairs. This often ran contrary to the foreign policy of the EU and its member states as well as that of major allies such as the United States. France took a more assertive role in Africa and the Middle East as evidenced by the cases of Mali and Syria.

France’s historical colonial legacy plays heavily into this shift in foreign policy. Another factor demonstrating France’s divergent policy from the rest of the EU are their domestic politics. Hollande’s Socialist government may be taking a strong stance and engaging in military conflicts to benefit from a “rally round the flag” mentality. Using

72

foreign policy to distract from the economic and social problems in France may be a conscious decision by the Hollande administration.

These issues highlighted in the French media in 2013 can be seen as interrelated by the common thread of the economy. The current economic climate in France has fed negative perceptions about economic linkage with the European Union. Economic problems can be seen as exacerbating negative perceptions towards immigrants, especially the Roma, who to many do not seem to contribute to the wellbeing of the economy. Finally, France’s recent shift to activism on the international stage can be seen as an attempt to increase France’s symbolic stature to compensate for loss in economic power. While the Eurozone crisis has thrown a wrench into French-EU relations, outside of extreme elements such as the Front National, all of these issues are dealt with through a frame of reference that assumes the continued necessity and existence of the European Union. In 2013, French-EU policy diverged on issues such as military intervention and the Roma.

However, on what may be the most important issue, the economy, the consensus was that France needed to work with both Germany and the EU [Brussels] to solve the persistent financial crisis.

1

Robin, Jean Pierre. “Zone Euro : nouvelle année de récession en vue, selon le FMI”, Le Figaro, 23 January 2013, accessed December 28, 2013.

2

Faujas, Alain. “Pour rétablir la confiance, le FMI conseille une pause fiscale à la France”, Le Monde, 7 August 2013, accessed December 27 2013.

3

Gendron, Guillaume. “Croissance, feu de paille ou sortie de crise?”, Liberation, 14 August 2013, accessed January 10, 2014.

4

“La croissance du deuxieme trimestre reviser en leger hausse”, Liberation, 24 December 2013, accessed January 11, 2014.

5

Ricard, Philippe. “Un plan de sauvetage de 10 milliards d’euros pour Chypre”, Le Monde, 16 March 2013, accessed January 10, 2014.

6

Lecomte, Olivier. “Reguler le systeme financier, encore et toujours”, Le Figaro. 22 March 2013, accessed January 10, 2014.

73

7

“Le G8 pousse L’UE vers l’union bancaire”, Le Figaro, 17 June 2013, accessed January 11, 2014.

8

“Union bancaire: un bon accord qui corrige les failles de la zone euro”, Le Monde, 19 December 2013, accessed January 11, 2014.

9

Charrel, Marie. “Deflation, la nouvelle menace pour la zone euro”, Le Monde, 19 October 2013, accessed January 11, 2014.

10

“L’inflation au plus bas depuis 2009”, Le Figaro, 14 November 2013, accessed January 12, 2014.

11

Robin, Jean-Pierre, “Francois Hollande a raison de s’inquieter des risques de

deflation en France”, Le Figaro, 1 July 2013, accessed January 12, 2014.

12

Charrel, Marie. “Les salaries francais sont les plus rigides de la zone euro”, Le Monde, 13 December 2013, accessed January 10, 2014.

13

Ibid.

14

Canfin, Pascal. “Europe: sortir de la crise par le haut”, Liberation, 27 June 2013, accessed January 20, 2014.

15

Gatinois, Claire. “L’austerite compromet les droits de l’homme en Europe”, Le Monde, 3 December 2013, accessed January 13, 2014.

16

De Cremiers, Christelle and Eric Loiselet. “Paradis fiscaux: la transparence, maintentant!”, Liberation, 11 February 2013, accessed January 13, 2014.

17

Robin, Jean-Pierre. “L’Allemagne et La France divergent plus que jamais en matiere economique”, Le Figaro, 14 August 2013, accessed January 13, 2014.

18

Stokes, Bruce.”France and Germany: A Tale of Two Countries Drifting Apart”, Pew Research Global, 13 May 2013, accessed December 22, 2014.

19

Le Maire, Bruno. “Retrouver le chemin du travail franco-allemand”, Liberation, 26 September 2013, accessed January 10, 2014.

20

Besson, Philippe. “Face au racism, une soursaut est necessaire”, Le Monde, 13 November, 2013, accessed January 9, 2014.

21 Abdul,

Shahzad. “La radicalization du discours politique legitime le racisme”, Le Monde, 8 November 2013, accessed January 20, 2013.

22

Piquemal, Marie. “Les tensions envers les Roms sont plus vives en France qu’ailleurs”, Liberation, 30 July 2013, acccessed January 18. 2014.

23 Vincent,

Elise. “Les evacuations de Roms ont presque double en 2013”, Le Monde, 14 January 2014, accessed January 18, 2014 24

Ibid

25

Euzen, Philippe. “Roms: les positions changeantes de Francois Hollande”, Le Monde, 27 September, 2013, accessed January 20, 2014.

74

26

“Copé exige l’amour des immigrés”, Liberation, 12 December 2013, accessed January 15, 2014.

27

Bretton, Laure. “Le jeu dangeroux de l’executif avec les Roms”. Liberation, 29 September 2013, accessed January 8, 2014.

28

“Ouverture de Schengen: Valls reserve”, Le Figaro, 19 September 2013, accessed January 6, 2014.

29

“Europe: Le Pen demande un referendum”, Le Figaro, 2 March 2013, accessed January 6, 2014.

30

Ibid

31

“Roms : faut-il repousser la libre circulation des Bulgares et des Roumains dans l'espace Schengen prévue au 1er janvier ? “, Le Figaro, 24 Septebmer 2013, accessed January 7, 2014.

32

Bouthier, Baptiste. “Roms: libre circulation des contreverites”, Liberation, 26 September 2013, accessed January 20, 2014.

33

D’Allonnes, Revault David. “Affaire Leonarda : face à l'incendie politique, Hollande a tenté l'issue de secours, Le Monde, 21 October 2013, accessed January 19, 2014.

34

“Affaire Leonarada: Hollande poursuit sa collection de critiques”, Liberation, 20 October 2013, accessed January 19, 2014.

35

Hofnug, Thomas, “Mali: le president Holande se’n va-t-en guerre”, Liberation, 11 January 2013, accessed January 19, 2014.

36

“Hollande : l'opération au Mali "n'a pas d'autre but que la lutte contre le terrorisme", Le Monde, 12 January 2013, accessed January 20, 2014.

37

“Au Mali, La France prend ses quartiers, seule”, Le Monde, 16 January 2013, accessed January 21, 2014.

38

“Hollande: “Nous avons gagne cette guerre”, Le Figaro, 19 September 2013, accessed January 21, 2014.

39

“Hollande : «Depuis un an, j'ai fait des choix majeurs pour la France»”, Le Figaro, 28 April, 2013, accessed January 22, 2014 40

Biseau, Gregorie, “Hollande content de lui au Mali”, Liberation, 19 September 2013, accessed January 22, 2014.

41

Chatelot, Christophe, “Diplomatie: l’exception de l’engagement au Mali”, Le Monde, 30 May 2013, accessed January 22, 2014.

42

“Neocolonialisme francais en Afrique”, Le Monde, 4 December 2013, accessed January 22, 2014.

43

Ibid.

44

Nougayrede, Nathalie. “L'opposition syrienne reconnue”, Le Monde, 15 November 2012, accessed January 22, 2014.

75

45

Nivelle, Pascale, “Syrie: l’executif fait preuves de fermete”, Liberation, 2 September 2013, accessed January 23, 2014.

46

Barthe, Benjamin, “La France a une responsabilite historique en Syrie”, Le Monde, 25 July 2013, accessed January 22, 2014.

47

"La France est prête à punir ceux qui ont pris la décision de gazer des innocents" en Syrie”, Le Monde, 27 August 2013, accessed January 23, 2014.

48

“Syrie: 74 % des Français veulent un vote au Parlement sur une intervention”, Le Monde, 3 September 2013, accessed January 25, 2014.

49

Ibid.

50

Stroobants, Jean-Pierre. “L’UE maintient un front common sur la Syrie”, Le

Monde, 21 October 2013, accessed January 24, 2014.

76

Germany!

Friederike Wilke !

!

BACKGROUND! • • • • •

!

Population: 81,147,265 !

Unemployment: 5.3% (est. 2013)!

GDP per capita in 2012: $39,700!

EU member entry date: 1952!

EU funding in 2012: Net contributor!

MEDIA SOURCES! • Der Spiegel!

• Founding date: 1947!

• Ownership: Rudolf Augstein’s successors Gruner + Jahr & Co! • Readership: 976 000 weekly!

!

• Süddeutsche Zeitung!

• Founding date: 1945!

• Ownership: Südwestdeutsche Medienholding!

• Daily circulation: 445 000!

!

• Stern!

• Founding date: 1948!

• Ownership: Gruner + Jahr!

• Readership: 869 000 weekly!

!

FINDINGS! •

Number of articles consulted: 73 (Der Spiegel- 34;Süddeutsche Zeitung- 16; Stern- 23)!

•

List of search words used: NSA (“NSA”), Spähprogram (“spying program”), EU Politik (“EU politics”), Bundestagswahl (“federal

77

government elections”), Finanzkrise (“Financial crisis”), Irland (“Ireland”), Spanien (“Spain”)!

From these findings the following 3 topics stand out as the leading issues related to the Germany-EU relations reported in 2013:!

The NSA Scandal !

•

•

•

•

•

•

In October it was revealed that the NSA had spied on French1 and German citizens.2 Whereas this didn’t cause a strong reaction from the political side, it did when it was revealed days afterwards that also German chancellor Angela Merkel had been spied on.3 This allegedly began occurring as early as 2002.!

This caused outrage throughout the political parties, Germany and the whole European Union. German institutions, such as the constitution protection, warned citizens of the possibility that they could be spied on.4!

Angela Merkel demanded for an official statement from the White House. In November 2013, the EU commissioner, Viviane Reding, was sent to the United States as a representative for a discussion about data security.5 She was able to secure US agreement over data security, for the protection of EU citizens.6!

Besides generating EU-wide conflict, the scandal resulted in Germany putting on hold a long-term planned trade agreement with the US,7 for which discussions had been taking place since July.8!

Even though the chancellor and several other politicians said this behaviour was unacceptable for relations between the European Union and the United States,9 Merkel’s action was perceived as weak and received criticism because citizens felt she did not deal with the topic extensively enough.!

Germany’s role in the scandal, combined with Great Britain’s support of the United States,10 caused extensive debate in the EU parliament. Other countries, such as France, reported that

78

Germany’s concessions to the US were contentious to her previous claims and intentions to fight for data security. !

!

The EU Financial Crisis !

•

•

•

•

•

!

In the beginning of 2013, Ireland announced its withdrawal from the EU rescue fund,11 after Irish banks restored stability.12 In December Ireland was officially the first successful country to leave the EU rescue package.13 Following Ireland’s example, Spain also left the EU rescue package during the EU financial crisis and was able to re-establish her finances.14!

This was a good sign for both the EU and for Germany because Germany had assisted the most money in the recovery of those hit by the financial crisis.!

Overall, the debates around the EU rescue fund seem to have died down in 2013, due to overall positive results of the program.!

In December 2013, it was reported that Greece declared that they want to manage their state’s finances without the financial support of the EU’s rescue fund in 2014.15 !

Overall 2013 marked a positive development in the redevelopment of the countries affected by the EU financial crisis.!

Federal Elections in Germany !

• •

•

Elections for the new German Federal Government were held on September 22nd, 2013.!

The Christian Democratic Party (CDU) had achieved the most amount of votes but it was not enough for them to have the absolute majority.16!

After a short period of negotiations with the Green Party, it was determined that a coalition between these two parties could not be possible due to a conflict of interests.17!

79

•

•

•

•

•

!

Negotiations with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), started in October. After serious discussions of the program for the next four years18, a grand coalition was formed and the coalition treaty was signed mid-December.!

The expulsion of the FDP, the CDU’s former coalition partner,19 leaves the German government with only four parties: the CDU, the SPD, the Green Party and the Left.!

The Coalition is mostly unsupported by the population of Germany, because they feel like the parties have too different goals to be able to work with each other successfully.20 Also the CDU’s election program promised to eliminate further tax increases, while the SPD did not. The Coalition Treaty does not specifically state that tax increase is not possible over the election period, and is unspecific about several other topics. !

EU politics did not show up in any of the parties’ campaigning, because German citizens weren’t too concerned about these in 2013. The Euro-Antagonistic Party (AfD), who, among others, demanded the old German currency, the D-Mark, and were able to reach 4,7% in the Federal Elections. Therefore, they were almost able to secure spots in the Federal Government.21!

Germany’s position in the European Union stays the same after elections.!

2013 IN REVIEW! The NSA affair began in the summer of 2013 and climaxed in October, when information leaked that the American NSA spied on several countries, including France and Germany. This resulted in a wave of protests from German citizens, demanding protection of their personal data. The situation exploded in the media when it was reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s private phone had been tapped, apparently since as early as 2002. This claim gained huge attention in the media, especially because a long-time planned trade agreement between Germany and the United States was placed on hold.

80

In terms of EU politics, this marked the start of angry responses from other member states, which demanded that US covert actions against Europe should be discussed in Brussels. German media responded extensively about these events, criticizing Angela Merkel for her inability to deal with the topic effectively. Even though the Chancellor had demanded an explanation, the pressure she placed on the US was light. Merkel’s response created conflict in terms of the relationship with the European Union, because Merkel seemed to try to downplay the issue, while the majority of EU countries wanted the United States to back out of European Affairs.!

German Elections took place at the end of September 2013, and resulted in a combination of CDU and SPD ruling the German parliament. Negotiations finished in December, forming a grandcoalition. The media did not extensively report about ! the elections. The topics covered during the campaign were based on inner political problems, and EU politics were not covered. The press responded positively to the election results, but criticized the long negotiation period between CDU and SPD, and the resulting Grand Coalition, which seemed too forced.22!

The exit of Spain and Ireland from the EU rescue package was generally seen as a positive development. In comparison to the financial crisis in 2012, the media noted that the overall situation had improved a lot from the previous year. !

Overall, relations between Germany and the European Union have remained the same, even though Germany seemed more proAmerican given her unwillingness To challenge the Americans over the spying allegations. After the elections in September 2013 and a long period of negotiations between several German parties about forming the new German parliament, chancellor Angela Merkel has not yet mentioned her outlook on EU politics but it is to be assumed that they stayed the same. This is also supported by the fact that Ireland and Spain left the EU rescue package, which removed some pressure in terms of intra-EU politics. !

!

81

1

“Obama ruft Hollande wegen NSA-Spionageaktivit an”. Der Stern. 22 October 2013. ttp://www.stern.de/news2/aktuell/obama-ruft-hollande-wegennsaspionageaktivitaeten-an-2066105.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

2

“Affäre ohne Grenzen”. Süddeutsche Zeitung. 22 November 2013.http:// www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/chronik-des-nsa-geheimdienstskandals-affaere-ohnegrenzen-1.1807106 (Accessed January 10th, 2014);!

“Neue Ausspähungsenthüllung: NSA greift milliardenfach Standortdaten von Handys ab”. Der Spiegel. 4 December 2013. http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/netzpolitik/ washington-post-nsa-sammelt-milliardenfach-standortdaten-von-handysa-937290.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

3

“NSAüberwacht Merkel schon seit 2002”. Süddeutsche Zeitung. 27 October 2013. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/moegliche-ausspaehung-von-merkels-handy-nsaueberwachte-merkel-schon-seit-1.1804710 (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

4

“Hamburger Verfassungsschutz warnt vor NSA”. Süddeutsche Zeitung. 11 December 2013. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/digital/spionageabwehr-hamburgerverfassungsschutz-warnt-vor-nsa-1.1840978 (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

5

Sebastian Fischer an Gregor Peter Schmitz, “Reding in Washington: Europa schickt die streitlustige Komissarin”. Der Spiegel. 18 November 2013. http://www.spiegel.de/ politik/ausland/nsa-ueberwachung-eu-kommissarin-reding-reist-in-die-usaa-934102.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

6

Gregor Peter Schmitz, “NSA-Affäre: EU-Komissarin ringt US_Regierung Zugeständnisse bei Datenschutz ab”. Der Spiegel. 19 November 2013. http:// www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/datenschutz-fuer-europaeer-reding-ringt-usazugestaendnisse-ab-a-934498.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014);!

“USA lehnen No-Spy Abkommen ab”. Der Stern. 10 November 2013. http:// www.stern.de/politik/ausland/nsa-affaere-usa-lehnen-no-spy-abkommenab-2070309.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

7

“Gabriel stellt EU-Freihandelsabkommen mit USA in Frage”. Süddeutsche Zeitung.

24 October 2013. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/affaere-um-merkel-handygabriel-stellt-eu-freihandelsabkommen-mit-usa-in-frage-1.1802827 (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

8

“Freihandelsgespräche zwischen USA und EU begonnen”. Der Stern. 8 July 2013. http://www.stern.de/news2/aktuell/freihandelsgespraeche-zwischen-usa-und-eubegonnen-2035673.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

82

9

“Handy-Abhörskandal: Merkel verlangt von USA Aufklärung der NSA-Affäre”. Der Spiegel. 18 November 2013. http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/merkelverlangt-von-usa-aufklaerung-der-nsa-affaere-a-934229.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014);!

“Treffen mit US-Abgeordneten: Westerwelle fordert strengere Spionageregeln”. Der Spiegel. 25 November 2013. http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/guidowesterwelle-fordert-von-den-usa-strengere-spionageregeln-a-935587.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

10

Martin Anetzberger, John Goetz and Frederik Obermaier, “Europaparlament befrgt Edward Snowden”. Süddeutsche Zeitung. 12 December 2013.http:// www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/nsa-affaere-europaparlament-befragt-edwardsnowden-1.1841489 (Accessed January 10th, 2014);!

“EU Parlament fordert Stopp aller Spähprogramme”. Der Stern. 4 July 2013. http:// www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/prism-und-tempora-eu-parlament-fordert-stoppaller-spaehprogramme-2033998.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

11

“Schuldenkrise: Irland wagt Verzicht auf Euro-Hilfsprogramm”. Der Spiegel. 14 November 2013. http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/euro-krise-irlandverzichtet-ab-jahresende-auf-finanzhilfen-a-933593.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014);!

“Irland will ab Jahresende keine Finanzhilfen mehr”. Der Stern. 14 November 2013. http://www.stern.de/news2/aktuell/irland-will-ab-jahresende-keine-finanzhilfenmehr-2071250.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

12

“Schuldenkrise: Irische Banken besorgen sich erstmals erfolgreich frisches Geld”.

Der Spiegel. 20 November 2013. http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/irischebanken-besorgen-sich-erstmals-erfolgreich-frisches-geld-a-934773.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014);!

Björn Finke, “Sparen lohnt sich”. Süddeutsche Zeitung. 16 December 2013. http:// www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/schuldenkrise-in-irland-sparen-lohnt-sich-1.1844556 (Accessed January 10th, 2014);!

“Irland verspicht Abschied von ‘Spekulation und Gier”. Süddeutsche Zeitung. 16 December 2013. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/schuldenkrise-irlandverspricht-abschied-von-spekulation-und-gier-1.1844545 (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

13

“Irland verlässt EU-IWF-Rettungsschirm Mitte Dezember”. Der Stern. 13 October 2013. http://www.stern.de/news2/aktuell/irland-verlaesst-eu-iwf-rettungsschirm-mittedezember-2064319.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

83

14

“Euro-Rettungsfonds schließt Spanienhilfe ab”. Der Stern. 31 December 2013. http://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/news/euro-rettungsfonds-schliesst-spanien-hilfeab-2080470.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014);!

“Spanien last die Rezession hinter sich”. Der Stern. 30 October 2013. http:// www.stern.de/news2/aktuell/spanien-laesst-die-rezession-hinter-sich-2067997.html Der Stern. 30 October 2013. (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

15

“Euro-Rettungsfonds schließt Spanienhilfe ab”. Der Stern. 31 December 2013. http://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/news/euro-rettungsfonds-schliesst-spanien-hilfeab-2080470.html (Accessed January 10th, 2014).

16 Amann,

Böll, Müller, Reiermann, Sauga and Schmergal, “Die Wahrheit nach der Wahl”. Der Spiegel. 30 September 2013. http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/ d-114948770.html (Accessed January 11th, 2014).

17

“CDU stellt sich auf zweite Sondierung mit Grünen ein”. Die Süddeutsche. 7 October 2013. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/schwarz-gruen-oder-schwarz-rotcdu-fraktionschef-kauder-will-auch-mit-gruenen-zweimal-sondieren-1.1788428 (Accessed January 11th, 2014).

18

“Wiederstand gegen große Koalition wächst”. Die Süddeutsche. 24 November 2013. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/spd-vor-dem-mitgliederentscheidwiderstand-gegen-grosse-koalition-waechst-1.1825999 (Accessed January 11th, 2014);!

“Parteien ringen um Koalitionsvertrag bis zur letzten Minute”. Die Süddeutsche. 26 November 2013. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/news/politik/parteien-ringen-um-denkoalitionsvertrag-bis-zur-letzten-minute-1556737 (Accessed January 11th, 2014).

19

“Scherben zusammenfegen mit der FDP”. Die Süddeutsche. 30 September 2013. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/verlierer-der-bundestagswahl-scherbenzusammenfegen-mit-der-fdp-1.1783800 (Accessed January 11th, 2014).

20

“Zustimmung für Schwarz-Rot sinkt”. Der Spiegel. 21 November 2013. http:// www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/deutschland-verliert-die-geduld-mit-schwarz-rota-935018.html (Accessed January 11th, 2014).

21

Jens Schneider, “Richungsstreit in der AfD”. Die Süddeutsche. 21 November 2013. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/nach-bundestagswahl-richtungsstreit-in-derafd-1.1818290 (Accessed January 24th, 2014).

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Greece!

Vasileios Tsianos!

!

BACKGROUND !

!

• • • • •

Population: 10, 772, 967 !

Ethnic Composition: 93% Greek, 7% other!

GDP per capita: $24, 900!

EU member entry date: 1981!

EU funding in 2013: Project based !

MEDIA SOURCES!

! ! ! !

• • • •

Kathimerini!

Founding Date: 1919!

Ownership: Aristidis Alafouzos since 1988!

Readership/daily circulation: 24, 246!

• • • •

To Vima!

Founding Date: 1984!

Owernship: Lambrakis Press Group!

Readership/daily circulation: 116, 000!

• • • •

Ta Nea! Founding Date: 1931!

Ownership: Lambrakis Press Group!

Readership/daily circulation: 53, 000!

FINDINGS! • Number of articles consulted: 111 (To Vima-43; I Kathimerini-46;!

Ta Nea-22)!

• List of search words: “EU”, “Eurozone”, “crisis”, “unrest”, “Golden Dawn”, “universities”, “ERT”, “Greece-EU relations”, “EU Parliament elections”!

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From these findings the following three major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Greek-EU relations reported on in 2013:!

!

Civil unrest and prolonged strikes follow suspension of state broadcaster ERT !

•

•

•

The state broadcaster ERT was shut down by a sudden government move led by the Prime Minister1 on the June 112, which triggered protests and strikes3. !

Greek riot police forces4 stopped the transmission of the public broadcasting service ERT mid-June, by cutting the power supply to its antennas5. Suspended and laid-off workers responded by occupying the station’s main building in the Athens suburb of Agia and broadcasting a protest program via satellite and Internet6. Eventually the riot police had to enter the building forcefully7 to evacuate it8.Thousands of sympathizers9 gathered in front of the building, as many labor unions condemned the government’s action10. !

The coalition government’s bill was voted through parliament11, despite opposition claiming the estimated costs12 of ERT’s closure would be up to 500 million euros13. While the council of administrative reform estimated that the immediate lay-off would be 2000 employees, and an additional 1500 by the end of 201314, the many of ERT’s executives asked for limited broadcasting during the period of organizational reform15.

Public debate and strikes16 continued until mid-November, as many subsequent amendments to the government’s motion were rejected17. The shutdown of ERT was discussed for the four months and dominated parliamentary discussion18. The leader of the opposition party claimed that this action was a carried out for the benefit of private broadcasters19, while other members of parliament and external litigators20 criticized it as unconstitutional21. The government was forced to seek a vote of

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confidence, after opposition parties put forward a motion in parliament. !

•

!

The suspension of the national broadcaster was a part of greater planning for the public sector’s organizational restructuring and fiscal austerity that the European Commission, European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund have begun enforcing on the Greek government. However the European Commission stated that there was never an explicit order to shut down the state broadcaster specifically22. Greek public opinion shifts towards beliefs by the European Commission that disregards the social aspects of fiscal austerity. The shutdown of ERT was condemned by many MEPs23 at the European Parliament24, by the German leader of the Social Democratic party Peer Steinbruck25, by the International Media Institute26, by the Director General of the European Broadcasting Union27, and by many international media outlets. !

Imprisonment of Golden Dawn party leader for in relation to the assassination of Pavlos Fyssas, member and advocate of the anti-fascist party. !

•

Golden Dawn (far-right political party, polling 7% and 21seats in Parliament as of latest federal elections in 2012) !

•

On 17 September 2013, Pavlos Fyssas, a member of the antifascist and anti-capitalist party was stabbed to death during a conflict with a member of the Golden Dawn party. The attacker was found to have close ties with the leadership of the Golden Dawn party, specifically multiple members of parliament. !

•

Public outcry and subsequent unrest resulted from the assassination of Pavlos Fyssas28. The government initiated emergency prosecutions and police investigations, many without warrants29, of multiple associates and Members of Parliament of the Golden Dawn party30. Both government and opposition

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parties31 made accused the Golden Dawn party as the instigator of this event, whereas the Golden Dawn party claimed they had no association with such actions of terrorism32. ! •

The Supreme Court deputy prosecutor compiled a nine-page report just five days after a probe was launched with 33 offenses attributed to Golden Dawn, described the party as a criminal organization and Michaloliakos as its leader33. It brought charges against party officials of membership in a criminal organization. The charge sheet is said to include 10 counts of murder and attempted murder as well as blackmail, while additional charges of money laundering are reportedly being considered34. The prosecutor’s report stated that the organization operated under a strict hierarchy with Michaloliakos overseeing all decisions and Christos Pappas35 being second-in-command36.

The Greek police and anti-terrorist forces initiated a series of arrests, including the parliamentary leadership37 38of the Golden Dawn party, and multiple members39 and close affiliates40 that were found in possession of illegal weapons41, including a police officer42. Investigations and arrests43 of Golden Dawn affiliates continued until mid-October44. !

•

As the government stated, its goal was not to simply imprison the individuals responsible for this assassination45, but to build a case for prosecuting the whole party as a criminal terrorist organization46 and to detain and investigate any suspects of future terrorist activity47. Within two weeks after the initial assassination, the Parliament passed a motion to suspend the wages of Golden Dawn MPs, along with the state funding that every party receives48. The Minster of Public Safety stated that constitutional reform would be set in motion in order to prevent such organizations of entering parliament in the future49. The conservative government is currently making a great effort to declare Golden Dawn a criminal organization50, despite many

88

Members of Parliament that were initially detained are now let free51. !

•

On November two members of Golden Dawn had been assassinated52, leading members of the Golden Dawn to feel victimized. This sparked public debate amongst extremist parties throughout November. !

•

Greek media stressed how foreign media53 were covering the rollout of these events54 and how portrayed their concern regarding the latest increase in violence and hate crimes in Greece 55. Many foreign governments expressed their support56 for the Greek government’s pursuit of bringing the Golden Dawn party to justice57, and the US State Department reached as far as making statements condemning the party for its xenophobic and anti-Semitic views58. Multiple European Parliament members from various countries condemned the assassinations, and praised the Greek coalition government for arresting and trying members of the Golden Dawn. Many MEPs have expressed their concern over the potential impact of Golden Dawn’s popularity (and other far-right parties in other EU states) on the European Parliament elections in mid-2014.!

•

Greek media expressed their concern that recent polling indicated that even two months after the Golden Dawn probe began, the party’s popularity had remained at the same levels59!

Prolonged strikes in Greek public universities!

•

A strike by university administrative staff led to the shut down two of the country’s best higher-education institutions, Athens University and National Metsovian Polytechnic, for 13 weeks (September to December). New undergraduates were unable to register for courses60, and current students were unable to attend classes. As many weeks were passing by and the strikes were maintained, fears of losing a semester were becoming the main concern of students61. Striking administrators locked lecture

89

halls, libraries and laboratories and kept the keys. Multiple other labour unions, such as the highest union of civil servants,62 joined with parallel strikes. Students and the media expressed great concerns with equivalent protests on the risk that the undergraduates would lose a semester63.!

•

During the strike, the administrators of the largest public universities of the country continued to receive their salary, despite more than 7 consecutive weeks of strike activity64. This was perceived negatively by the public, and many members of parliament requested a probe into these actions65. Despite the Court of First Instance’s finding that the strike illegal, the strikes continued66. By the tenth consecutive week of strikes, the public support in favour of the institutions re-opening had attracted 25,000 citizens67 signing an online petition68.!

•

The government made multiple efforts to negotiate with strikers, but the latter insisted on their positions69. Supreme Court public prosecutors carried a lengthy investigation on the legitimacy of the strike70. The prosecutors targeted the Rector of the University of Athens, which was believed to be the leading figure behind the strike71. !

•

Although the administrators of the National Metsovian Polytechnic returned to work by December 5th because of the great disapproval of its students72, the strikes continued at the Athens University73.!

•

When the University of Athens re-opened74, the university’s Senate voted in an emergency meeting75 that teaching would be extended until August in order to save the semester76. !

•

The strike involves about half of the 1,150 administrators and support staff at eight state universities, whose jobs have been cut under the government’s drive to reduce the public payroll.

Instead of being dismissed immediately, they are to join a “mobility scheme” for 25,000 public-sector workers. If they

90

!

cannot find other state jobs within eight months they will be laid off. It took the troika of international lenders—the European Commission, European Central Bank and IMF—a year to persuade the government to adopt the scheme. It still faces strong resistance both within parliament and in public debate.

Greek public opinion shifts towards beliefs that the European Commission disregards the social aspects of fiscal austerity!

2013 IN REVIEW! Throughout 2013, the following three topics affected the relationship between Greece and the European Union: the suspension of state broadcaster ERT by the pro-bailout coalition government; the imprisonment of Golden Dawn party members and MPs for their connection to the assassination of a member of the anti-fascist party; and the prolonged strikes of university administrators as well as sustained closure of public universities. All three topics were important to Greek media and Greek readers as matters of current affairs- but also ultimately served as the news headlines that led the Greek population, government, and parliament reconsider and re-evaluate the country’s role as a member of the European Union. !

The suspension of the state’s television and radio broadcaster ERT triggered not only a schism amongst citizens and political parties, but also within the media. The pro-bailout coalition government and its supporters argued it was a harsh, yet necessary, measure to take due to the inefficiency of public funds spending as part of the austerity measures in exchange for bailout funding by the ECB and the IMF. On the other hand, opposition claimed that the labor layoffs and the sudden, forced shutdown were of symbolic significance- representing the government’s submission to the Troika’s austerity policy demands. The media was not divided by their ownership, since articles of both sides of the argument were equally distributed amongst all three major newspaper media outlets. In addition, multiple articles shed light on the

91

fact that this event triggered heated debate within the European Parliament regarding austerity policies. !

The imprisonment and initial custody holding of multiple Golden Dawn (the far-right wing political party in Greek Parliament) members and MPs charged with criminal and terrorism involvement was acknowledged as a positive action by all highly circulating Greek paper media. In fact, very little was written in defense of the MPs in custody, even when some were set free because of unproven allegations. All three major Greek newspapers highlighted the accolades the Greek government received from its European and American counterparts. !

The prolonged strikes by the administrators of the public universities of Athens gained the most attention by printed media in Greece in 2013 because of their lengthy duration. All major media sources presented the case of both the administrators as victims of austerity measures and salary reductions, and the students as victims in risk of losing their semester.!

!

1 Editorial, “PM gambles on closure of state broadcaster ERT”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,, June

11, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_11/06/2013_503960 2 Editorial, “Greek public broadcaster ERT to be shut down, reopened with fewer

employees”,Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, June 11, 2013 http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_11/06/2013_503874 3 Editorial,“ERT closure prompts strike”, TO BHMA, June 13 2013 , http://www.tovima.gr/

en/article/?Aid=517614, accessed Jan 2014 4 Editorial, “Riot police forces evacuate ERT HQ in Agia Paraskevi", TO BHMA, ,

November 7, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=538267 5 Editorial, “Riot police removes former ERT employees from defunct state broadcaster's

headquarters” , Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, November 7, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_07/11/2013_526635

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6 Editorial, “Εκδηλώσεις και αντιδράσεις για το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,

June 16 2013, http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/ _w_articles_kathremote_1_16/06/2013_504237 7 Editorial, “Riot police removes former ERT employees from defunct state broadcaster's

headquarters”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,, November 7, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_07/11/2013_526635 8 Editorial, “Riot police removes former ERT employees from defunct state broadcaster's

headquarters” , Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,, November 7, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/ 4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_07/11/2013_526635 9 Editorial, “Κινητοποιήσεις και απεργίες για το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ” , Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,,

June 16, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/ _w_articles_kathremote_1_12/06/2013_503996 10 Editorial, “Καταγγέλλουν το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ τα συνδικάτα των συγκοινωνιών” , TO

BHMA, June 12, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/society/article/?Aid=517610&wordsinarticle= %CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b %CE%95%CE%A1%CE%A4 11 Editorial, “Public radio and television amendment approved in parliament”, TO BHMA,

October 23, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=536132 12

Χρήστος ΝΕ Ιερείδης, “Στα 300 εκατ. Ευρώ υπολογίζουν το κόστος από το κλείσιµο της

ΕΡΤ οι εργαζόµενοι”, TA NEA, June 25, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/greece/article/ 5025618/sta-300-ekat-eyrw-ypologizoyn-to-kostos-apo-to-kleisimo-ths-ert-oi-ergazomenoi/ 13 Editorial, “Το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ θα κοστίσει 300-500 εκατ. Ευρώ”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,,

June 25, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.com.cy/index.php?

Pageaction=kat&modid=1&artid=138258 14 Editorial,“Council of Administrative Reform convenes to discuss dismissals, TO BHMA,

November 26, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=542873 15 Editorial, “στε: «Ναι» στο κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ, «όχι» στην παύση λειτουργίας”, Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,, June 17, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/ _w_articles_kathremote_1_17/06/2013_504432

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16 Editorial, “Διεθνής Τύπος: Το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ ανάβει και πάλι τη φλόγα των

διαδηλώσεων” , TO BHMA, June 12, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/world/article/?

Aid=517639&wordsinarticle=%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE %B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b%CE%95%CE%A1%CE%A4 17 Editorial, “Νέο κυβερνητικό όχι στην τροπολογία του ΚΚΕ για το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ”,

TO BHMA, June 20, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?

Aid=518632&wordsinarticle=%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE %B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b%CE%95%CE%A1%CE%A4 18 Editorial, “Καζάνι που βράζει η Βουλή µετά το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ” , TO BHMA, June 12,

2013, http://www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?Aid=517629&wordsinarticle=%CE%BA%CE %BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b%CE%95%CE %A1%CE%A4 19 Editorial, “Αλέξης Τσίπρας: Δώρο στα ιδιωτικά κανάλια το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ”, TO

BHMA, July 19, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?Aid=523021&wordsinarticle= %CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b %CE%95%CE%A1%CE%A4 20

Editorial, “Συζητήθηκε στο στε η αίτηση αναστολής για το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ”, TA NEA,

August 8, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/greece/article/5034177/syzhththhke-sto-ste-haithsh-anastolhs-gia-to-kleisimo-ths-ert/ 21 Nikos Heilas, “Θεοδόσης Πελεγρίνης: Απαράδεκτη η συνέχιση του κλεισίµατος της

ΕΡΤ” , TO BHMA, August 6, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/society/article/?

Aid=525210&wordsinarticle=%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE %B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b%CE%95%CE%A1%CE%A4 22

Editorial, “«Δεν ζητήσαµε το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ» επαναλαµβάνει η Κοµισιόν”, TA NEA,

June 18, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/politics/article/5024370/komision-den-zhthsameto-kleisimo-ths-ert/ 23 Editorial, “Μπαράζ επικρίσεων στο Ευρωκοινοβούλιο για το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ” ,

“Μπαράζ επικρίσεων στο Ευρωκοινοβούλιο για το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ” , Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, June 12, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.com.cy/index.php?

Pageaction=kat&modid=1&artid=136912

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24 Editorial, “Αυστηρή κριτική για το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ στο Ευρωκοινοβούλιο”, TO

BHMA, July 4, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/media/article/?Aid=520764&wordsinarticle= %CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b %CE%95%CE%A1%CE%A4 25 Nikos Heilas, “Π. Στάινµπρουκ: Το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ ανησυχητικό µήνυµα για τη

Δηµοκρατία” , TO BHMA, June 26, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?

Aid=518095&wordsinarticle=%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE %B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b%CE%95%CE%A1%CE%A4 26 Editorial, “Διεθνές Ινστιτούτο Τύπου: Βήµα κατά της δηµοκρατίας το κλείσιµο της

ΕΡΤ” , TO BHMA, June 13, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/society/article/?

Aid=517751&wordsinarticle=%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE %B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b%CE%95%CE%A1%CE%A4 27 Dimitris Galanis,“Ινγκριντ Ντελτένρ: Το κλείσιµο της ΕΡΤ ήταν και ακριβό και λάθος”,

TO BHMA, October 13, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/media/article/?

Aid=534276&wordsinarticle=%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%83%CE %B9%CE%BC%CE%BF%3b%CE%95%CE%A1%CE%A4 28 Editorial, “Protests over murder of anti-fascists rapper escalate to violence” , TO BHMA,

Septermber 19, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=530837&wordsinarticle=golden %3bdawn%3barrest 29 Editorial, “Χ. Βουρλιώτης:Δεν έχουν εκδοθεί εντάλµατα κατά βουλευτών της ΧΑ” , TO

BHMA, September 27, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/society/article/?

Aid=532222&wordsinarticle=%CE%A7%CF%81%CF%85%CF%83%CE%AE%3b%CE %91%CF%85%CE%B3%CE%AE%3b%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%AE %CF%88%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82 30 Editorial, “Golden Dawn leader Michaloliakos and top members arrested”, TO BHMA,

Septermber 30, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?

Aid=532544&wordsinarticle=golden%3bdawn%3barrest

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31 Editorial,“Φ. Κουβέλης: Τείχος στον φασισµό από όλα τα κόµµατα” , TO BHMA,

September 28, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?Aid=532387&wordsinarticle= %CE%A7%CF%81%CF%85%CF%83%CE%AE%3b%CE%91%CF%85%CE%B3%CE %AE%3b%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%AE%CF%88%CE%B5%CE %B9%CF%82 32 Editorial, “Δηλώσεις βουλευτών για τις συλλήψεις στελεχών της Χρυσής Αυγής” , TO

BHMA, September 28, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/vimafm/interviews/article/?

Aid=532497&wordsinarticle=%CE%A7%CF%81%CF%85%CF%83%CE%AE%3b%CE %91%CF%85%CE%B3%CE%AE%3b%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%AE %CF%88%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82 33 Editorial, “Οι πρώτες ώρες µετά τις συλλήψεις της Χρυσής Αυγής”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,

September 29, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/ _w_articles_kathremote_1_29/09/2013_520734 34

Editorial, “Crackdown on Golden Dawn ongoing”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, September 28,

2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_28/09/2013_520678 35 Editorial, “Golden Dawn No. 2 faces magistrate; one more arrest made”, Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, September 29, 2013, http://ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_29/09/2013_520811 36 Editorial, “Golden Dawn head, mps arrested in unprecedented Greek crackdown”, Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, September 28, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_28/09/2013_520717 37 Editorial, “Greek police arrest Golden Dawn chief, party lawmakers”, September 28,

2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_28/09/2013_520663 38

“Παραδόθηκε στην ΓΑΔΑ και ο υπαρχηγός της Χρυσής Αυγής, Χρήστος Παππάς” http://

www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?Aid=532514&wordsinarticle=%CE%A7%CF%81%CF %85%CF%83%CE%AE%3b%CE%91%CF%85%CE%B3%CE%AE%3b%CF%83%CF %85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%AE%CF%88%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82 39 Editorial, “More Golden Dawn members arrested as mps taken to jail” , Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, October 4, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_04/10/2013_521719

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40 Editorial, “Police arrest 50-year-old active Golden Dawn member” , TO BHMA, October

3, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=533032&wordsinarticle=golden%3bdawn %3barrest 41 Editorial, “Νέες συλλήψεις µελών της Χρυσής Αυγής στο Ηράκλειο” , Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, September 26, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.com.cy/index.php?

Pageaction=kat&modid=1&artid=148644 42 Editorial, “Police guard arrested after investigation in Golden Dawn offices” , TO

BHMA, September 25, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?

Aid=531844&wordsinarticle=golden%3bdawn%3barrest 43 Editorial, “Τρεις συλλήψεις έξω από τα γραφεία της Χρυσής Αυγής στη Χαλκίδα - Πέντε

συλλήψεις στη Θεσσαλονίκη” , Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, September 26, 2013, http:// www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_21/09/2013_519562 44 Μίνα Μουστάκα, “Τον δρόµο για νέες συλλήψεις βουλευτών της Χρυσής Αυγής

ανοίγουν νέες καταθέσεις”, TA NEA, October 6, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/greece/ article/5045560/anamenontai-ki-alles-syllhpseis-boyleytwn-ths-xryshs-ayghs-basei-newnkatathesewn/ 45 Editorial, “Δολοφονία Παύλου Φύσσα: Ταυτοποιήθηκαν 5 άτοµα που µίλησαν µε τον

Ρουπακιά”, TO BHMA, October 4, 2013, www.tovima.gr/en/article/?

Aid=533173&wordsinarticle=golden%3bdawn%3barrest 46 Editorial, “Golden Dawn member reveals order to “mobilize for a fight” , TO BHMA,

October 10, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=534096&wordsinarticle=golden %3bdawn%3barrest 47 Editorial, “Οι δύο εκδοχές που εξετάζει το Μαξίµου µετά τις συλλήψεις της Χρυσής

Αυγής” , Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, Septermber 30, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/ _w_articles_kathremote_1_30/09/2013_520832 48 Editorial, “Greek Parliament votes to cut off Golden Dawn's state funding” , Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, October 23, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_23/10/2013_524399

97

49 Editorial, “Δένδιας: «Κριτήρια για τον αποκλεισµό µορφωµάτων όπως η Χρυσή Αυγή µε

τη συνταγµατική αναθεώρηση»” , TA NEA, June 4, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/ politics/article/5015755/dendias-krithria-gia-ton-apokleismo-morfwmatwn-opws-h-xryshaygh-me-th-syntagmatikh-anathewrhsh/ 50 Editorial, “The case against Golden Dawn”, TO BHMA, September 30, 2013, http://

www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=532555&wordsinarticle=golden%3bdawn%3barrest 51 Editorial, “Arrested Golden Dawn mps plead today - One member allowed bail”, TO

BHMA, October 1, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?

Aid=532704&wordsinarticle=golden%3bdawn%3barrest 52

Βυθούλκας Διονύσης, “Καρέ-καρέ η δολοφονία των µελών της Χρυσής Αυγής στο Νέο

Ηράκλειο”, TO BHMA, November 1, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/society/article/?

Aid=537506 53 Editorial, “Πρωτοσέλιδο σε όλο τον Κόσµο οι συλλήψεις”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,

September 28, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/ _w_articles_kathremote_1_28/09/2013_520681 54 Editorial, “Τον γύρο του κόσµου κάνει η είδηση για τις συλλήψεις στελεχών της Χρυσής

Αυγής” , TO BHMA, September 28, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/media/article/?

Aid=532397&wordsinarticle=%CE%A7%CF%81%CF%85%CF%83%CE%AE%3b%CE %91%CF%85%CE%B3%CE%AE%3b%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%AE %CF%88%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82 55 Editorial, “Σχόλια του διεθνούς Τύπου για τη σύλληψη της ηγεσίας της Χρυσής Αυγής” ,

TO BHMA, September 29, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?

Aid=532515&wordsinarticle=%CE%A7%CF%81%CF%85%CF%83%CE%AE%3b%CE %91%CF%85%CE%B3%CE%AE%3b%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%AE %CF%88%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82 56 “Υπέρ των συλλήψεων της Χρυσής Αυγής οι Έλληνες των ΗΠΑ”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, ,

http://www.kathimerini.com.cy/index.php?Pageaction=kat&modid=1&artid=148878

98

57 Editorial, “ΗΠΑ: Χαιρετίζουν τη δράση της κυβέρνησης κατά της Χρυσής Αυγής” , TO

BHMA, September 29, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/politics/article/?

Aid=532864&wordsinarticle=%CE%A7%CF%81%CF%85%CF%83%CE%AE%3b%CE %91%CF%85%CE%B3%CE%AE%3b%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%AE %CF%88%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82 58 Editorial, “US State Department considers Golden Dawn “anti-Semitic and xenophobic”,

TO BHMA, May 21, 2013 http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?

Aid=513725&wordsinarticle=golden%3bdawn%3barrest 59 Harry van Versendaal, “Golden Dawn popularity undented by crackdown”, Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, November 27, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite3_1_27/11/2013_529573 60

Editorial, “Κλειστό και τη Δευτέρα το πανεπιστήµιο Αθηνών - δεν θα µπορούν να

εγγραφούν οι πρωτοετείς φοιτητές”, TA NEA, October 19, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/ greece/article/5048545/kleisto-kai-th-deytera-to-panepisthmio-athhnwn-den-tha-mporoynna-eggrafoyn-oi-prwtoeteis-foithtes/ 61 Editorial, “Νέα απεργία σε ΕΜΠ και Πανεπιστήµιο Αθηνών - στον «αέρα» η εξεταστική

και το εξάµηνο”, TA NEA, November 11, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/greece/article/ 5053080/nea-apergia-se-panepisthmio-athhnwn-kai-polytexneio-ston-aera-eksetastikh-kaimathhmata/ 62 Editorial, “Σε 24ωρη απεργία για τα πανεπιστήµια προχωρά η ΑΔΕΔΥ”, Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, November 25, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/ _w_articles_kathremote_1_25/11/2013_529405 63

Μάνος Χαραλαµπάκης, ”Φοιτητές σε απόγνωση για τα κλειστά Πανεπιστήµια”, TA NEA,

October 15, http://www.tanea.gr/news/greece/article/5047391/foithtes-se-apognwsh/ 64 Editorial, “Μετ’ αποδοχών η απεργία των διοικητικών στα ΑΕΙ “ , Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,

October 26, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/ _w_articles_kathremote_1_26/10/2013_524948 65 Editorial, “Probe ordered into allegations that striking university staff getting full pay”, Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, October 30, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_30/10/2013_525374

99

66 Editorial, “Στα άκρα ωθείται η αντιπαράθεση στα ΑΕΙ”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, November

11, 2013, http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_11/11/2013_527200 67 Editorial, “Civil mobilization orders could be issued against striking university staff”, Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, November 27, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_27/11/2013_529779 68 Editorial, “University staff to vote on strike action on Thursday”, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ,

November 27, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_13/11/2013_527736 69

Editorial, “Minister to meet rectors in bid to break university strike impasse”, Η

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ, November 22, 2013, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/ _w_articles_wsite1_1_22/11/2013_528985 70 Μίνα Μουστάκα, “Νέα προκαταρκτική εξέταση για τις απεργίες των διοικητικών

υπαλλήλων στα Πανεπιστήµια”, TA NEA, November 22, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/ greece/article/5056461/nea-prokatarktikh-eksetash-gia-tis-apergies-twn-dioikhtikwnypallhlwn-sta-panepisthmia/ 71 Μίνα Μουστάκα, “Στο στόχαστρο της Εισαγγελίας ο Πελεγρίνης για την απεργία στο

Πανεπιστήµιο”, TA NEA, November 6, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/greece/article/ 5052045/dikastikh-ereyna-gia-ton-prytanh-toy-panepisthmioy-athhnwn/ 72 Editorial, “University strike continues until Monday - NTUA reopens”, TO BHMA,

December 6, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=546126 73 Editorial, “Διχασµένοι σε νέα απεργία οι διοικητικοί του ΕΚΠΑ - Επιστρέφουν στη

δουλειά στο ΕΜΠ”, TA NEA, December 5, 2013, http://www.tanea.gr/news/greece/article/ 5061300/nea-apergia-apofasisan-oi-dioikhtikoi-ypallhloi-toy-panepisthmioy-athhnwn/ 74 Editorial, “Strike committee calls general assembly to discuss future action”, TO BHMA,

December 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=548512 75

Editorial, “Senate wants university to reopen after Rector calls emergency meeting”, TO

BHMA, December 10, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=547286 76 Editorial, “University Senate saves semester, extends teaching to 9th of August”, TO

BHMA, December 20, 2013, http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?Aid=550950

100

Hungary!

Daniel Csorgo!

!

BACKGROUND!

!

• • • • •

Population: 9,939,470 (July 2013 est.)!

Unemployment: 10.5% (est. 2013)!

GDP per capita in 2011: $20,200!

EU member entry date: 2004!

EU funding in 2011: Net Recipient !

MEDIA SOURCES!

! ! !

• • • •

Blikk!

Founding date: 1993!

Ownership: Ringier!

Daily circulation: 156,198 1!

• • • •

Index!

Founding date: 1999!

Ownership: Central European Media & Publishing !

Monthly Readership: 1,360,0002!

• • • •

Origo!

Founding date: 1998!

Ownership: Origo Media Group!

Daily Readership: 892,000 3!

FINDINGS! • Number of articles consulted: 79 (Index-32; Origo-30; Blikk-17)!

• List of search words used: “alkotmánymódosítás (Constitutional amendment)”, “Magyar hitel törlesztés (Hungarian loan repayment)”, “Európai Unió támogatás vegtörlesztés (European Union support final payment).!

101

!

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Hungary-EU relations reported on in 2013:!

Hungary Alters its Constitution in order to avoid EU infringement!

•

•

On March 11th a vote on changes to Hungary’s Constitution passed with a majority in the Hungarian parliament, causing outcry from the European Union and Parliament.4 Even though the changes showed that FIDESZ, the party in power since 2010, agreed with the changes they still had to be signed by President János Áder to take effect. On March 13th he declared that he would be ratifying the changes.5 These Constitutional changes affected Hungary’s banking and judiciary systems.6 !

Viviane Reding, the European Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, criticized the changes to Constitution, adding that the Constitution is not a toy. At this time there were talks that EU support could be taken away from Hungary if they do not reverse the changes.7 The Hungarian government started to look into changing 19 laws, yet even in the presence of large external pressure nothing was changed.8 It was also at this point that the EU started to discuss the issues pertaining to these changes.9 At this time an anti-EU sentiment started to arise amongst politicians in Hungary, who believed that there was no way in which Hungary could be expelled from the EU.10 The question was raised within the country on whether or not the EU has the right to interfere with Hungary’s Constitution. 11 Over the course of April media talks were debated in the European Parliament, with the majority thinking these talks were detrimental to Hungarian Democracy.12 During the Constitution debates, József Szájer, a Member of the European Parliament for Hungary, accused the European Parliament of not being fully educated on the issues pertaining to the Constitutional change that the government had enacted.13 !

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•

!

In late April, Reding stated that the Constitution would be inspected impartially, and in early May, talks and investigations began about the changes made to Hungary’s Constitution.14 After a summer of international pressure, and being referred to the Venice Commission, Hungary adopted its fifth Constitutional amendment, changing the major points of controversy. The amendments were sufficient to please the EU/ EP and other international sources of criticism. 15 !

Hungary Repays IMF loans ahead of schedule!

•

•

•

Over the past few years Hungary has been struggling with an increasing amount of debt and the interest on the loans that they have taken out in the past. On July 22nd Eurostat published a report stating that the Hungarian national debt had risen by 2.5 percent.16 A few days after this report had been published rumors started to spread that the IMF loan that Hungary had since 2008 would finally be paid off ahead of schedule.17 Around this same time there were talks of closing the IMF offices within Hungary, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stating that there is no need for the IMF within the country.18 These rumors were confirmed on July 29th when the Hungarian National Bank started to make early repayments of the loan.19 Even though Hungary started to repay the IMF loans early the national debt level within the country remained stagnant.20 !

Around early August, Hungary started to make repayments of the IMF loan outside of those that the National bank was making, these payments were made in three separate currencies; Forints, Euros, and Sterling Pounds.21 !

On August 7th the national bank had repaid its part of the IMF loan in full, and by the deadline of August 12th Hungary had fully repaid all of the loan and interest from the IMF, although there is still a large of amount of debt that needs to be repaid to the European Union.22 !

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•

!

Even though Hungary had repaid its IMF loan, and the Forint strengthened in August, Hungary still has a large outstanding EU loan that it needs to repay which will present further financial problems for the country.23!

EU unfreezes Hungarian aid funding!

•

•

•

Starting in November of 2012, funding from the EU to Hungary had been suspended over allegations of wasteful use-in May of 2013 Hungary tried to strike a deal with the EU to start the funding again.24 The suspended funding was not released at this time though.25 The money that was supposed to be used on developing the country’s infrastructure was instead used to build wellness baths in the countryside, and a part of the money was given to a company that belonged to a former member of the National Development Agency.26 !

In an attempt to release the funding, Viktor Orbán took control of the NFU (National Development Agency) and appointed Janos Lazar as the one in charge of the distribution of money.27 Lazar immediately painted a grim picture stating that the country could lose 5-6 billion forints, while at the same time accusing the head of the OTP (one of the largest banks in Hungary) of being one of the biggest loan sharks in the country.

28 In August it had been almost a year since Hungary had received regional aid funding from the EU, and Lazar declared that the country could lose up to 12 billion forints.29 !

Lazar began to investigate the sources that the NFU had been distributing money to and found that money had been going to offshore companies instead of staying within the country.30 Lazar stated that he would be in charge of the NFU until about the summer of 2014, with one of his tasks being the distribution of EU funding.31 After making multiple trips to Brussels, and a fine of approximately 75 billion forints, Lazar was able to reach an agreement with the EU and unfreeze the regional aid funding

104

!

that had been suspended since November 2012.32 After successfully obtaining the EU funding Lazar began distributing the money, and set stricter qualifications on who would be able to receive regional aid funding from the NFU.33!

2013 IN REVIEW!

!

!

Over the past few years the relationship between the Hungarian government and the European Union had been slowly deteriorating.

Although in 2012 their relationship did not improve or deteriorate, 2013 has brought some minor change. The four amendments to the Hungarian Constitution caused the European Parliament to believe that Hungary is on a dangerous undemocratic path, and that too much power lies in the hands of FIDESZ. Meanwhile the repayment of the IMF loans shows the EU that Hungary’s economy is improving, but they still have a large amount of work to do in order to fully pay off the loans that the EU has given them. Lastly Hungary’s wasteful spending of loans had caused the European Union to freeze regional aid funding to the country, however this issue was worked out without any major impact to relationships between the two bodies. !

The changes that Hungary had made to its Constitution had a major impact on its relationship with the EU. Those in the EU had a negative view about the FIDESZ party, many viewed the changes as undemocratic, and used it as an example to illustrate the problems with the supermajority that they have within the country. The amount of pressure it took, and the EU/EP’s insistence of referring Hungary to the Venice commission shows that Hungary is not willing to fully accept the standards that the EU has set. Increased pressure from the EU has caused Hungary to view the EU in a worse light. The claims made by Viktor Orbán and the FIDESZ government show a strong anti-EU sentiment. The major question that was raised during the whole ordeal was whether or not the European Union has the right or the power to pressure Hungary into changing its Constitution. On top of this, a belief was raised that Hungary would not get ejected from the EU, even if the

105

changes they kept making remained undemocratic. In the past this has been a common sentiment within FIDESZ who keep adopting a more anti-EU view as time progresses. Even though in September the Hungarian government adopted a fifth amendment, changing the most controversial points of the fourth amendment, relations with the EU did not to improve. This is most likely due to the delay, and the amount of pressure it took for the Hungarian government to change it. !

Since 2008, when Hungary first accepted loans from the International Monetary Fund, the IMF has been a recurring issue within Hungarian politics. Hungary paying off the loans that it has taken throughout the years can only be seen as improvement and a positive boost in its relations with the EU. While it may seem as though the EU is not concerned with the IMF loans being paid off, it demonstrates that Hungary is doing slightly better economically, and now Hungary can focus on repaying the loans that it has taken from the European Union.

Once again within FIDESZ a strong anti-IMF sentiment grew, the same kind that they have against the EU. !

The last issue examined was that the EU suspended regional aid funding to Hungary after it found that the funding was spent wastefully.

This issue could have caused ties between Hungary and EU to worsen, it did not have an impact. Viktor Orbรกn appointed Lazar to lead the NFU to discover exactly where the money was going and find a way to unfreeze the funding. Lazar was able to locate where the money was going, and managed to negotiate a deal with the EU. While this story shows how the EU and Hungary can cooperate on certain cases, it did not change the overall relationship between the two. ! !

In conclusion, over the course of 2013 there were no noticeable changes in the relations between the EU and Hungary. The relations between the EU and the government of Hungary may have been impacted detrimentally due to the major events that occurred in 2013, although on a grand scale relations stayed about the same as they were in 2012.!

!

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1

"Blikk." Ringier Publishing, 2013. Date of access: 14/10/2013.

2

"Index Általános médiaajánlat.” Central European Media & Publishing. 2013. Date of access: 14/10/2013.

3

"Origo." Origo Media Corp. 2013. Date of access: 14/10/2013.

4

“Lesz vita Magyarországról az EP-ben” Index. 03 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013. !

“Orbán nem a rezsicsökkentésért harcol Brüsszelben” Index. 14 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.! “Össztűz az alkotmánymódosításra” Blikk. 10 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

5

“Áderen áll, vagy bukik a módosítás” Blikk. 11 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Az államfő aláírja az alkotmánymódosítást” Blikk. 13 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Orbán gránitjánál csak a Fidesz akarata keményebb” Origo. 19 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

6

“Így változik az alkotmány” Blikk. 15 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013. !

“Az alkotmánymódosítást is érintették az EU-csúcson” Index. 15 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Megszavazták az alkotmánymódosítást” Index. 11 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

7

“Reding: feltehetően romlott a magyar igazságszolgáltatás megítélése” Index. 28 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Rövid pórázon tartaná Magyarországot a biztos” Origo. 05 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Az alkotmány lesz a téma Brüsszelben” Origo. 07 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Viviane Reding: Egy alkotmány sohasem játékszer” Index. 06 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Uniós forrásokat bukhat Magyarország az alkotmánymódosítás miatt” Origo. 14 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

8

“19 törvényt módosíthatnak az alkotmánymódosítás miatt” Index. 29 March 2013.

Date of Access: 06/01/2013.! “Ötödször is átírhatják az alkotmányt” Blikk. 20 March 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

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9

“Uniós bizottság tárgyal a magyar alkotmányról” Origo. 08 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Az EU tovább vizsgálja az alkotmánymódosítást” Origo. 02 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Az Alkotmánybíróság előtt az alaptörvény” Origo. 04 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

10

“Úgyse dobnak ki minket az EU-ból” Index. 05 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Orbán: Ma jó volt magyarnak lenni” Index. 16 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Orbán: Nem értjük, Európának miért nem kell a sikertörténetünk” Index. 16 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Orbán gránitjánál csak a Fidesz akarata keményebb” Origo. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

11

“Igazságot Magyarországnak!” Index. 17 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Répássy aggódik: Elmeszelhetik Magyarországot” Blikk. 12 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

12

“Reding nem okádott tüzet az EP-vitán” Index. 17 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Megint Magyarország lesz a téma Strasbourgban” Origo. 16 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

13

“Szájer: Tanácstalan az Európa Parlament” Origo. 16 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

14

“Reding: Pártatlanul vizsgálunk” Origo. 17 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Nem akarja bevetni az atombombát a Bizottság” Index. 17 April 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Az EU tovább vizsgálja az alkotmánymódosítást” Origo. 02 May 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Az Alkotmánybíróság előtt az alaptörvény” Origo. 04 May 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

15

“Nem kap pénzt a Pető Intézet” Index. 16 September 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

16

“Nem csökken a magyar államadósság” Index. 22 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Tovább nőtt az ország legnagyobb hitelezője” Index. 25 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“500 milliárd forinttal nőtt az adósság júniusban” Origo. 26 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

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17

“Heteken belül búcsúzhatunk az IMF-től” Origo. 19 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

18

“Az IMF elbúcsúzik Magyarországtól” Origo. 15 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Matolcsy bezáratná a budpesti IMF-irodát” Blikk. 15 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Orbán: Nem kell az IMF” Blikk. 15 February 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

19

“Az MNB is előtörleszt” Index. 29 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Szabadulunk az IMF-hiteltől” Blikk. 29 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

20

“Egy helyben toporgunk az államadóssággal” Index. 05 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Oblath: Nem jön ki a matek” Index. 07 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Varga: Nem csak a forintosítás jöhet szóba” Origo. 02 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

21

“Előtörlesztettük az IMF-hitelt” Index. 07 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.! “Így törlesztjük az IMF-hitelt:” Index. 08 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Három pénznemben törlesztjük az IMF-hitelt” Origo. 08 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

“Magyarország már nem tartozik az IMF-nek” Origo. 12 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“IMF-hitel: az MNB visszafizette a teljes hitelt” Blikk. 07 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Visszafizettük az IMF-hitelt!” Blikk. 12 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Az IMF nyugtázta a magyar törlesztést” Index. 12 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

22

23

“Fizettünk az IMF-nek, tényleg szabadok vagyunk?” Index. 12 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Orbán Gábor: Még idén dollár kell” Origo. 21 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Magához térhet a magyar gazdaság” Origo. 21 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Az erőt nyerő forint csökkentette az államadósságot” Origo. 21 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

24

“A kormány alkut kínálna Brüsszelnek” Origo. 22 May 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

“Hiába várjuk az elakadt milliárdokat” Origo. 11 June 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

25

109

26

“Volt államtitkár cége kapta az NFÜ-pénzt” Index. 18 June 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.! “Ész nélkül szórták a milliárdokat a vidéki wellnessekbe” Origo. 02 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013. “Ők oszthatnak szét 34 milliárdot” Origo. 01 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

27 “Lázár János kezébe kerül az uniós pénzosztás” Index. 9 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

28

“Magyarország elbukhat 500-600 milliárd forintot” Origo. 12 July 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Lázár: Csányi Sándor a legnagyobb uzsorás” Index. 12 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Lázár bajszot akasztott Csányival” 12 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013. !

“Csányi Sándor feljelenti Lázárt” Blikk. 13 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

29

”Így bukhatunk most simán 1200 milliárdot” Index. 14 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Lázár János keserves küzdelme az utolsó eurókért” Origo. 14 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

30

“Felelőst keres a százmilliárdos bukásért Lázár János” Blikk. 21 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Nem korrupció miatt zárták el a pénzcsapot” Index. 15 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Lázár az offshore cégeket veszi üldözőbe” Index. 16 August 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“300 ezer oldal nyolc nap alatt” Index. 9 September 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

31

“Lázár legfeljebb jövő nyárig irányítja az NFÜ-t” Index. 4 September 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

32

“70-75 milliárdos bírságot kaptunk Brüsszeltől” Index. 9 September 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Lázár százmilliárdokért utazik Brüsszelbe” Index. 9 September 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Jön az uniós végtörlesztés” Index. 10 September 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“250 Milliárd sorsa dőlt el augusztusban” Origo. 03 September 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

33

“Lázár nekiáll osztani a pénzt” Origo. 03 September 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.!

“Szigorodnak a pályázati feltételek” Origo. 05 September 2013. Date of Access: 06/01/2013.

110

Ireland Marika Cukrowski

!

BACKGROUND • • • • •

!

Population: 4,775, 982 Unemployment: 13.5% (2013 est.)!

GDP per capita in 2011: $ 42,300 EU member entry date: 1973 EU funding in 2011: N/A

MEDIA SOURCES • • • •

Irish Independent Founding date: 1905 1 Ownership: The International News and Media Group Readership/ daily circulation: 181 000

• • •

•

The Irish Times Founding date: 1859 Ownership: This publication is overseen by a board of trustees charged with safeguarding its political and religious independence.

Readership/ daily circulation: 119 000

• • • •

Irish Examiner Founding date: 1841 Ownership: The Crosbie family Readership/ daily circulation: 57 000

!

! !

FINDINGS! • Number of articles consulted: 92 (Irish Independent: 30, Irish Examiner: 35, Irish Times: 27)!

111

•

List of search words: “Exit from bailout”, “Ireland and EU”, “Irish EU presidency” and “Anglo Bank Tapes”!

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Ireland-EU relations in 2013: !

!

Ireland’s Exit from the bailout!

•

•

•

•

The dominant issue covered in media throughout 2013 was Ireland’s exit from the €67bn bailout program2. December 15, 2013 was the scheduled exit date, making Ireland the first country in the eurozone to exit a rescue package of this kind3.

The exit was highly anticipated following three years of austerity since the troika (European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund and European Commission) first entered Ireland to oversee the bailout process.4. !

On January 25th, Finance Minister, Michael Noonan, met with IMF chief Christine Lagarde, to begin discussing measures for the forthcoming year and Ireland’s return to full market access5.

Overall, the Irish government’s implementation of the bailout measures earned approval from the troika, as well as confidence that it was prepared for the December exit6. !

In March, Ireland secured an arrangement with the troika for the repayment of a significant portion of the loan to be extended for another 15 years.!

The central issue in proceeding with the exit process became whether or not Ireland would take a one-year precautionary credit line from the ESM, which, albeit with conditions attached, would offer Ireland assistance in case of difficulty in raising financing on the open market, post-exit7. This would also allow Ireland access to the Outright Monetary Transactions plan, which has never been used8. In July, Noonan stated that Ireland’s position was sustainable, largely due to the €10.5bn that the National Treasury Management Agency’s (NTMA) had

112

•

•

!

raised over the year; providing sufficient funding for Ireland’s first year outside the bailout9. !

On November 14, Prime Minister Enda Kenny announced that Ireland would exit the bailout without a credit line, generating a mixed response10. Initially, Ireland’s leading economists who questioned the long-term sustainability of a clean break criticized the decision. A survey taken earlier in the month indicated that a full 100% of chief financial officers of Ireland’s largest companies felt the need for the ESM credit line 11.

However, after the clean exit was announced, the response was mostly positive, with support from international investors and EU officials, with Mr. Kenny stating this was the right decision for Ireland12. !

On December 15th, Ireland made the exit from the troika bailout, which the media conveyed with a sense of relief, as well as apprehension13. Irish and EU officials warned that despite the relative stability achieved within Ireland, the recovery was not over and that Ireland would continue to maintain rigid measures14. !

Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union!

•

•

On January 1st, Ireland took command of the 6-month long rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for its seventh time15. The estimated budget for hosting the numerous meetings between Brussels and Dublin was €66 million; a substantial reduction to the €110 million budget in 2004 when Ireland last performed the role, indicating its interest in hosting a cost-effective presidency16. The key issues on the presidency’s agenda included setting up a banking union, a deal on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as well as an agreement on the 2014-2020 budget17. !

On June 26th, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney brokered an agreement on the reform of the CAP18. The new deal marked the

113

•

•

•

•

first major reform to CAP in a decade, and ensured a more even payment to farmers19. The European Commission was in favour of this new system for the distribution of the €50 million budget amongst European farmers; with hectare-based payments in place of the widely varying food production-based payments20.

Although payments would not be seen until 2015, this new single farm payment method was considered a feat for Ireland, whose farmers were to be some of the largest beneficiaries of the reform21.!

On the final day of Ireland’s presidency, the government managed to negotiate an agreement on the budget from 2014-202022. The €960 billion budget to finance the EU and its programs for the next seven years was agreed on by EU member states, but required final approval from the European Parliament23. !

After having prematurely announced an achievement on the seven-year budget, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore received criticism from the European Parliament, which was later settled24. As part of the agreement, it was insisted upon by the Members of European Parliament that the budget would undergo a review in 2016 after next year’s elections in the European Parliament25.!

Ireland viewed its considerable gains from the budget positively; obtaining a total of €13bn, 85% of which would go towards agriculture and rural development26. !

At the beginning of the presidency, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore pledged Ireland’s commitment to combating youth unemployment as a primary focus over the 6 months27. As part of the €960bn budget brokered by the Irish presidency, a “youth guarantee” was set in place, whereby people under the age of 25, in countries with youth unemployment rates over 25% would qualify for unemployment preventative measures28.

Ireland’s youth unemployment rates exceed 25%, therefore it was estimated the country would qualify for €7mn29. !

114

•

•

Another notable accomplishment made on the final day of the presidency was a bank deal orchestrated by Finance Minister Noonan30. The arrangement, which Noonan hoped to see in place by the end of the year, would ensure the protection of taxpayers under the collapse of a bank, through a bail-in mechanism31. !

Overall, the presidency was considered to be a victory for Ireland, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel offering her praise: “an unusually successful presidency in which many dossiers were brought to a successful conclusion”, ! and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressing similar compliments32. !

!

Anglo-Irish Bank Leaked Tapes!

•

•

•

Another popular news story in 2013 covered a series of leaked recordings known as the “Anglo Tapes.” The tapes were released by the Irish Independent at the end of June, at which time Ireland was finalizing its EU presidency, and the same year Ireland was scheduled to exit the bailout33. The recordings exposed conversations between chief executives of the Anglo Irish Bank from 2008, the year the bank had collapsed and received a bailout guarantee from the Irish Government, costing taxpayers €30bn34. The tapes revealed obscene comments mocking taxpayers, and inappropriate strategies for the Irish Government to be persuaded into further financial support35. !

Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed his anger over the tapes, saying the tapes showed “the contempt and the arrogance … of senior personnel working in that bank towards everybody, towards government, towards citizens…36” !

The tapes unsettling effects were not limited to Ireland, and caused particular rage in Germany. Excerpts of the German national anthem were sung by the Anglo executives, mocking the deposits coming from Germany to fund the bank’s

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!

collapse37. The tapes generated a particularly negative response from Angela Merkel who viewed the tapes with contempt, and made mention of the hardships of ordinary citizens who work and pay taxes38. !

2013 IN REVIEW! !

The year 2013 was forecast to be a highly eventful and critical year for Irish-EU relations, and proved to be as such. This attested to the much-anticipated exit from the Troika bailout, which dominated all three of Ireland’s major media sources. The date scheduled for the official exit, December 15th, marked a vital moment for both Ireland and the EU, as it was the first country to exit a joint IMF and EU bailout program of this kind. Media coverage conveyed a strong sense of relief that Ireland was ending the bailout program, and once again regaining its economic sovereignty. The decision for Ireland to exit the bailout into full market access without a precautionary credit line initially spurred a degree of controversy, however it was ultimately established as a sound choice, with IMF and EU officials in support of the decision.

After December 15th media sources depicted a collective relief for the bailout ending. Both Irish and EU officials signaled that there would be no drastic changes following December 15th and that Ireland would continue its strict economic policies in order to maintain its successful recovery. 
 !

Another prevalent event in Irish media was the assumption of the six-month long Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In some instances media sources depicted the presidency as a distraction from the pressing domestic issues Ireland was facing. However, the better part of the media viewed the arrival of the presidency as an opportunity for Ireland to restore its reputation at the same time of its exit from the bailout. Furthermore it allowed the Irish Government to bolster its interests through its temporary decision-making status of the EU. This was seen through the deal brokered on the CAP, which had results that were advantageous to Irish farmers. Most importantly, the

116

presidency revealed Ireland’s commitment to the EU in meeting the major targets of the January to June agenda, in particular the agreement of the €960bn seven-year budget made on the last day of its office. !

The “Anglo Tapes” episode also generated an influx of media coverage within Ireland, and was highly relevant to the EU-Irish relationship. The leaked tapes were disdainfully viewed not only for their embarrassing content, but also because of the potential threat they posed for the Ireland in its final week of the Presidency. Despite having been recorded in 2008, the tapes surfaced at a critical time for Ireland as it prepared to make its exit from the bailout. Fortunately for Ireland, the controversial and offensive recordings only resulted in negative comments from Germany, which was directly targeted in the recordings, and did not manage to jeopardize the deals Ireland was brokering under the EU presidency. !

In conclusion, the three major findings covered in the Irish media have indicated a commitment between Ireland and the EU39.

Having finally achieved a level of economic stability due to the troika bailout, this demonstrated the interdependent relationship of Ireland and the EU. The Irish media of 2013 indicated a strong tie between Ireland to the European Union, despite unemployment rates causing frustration and large numbers of emigration. This commitment was also conveyed through Ireland’s dedicated efforts to successfully host the rotating presidency, as well as through the resolution of the Anglo Tapes scandal.

1

Irish Newspaper Archives, “Irish Independent.” Last modified 2013. Accessed October 10, 2013. http://www.irishnewsarchive.com/irish-independent.php 2

“Bailout exit: A leap of faith”. Irish Independent. November 15 2013. Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/bailout-exit-a-leap-of-faith-29756377.html “The Economy: Huge challenges remain but economy returning to relative stability”.

Irish Independent. December 28 2013. Accessed January 2 2014.http:// www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/the-economy-huge-challenges-remain-buteconomy-returning-to-relative-stability-29862245.html

117

3

“Ireland now expected to exit troika bailout unaided”. Irish Times. November 6 2013. Accessed November 16 2013.http://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/ ireland-now-expected-to-exit-troika-bailout-unaided-1.1584982 “Post-bailout credit safety net sought”. Irish Examiner. August 10 2013. Accessed November 15 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/post-bailout-creditsafety-net-sought-239451.html “So, all our bailout blues will vanish in December? If only it was that simple”. Irish Independent. October 24 2013. Accessed November 23 2013.http:// www.independent.ie/business/irish/so-all-our-bailout-blues-will-vanish-in-decemberif-only-it-was-that-simple-29695430.html 4

“Troika medicine was painful but necessary”. Irish Independent. October 29 2013.

Accessed November 20 2013.http://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/troikamedicine-was-painful-but-necessary-29707341.html 5

“IMF prepares for Irish exit from bailout”. Irish Independent. January 25 2013.

Accessed November 16 2013. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/imf-preparesfor-irish-exit-from-bailout-29022632.html “Bailout exit strategy on the agenda in troika talks”. The Examiner. January 28 2013.

Accessed November 22 2013.http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/bailout-exitstrategy-on-the-agenda-in-troika-talks-220873.html 6

“More troika praise- and some concern”. Irish Times. July 19 2013. Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/more-troika-praise-andsome-concern-1.1468153 “Rising share prices pave the way for bailout exit”. Irish Examiner. June 13 2013.

Accessed November 18 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/rising-share-prices-pave-the-way-for-bailoutexit-234008.html “IMF urges Government to adhere to €3.1bn adjustment”. Irish Times. July 19 2013.

Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/financialservices/imf-urges-government-to-adhere-to-3-1bn-adjustment-1.1468231 7

“Countdown to Irish bailout exit begins at European level”. Irish Examiner. October 15 2013. Accessed November 15 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/ countdown-to-irish-bailout-exit-begins-at-european-level-246328.html “Countdown to Irish bailout exit at European level”. Irish Examiner. October 15, 2013. Accessed November 19 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/ countdown-to-irish-bailout-exit-begins-at-european-level-246328.html “Post-bailout credit safety net sought”. Irish Examiner. August 10 2013. Accessed November 15 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/post-bailout-credit-safety-netsought-239451.html

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8

“ECB rate cut ‘a sign of the gravity of the situation’”. Irish Times. November 8 2013. Accessed November 15 2013.http://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/ ecb-rate-cut-a-sign-of-the-gravity-of-the-situation-1.1587658 “Irish hopes for major cost-cutting on bailout programme fouder”. Irish Examiner.

February 28 2013. Accessed November 15 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/ ireland/irish-hopes-for-major-cost-cutting-on-bailout-programmefounder-223989.html 9“National Treasury

Management Agency highlights improving finances”. Irish Times. July 19 2013. Accessed November 23 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/ business/sectors/financial-services/national-treasury-management-agency-highlightsimproving-finances-1.1468094?page=2f 10

“Ireland to go it alone: Kenny announces clean ext from bailout”. Irish Independent. November 14 2013. http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/ireland-to-goit-alone-kenny-announces-clean-exit-from-bailout-29754560.html “Bailout: A calculated political gamble that just might not pay off”. Irish Examiner.

November 15 2013. Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/bailout-a-calculated-political-gamble-that-justmight-not-pay-off-249727.html “Taoiseach says credit line decision was right for Ireland”. Irish Times. November 25 2013. Accessed December 20 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/ financial-services/taoiseach-says-credit-line-decison-was-right-for-ireland-1.1606107 “ECB warns bailout exit limits Ireland’s options”. Irish Times. November 27 2013.

Accessed December 20 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/ecb-warnsbailout-exit-limits-ireland-s-options-1.1608426 11“Experts

criticize our clean exit from the bailout”. Irish Examiner. November 15, 2013. Accessed November 20 2013.http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/ 2013/1115/ireland/experts-criticise-our-clean-exit-from-bailout-249706.html “Financial chiefs in favour of credit line”. Irish Examiner. November 1 2013.

Accessed November 17 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/financial-chiefs-in-favour-of-creditline-248173.html “State urged to apply for post-bailout EU credit line”. Irish Independent. October 23 2013. Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/stateurged-to-apply-for-postbailout-eu-credit-line-29687333.html “Not everyone is buying the Irish bailout success story”. Irish Times. November 22 2013. Accessed November 22 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/ ireland/not-everyone-is-buying-the-irish-bailout-success-story-1.1602963?page=2

119

12“Bailout

exit: A leap of faith”. Irish Independent. November 15 2013. Accessed November 22 2013. http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/bailout-exit-a-leap-of-faith-29756377.html “Bailout: A calculated political gamble that just might not pay off”. Irish Examiner.

November 15 2013. Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/bailout-a-calculated-political-gamble-that-justmight-not-pay-off-249727.html “Casting off the lifebelt”. Irish Times. November 15 2013. Accessed November 21 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/asia-pacific/casting-off-thelifebelt-1.1595111

13

“Maeve Dineen: It’s not perfect, but today we wake up in a different world”. Irish Independent. December 16 2013. Accessed December 20 2013. http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/maeve-dineen-its-not-perfect-but-todaywe-wake-up-in-a-different-world-29840783.html “The Troika were like the Holy Ghost”. Irish independent. December 29 2013.

Accessed January 2 2014. http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/the-troikawere-like-the-holy-ghost-29872842.html “2013: resignations, defections, Anglo Tapes and the troika exit”. Irish Independent.

December 24 2013. Accessed January 6 2013. http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/ politics/the-economy-huge-challenges-remain-but-economy-returning-to-relativestability-29862245.html 14

“The Economy: Huge challenges remain but economy returning to relative stability”. Irish Independent. December 28 2013. Accessed January 2 2014. http:// www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/the-economy-huge-challenges-remain-buteconomy-returning-to-relative-stability-29862245.html “Not everyone is buying the Irish bailout success story”. Irish Times. November 22 2013. Accessed November 22 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/ ireland/not-everyone-is-buying-the-irish-bailout-success-story-1.1602963?page=2 “16 big business moments of 2013”. Irish Independent. December 26 2013. Accessed January 2 2013. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/16-big-business-momentsof-2013-29866532.html

120

15“EU

Presidency: Enda Kenny promises 2013 will be a year of new hope”. Irish Independent. January 1 2013. Accessed December 5 2013. http://www.independent.ie/ irish-news/eu-presidency-enda-kenny-promises-2013-will-be-a-year-of-newhope-28953202.html “Six months to show Europe all we can do”. Irish Times. January 2 2013. Accessed November 15 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/six-months-to-show-europe-allwe-can-do-1.953160 “80pc of finance chiefs predict EU host boost”. Irish Independent. February 1 2013.

Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/80pc-offinance-chiefs-predict-eu-host-boost-29025684.html 16“EU

Presidency: Enda Kenny promises 2013 will be a year of new hope”. Irish Independent. January 1 2013. Accessed December 5 2013. http://www.independent.ie/ irish-news/eu-presidency-enda-kenny-promises-2013-will-be-a-year-of-newhope-28953202.html “Test for the Government is to survive the presidency”. Irish Examiner. January 5, 2013. Accessed November 21, 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/ 2013/0105/opinion/test-for-the-government-is-to-survive-the-presidency-218639.html 17

EU Presidency: Enda Kenny promises 2013 will be a year of new hope”. Irish Independent. January 1 2013. Accessed December 5 2013. http://www.independent.ie/ irish-news/eu-presidency-enda-kenny-promises-2013-will-be-a-year-of-newhope-28953202.html “Cap embodies the EU spirit of compromise and consensus”. Irish Times. June 27 2013. Accessed November 22, 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/ cap-embodies-the-eu-spirit-of-compromise-and-consensus-1.1443646 18“Coveney

secures new CAP deal”. Irish Independent. June 26 2013. Accessed November 16 2013. http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/coveney-secures-new-capdeal-29374669.html 19

“Farming escapes limbo with the CAP reform agreement”. Irish Examiner. July 4 2013. Accessed November 23 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/ stephencadogan/farming-escapes-limbo-with-the-cap-reform-agreement-235860.html 20“Battle

on to divvy up the 50bn CAP budget”. Irish Independent. June 24 2013.

Accessed November 15 2013. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/battle-on-todivvy-up-the-50bn-cap-budget-29368702.html 21“Cap

embodies the EU spirit of compromise and consensus”. Irish Times. June 27 2013. Accessed November 20 2013 http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/ cap-embodies-the-eu-spirit-of-compromise-and-consensus-1.1443646

121

22“Pressure

mounts to secure EU budget deal”. Irish Times. June 27 2013 Accessed November 21 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/pressure-mounts-tosecure-eu-budget-deal-1.1443832 “Pressure mounts to secure EU budget deal”. Irish Times. June 27 2013. Accessed November 22 2013.

23

“Pressure mounts to secure EU budget deal”. Irish Times. June 27 2013. Accessed November 22 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/pressure-mounts-tosecure-eu-budget-deal-1.1443832 “Ireland a winner under the EU’s 690bn budget”. Irish Examiner. February 9 2013.

Accessed November 15 2013.http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/ireland-awinner-under-the-eus-960bn-budget-222150.html 24“

Irish role in EU budget accord criticized”. Irish Times. June 21 2013. Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/europe/irish-rolein-eu-budget-accord-criticised-1.1437395.

“FG showed ‘cynical partisanship’ as leaders of EU, says Martin”. Irish Examiner.

July 3 2013. Accessed November 21 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/ cwmhojidmhau/rss2/.

25

“Deal on new EU budget will trigger release of 6 billion to combat youth unemployment”. Irish Times. June 28 2013. Accessed November 16 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/deal-on-new-eu-budget-will-trigger-release-of-6-billion-tocombat-youth-unemployment-1.1445617 26“Ireland

a winner under the EU’s 960bn budget”. Irish Examiner. February 9 2013.

Accessed November 16 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/ireland-awinner-under-the-eus-960bn-budget-222150.html 27

“Irish EU presidency to focus on youth jobs”. Irish Examiner. January 1 2013.

Accessed November 23 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-eupresidency-to-focus-on-youth-jobs-218276.html “Bruce Arnold: Britain could teach us a thing or two in butting heads with Brussels”.

Irish Independent. January 7 2013. Accessed November 19 2013. http:// www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/bruce-arnold-britain-could-teach-us-a-thing-ortwo-in-butting-heads-with-brussels-28955486.html “Irish EU presidency to focus on youth jobs”. Irish Examiner. January 1 2013.

Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-eu-presidency-to-focus-on-youthjobs-218276.html

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28

“Deal on new EU budget will trigger release of 6 billion to combat youth unemployment”. Irish Times. June 28 2013. Accessed November 16 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/deal-on-new-eu-budget-will-trigger-release-of-6-billion-tocombat-youth-unemployment-1.1445617 “EU lauds our presidency as country set for 2bn boost”. Irish Independent. June 28 2013. Accessed November 21 2013. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/eulauds-our-presidency-as-country-set-for-2bn-boost-29379196.html 29“Ireland

a winner under the EU’s 960bn budget”. Irish Examiner. February 9 2013.

Accessed November 16 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/ireland-awinner-under-the-eus-960bn-budget-222150.html “Weaker Irish and EU growth predicted”. Irish Examiner. November 6 2013. Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/columnists/ann-cahill/ann-cahill-weakerirish-and-eu-growth-predicted-248654.html 30

“Michael Noonan optimistic on EU banking agreement”. Irish Times. June 27 2013. Accessed November 16 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/ financial-services/michael-noonan-optimistic-on-eu-banking-agreement-1.1444023 31“Noonan

wins bank deal ensuring EU taxpayers don’t get stung first”. Irish Independent. June 28 2013. Accessed November 21 2013. http://www.independent.ie/ business/irish/noonan-wins-bank-deal-ensuring-eu-taxpayers-dont-get-stungfirst-29379172.html “Ministers locked in banking recovery debate”. Irish Examiner. June 22 2013.

Accessed November 16 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/ministerslocked-in-banking-recovery-debate-234803.html

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32“Praise

for Irish presidency tempers criticism of Anglo at EU summit”.Irish Times.

June 29 2013. Accessed November 17 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/praisefor-irish-presidency-tempers-criticism-of-anglo-at-eu-summit-1.1447128 “Presidency of the EU- A six month job well done, again”. Irish Examiner. June 28, 2013. Accessed November 20, 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/ourview/presidency-of-the-eu--a-sixmonth-job-well-done-again-235341.html “Kenny hails EU budget deal as important day for Europe”. Irish Independent. June 27 2013. Accessed December 7 2013. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/ kenny-hails-eu-budget-deal-as-important-day-for-europe-29377351.html “Presidency of the European Council gave us the opportunity to restore our reputation”. Irish Times. June 28 2013. Accessed December 16 2013. http:// www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/presidency-of-the-european-council-gave-usthe-opportunity-to-restore-our-reputation-1.1445378 “Government happy with diplomacy gains at mid-point of Irish presidency”. Irish Times. April 23 2013. Accessed November 22 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/ premium/loginpage?destination=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/ government-happy-with-diplomacy-gains-at-mid-point-of-irish-presidency-1.1369041 33“A dark

cruel comedy at the expense of the Irish taxpayer”. Irish Times. June 27 2013.Accessed November 17 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/a-dark-cruelcomedy-at-the-expense-of-the-irish-taxpayer-1.1444651 “No action taken over Anglo tapes”. Irish Examiner. September 2013. Accessed December 16, 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/no-action-taken-overanglo-tapes-244190.html “Anglo tapes cast shadow over our reputation”. Irish Examiner. July 12 2013.

Accessed November 22 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/features/anglotapes-cast-shadow-over-our-reputation-236678.html 34

“Drumm apologizes for language used in Anglo tapes”. Irish Times. June 30 2013.

Accessed December 2 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/drumm-apologises-for-language-used-in-anglotapes-1.1448083 “Many questions unanswered on banks’ prior knowledge of crisis”. Irish Examiner.

June 25 2013. Accessed November 21 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/ many-questions-unanswered-on-banks-prior-knowledge-of-crisis-235020.html

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35

“Drumm apologizes for language used in Anglo tapes”. Irish Times. June 30 2013.

Accessed December 2 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/drumm-apologises-forlanguage-used-in-anglo-tapes-1.1448083 “16 big business moments of 2013”. Irish Independent. December 26 2013. Accessed January 2 2013. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/16-big-business-momentsof-2013-29866532.html 36

“Kenny calls on senior figures to give information on Anglo”. Irish Times. June 29 2013. Accessed December 2 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/kennycalls-on-senior-figures-to-give-information-on-anglo-1.1447085 “The Anglo tapes- Banking inquiry now essential”. Irish Examiner. June 25 2013.

Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/ourview/the-anglo-tapes--banking-inquirynow-essential-234999.html “Politicians, bankers lost moral compass”. Irish Examiner. June 29 2013. Accessed November 17 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/columnists/michaelclifford/politicians-bankers-lost-moral-compass-235418.html “No faith that State will ever prosecute bankers”. Irish Examiner. September 26 2013.

Accessed November 23 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2013/0926/ ireland/no-faith-that-state-will-ever-prosecute-bankers-244299.html 37“Kenny

meets Merkel for talks as her party colleagues rage”. Irish Independent.

June 27 2013. Accessed December 2 2013. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/ kenny-meets-merkel-for-talks-as-her-party-colleagues-rage-29376085.html “The Anglo tapes- Banking inquiry now essential”. Irish Examiner. June 25 2013.

Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/ourview/the-anglo-tapes--banking-inquirynow-essential-234999.html “Banking crisis: Wild west image is hard to shake off”. Irish Examiner. June 27 2013.

Accessed December 16 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/analysis/banking-crisiswild-west-image-is-hard-to-shake-off-235200.html

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38

“John Downing: Yes EU presidency was successful but tapes blow is serious”. Irish Independent. June 29 2013. Accessed November 20 2013. http://www.independent.ie/ opinion/analysis/john-downing-yes-eu-presidency-was-successful-but-tapes-blow-isserious-29382034.html “No action taken over Anglo tapes”. Irish Examiner. September 2013. Accessed December 16, 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/no-action-taken-overanglo-tapes-244190.html “Drumm apologises for ‘inappropriate language on Anglo tapes”. Irish Examiner. July 1 2013. Accessed December 20 2013. http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/drummapologises-for-inappropriate-language-on-anglo-tapes-235546.html “Enda and Angela’s brief encounter”. Irish Independent. October 27 2013. Accessed November 23 2013. http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/shane-ross/endaand-angelas-brief-encounter-29703090.html 39

“A quarter of people would take pay cut to save euro”. Irish Independent.

December 31 2013. Accessed January 2 2014. http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/ a-quarter-of-people-would-take-pay-cut-to-save-euro-29876399.html

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Italy Olivia Suppa

!

BACKGROUND:

!

• • • • •

Population: 61 482 297 (July 2013 est.)

Unemployment rate: 13% (est. 2014) GDP per capita in 2012: $30 600 (2012 est.)

EU member entry date: 1952 (founding member) EU funding in 2012: Net contributor

MEDIA SOURCES:

!

• • • •

Corriere della Sera Founding date: 1876 Ownership: RCS Group Readership/ daily circulation: 715 000

• • • •

La Repubblica Founding date: 1976 Ownership: Carlo De Benedetti’s L’Espresso Group Readership/ daily circulation: 650 000

• • • •

L’Espresso Founding date: 1955 Ownership: Carlo De Benedetti Readership/ daily circulation: 430 000

! !

FINDINGS: • •

Number of articles consulted: 101 (Corriere della Sera29, La Repubblica- 48, L’Espresso- 24) List of search words: “Italia e l’Ue”, “l’Eurozona,” “ingovernabilità”, “profughi”

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From these findings, the following 3 major topics were most salient in Italian-EU relations in 2013:

!

‘Ingovernability’ related to national elections •

•

In the weeks leading up to the national elections scheduled for February 24 and 25, 2013, the key electoral issue that emerged was that of raising, lowering, modifying, or even abolishing taxes, specifically the IMU tax (a type of property tax)1. The repeated failure of previous and incumbent administrations to accomplish general electoral reform of the status quo proportional electoral system, referred to as the Porcellum, overshadowed the campaigns and the electorate2. In a related issue, a popular movement supported a more minor aspect of electoral reform in time for the election, that of allowing all Italian students studying abroad through Erasmus to vote in the elections3. Brussels encouraged such a reform4. Brussels also encouraged Italians at large to vote in the elections despite the economic crisis in the Eurozone5. Officials at the national and European levels alike encouraged a result that would stabilize, legitimize, and increase the efficiency of the political atmosphere in Italy6.

The major political parties involved in the elections were the Popolo della Libertà (PDL), the Partito Democratico (PD), Scelta Civica, and Movimento Cinque Stelle (M5S); there was considerable negative campaigning amongst these parties7. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and incumbent Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, were frequently represented by the media as preferred candidates for the Presidency; Draghi declined in favour of his position at the ECB while Napolitano

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•

•

•

originally refused to be re-nominated but was ultimately re-elected via plebiscite 8. Despite the government’s failure to enact legislation permitting them to vote, thousands of university students in 24 cities outside of Italy partook in a ‘symbolic vote’ on election day in a campaign called Io voto lo stesso (‘I vote anyways’)9.

The elections at the end of February produced a result without a majority government: PD won but spent almost two subsequent months forming a governing coalition that would eventually receive a vote of confidence from Parliament; meanwhile, Italy remained politically frozen10. Bersani, leader of PD at the time of the elections, was charged by President Napolitano to create this coalition government; the task was ultimately accomplished in late April under a coalition headed by PD’s Enrico Letta as Prime Minister11.

Italy’s ratings were lowered by Fitch, from A- to Bbb+ rating, due directly to the inconclusive elections12. The European Commission, ECB, and other European heads of state represented outspoken voices against governmental inefficiency in Italy13. Inter-party debate over central economic topics, nominally the IMU and IVA taxes, threatened to break up the newly-agreed coalition government in the summer and fall months14.

Warnings echoed from the European level and from other international heads of government cautioning against ‘ingovernability’ in Italy and its negative impact on the euro markets15.

PDL leader and former Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, was convicted of tax fraud (among other criminal accusations) and enjoyed no immunity, which he redressed at the European Court of Human Rights. He

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•

!

thus further contributed to European doubts with respect to the stability of the Italian government16. Many media sources commended not only President Giorgio Napolitano but also EU institutions, most crucially the ECB, for keeping Italy afloat during this year of political paralysis17.

Renewed vigor towards modifying Italian electoral law persisted even in the final months of 2013 when the Constitutional Court struck down the existing electoral system in December; the new PD secretary, Matteo Renzi (elected that same month) promised a new electoral law by the 31st of January 201418.

Little economic improvement •

•

Italy experienced dismal economic beginnings in 2013 that were evident in all aspects of life, as food consumption decreased and a recorded 150 000 small businesses closed in 2012.19 The reported falls of 19.9% in Italy’s production in the automobile sector were the worst of the five principal European auto markets in 2012.20 According to EU standards, almost a quarter of children in Italy are at risk of poverty21. The World Economic Forum ranked Italian ‘market efficiency’ in 126th place of 134, despite the budget-balancing efforts of Mario Monti’s technocratic government during the preceding year22.

A positive development with respect to Italian-EU relations reported in the opening month of 2013 was that Italy was one of the first to ratify the new deal which would replace the Fiscal Compact instrument in favour of a constitutionalized requirement of a balanced budget and a comprehensive public debt-reducing plan (by 20%

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•

•

a year)23. A particular abundance of unemploymentrelated articles circulated in the media during the first half of the year, with the number of layoffs having increased by 23.5% in 2012 with respect to 2011 in Lombardy alone, one of Italy’s economic centres, while national youth unemployment reached 37%; furthermore, Italy’s salaries were reportedly lowest in the EU24. The EU dubbed a ‘contagion’ in Italy and vocalized fear that this economic epidemic would spread to surrounding countries25.

In February, ECB President, Mario Draghi revealed that the ECB ‘saved’ Italy by buying out - with the aim of creating a security net - €102.8 billion worth of Italian government bonds between the beginning of 2010 and the end of 2011. He further promised the continuation of ‘political accommodation’ to ensure the survival of the euro and the opportunity for growth by the end of the year26. He declared to no longer emphasize the spread between Italian and German bonds (in essence, the higher the spread, the closer Italy was to defaulting) as a key economic indicator, which meant that bonds markets would no longer react in tandem to political fluctuations27.

In May, European Commission President Barroso announced that Italy would exit the excessive-deficit procedures. The Italian government responded with both enthusiasm and an understanding of the continued necessity to bring the deficit under 3% (of GDP); this development came after the Italian plan to accelerate debt payments was approved at a European level28. In addition, Barroso and Italy’s PM Letta both predicted growth, investment, and long-term improvement in

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•

!

Italy’s relations with European institutions as a result of major flexibility allowances that Barroso announced for 2014 because of Italy’s exit from the excessive-deficit procedures29. Also in May, the OECD contributed to the political debate surrounding the IMU tax, discouraging proposed tax cuts.30 Extreme division between PD and PDL senators over Berlusconi’s prosecution caused renewed fear of ramifications in the European financial markets in the form of rising interest rates and worsening spread, resurfaced at a national, European and international level31. Despite the improvements in Italy’s economy in the second half of 2013, media sources continued to report on the human ramifications of the persisting economic crisis, citing falling birth rates as an example in addition to the departure of 32 000 immigrants from the country32. The media continued until the end of the year to report frequently on youth unemployment33.

Protecting the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers •

•

The question of how to deal with the ever-increasing influx of refugees and asylum-seekers from North Africa and the Middle East came to the fore in the first two months of 2013 as the Italian government announced it would postpone its decision on measures to manage migrants until the end of February34. This announcement sparked numerous reports on the increasing number of migrants in Italian cities35.

In the weeks leading up to the court ruling, there were demonstrations from migrant populations in favour of

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•

abolishing the existing legislation, called the Bossi-Fini law, in favour of permitting citizenship for children of refugees that were born or raised in Italy, as well as the abolishment of Centres for Identification and Expulsion36. Migrants, refugees, and newly arrived asylum seekers described their migration experience and many newspapers published interviews with those arriving from Syria.37 On March 1, the Interior Ministry reopened its doors to asylum-seekers and brought into effect a decree that would allow asylum-seekers to remain in Italy for at least 6 months, upon registration with the Consiglio italiano per i rifugiati (Italian Board for Refugees)38. From March 2013 onward, the Consiglio italiano per i rifugiati and its director, Christopher Hein, were prevalent themes in the media39.

The influx of asylum-seekers from North Africa and the Middle East at the Sicilian coastal city of Lampedusa dominated the news as packed ships continued to trek the Mediterranean: between January and October 2013, 26 154 migrants disembarked on Sicilian coasts40.

Throughout 2013, concern for asylum-seekers arriving in Italy has become a priority of the EU41. In comparison to other European countries such as Germany- which granted 571 000 people protection status in 2012- Italy does not currently have a comprehensive, normative framework within which to manage its migrant population (Italy only conferred protection status to 58 000 people in the same time frame)42. The media reported on the numerous migrants in Italy that remain homeless and lack access to basic services (legal, health, mental health services, etc.)43. The EU was obligated to evaluate Italy’s immigration programs in the conclusion

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•

•

of a case brought to the European Court of Human Rights by a Somali refugee against Italy; the court ruled that conditions for asylum-seekers in Italy had no ‘systemic flaws’44.

The EU was further implicated in accusations against Italy when Berlin claimed that Italian authorities had granted protection status and even valid 3-month Schengen visas to hundreds of African refugees, incentivizing with the aim of them settling in Germany45.

On October 3, 366 immigrants lost their lives in a shipwreck off the coast of Lampedusa, with survivors living in Identification and Expulsion Centres in ‘inhuman’ conditions46. On October 11, over 260 people were killed in another shipwreck partially due to the failure of the Italian and Maltese authorities to promptly dispatch an Italian military vessel only 100km away, claiming to be upholding the legal ‘accords’ to which they were bound47. Italian politicians, the Pope, and the mayor of the Pelagie Islands in Sicily called on the EU and especially the European Commission to revisit immigration law at the European level so that all of Europe basic and emergency rights and services would be provided to refugees in all of Europe48. Individual Italian politicians took up the cause and pledged themselves as advocates of the issue to the EU, nominally Interior Minister, Alfano, and Minister for Integration, Kyenge49. The EU Commission and Parliament pledged to revisit immigration laws in Europe50. However, after the October tragedies, the EU urged Italy to make use of its resources to efficiently address the influx of migrants in order to win the solidarity of the rest of Europe in such an initiative51.

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•

•

Frontex, the EU’s Mediterranean surveillance mechanism, was called upon by the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration to work towards increased efficiency through the Mare Nostrum initiative52.

Protests continued in December in front of the national seat of the PD in favour of the closures of collection centres for migrants and the modification of the BossiFini law53.

The frequency and severity of shipwrecks off the coast of Lampedusa were so impactful in 2013 in the eyes of Italy, Europe and the world, that some promote Lampedusa as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, and one media source named a Lampedusan worker who saved 12 people from a shipwreck man of the year54. At the ground level, any positive change is yet to take effect, as migrants continue to wait for their documentation55.

!

2013 IN REVIEW Based on research of Italian media sources, Italy’s relationship with the European Union in 2013 was turbulent due to a series of political, economic, and administrative incidents which collectively provided occasion for both celebration and disdain on the part of the EU. The phenomenon of ingovernabilità, essentially a twomonth long period of political paralysis following the elections of February 24-25, set the tone for an entire year of political uncertainty in Italy. The first months of 2013 were dedicated to reforming various aspects of electoral law and consolidating both existing and new parties along general

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centre-right, centre-left, centrist and populist lines. The inconclusive elections had the greatest impact on EU-Italian relations in 2013, as an acceptable governing coalition would not be established and sworn in until the last days of April. Disagreement over electoral reform, inter-party and intra-party divisions, practical disintegration of both houses, non-confidence votes, and legal prosecutions of prominent politicians contributed to the political rollercoaster throughout the year. The end of 2013 saw in Rome the formation of a new party, Il Nuovo Centrodestra under the leadership of minister Alfano, who separated from PDL , and soon afterwards, the election of yet another secretary of PD. Thus, the direction of Italian policy-making, its level of ‘governability’ and the government’s cooperation with the EU depends on the efficiency of the frequently-volatile political realm.

Economic and financial concerns remained at the heart of Italian-European relations throughout 2013: despite positive developments at the EU level, the media invariably painted a disheartening picture of the effects of continued economic downturn, so much so that European actors feared an Italian ‘contagion’ would infect the entire European financial market. Despite Italy having ratified the EU plan to revise what was previously the Fiscal Compact instrument early on in 2013, European Union leaders and European heads of state alike reiterated deep concern for the ramifications of political uncertainty in Italy with regards to faith in European markets. The instability further incited the assurances of European Central Bank President to promise a security net for the Eurozone Mediterranean economies to ensure the survival of the euro. The announcement of a new government was closely followed by the ECB’s decision to

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allow Italy’s exit from excessive-deficit procedures. This development foreshadowed growth in 2014 as well as improved relationships between Italy and EU institutions.

Regardless of the nominal improvement in economic relations, however, the media reported frequently on the human impact of the economic crisis by making salient such topics as youth unemployment and migrant living conditions, and focused on the developments in these issues which are to be addressed by various EU initiatives in 2014.

The focus on immigration and, specifically, the management of asylum seekers arriving from North Africa and the Middle East was a novel issue that dominated the media throughout the year and exploded in the fall months after multiple tragic shipwrecks that occurred off of the coast of the Sicilian city of Lampedusa. Early on in 2013, the Italian legislature had also been faced with popular pressure to improve legislation and meet the standards of other European nations regarding processing and settling refugees and asylum-seekers. The media was dominated in the final months of 2013 by many accounts of the shipwrecks of October 3 and 11, in which hundreds of asylum-seekers fleeing North Africa and the Middle-East died in the Mediterranean.

An increase in pressure on both the Italian government and the EU to consolidate and enforce electoral, economic and migration standards in Europe was the result of the tragedies and the discontent plaguing the Italian population.

Nonetheless, Italian-EU relations were far from normalized during 2013, as political and economic concerns provided traditional sources of division between the republic and the union, and the crisis over asylum-seekers led to increased

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cooperation and integration of Italy, its neighbouring states, and the EU.

1

“Monti: ‘Imu va modificata, ma cautela su tasse.’ Serve una ‘riforma lavoro più vicina a imprese.’” La Repubblica. 6 January 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/politica/ 2013/01/06/news/monti_decisione_politica-49993799/?ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

“Berlusconi restituisce l’Imu? Le reazioni dei politici su Twitter.” La Repubblica. 3 February 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2013/02/03/foto/ berlusconi_restituisce_l_imu_le_reazioni_dei_politici_su_twitter-51857463/1/? ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

Enrico Miele. “Imu, cosi la cura Berlusconi costerebbe 90 milioni alla giunta.” La Repubblica. 5 February 2013. http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/ archivio/repubblica/2013/02/05/imu-cosi-la-cura-berlusconi-costerebbe-90.html? ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

“Elezioni 2013, Grillo a Euronews: ‘L’Europa ha paura di noi.’” La Repubblica. 21 February 2013. http://video.repubblica.it/dossier/elezionipolitiche-2013/elezioni-2013-grillo-a-euronews-l-europa-ha-paura-di-noi/ 120279/118763?ref=search. Date of access: 2 December 2013.

“Monti: ‘Meno tasse su lavoro e meno spesa. Crisi? Vedo luce e tunnel non crollerà.’” La Repubblica. 2 January 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/politica/ 2013/01/02/news/monti_intervista-49797256/?ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

2 Umberto Rosso. “L’agenda di Napolitano per il 2013. La vera emergenza è quella sociale.” La Repubblica. 2 January 2013. http://ricerca.repubblica.it/ repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2013/01/02/agenda-di-napolitano-per-il-2013.html? ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

Massimo Razzi. “Elezioni politiche: 50 milioni alle urne. Incerti fino all’ultimo grazie al ‘Porcellum.’” La Repubblica. 12 February 2013. http:// www.repubblica.it/speciali/politica/elezioni2013/2013/02/12/news/ elezioni_politiche_50_milioni_alle_urne_incerti_fino_all_ultimo_grazie_al_porcellu m-52475530/?ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

3 “Elezioni, Ue: ‘Studenti Erasmus devono votare.’” La Repubblica. 21 January 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/scuola/2013/01/21/news/ elezioni_ue_studenti_erasmus_devono_votare-50986508/?ref=search. Date of access: 2 December 2013.

4 “Elezioni, Ue: ‘Studenti Erasmus devono votare.’” La Repubblica. 21 January 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/scuola/2013/01/21/news/ elezioni_ue_studenti_erasmus_devono_votare-50986508/?ref=search. Date of access: 2 December 2013.

5 “Draghi: ‘Mercati non temono elezioni italiane, capiscono che si tratta di democrazia.’” Corriere della Sera. 7 March 2013. http://www.corriere.it/economia/ 13_marzo_07/draghi-inflazione-febbraioripresa_07e3142c-872d-11e2-82ae-71d5d7252090.shtml. Date of access: 22 November 2013.

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6

Massimo Giannini. “L’agenda Napolitano.” La Repubblica. 2 January 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/politica/2013/01/02/news/l_agenda_napolitano-49791297/? ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

Ettore Livini. “Roma tornerà una minaccia per l’Europa nei governi e nella finanza scatta l’allarme.” La Repubblica. 5 February 2013. http://ricerca.repubblica.it/ repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2013/02/05/roma-tornera-una-minaccia-per-europanei.html?ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

7 “Berlusconi annuncia: ‘C’è un accordo con la Lega. Forse Alfano premier, io ministro dell’Economia.’” La Repubblica. 7 January 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/ politica/2013/01/07/news/accordo_pdl_lega-50036271/?ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

“Ingroia: ‘Pd mi offrì due senatori per desistere. Porte aperte agli ex Sel e Movimento 5 Stelle.’”La Repubblica. 2 February 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/ politica/2013/02/02/news/ ingroia_pd_mi_offri_due_senatori_porte_aperte_a_ex_sel_e_m5s-51775692/? ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

Elisabetta Soglio. “Il Pd guadagna voti ma perde seggi Il Pdl dimezza, pero’ resta al governo.” Corriere della Sera. 28 February 2013. http://milano.corriere.it/milano/notizie/politica/13_febbraio_28/consiglio-regionalepd-pdl-voti-seggi-2114251482318.shtml. Date of access: 22 November 2013.

“Berlusconi: ‘Monti sarà uno dei tanti leaderini’ e su Grasso: ‘Meglio se non candidato.’” La Repubblica. 1 January 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/politica/ 2013/01/01/news/ berlusconi_monti_sar_uno_dei_tanti_leaderini_e_su_grasso_lo_stimo_ma_meglio_se _non_candidato-49764093/?ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

Denise Pardo, “Le elezioni più folli del mondo.” L’Espresso. 17 February 2013. http://espresso.repubblica.it/palazzo/2013/02/17/news/le-elezioni-piu-folli-delmondo-br-1.50834. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

8 “Lo scontro Berlusconi-Monti scoppia nel Ppe. Il Cavaliere: Draghi al Colle e attacchi a giudici.” La Repubblica. 15 January 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/ politica/2013/01/15/news/ berlusconi_monti_leaderino_sotto_choc_per_sondaggi-50561081/?ref=search. Date of access: 2 December 2013.

“Napolitano: ‘Confermo il mio no a ricandidatura.’” La Repubblica. 21 February 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/speciali/politica/elezioni2013/2013/02/21/ news/napolitano_confermo_il_mio_no_a_ricandidatura-53102886/?ref=search. Date of access: 2 December 2013.

9 “Troppi autistic-scrutatori, bus ridotti in piu’ citta’. Voto simbolico per migliaia di student Erasmus.” La Repubblica. 23 February 2013. http:// www.repubblica.it/speciali/politica/elezioni2013/2013/02/23/news/ elezioni_numeri_e_curiosit_47_milioni_di_italiani_al_voto-53269014/?ref=search.

Date of access: 2 December 2013.)

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10

Alessandro Gilioli. “Si: o con il M5S o subito al voto.” L’Espresso. 27 February 2013. http://espresso.repubblica.it/palazzo/2013/02/27/news/si-o-con-il-m5s-o-subito-alvoto-1.51219. Date of access: 2 December 2013.

Massimo Giannini. “Bersani: ‘Il mio piano per il Paese. Chiedo fiducia a tutti i partiti.” La Repubblica. 1 March 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/politica/ 2013/03/01/news/ bersani_il_mio_piano_per_il_paese_chiedo_la_fiducia_a_tutti_partiti-53628011/? ref=search. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

“Governo si, governissimo no.” L’Espresso. 22 March 2013. http:// espresso.repubblica.it/palazzo/2013/03/22/news/governo-si-governissimo-no-1.52155.

Date of access: 2 December 2013.

11 “Governo si, governissimo no.” L’Espresso. 22 March 2013. http:// espresso.repubblica.it/palazzo/2013/03/22/news/governo-si-governissimo-no-1.52155.

Date of access: 2 December 2013.

“Bersani, il buco nell’acqua.” L’Espresso. 27 March 2013. http:// espresso.repubblica.it/palazzo/2013/03/27/news/bersani-il-buco-nell-acqua-1.52329.

Date of access: 6 January 2014.

12 “Fitch taglia il rating dell’Italia: da A- a Bbb+. Grilli: ‘Il Tesoro metterà in sicurezza il Paese.’” Corriere della Sera. 8 March 2013. http://www.corriere.it/ economia/13_marzo_08/rating-italia-fitch-taglia_03a29b3e-8814-11e2ab53-591d55218f48.shtml. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

13 “Draghi: ‘Mercati non temono elezioni italiane, capiscono che si tratta di democrazia.’” Corriere della Sera. 7 March 2013. http://www.corriere.it/economia/ 13_marzo_07/draghi-inflazione-febbraioripresa_07e3142c-872d-11e2-82ae-71d5d7252090.shtml. Date of access: 22 November 2013.

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14 “Governo a rischio, Letta riceve Berlusconi. L’incontro dura 3 ore: ‘Cordiale e positivo.’” Corriere della Sera. 25 June 2013. http://www.corriere.it/politica/ 13_giugno_25/letta-berlusconi-governo_bb3443ee-ddb7-11e2a264-78b7af641acd.shtml. Date of access: 27 December 2013.

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16

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27 Luigi Zingales. “È finita la dittatura dello spread.” L’Espresso. 11 April 2013. http://espresso.repubblica.it/affari/2013/04/11/news/e-finita-la-dittatura-dellospread-1.52986. Date of access: 6 January 2014.

28 “Debiti Pa, arriva l’ok di Bruxelles ‘Verifica dei conti a maggio.’” Corriere della Sera. 8 April 2013. http://www.corriere.it/economia/13_aprile_08/ue-rehndebiti-pa-imprese_6bb99c9a-a03d-11e2-b85a-0540f7c490c5.shtml. Date of access: 10 January 2014.

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29 “Letta esulta: ‘Piu’ flessibilita’ dalla Commissione Ue per i prossimi bilanci italiani.” Corriere della Sera. 3 July 2013. http://www.corriere.it/economia/ 13_luglio_03/letta-commissione-ue_846aaa68-e3b8-11e2-a86e-c1d08ee83a64.shtml.

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30 “Ocse: ‘No al taglio delle tasse in Italia’ Saccomanni: interverremo su Imu e Cig.” Corriere della Sera. 2 May 2013. http://www.corriere.it/economia/ 13_maggio_02/ocse-pil-tasse_ff6cf7e2-b2fe-11e2-b198-926b52542ff3.shtml. Date of access: 22 November 2013.

31 Fabrizio Massaro. “Saccomanni lancia l’allarme: ‘Se il governo cade ripresa a rischio.’” Corriere della Sera. 7 September 2013. http://www.corriere.it/economia/ 13_settembre_07/cernobbio-banche-ripresasaccomanni_a9f6a23a-17bd-11e3-8a00-11cf802b0067.shtml. Date of access: 6 January 2014.

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33 Maurizio Maggi. “Com’e’ difficile cercare lavoro.” L’Espresso. 19 November 2013. http://espresso.repubblica.it/affari/2013/11/19/news/giovani-la-beffadegli-incentivi-per-il-lavoro-1.141535. Date of access: 22 November 2013.

34 Maurizio Bongioanni, “Emergenza Nord Africa, altri due mesi. Caritas Ambrosiana: ‘A rischio I piu’ deboli.’” La Repubblica. 9 January 2013. http:// www.repubblica.it/solidarieta/immigrazione/2013/01/09/news/ proroga_emergenza_nord_africa-50103170/?ref=search. Date of access: 4 December 2013.

35 “Piu’ immigrant, meno fiorentini come cambia la citta’ di Firenze.” La Repubblica. 17 January 2013. http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/01/17/news/ pi_immigrati_meno_fiorentini_come_cambia_la_citt_di_firenze-50768361/? ref=search. Date of access: 4 December 2013.

36 Vladimiro Polchi, “Immigrati, un giorno senza loro In gioco I diritti e la dignita.’” La Repubblica. 28 February 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/solidarieta/ immigrazione/2013/02/28/news/ immigrati_un_giorno_senza_loro_in_gioco_i_diritti_e_la_dignit-53619117/? ref=search. Date of access: 4 December 2013.

37 Vladimiro Polchi, “Immigrati, un giorno senza loro In gioco I diritti e la dignita.’” La Repubblica. 28 February 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/solidarieta/ immigrazione/2013/02/28/news/ immigrati_un_giorno_senza_loro_in_gioco_i_diritti_e_la_dignit-53619117/? ref=search. Date of access: 4 December 2013.

38 Vladimiro Polchi. “Profughi del Nord Africa Il Viminale riapre le porte.” La Repubblica. 5 March 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/solidarieta/immigrazione/ 2013/03/05/news/profughi_del_nord_africa_il_viminale_riapre_le_porte-53930100/? ref=search. Date of access: 4 December 2013.

39 Vladimiro Polchi. “Profughi del Nord Africa Il Viminale riapre le porte.” La Repubblica. 5 March 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/solidarieta/immigrazione/ 2013/03/05/news/profughi_del_nord_africa_il_viminale_riapre_le_porte-53930100/? ref=search. Date of access: 4 December 2013.

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“Emergenza profughi, Sicilia in tilt piano dei prefetti per l’accoglienza.” La Repubblica. 1 October 2013. http://palermo.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/10/01/news/ emergenza_profughi_sicilia_in_tilt_piano_dei_prefetti_per_l_accoglienza-67624258/? ref=search. Date of access: 12 January 2014.

41 Emanuela Stella. “Migranti, come ripensare le leggi europee sull’asilo per fermare la ‘roulette russa’ degli sbarchi.” La Repubblica. 22 October 2013. http:// www.repubblica.it/solidarieta/profughi/2013/10/22/news/ ripensare_la_normativa_europea_sul_diritto_d_asilo_per_fermare_la_roulette_russa_ degli_sbarchi-69212197/?ref=search. Date of access: 10 January 2014.

42 Michele Sasso and Francesca Sironi. “Rifugiati, migliaia di invisibili.”

L’Espresso. 14 May 2013. http://espresso.repubblica.it/attualita/cronaca/2013/05/14/ news/rifugiati-migliaia-di-invisibili-1.54281. Date of access: 6 January 2014.

43 Michele Sasso and Francesca Sironi. “Rifugiati, migliaia di invisibili.”

L’Espresso. 14 May 2013. http://espresso.repubblica.it/attualita/cronaca/2013/05/14/ news/rifugiati-migliaia-di-invisibili-1.54281. Date of access: 6 January 2014.

44 “Rifugiati, la Corte di Strasburgo: ‘In Italia sufficiente accoglienza.’” La Repubblica. 19 April 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/solidarieta/profughi/2013/04/19/ news/rifugiata_somala-56995665/?ref=search. Date of access: 4 December 2013.

45 Andrea Tarquini. “Immigrazione, accuse tedesche all’Italia: ‘Paga i profughi perch/ vengano da noi.’” La Repubblica. 28 May 2013. http://www.repubblica.it/ solidarieta/immigrazione/2013/05/28/news/ germania_italia_ha_pagato_profughi_per_venire_qui-59843091/?ref=search. Date of access: 6 December 2013.

46 “Cie Lampedusa, le condizioni disumane degli immigrati.” L’Espresso. 17 December 2013. http://video.espresso.repubblica.it/tutti-i-video/cie-lampedusa-lecondizioni-disumane-degli-immigrati/1432/1431. Date of access: 12 January 2014.

47 Fabrizio Gatti. “Lampedusa, scaricabarile sulla strage Cosi sono annegati i bimbi siriani.” L’Espresso. 28 November 2013. http://espresso.repubblica.it/ internazionale/2013/11/28/news/lampedusa-il-naufragio-e-la-nave-italiana-cosiabbiamo-lasciato-annegare-268-persone-1.143230. Date of access: 10 January 2014.

Fabrizio Gatti. “Lasciati affogare, ecco le prove. La mappa che conferma le accuse.” L’Espresso. 11 November 2013. http://espresso.repubblica.it/attualita/ 2013/11/11/news/ecco-la-mappa-che-conferma-le-accuse-1.140560. Date of access: 16 January 2014.

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49 “Tragedia di Lampedusa, Alfano: ‘Faro’ la voce forte con Barroso.” Corriere della Sera. 3 October 2013. Date of access: 4 December 2013.

50 Stefano Vastano. “Barroso: ‘Migranti, ora si muova tutta l’Europa.’”

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52

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54 Fabrizio Gatti. “Il muratore di Lampedusa uomo dell’anno dell’Espresso.”

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55 Alessandro Puglia. “Cara di Mineo: il presepe vivente dei migranti.” La Repubblica. 31 December 2013. http://video.repubblica.it/edizione/palermo/cara-dimineo-il-presepe-vivente-dei-migranti/151515/150019?ref=search. Date of access: 10 January 2014.

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147

Latvia Eriks Bredovskis

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BACKGROUND

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• • • • •

Population: 2 178 443 (July 2013 est.)

Unemployment Rate: 11.9% (est. 2013) GDP per capita in 2011: $17 300 (2011 est.)

EU member entry date: 2004 EU funding in 2011: Net contributor

MEDIA SOURCES

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• • • •

Latvijas Avīze Founding date: 1987 Ownership: SIA Lauku Avīze Readership/ daily circulation: 56 000 (2008)1

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Neatkarīga Rīta Avize (Independent Morning Newspaper) Founding date: 1904 (Re-founded 1990) Ownership: SIA Mediju nams (Media House Ltd.) Readership/ daily circulation: 40 000 (2008)2

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Diena (The Day) Founding date: 1990 Ownership: SIA Dienas Mediji (Diena Media Ltd.) Readership/ daily circulation: 31 000 (2010)3

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FINDINGS • Total Number of Articles referenced: 88 (Diena 35; Latvijas Avīze 29; Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze 24) • List of searched words: “Eiropas Savienība” (European Union); “Eiro ieviešana” (Euro Adoption); “Latvija un ES” (Latvia and the EU); “emigrācija” (emigration); “ekonomija” (the economy).

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From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Latvian- EU relations in 2013:

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Latvia’s Adoption of the Euro in 2014 With Latvia’s projected inclusion into the Eurozone in 2014, the adoption of the Euro has become a key topic for Latvian media. The Euro adoption would impact all citizens and raises questions about Latvia’s further integration and role in the EU. Latvia’s request to join the Eurozone was granted on 5 June 2013, and Latvia converted to the Euro on 1 January 2014.

Most news articles before the EU’s approval for Latvia to join the Eurozone were ambivalent towards Latvia’s economic vitality regarding Latvia and the Eurozone. However many articles stressed Euro adoption as an eventuality, citing that other EU states supported and encouraged Euro adoption in Latvia.4 • In the last week of January 2013, Latvia’s National Assembly resolved to adopt the Euro in 2014. Diena’s articles stressed the slim majority supporting the adoption (56%) as well as the resolution’s vague wording.5 In late February, Latvia formally requested to join the Eurozone.6 • Topics in the spring covered questions about Latvia’s capacity to adopt the Euro. Diena, for example, reiterated that the “adoption of the Euro is not only an economic question.”7 Questions about the administration and government costs of switching currencies were also brought up.8 • In May, Latvijas Avīze reported that public opinion of the Euro adoption was mostly negative, given the potential of instability involved in currency adoption.9 • On 5 June 2013 the European Commission announced that Latvia had successfully fulfilled the convergence criteria required for Eurozone candidates.10

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• On 9 July the Economic and Financial Affairs Council approved Latvia’s inclusion to the Eurozone and agreed that the Euro be adopted 1 January 2014.11 • In June, Factum Group conducted a poll on Euro adoption.

Diena reported that only 38% of Latvians support Euro adoption, with 53% against, and 9% undecided.12 The NRA conducted a similar poll in June and reported that 70% of Latvians expect prices to rise after Euro adoption.13 Commentary to these reports support Diena’s and NRA’s ambivalent stance on Euro adoption.

• Late summer and fall news articles covered a breadth of topics relating to Euro adoption. Topic included: National and municipal plans of Euro adoption and distribution.

Diena’s article stressed the municipal government’s failure to establish effective Euro adoption protocols due to the short notice (7 months) of Euro adoption.14News articles also covered macro-topics include possible inflation and added mark-up by retailers. Latvijas Avīze and Diena both reported on commitments from retailers to not raise prices during Euro adoption.15 Diena stressed that youths are more prone to European integration and support Euro adoption.16 Latvijas Avīze focused on the business aspect of adoption,17 while NRA and Diena focused on everyday issues18 such as pensions.19 • After 1 October 2013, all prices were listed in Latvian Lats (LVL) and Euros.20 In October, questions about the details of Euro adoption rose again, specifically relating to the speed of adoption.21 • In the last quarter of 2013, most articles continued to reiterate the possible effects of Euro adoption on prices, as well as on tourism and the economy.22 Diena reported that in

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Fall 2013 only 53% of Latvians supported Euro adoption, noting the significant rise in support since June23 and the NRA reported that 84% of Latvians expect to see a rise in retail prices after Euro adoption.24 Last week of December saw a heavy amount of publications focusing on Euro adoption25 while Diena focused on the adoption’s effect on savings and the banking industry.26

Immigration and emigration in Latvia Emigration from Latvia has been an endemic issue for the Latvian economy. With Latvia’s inclusion into the Eurozone, all three media sources are unsure of the motives for emigration and whether the government policies aimed to mitigate emigration will be effective. One central policy adopted in 2013 was permitting multiple-citizenships for Latvians.

• With the announcement of Latvia joining the Eurozone, there is a perceptible rise of concern that the Euro adoption will facilitate emigration to other EU countries. Latvijas Avīze referred to emigration as a “national tragedy” and criticized the president of Latvia, Andris Berziņš, for refusing to use this term.27 Diena reported that 192 000 Latvians emigrated since 1994.28 Latvijas Avīze, however, cited that 30 380 Latvians emigrated in the past decade (thereby highlighting a discrepancy between Diena’s and Latvijas Avīze’s results) and stressed that the overwhelming majority (82.8%) of emigrants were of working age, thus hinting at the role of emigration as a key component of Latvia’s economic situation.29 • In May, Diena reported that 42% of Latvians in Latvia believe that Latvians abroad are happier. The same article stressed that emigration will not result in a better economic

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situation.30 Two weeks later Diena reported that 60% of Latvian immigrants in Ireland are willing to return to Latvia, if jobs are promised.31 • In the summer and fall, there was continued reporting concerning emigration in Latvia with increased stress of jobs and money as the main motives towards emigration.32 Latvijas Avīze stressed that the lack of certain industries in Latvia, specifically the technology industry and basic manufacturing, and the government’s lack of industry protection is precipitating emigration.33 • On 1 October 2013, Latvia passed legislation allowing multiple-citizenship for Latvians with other EU, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizenry. Diena stressed that the law would still require a “wider evaluation.”34 • With the inclusion of Latvia into the Eurozone, Diena in particular, stresses that it will mitigate emigration.35

Economic sustainability in a time of increasing integration with the Eurozone • Economic sustainability in the European Union became a vital issue after Latvia’s announced adoption of the Euro in June 2013. Most news articles reported paradoxically the possible issues with continuing further integration into the Eurozone, while also maintaining that Latvia possesses vital connections with other EU countries.

• Most Diena and Latvijas Avīze articles suggest the difficulty lies with integrating Latvia’s economy into the Eurozone is because of Latvian buying habits, which they argue are different than most EU countries.36 • With the announcement of the adoption of the Euro in June 2013, articles relating to the ability of Latvia’s industry to

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survive became a key topic, citing recent purchases of Latvian companies by EU and Russian companies. The media response was a blend of positive and negative articles on Latvia’s economy.37 In July, Diena reported that Germany was willing to invest in Latvian industry with the hope this will entice German manufacturers to consider Latvia as a source of labour.38 In September, Diena published a set of articles relating to possible increased economic ties with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, offering Latvia’s new position as the easternmost Eurozone member as a facilitator of trade with the rest of Europe.39 In the fall, all three media sources reported on Latvia’s secondary industry with ambivalence, with internal as well as external competition being provided as causes for a slowing economy, citing a 6.8% drop in agricultural production, the sixth largest drop in production within the EU.40 NRA focused on employer issues such as EU integration’s effects on employment insurance distribution, as well as financial assistance to farmers.41 Latvijas Avīze stressed that Latvia played an integral part in EU’s economic zone, citing both Latvia’s milk production and recent subsidies towards Latvia’s historic sites as steps toward recovery from the 2009 economic collapse.42 In December, Latvijas Avīze and NRA reported positive projected GDP growth due to further economic integration with the EU.43 NRA reported that in particular Limbažu Piens (Limbažu Milk) has benefited from investment from Eurozone countries.44

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2013 IN REVIEW The topics discussed in this media analysis revolve around the theme of Latvia’s place in the European Union. The lead up to the adoption of the Euro and, closely connected to it, Latvia’s economic integration into the EU, demonstrate Latvia’s willingness to build closer ties with the European Union, while Latvian emigration to other EU countries (Ireland and the United Kingdom) help shed light on Latvia’s situation under the EU’s migration policy as well as domestic economic policies. It was these issues which came to the fore in Latvia’s major newspapers and give us a window through which to see that Latvia’s relation to the EU had been an ambivalent one, given an unsure future – like many EU states – but hope that further integration can either lift them out or mitigate their current economic situation.

With Latvia’s future inclusion into the Eurozone in 2014, the adoption of the Euro became the key topic in Latvian media. The Euro adoption impacts all citizens and brought forth questions about Latvia’s further integration and its role in the EU. Latvia’s request to join the Eurozone was granted on 5 June 2013, and Latvia converted to the Euro on 1 January 2014.

2013 was a year of change, especially in its latter half. In June the European Commission announced that Latvia had successfully completed the convergence criteria required for Euro adoption. In early June the Economic and Financial Affairs Council gave the final approval for Latvia to join the Eurozone. At first, only 38% of Latvians supported Euro adoption -- although this was to change.45 Over the summer preparations for the Euro materialized, and, in spite of the short notice of seven months, the national and municipal governments created information and distribution programs for Euro adoption. The ambivalence of Euro adoption is evident through the 70% of Latvians who expect prices to rise after Euro adoption, as it happened in other Eurozone states.46 In October, prices were listed in Latvian Lats (LVL)

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and Euros. In the last ninety days before Euro adoption, Latvians became more open towards the Euro, with 53% supporting Euro adoption.47 While still not a large majority, the rise in support for Euro adoption shows the gradual amelioration of Latvia’s relation to the EU. Closely tied with Euro adoption are questions of Latvia’s economic sustainability. Since the start of the Eurozone crisis in 2009, Latvians have been unsure what would be the outcome of further economic integration into the EU. These questions remained on the back burner until the announcement of Euro adoption. Questions relating to Latvia’s industrial capacity to compete with other Eurozone countries and the potentiality of increased EU subsidies for existing industries became key topics. Throughout 2013, these questions remained cornerstones of Latvia’s economic future, with promises of subsidies from Eurozone countries and Latvia’s slow but steady recovery from its financial collapse, which saw Latvia’s GDP shrink by 28%. Readers of Latvia’s media were reassured that Latvia’s trajectory into the Eurozone will land it into a more secure and growing economic situation.

Another main concern for Latvians was emigration and how it evolved over 2013. In the past decade, emigration to other EU countries became an endemic issue and a constant drain on Latvia’s working population. The Latvian government sought to mitigate emigration and entice Latvians to return by, for the first time since 1996, amending its citizenship laws to permit multiple-citizenship to EU countries, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Latvia’s inclusion into the Eurozone heightened concerns, with fears that it will facilitate emigration, but as other Eurozone states pledge to subsidize and assist Latvian industry, which would retain demand for labor in Latvia, thus preventing Latvians from emigrating.

The adoption of the Euro, continued economic integration with the EU and emigration to other EU countries encapsulates the

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significant changes for Latvia in 2013. These large changes solidified pre-existing ambivalence towards supra-national entities in a state, which declared independence only twenty-two years ago, and also sheds light on the gradual shift towards continuing its integration with the rest of Europe. Through an analysis of Latvia’s media in 2013, we see how through the economic crises of the Eurozone and emigration out of Latvia, the media continues to report on possible solutions to be found in the European Union.

http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/medienindex/media_articles/? frommedia=16492 2http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/medienindex/media_articles/? frommedia=313 3 www.eurotopics.net/en/home/medienindex/media_articles/?frommedia=223 1

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“Dombrovskis: Latvijas pievienošanās eiro būs pozitīvs signāls arī pašai eirozonai” Diena, June 27 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/ dombrovskis-latvijas-pievienosanas-eiro-bus-pozitivs-signals-ari-pasaieirozonai-14013949 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Finanšu ministrs: Eiro ieviešana ir apstiprinājums valsts stabilitātei un ilgtermiņa attīstībai” Diena, June 20 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/ viedokli/finansu-ministrs-eiro-ieviesana-ir- and apstiprinajums-valstsstabilitatei-un-ilgtermina-attistibai-14013156 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Pirms eiro ieviešanas tā kurss pret latu valūtas maiņas punktos varētu pieaugt” Diena, February 23 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/pirmseiro-ieviesanas-ta-kurss-pret-latu-valutas-mainas-punktos-varetupieaugt-13995144 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Polija atbalsta eiro ieviešanu Latvijā” Diena, February 13 2013.http:// www.diena.lv/latvija/politika/polija-atbalsta-eiro-ieviesanu-latvija-13993496 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Eksperta viedoklis: troksnis ap eiro ieviešanas jautājumu” Diena, February 13 2013. http://www.db.lv/viedokli/eksperts/eksperta-viedoklis-troksnis-apeiro-ieviesanas-jautajumu-387929? utm_source=diena.lv&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=diena.lv (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Točs: Eiro ieviešana ir latviešu darīšana” Diena, February 5 2013. http:// www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/tocs-eiro-ieviesana-ir-latviesudarisana-13991831 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Swedbank eiro ieviešanu jau sākusi” Diena, January 14 2013. http:// www.db.lv/finanses/bankas/swedbank-eiro-ieviesanu-jau-sakusi-385864? utm_source=diena.lv&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=diena.lv (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Rimšēvičs: Eiroskeptiķi ir tie paši cilvēki, kas bija par lata devalvāciju” Diena, January 14 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/rimsevicseiroskeptiki-ir-tie-pasi-cilveki-kas-bija-par-lata-devalvaciju-13987735 “LTRK atbalsta finanšu ministra aicinājumu sadarboties eiro ieviešanā” Diena, January 12 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/politika/ltrk-atbalstafinansu-ministra-aicinajumu-sadarboties-eiro-ieviesana-13987648 “Piebalgs: Iedzīvotājiem jābūt pārliecībai, ka eiro ieviešana ir pareizs solis” Latvijas Avīze, May 9 2013. http://www.la.lv/piebalgs-iedzivotajiem-jabutparliecibai-ka-eiro-ieviesana-ir-pareizs-solis-2/ “Ekonomiste: Eiro ieviešana ļautu panākt straujāku algu pieaugumu” Latvijas Avīze, February 12 2013. http://www.la.lv/ekonomiste-eiro-ieviesana-lautupanakt-straujaku-algu-pieaugumu/ “Šīns: Pēc eiro ieviešanas varētu attīstīties nekustamo īpašumu eksporta

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“Eiro ieviešanas kārtības likums pieņemts” Diena, January 31 2013. http:// www.db.lv/finanses/eiro-ieviesanas-kartibas-likums-pienemts-387142? utm_source=diena.lv&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=diena.lv (accessed: January 2 2014).

6 “Eiropas Parlamentā diskutēs par Latvijas gatavību ieviest eiro” Diena, Febuary 25 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/politika/eiropas-parlamentadiskutes-par-latvijas-gatavibu-ieviest-eiro-13995376 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Prezidents izsludina eiro ieviešanas likumu” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, February 15 2013.http://nra.lv/latvija/89293-prezidents-izsludina-eiro-ieviesanaslikumu.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

“CVK rīt lems par ierosmi tautas līdzdalībai eiro ieviešanas termiņa izlemšanā” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, January 30 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/ politika/88287-cvk-rit-lems-par-ierosmi-tautas-lidzdalibai-eiro-ieviesanastermina-izlemsana.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

7 “Točs: Eiro ieviešana ir latviešu darīšana” Diena, February 5 2013. http:// www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/tocs-eiro-ieviesana-ir-latviesudarisana-13991831 (accessed: January 2 2014).

8 “Pētījums: Eiro ieviešana Latvijai izmaksās 384 miljonus latu” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, June 11 2013. http://nra.lv/ekonomika/73761-petijums-eiroieviesana-latvijai-izmaksas-384-miljonus-latu.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

9 “Aktuāla aptauja: Kā jūtaties, pēc pusgada gaidot eiro?” Latvijas Avīze, May 16 2013. http://www.la.lv/aktuala-aptauja-ka-jutaties-pec-pusgada-gaidoteiro-2/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Ar eiro būs labi – tikai jānotic” Latvijas Avīze, March 22 2013. http:// www.la.lv/ar-eiro-bus-labi-tikai-janotic%E2%80%A9-2/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

10 “EP rezolūcijas projektā atbalstīta eiro ieviešana Latvijā” Latvijas Avīze, June 13 2013. http://www.la.lv/ep-rezolucijas-projekta-atbalstita-eiroieviesana-latvija-2/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

11 “Zīle: Eiro ieviešanas mērķis ir Latvijas glābšana” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, July 10 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/98314-zile-eiro-ieviesanas-merkis-irlatvijas-glabsana.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

12 “Par eiro ieviešanu šobrīd ir 38%, pret - 53% iedzīvotāju” Diena, June 3 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/par-eiro-ieviesanu-sobrid-ir-38-procpret-53-proc-iedzivotaju-14010708 (accessed: January 2 2014).

13 “Bažas par cenu pieaugumu pēc eiro ieviešanas 70% iedzīvotāju” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, June 3 2013. http://nra.lv/ekonomika/latvija/96047bazas-par-cenu-pieaugumu-pec-eiro-ieviesanas-70-iedzivotaju.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

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“Gatavošanos eiro ieviešanai atliek uz pēdējo brīdi” Diena, July 16 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/gatavosanos-eiro-ieviesanai-atliek-uzpedejo-bridi-14016394 (accessed: January 2 2014).

15 “Šteinbuka: cenas kāps, bet eiro nebūs pie vainas” Diena, December 27 2013. http://www.db.lv/eiro/steinbuka-cenas-kaps-bet-eiro-nebus-pievainas-407313? utm_source=diena.lv&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=diena.lv (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Vai uzticaties uzņēmēju solījumiem necelt cenas pēc eiro ieviešanas?”

Latvijas Avīze, July 16 2013. http://www.la.lv/vai-uzticaties-uznemejusolijumiem-necelt-cenas-pec-eiro-ieviesanas-2/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Eiro ieviešana: Paralēlajā cenu atspoguļošanā 46% gadījumu atklāti pārkāpumi” Latvijas Avīze, October 18 2013. http://www.la.lv/eiro-ieviesanaparalelaja-cenu-atspogulosana-48-gadijumu-atklati-parkapumi/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Par cenu pieaugumu pēc eiro ieviešanas aicina neraizēties” Latvijas Avīze, May 17 2013. http://www.la.lv/par-cenu-pieaugumu-pec-eiro-ieviesanasaicina-neraizeties%E2%80%A9-2/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

16 “Eiro ieviešana ceturtdaļai bērnu nozīmēs lielāku kabatas naudu” Diena, December 17 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/eiro-ieviesanaceturtdalai-bernu-nozimes-lielaku-kabatas-naudu-14037143 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Esam gatavi pieņemt eiro” Latvijas Avīze, August 2 2013. http://www.la.lv/ esam-gatavi-pienemt-eiro-2/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

17 “Eiro ieviešana atmaksāsies pirmajā gadā” Latvijas Avīze, September 25 2013. http://www.la.lv/eiro-ieviesana-atmaksasies-pirmaja-gada %E2%80%A9-3/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

18 “Latus pret eiro mainīs arī pasta nodaļās” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, December 6 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/107390-latus-pret-eiro-mainis-ari-pastanodalas.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Cer mazināt bažas par negodprātīgu cenu konvertāciju pēc eiro ieviešanas” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, July 12 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/98494-cer-mazinatbazas-par-negodpratigu-cenu-konvertaciju-pec-eiro-ieviesanas.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

19 “Siliņš: Pensionārus gaida grūti laiki” Diena, September 7 2013. http:// www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/silins-pensionarus-gaida-gruti-laiki-14023842 (accessed: January 2 2014).

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“Uzņēmēji eiro varā” Latvijas Avīze, October 7 2013. http://www.la.lv/ uznemeji-eiro-vara/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“100 dienas pirms eiro un nedēļa pirms dubultās cenu ieviešanas” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, September 23 2013. http://nra.lv/ekonomika/latvija/102733-100dienas-pirms-eiro-un-nedela-pirms-dubultas-cenu-ieviesanas.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

21 “Latvijas parlaments ignorē citu valstu piesardzību eiro ieviešanas jautājumā” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, October 18 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/ politika/81741-latvijas-parlaments-ignore-citu-valstu-piesardzibu-eiroieviesanas-jautajuma.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

22 “SEB banka: Un atkal deflācija” Diena, December 9 2013. http:// www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/seb-banka-un-atkal-deflacija-14036045 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Ir uzņēmumi, kas nemaz nezina, pēc kāda kursa notiks eiro ieviešana” Diena, November 5 2013. http://www.db.lv/eiro/no-lata-uz-eiro-praktiskapuse/ir-uznemumi-kas-nemaz-nezina-pec-kada-kursa-notiks-eiroieviesana-404473? utm_source=diena.lv&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=diena.lv (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Iemīlēsim arī eiro?” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, October 25 2013. http://nra.lv/ citi-raksti/104680-iemilesim-ari-eiro.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Jaunās naudas viltojumu nav jābīstas” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, November 21 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/106330-jaunas-naudas-viltojumu-nav-jabistas.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

23 “Eiro atbalsta 53% iedzīvotāju” Diena, December 23 2013. http:// www.db.lv/finanses/eiro-atbalsta-53-proc-iedzivotaju-407273? utm_source=diena.lv&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=diena.lv (accessed: January 2 2014).

24 “84% iedzīvotāju sagaida cenu pieaugumu pēc eiro ieviešanas” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, October 18 2013. http://nra.lv/ekonomika/104302-84-iedzivotajusagaida-cenu-pieaugumu-pec-eiro-ieviesanas.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

25 “Meļņiks: Jauns gads - jauna nauda - jaunas cerības” Diena, December 27 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/melniks-jauns-gads-jauna-naudajaunas-ceribas-14038011 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Baltijas valstu prezidenti par saldējumu grib maksāt ar eiro” Diena, October 31 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/baltijas-valstu-prezidenti-parsaldejumu-grib-maksat-ar-eiro-14031060 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvijas Banka: visa nepieciešamā eiro nauda ir nogādāta Latvijā” Latvijas Avīze, December 27 2013. http://www.la.lv/latvijas-banka-visa-nepieciesamaeiro-nauda-ir-nogadata-latvija/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

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“AP: Eirozonā Latvijas bankas kļūs pievilcīgākas aizdomīgiem noguldījumiem” Diena, December 31 2013. http://www.diena.lv/pasaule/apeirozona-latvijas-bankas-klus-pievilcigakas-aizdomigiemnoguldijumiem-14038212 (accessed: January 2 2014).

27 “Bērziņš masveida emigrāciju neuzskata par nacionālo traģēdiju” Latvijas Avīze, February 7 2013. http://www.la.lv/berzins-masveida-emigracijuneuzskata-par-nacionalo-tragediju/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

28 “Desmit gados Latvijas iedzīvotāju skaits samazinājies par 307 000” Diena, March 14 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/desmit-gados-latvijasiedzivotaju-skaits-samazinajies-par-307-000-13998584 (accessed: January 2 2014).

29 “Pērn no Latvijas izbraukuši 30380 iedzīvotāji” Latvijas Avīze, August 7 2013. http://www.la.lv/pern-no-latvijas-izbraukusi-30380-iedzivotaji/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

30 “Latvijā dzīvojošie nebūt nav pārliecināti, vai emigrējušie citviet jūtas laimīgāki” Diena, May 20 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/latvijadzivojosie-nebut-nav-parliecinati-vai-emigrejusie-citviet-jutaslaimigaki-14008579 (accessed: January 2 2014).

31 “Aptauja: 60% emigrējušo gatavi atgriezties, ja viņiem apmaksātu avio biļeti un garantētu darbu” Diena, May 17 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/ zinas/aptauja-60-proc-emigrejuso-gatavi-atgriezties-ja-viniem-apmaksatuavio-bileti-un-garantetu-darbu-14008273 (accessed: January 2 2014).

32 “Latkovskis: Būt latvietim ir dārgs prieks” Diena, July 2 2013. http:// www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/latkovskis-but-latvietim-ir-dargsprieks-14014455 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Ekonomists: Latvija ir ļoti dārgs veiksmes stāsts” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, April 3 2013. http://nra.lv/ekonomika/latvija/92148-ekonomists-latvija-ir-lotidargs-veiksmes-stasts.htm?view=comments (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Andris Bērziņš: Latvijai lielākais drauds ir cilvēku emigrācija” Latvijas Avīze, June 13 2013. http://www.la.lv/popularaka-klust-bankrota-emigracijauz-lielbritaniju/ (accessed: January 2 2014). http://www.la.lv/andris-berzins-latvijai-lielakais-drauds-ir-cilvekuemigracija-2/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Tapusi rokasgrāmata emigrācijā dzīvojošajām latviešu ģimenēm cīņā ar emocionālu un fizisku pazemošan” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, June 26 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/97452-tapusi-rokasgramata-emigracija-dzivojosajamlatviesu-gimenem-cina-ar-emocionalu-un-fizisku-pazemosan.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

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“NA aicina lielākās latviešu partijas veidot vienotu sarakstu Saeimas vēlēšanās” Latvijas Avīze, September 12 2013. http://www.la.lv/steinbukalatvija-bezdarbs-ir-specifisks-piedavajums-neatbilst-pieprasijumam-2/n (accessed: January 2 2014).

“ES komisārs: emigrācija ietekmē Latvijas potenciālu” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, June 4 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/96131-es-komisars-emigracija-ietekmelatvijas-potencialu.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Populārāka kļūst bankrota emigrācija uz Lielbritāniju” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, October 13 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/103994-popularaka-klustbankrota-emigracija-uz-lielbritaniju.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Kāpēc latvietes iemīlas ārzemniekos - skaidro psihologi” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, July 31 2013. http://nra.lv/izklaide/99607-kapec-latvietes-iemilasarzemniekos-skaidro-psihologi.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

34 “Delna: Imigrācijas likuma grozījumiem vajadzīgs plašāks izvērtējums” Diena, November 9 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/delnaimigracijas-likuma-grozijumiem-vajadzigs-plasaks-izvertejums-14032287 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Prezidents liek Saeimai vēlreiz pārskatīt pretrunīgi vērtētos Imigrācijas likuma grozījumus” Diena, November 9 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/ zinas/prezidents-liek-saeimai-velreiz-parskatit-pretrunigi-vertetos-imigracijaslikuma-grozijumus-14032285 (accessed: January 2 2014).

35 “Meļņiks: Jauns gads - jauna nauda - jaunas cerības” Diena, December 27 2013. www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/melniks-jauns-gads-jauna-nauda-jaunasceribas-14038011 (accessed: January 2 2014).

36 “Šmits: Aldara preču zīmei ir vērtība tikai Latvijā” Diena, September 19 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/smits-aldara-precu-zimei-ir-vertibatikai-latvija-14025387 (accessed: January 2 2014).

37 “Maksātnespēju skaits Eiropā aug; Latvijā – samazinās” Latvijas Avīze, June 5 2013. http://www.la.lv/maksatnespeju-skaits-eiropa-aug-latvijasamazinas-2/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

38 “Vācijas prezidents: Esam gatavi padziļināt sadarbību ar Latviju” Diena, July 8 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/viedokli/vacijas-prezidents-esamgatavi-padzilinat-sadarbibu-ar-latviju-14015307 (accessed: January 2 2014).

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“Kazahstānā liela interese par Latvijas biznesa piedāvājumu” Diena, September 19 2013. http://www.db.lv/razosana/transports-logistika/ kazahstana-liela-interese-par-latvijas-biznesa-piedavajumu-401527? utm_source=diena.lv&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=diena.lv (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvijas un Turkmenistānas ekonomiskajai sadarbībai trūcis politiska impulsa” Diena, May 14 2013. http://www.diena.lv/foto/redakcijas-foto/ bizness/latvijas-un-turkmenistanas-ekonomiskajai-sadarbibai-trucis-politiskaimpulsa-14007784 (accessed: January 2 2014).

40 “Latvijas Gāze draud atslēgt gāzes piegādi Liepājas metalurgam” Diena, September 13 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/latvijas-gaze-draudatslegt-gazes-piegadi-liepajas-metalurgam-14024662 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvijas vājais punkts - zems darba ražīgums” Diena, December 9 2013. http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/latvijas-vajais-punkts-zems-darbarazigums-14036007 (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvija neizmantos iespēju 25% ES atbalsta novirzīt tiešmaksājumiem” Latvijas Avīze, September 25 2013. http://www.la.lv/latvija-neizmantosiespeju-25-es-atbalsta-novirzit-tiesmaksajumiem/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvijā plānākais sociālais spilvens ES” Latvijas Avīze, November 21 2013. http://www.la.lv/latvija-planakais-socialais-spilvens-es/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvijā šogad sestais lielākais lauksaimniecības ieņēmumu kritums ES” Latvijas Avīze, December 13 2013. http://www.la.lv/latvija-sogad-sestaislielakais-lauksaimniecibas-ienemumu-kritums-es/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

41 “Eiropas Savienība jauniešu bezdarba mazināšanai rekomendē garantēt praksi” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, November 10 2013. http://nra.lv/pasaule/ 105669-eiropas-savieniba-jauniesu-bezdarba-mazinasanai-rekomendegarantet-praksi.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvija no ES lauksaimniecības budžeta saņems par 58% vairāk” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, September 25 2013. http://nra.lv/latvija/102907-latvija-no-eslauksaimniecibas-budzeta-sanems-par-58-vairak.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

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“ES pērn saražoti 140 miljoni tonnu piena” Latvijas Avīze, November 30 2013. http://www.la.lv/es-pern-sarazoti-140-miljoni-tonnu-piena/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Par daudz naudas ceļiem un kultūrai! EK iebilst pret nākamo ES naudas tēriņu plānu” Latvijas Avīze, October 23 2013. http://www.la.lv/celiem-unkulturai-par-daudz-naudas%E2%80%A9/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvija ir mežiem bagātāko ES valstu pieciniekā” Latvijas Avīze, October 25 2013. http://www.la.lv/latvija-ir-meziem-bagatako-es-valstu-piecinieka/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Eiropas Savienībā nākamgad varētu būt mazāka graudu raža” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, December 26 2013. http://nra.lv/pasaule/108483-eiropas-savienibanakamgad-varetu-but-mazaka-graudu-raza.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

43 “Ekonomists: nākamgad Latvijas ekonomikā gaidāms salīdzinoši “trekns” gads” Latvijas Avīze, December 13 2013. http://www.la.lv/ekonomistsnakamgad-latvijas-ekonomika-gaidams-salidzinosi-trekns-gads/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Uldis Šmits: Lai Latvijas vairāk būtu Briselē un vispirms – pašā Latvijā” Latvijas Avīze, December 16 2013. http://www.la.lv/vairak-latvijas/ (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvijā otrs mazākais ražotāju cenu pieaugums ES” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, November 5 2013. http://nra.lv/ekonomika/105354-latvija-otrs-mazakaisrazotaju-cenu-pieaugums-es.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Latvijas labās attiecības ar Centrālāziju var palīdzēt pārējai ES veidojot sadarbību ar šo reģionu” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, December 13 2013. http:// nra.lv/latvija/107902-latvijas-labas-attiecibas-ar-centralaziju-var-palidzetparejai-es-veidojot-sadarbibu-ar-so-regionu.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

“Zīle: Jaunā ES dzelzceļa likumdošana palīdzēs nodrošināt Baltijas valstu standartu savietojamību” Netakarīga Rīta Avīze, December 19 2013. http:// nra.lv/pasaule/108263-zile-jauna-es-dzelzcela-likumdosana-palidzesnodrosinat-baltijas-valstu-standartu-savietojamibu.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

44 “"Limbažu piens" atdzimis; jaunie investori pievērsīsies eksportam” Neatkarīga Rīta Avize, December 10 2013. http://nra.lv/ekonomika/latvija/ 107621-limbazu-piens-atdzimis-jaunie-investori-pieversisies-eksportam.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

45 “Par eiro ieviešanu šobrīd ir 38%, pret - 53% iedzīvotāju” Diena, June 3 2013. “http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/par-eiro-ieviesanu-sobrid-ir-38-procpret-53-proc-iedzivotaju-14010708 (accessed: January 2 2014).

46 “Bažas par cenu pieaugumu pēc eiro ieviešanas 70% iedzīvotāju” Neatkarīga Rīta Avīze, June 3 2013. http://nra.lv/ekonomika/latvija/96047bazas-par-cenu-pieaugumu-pec-eiro-ieviesanas-70-iedzivotaju.htm (accessed: January 2 2014).

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47

Kursiša, Gunta. “Eiro atbalsta 53% iedzīvotāju.” Diena, December 23 2013. http://www.db.lv/finanses/eiro-atbalsta-53-proc-iedzivotaju-407273? utm_source=diena.lv&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=diena.lv (accessed: January 2 2014).

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Luxembourg Elizabeth Tudor-Beziés

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BACKGROUND!

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• Population: 514,862!

• Ethnic Composition: 63.1% Luxembourger, 13.3% Portuguese, 4.5% French, 4.3% Italian, 2.3% German, 7.7% other EU, 5.2% other!

• GDP per capita in 2012: $81,100!

• EU member entry date: 1957 (with the original European Economic Community)!

• EU funding in 2012: net contributor!

MEDIA SOURCES!

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Tageblatt!

Founding Date: 1913!

Ownership: Editpress!

Readership/Daily Circulation: 17 000!

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Le Quotidien!

Founding Date: 2001!

Ownership: independent !

Readership/Daily Circulation: 7,846!

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Luxemburger Wort!

Founding Date: 1848!

Ownership: Wort!

Readership/Daily Circulation: 80 000!

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FINDINGS !

• Number of articles consulted: 49 (Luxemburger Wort-22, Le Quotidien- 19, Tageblatt- 5, European Parliament-1)!

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• List of search words: “Luxembourg EU”, “UE Luxembourg” “Luxembourg Bank”, “Luxembourg Immigration”, “Nationalité Luxembourg”!

From these findings, the following major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Luxembourg-EU relations reported on in 2013!

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Conflict over Luxembourg’s Bank Secrecy !

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As of 25 January 2013 the EU began to voice criticisms over Luxembourg’s comparatively loose standards for bank secrecy.1 !

Luxembourg is not the only European country which must defend its standard of bank secrecy.2 Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria have resolved to continue using bank secrecy and to only deliver information in special cases and were initially opposed to EU directives as of April 2013.3 Luxembourg and Austria are the only EU members that do not participate in automatic exchange of information on EU residents who have bank accounts in their countries.4 Commenting on the bank secrecy on the 27 of March, the Minister of Finance, Luc Frieden, explained that finance clients come to Luxembourg, “not to escape taxation...but because our products and services are better geared to international needs.”5 All three principle media sources reported on Luxembourg’s bank secrecy tensions with the EU, which revealed the one issue Luxembourg has with the EU and the international community.6 Other European countries such as France are not pleased with Luxembourg’s fiscal politics and are blaming them for moving investment away from their countries.7 However, France was also accused of being involved with helping offshore accounts.8!

Luxembourg has stated that they are ready to revise bank secrecy on April 7th, 2013.9 They decided to do a partial lift on the secrecy in order to help curb tax evasion by foreign despots, arms dealers and financial jugglers.10 Domestically, this had a sizeable impact on the “Jeunes libéraux du Luxembourg” (Young

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Liberals of Luxembourg), a branch of the Liberal Party that strongly opposed the decision to partially reduce bank secrecy.11 According to the newspapers this scandal appears to be linked to legislative cleanup initiative in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.12 Luxembourg bankers have voiced fears of removing bank secrecy, who argue more legislation could, “stagnate the fiscal industry”.13 Despite such opposition, the Prime Minister announced that Luxembourg would introduce a system whereby banking information will be exchanged with other stages, to be introduced before 1 January 2015.14 !

Luxembourg has proved compliant with EU standards as of April, unlike their Austrian counterpart.15 While Luxembourg has already said that they will comply with the rules, the decision was notably mostly made under pressure from the U.S., lesser so from pressure from Germany and the rest of the EU.16 Luxembourg still aspires to become a fully integrated EU member; as conveyed by Luc Frieden, “We no longer strictly oppose [an automatic exchange of bank deposit information],”.17 Luxembourg’s decision also earned them more respect in the EU, with the German finance minister giving “big respect” for the Luxembourg government’s decision.18 !

This issue has not been entirely resolved, where Luxembourg has conditionally accepted to comply with the EU, Austria still refuses.19 As stated by the Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, Luxembourg is also pushing the EU to take on the “real tax havens”, like the British Channel islands.20 As of November, Luxembourg position is to end bank secrecy, but only if the European Commission negotiations with non-EU countries Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra and San Marino to stop their bank secrecy, are in place by 2015.21 Luxembourg argues further that the EU could hand its closest rivals a competitive edge if they curb bank secrecy.22 Luxembourg, a cofounder of the EU, seems to be a model EU member in most cases but it’s status as “a death star” in EU banking transparency

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matters.23 The issue of bank secrecy is unfinished; this will be an ongoing discussion for Luxembourg and the remainder of the non-EU members concerned with bank secrecy prior to the 2015 deadline. !

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Support for the European Union and Turkey’s Candidacy !

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In October with a meeting in Luxembourg, the EU has agreed to restart membership talks with Turkey after a three-year break.24 In November, Luxembourg’s Grand Duke after touring Turkey, voiced Luxembourg’s support for Turkey’s EU bid.25 Luxembourg is also Turkey’s best ally in this country’s integration into the EU.26 Luxembourg’s central government was glad that Turkey seems ready to adopt what they deem to be European “norms and values” in regards to democracy and human rights.27!

The dialogue surrounding Turkey is due to Luxembourg’s overall support of the EU and generally expanding trade relations.28According to a recent survey by the European Parliament, Luxembourg is ideologically attached with the EU.29 Overall, the people of Luxembourg are proud of the Euro, despite of its crisis, because it represents a European identity.30 When compared to the rest of the EU responses, Luxembourg is generally more optimistic in their views of the EU’s future.31!

Luxembourg’s support for Turkey is a recent development in EULuxembourg relations as it has only been since October that Turkey’s bid has come up for discussion again. !

This support of Turkey is affecting Luxembourg’s relations with the EU by encouraging the expansion of the EU. Luxembourg is a big supporter of the EU and now the main supporter of Turkey.

Therefore, Luxembourg is supporting the introduction of new members and making the EU a stronger force in Europe. The support for more countries joining the EU is also supported by

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Luxembourg’s desire to make EU decisions more legitimate to Europeans.32!

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EU and European Immigration in Luxembourg !

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Reports from October have shown that 119 people applied for international protection in Luxembourg in September, which increased from 76 people in August.33 This brings the total number of asylum seekers to 785 this year, many coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Kosovo and Montenegro.34 While asylum seekers are coming in droves to Luxembourg, the country has also become the immigration haven of Europe, welcoming 635 new Luxembourgers with the recorded highest migratory population growth rates in Europe.35 The majority of these new Luxembourgers are from Belgium, France, Portugal and Italy.36 In total, the migration balance in Luxembourg for the past 50 years is considerably higher than that of the EU.37 Obviously, this immigration phenomenon is ongoing, as it has been happening for over 50 years it is likely to continue to happen. !

Since January 2013 Luxembourg has been considering changing their immigration laws so that it would be easier to obtain citizenship.38 The current law, adopted in 2008, provides a major obstacle in immigration to Luxembourg, as the candidate needs to have passed a Luxembourgish language test in order to obtain citizenship, including all EU members.39 There is now debate on how to make the language legislation non-discriminatory, in order to make a compromise between understanding the language and speaking it.40 This domestic reform is to make immigration fairer to everyone.41!

Such domestic reforms would be extremely important to Luxembourg-EU relations. Because there is a high rate of EU immigration to Luxembourg, there is increasing domestic support for the EU as an institution and for preferring the EU and

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full European integration.42 Luxembourg is a small country in the EU with a small population; therefore, the influence of emigration policy is vital.43 The media, particularly Luxemburger Wort, is trying to accommodate this new influx of immigrants, particularly the Portuguese, by making a Portuguese edition of their newspapers.44 Therefore, Luxembourg’s high EU immigration rates have them wanting to support a more integrated EU and it ties them more to the EU in general.45 !

2013 IN REVIEW! Particularly under the EU and in terms of domestic politics, 2013 was a stable year for Luxembourg. Luxembourg was able to participate a lot in EU affairs, hosting many discussions for EU affairs in Luxembourg City and being on the scene for all important EU meetings throughout the year. !

Luxembourg voiced very positive opinions about the EU this year, through changing their nationality laws to be more accepting of other European immigrants and voicing their positive opinions on EU expansion, Luxembourg has been very accepting and passionate about the EU and other members. It has been like this for many years, since Luxembourg was a founding country of the EU, and this year the nation continued its reputation for loving the EU. Out of all the nations in this organization of countries, Luxembourg has the highest hopes for the EU and has the most faith in it. !

While Luxembourg has been positive, the country has made some domestic policies that did not meet international standards, specifically those of the EU. For Luxembourg, this year was marked with a failure to comply with the EU standards for transparency in banking. Luxembourg has been participating in bank secrecy for quite sometime, trying to compete with other countries like Switzerland or

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Austria. Luxembourg has stated that they would begin making their banks more transparent by 2015, but insists that the EU demands the same of all other countries and islands known for offshore bank accounts to do the same. As of December 10th, both Luxembourg and Austria have been accused of delaying the approval of new rules that would end bank secrecy and help eliminate tax fraud.46 This delay is partially due to the fact that half of all banks in Luxembourg would shut down with the elimination of bank secrecy, harming Luxembourg’s finance sector.47 !

The Luxembourg media’s principle point of criticism regarding the EU was directed mainly at the European Central Bank (ECB). This is due to the fact that the ECB is in charge of the Euro and since the Euro has been doing poorly throughout 2013, so most of Europe has suffered. The Luxembourg press has mostly praised the outgoing Eurozone chair and Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker. The state media approved of Juncker’s vision of an expansion of European economic cooperation along with strengthening the European economy. !

In conclusion 2013 was a relatively stable year politically, albeit tumultuous in terms of Luxembourg-EU fiscal relations. The disagreement between the EU and Luxembourg was one of very few conflicts between the two parties. Other than this instance, Luxembourg-EU relations have always been, and will continue to be strong. More generally, Luxembourg has allied itself with Turkey, an EU candidate, and has begun a strong promotion for the expansion of the EU. Luxembourg is extremely proud of the EU and is accepting of other countries wanting to become a part of it. Lastly, Luxembourg’s press was mainly criticizing the ECB and was skeptical about the EU criticisms on Luxembourg’s banks. This suggests that while Luxembourg is still an extremely important member of the EU and is

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the most satisfied with it, they do not always agree with all EU policies, especially when it comes to the economic and financial sectors. !

Luxemburger Wort. "EU commissioner criticizes Luxembourg bank secrecy ."

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City), January 25, 2013, sec. Business. http:// www.wort.lu/en/view/eu-commissioner-criticises-luxembourg-banksecrecy-5102a189e4b09090eb1b5852 (accessed November 15, 2013).

1

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City), "Un v ritable il de cyclone fiscal," April 4, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/l-economie/43690.html (accessed November 15, 2013).

2

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City), "Trois alli s dans la tourmente," January 26, 2013, sec. l' conomie . http://www.lequotidien.lu/l-economie/41655.html (accessed November 15, 2013).

3

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City), "Europe's "fight" against tax havens still has far to go," April 10, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/europe-s-fight-against-taxhavens-still-has-far-to-go-51650e9fe4b0b65c3b72bca4 (accessed November 15, 2013).

4

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City), "Hands off our finance sector, Luxembourg warns," March 27, 2013, sec. Business. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/hands-off-ourfinance-sector-luxembourg-warns-5152caeae4b0e18483ddf442 (accessed November 15, 2013).

5

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City), "Consortium exposes offshore accounts ," April 4, 2013, sec. Business. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/consortium-exposesoffshore-accounts-515d4ccfe4b0bd54e4d1d5c5 (accessed November 15, 2013).

6

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City), "Sarkozy pr t participer un fonds bas au Luxembourg," February 5, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/l-economie/42016.html (accessed November 15, 2013).

7

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Des banques fran aises accus s d avoir aid monter des soci t s offshore April 4, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/l-economie/ 43748.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 8

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City), "Luxembourg to revise bank secrecy ," April 7, 2013, sec. Business. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/luxembourg-ready-to-revise-banksecrecy-51612761e4b0b65c3b72b611 (accessed November 15, 2013).

9

Tageblatt (Luxembourg City) "Erste Staaten fordern Informationen," April 4, 2013. http://www.tageblatt.lu/nachrichten/story/Erste-Staaten-fordernInformationen-10555187 (accessed November 15, 2013).

10

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Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City), Le Luxembourg pr t r duire son secret bancaire April 7, 2013 http://www.lequotidien.lu/l-economie/43788.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 11

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City), "Luxembourg to revise bank secrecy ," April 7, 2013, sec. Business. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/luxembourg-ready-to-revisebank-secrecy-51612761e4b0b65c3b72b611 (accessed November 15, 2013).

12

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Luxembourg: les banques pr tes accepter un secret bancaire affaibli . April 9, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/l-economie/ 43867.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 13

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City), PM warns of further spending cuts in annual speech April 10, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/pm-warns-of-furtherspending-cuts-in-annual-speech-516540b5e4b0f5e96c0c872f (accessed November 15, 2013) 14

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Bruxelles juge inacceptable que l Autriche s accroche son secret bancaire April 8, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/l-economie/ 43833.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 15

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Luxembourg to ease bank secrecy from 2015 April 10, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/luxembourg-to-ease-bank-secrecyfrom-2015-51652e12e4b0b65c3b72bd00 (accessed November 15, 2013) 16

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Luxembourg tax-data exchange still under reflection . April 9, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/luxembourg-tax-dataexchange-still-under-reflection-5163c1c7e4b0b65c3b72ba35 (accessed November 15, 2013) 17

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Berlin: grand respect pour le choix du Luxembourg sur le secret bancaire . April 10, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/leconomie/43901.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 18

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Austria will stick to banking secrecy laws .

April 12, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/austria-will-stick-to-banking-secrecylaws-5167fb89e4b043803d3ea6e9 (accessed November 15, 2013) 19

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Jean Asselborn urges EU to go after real tax havens April 16, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/jean-asselborn-urges-eu-togo-after-real-tax-havens-516ce721e4b08f34f805fb86 (accessed November 15, 2013) 20

21Luxemburger

Wort (Luxembourg City) EU urges Luxembourg, Austria to open up bank secrecy . November 15, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/eu-urgesluxembourg-austria-to-open-up-bank-secrecy-52863570e4b0299697b95f01 (accessed November 22, 2013)

174

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Luxembourg dents EU hopes of deal to end banking secrecy . November 15, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/luxembourg-dentseu-hopes-of-deal-to-end-banking-secrecy-5285c467e4b0ac47d99b6fd0 (accessed November 22, 2013) 22

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Luxembourg called financial secrecy death star in Tax Justice Network report . November 7, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/ luxembourg-called-financial-secrecy-death-star-in-tax-justice-networkreport-527b8db5e4b0837df2736408 (accessed November 22, 2013) 23

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Ministers agree in Luxembourg meeting to restart Turkey EU membership talks October 22, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/ ministers-agree-in-luxembourg-meeting-to-restart-turkey-eu-membershiptalks-52664b6be4b0783e0539da0a accessed November 20, 2013 24

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Grand Duke voices support for Turkey EU bid November 20, 2013 http://www.wort.lu/en/view/grand-duke-voices-support-forturkey-eu-bid-528c558de4b0fdd7bf3b3e8a accessed November 22, 2013 25

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) La Turquie, un ami de choix November 20, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/politique-et-societe/50681.html accessed November 22, 2013 26

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Grand Duke voices support for Turkey EU bid November 20, 2013 http://www.wort.lu/en/view/grand-duke-voices-support-forturkey-eu-bid-528c558de4b0fdd7bf3b3e8a accessed November 22, 2013 27

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Les souverains en visite en Turquie November 16, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/politique-et-societe/50563.html accessed November 22, 2013 28

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Luxembourg residents loyal to EU September 6, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/luxembourg-residents-loyal-toeu-5229c580e4b01da492cfde7c Accessed November 20. 2013.

29

European Union. European Parliament. Eurobarometre. Eurobarometre. European Parliament, September 6, 2013. http://www.europarl.lu/resource/static/files/Eurobar/ eurobarometre-79_5.pdf>.Web. Accessed November 20. 2013.

30

31

Ibid

32

Ibid

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) 119 asylum seekers arrived in Luxembourg in September . October 7, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/119-asylum-seekersarrived-in-luxembourg-in-september-5252bee5e4b0127de7dd9955 (accessed November 20, 2013) 33

175

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) 82 rapatriements de demandeurs de protection en 2012. Jan 22, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/politique-et-societe/41504.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 34

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Luxembourg- the immigration haven of Europe November 21, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/luxembourg-theimmigration-haven-of-europe-528deb46e4b0f8040ccea8ec (accessed November 22, 2013) 35

36

Ibid

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) 545 000 immigrants have flocked to Luxembourg since 1960 September 7, 2012 http://www.wort.lu/en/view/545-000immigrants-have-flocked-to-luxembourg-since-1960-504a09dee4b06b3bb00edd49 (accessed November 15, 2013) 37

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Devenir luxembourgeois, toujours un d bat January 25, 2013. http://www.lequotidien.lu/politique-et-societe/41609.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 38

39Le

Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Le d fi de l int gration des trangers January 30, 2013 http://www.lequotidien.lu/politique-et-societe/41770.html (accessed November 15, 2013) Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Nationalit : copie satisfaisante March 15, 2013 http://www.lequotidien.lu/politique-et-societe/43009.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 40

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Nationalit s: le ministre Fran ois Biltgen pr sente le nouveau projet de loi March 21, 2013 http://www.lequotidien.lu/ politique-et-societe/43235.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 41

Le Quotidien (Luxembourg City) Citoyens, faites entendre votre voix! January 22, 2013 http://www.lequotidien.lu/politique-et-societe/41504.html (accessed November 15, 2013) 42

Le Quotidien covered a new Luxemburger beauty pageant called Miss Portugal Luxembourg this year 43

44

Luxemburger Wort s Portuguese language option on their website

European Union. European Parliament. Eurobarometre. Eurobarometre. European Parliament, September 6, 2013. http://www.europarl.lu/resource/static/files/Eurobar/ eurobarometre-79_5.pdf>.Web. Accessed November 20. 2013.

45

176

46

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Luxembourg and Austria blamed for bank

secrecy delay December 10, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/luxembourg-austriablamed-for-bank-secrecy-delay-52a723b3e4b010cbc9a3861d (accessed December 27, 2013) 47

Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg City) Half of Luxembourg s banks could

disappear due to banking secret reform April 26, 2013. http://www.wort.lu/en/view/ half-of-luxembourg-s-banks-could-disappear-due-to-banking-secretreform-517a648ee4b0f5172f902599. (accessed December 27, 2013)

177

The Netherlands Emma de Leeuw

!

BACKGROUND

!

• • • • •

Population: 16,805,037 (July 2013 est.)1 Unemployment Rate: 6.8% (2013 est.)2 GDP per capita in 2012: $42,900 EU member entry date: 1952 EU funding in 2012: Net contributor

MEDIA SOURCES

!

! !

• • • •

Het Financieele Dagblad Founding date: 1796 Ownership: Financieele Dagblad Mediagroep Readership/ daily circulation: 64 1003

• • • •

NRC Handelblad Founding date: 1970 (After merger of Algemeen Handelsblad (1828) and Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant (1844) Ownership: Persgroep Nederland Readership/ daily circulation: 218 0004

• • • •

Volkskrant Founding date: 1919 Ownership: Persgroep Nederland Readership/ daily circulation: 260 0005

FINDINGS • Number of articles consulted: 58 (NRC-26; Financieele Dagblad-10; Volkskrant-22) • List of search words: “financial crisis 2013’, ‘impact of Cyprus crisis on Dutch economy”, “bank nationalization 2013”, “Dutch

178

!

economy 2013”, “budget deficit 2013”, “Dutch national debt”, “conditions of Dutch budget deficit”, “Geert Wilders protest”, “housing market the Netherlands 2013” From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Dutch- EU relations in 2013:

Financial Crisis • In 2013, Cyprus was a major topic in the Dutch media. In March of this year the Cyprus government asked the European Commission for an emergency loan of 10 billion euros.6 However, in April the cost of saving the country was 6 billion euros higher than predicted.7 After protest from Cyprus’ Parliament, the next month an emergency loan package of 16 billion euros was approved by a small majority of the Cyprus Parliament that included budget cuts, tax increases, and the shut down of the Laiki bank.8 Cyprus represents the beginning of a change in the European bank bail out policy, in that it shifted the burden of paying for to rescue from taxpayers to shareholders, bondholders, and depositors of the failed bank.9 The Netherlands is in support of this shift due to the impact financial crisis in Cyprus on the Dutch stock market, which resulting in losses occurring after the package was approved.10 • Although there are more countries and banks that need to be bailed out by the European Commission, those that received loans are slowly recovering. In the third quarter this year the Spanish economy experienced a 0.1% growth after 9 consecutive quarters of losses.11 Although Spain is still experiencing high unemployment, and lots of state debt, the consumer spending has increased for the first time in three years.12 Additionally Greece announced in November that it will not be asking for another

179

!

emergency loan, and that the state is slowly on its way to reaching its goals of budget cuts.13 • In contrast to the small growth occurring in other countries, the Dutch economy is expected to experience a loss of 0.2%.14 However, to close the deficit in the EU budget before 2014 the Netherlands is expected to contribute an extra 350-500 million euros, meaning there will be less for the country’s domestic budget.15

Budget Deficit

!

• A major worry for the Dutch population is the condition of its economy, as stated above the Dutch economy is expected to experience a loss of 0.2%; a below average expectation compared to the rest of the European Union. Along with the lack of growth, by 2014 the Dutch government aims reduce the budget by 4.3 billion euros through cuts in healthcare, provincial funds and welfare.16 The Netherlands received an extra year to bring the budget deficit to 2.8% of the GDP, as this year it is expected to be at 3.6%.17 The budget cuts are going to decreasing disposable income of consumers by 3.8%, which is expected to decrease consumer spending.18 Unemployment levels are expected to increase, which may require the government to hand out more unemployment payments--further increasing the state debt.19 Although the Dutch economy grew by 0.1%, the growth is below the European Union average of 0.3%. Clearly, while it is out of the recession the Netherlands is still in the middle of a crisis.20

Immigration • With the borders opening next year to working immigrants within the European Union there is an increased anxiety of more Bulgarian and Romanian immigrants saturating the job market in

180

the Netherlands.21 There are 6000 expected Romanian and Bulgarian worker immigrants travelling to the Netherlands because of the opening of the Dutch borders.22 • The increase of immigrants with lower wages allows for possible exploitation or discrimination, materializing sometimes as lower housing standards for new migrants. According to the European Commission, independent governments should manage those standards themselves.23 After the United Kingdom opened its doors to Poland, and the recent quarrel over fishing rights, this year they implemented higher requirements for immigration.24 Along with the low unemployment and low purchasing power, more low-income immigrants will negatively affect other people with low incomes.25 Due to these possible effects; public opinion is increasingly concerned, conservative parties are beginning to seem more anti-immigration.26

!

!

2013 IN REVIEW The crisis in Cyprus was a major topic in Dutch financial media; the European Commission provided the country with a 10 billion euro loan.27 This was less than Cyprus needed; the remaining amount was shifted onto shareholders, bondholders and depositors of the failed bank.28 After the approval of the emergency loan package, the Dutch stock market was down by 1.1%.29 Due to the crisis in Cyprus, 50% fewer Dutch people are going on vacation to Cyprus compared to 2012.30 The Netherlands is a major contributor to the European Commission, with a new (2014) multi annual budget of 7.3 billion euros in open accounts, which still need to be paid off; of which the Netherlands is expected to contribute a minimum of 350 million to 500 million euros.31 Another major topic in financial crisis news was the nationalization of the SNS Reaal bank in February, which used 3.7 billion euros of

181

tax money to rescue the bank from bankruptcy.32 After the nationalization of SNS Reaal, the bank incurred a loss of 1.59 billion euros in the first half of this year, due to the declining housing market.33 As a result of the nationalization of SNS Reaal, different components of the bank are now being sold by the Dutch government.34 Due to slow economic growth, the Dutch credit rating was downgraded from AAA status to AA+ status; this could have implications on the interest rate the country pays on its debts.35 While other EU countries have been growing with an average of 0.3%, the Dutch economy has experienced losses for the 4th quarter in a row.36 In March, the Dutch government had plans to reduce its budget by 4.3 billion euros, by cutting spending in healthcare, levies, provincial funds and welfare.37 However, the European Commission announced that the Netherlands must reduce their budget by 6 billion euros to meet their requirements.38 Due to weak economic growth the Netherlands received another year but the budget deficit must be under 2.8% instead of 3% to allow for slippage.39 However, the IMF predicts that the Netherlands will not be able to reach the budget requirements, and that the deficit will even rise to 4.8%, instead of the earlier predicated 3.6%.40 Since the financial crisis is constantly on the news, polling shows 61% of the population is worried about the Dutch economy and feels that the financial crisis is not being resolved properly.41 Increased anxiety about the economy is no surprise, this year the Dutch economy is expected to shrink by 0.8%, and disposable income is expected to decrease by 3.8%, which has resulted in decreasing of consumer spending.42 The port city of Rotterdam has also been affected by the financial crisis, for the first time since 2009 the port did not experience the predicted growth of 2% but remained at the same level of last year.43 Although exports are low, the amount of gas transported through Dutch pipelines has reached a record high in 2013 due to colder winters,

182

which has increased demand.44 Foreign investment in Dutch renewable energies has also increased because of a free market, convenient location, and a lack of Dutch capital.45 The housing market in the Netherlands has seen a decline of 4% per year, which is much higher than the average decline of 1.9% in the other 27 European Union countries.46 Average mortgages are 1.5% higher compared to other EU countries, meaning that people who want to sell their house are left with a mortgage debt, lost funds from selling their house and a broader stagnation for the housing market.47 Along with the weak housing market inflation has also been highest this year since 2008 reaching a maximum of 3%, reducing the Dutch population’s purchasing power.48 National debt is increasing the most compared to other EU countries, and in 2013 was 74.4% of the GDP.49 Although the Dutch economy is expected to shrink by 0.8% this year, and unemployment is expected to rise from 5.8% to a high rate of 7.2% for the upcoming years, the Netherlands is expected to grow by 0.5% in 2014.50 A major social issue in the Dutch news this year was immigration into the Netherlands, which adds more people to the country, compared to natural growth.51 This year there has been increased concern about the opening of the Dutch borders in 2014. Lodewijk Asscher who is a member of the Labour Party stated that there need to be new rules to manage the amount of workers to entering the Netherlands from East Europe, to avoid the negative impacts on other low income workers because of immigrants accustomed to lower incomes and possible exploitation of migrant workers.52 Asscher suggested immigrants should sign a contract recognizing Dutch laws, constitution, norms, and values.53 Other conservative parties in the Netherlands like the Christian Democratic Appeal, Labour Party, and the People’s Party for Freedom & Democracy, are becoming more anti-immigration and want stricter rules in place.54 However, overall there has been less negative public opinion towards immigrants.55

183

The European Commission has stated, that the governments are responsible for the effects of increased immigration that could arise in 2014.56 With the UK implementing stricter requirements for immigration after opening its borders to Polish immigrants, could be a warning to the Netherlands who will open its borders next year to worker immigrants.57 Concern over a flood of low income workers on the job market immigration has increased because EU borders open up to an estimated 6000 Bulgarian and Romanian worker immigrants to the Netherlands.58 In September the Party for Freedom leader Geert Wilders protested against the Romanian Embassy in the Hague; almost 3/4 of the Dutch population is worried about increased crime and over crowding on the labour market.59 The Romanian ambassador responded by saying that the Netherlands is not a country of interest to immigrants, and that its time for Western European countries to keep to EU values.60

Central Intelligence Agency, "World Factbook: The Netherlands." Last modified March 11, 2014. Accessed March 30, 2014. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/ the-world-factbook/geos/nl.html.

1

Central Intelligence Agency, "World Factbook: The Netherlands." Last modified March 11, 2014. Accessed March 30, 2014. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/ the-world-factbook/geos/nl.html.

2

PressEurop, "Het Financieele Dagblad." Last modified 2012. Accessed March 8, 2014. http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-information/159371-het-financieele-dagblad.

3

PressEurop, "NRC Handelsblad." Last modified 2012. Accessed March 8, 2014. http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-profile/15211-nrc-handelsblad.

4

PressEurop, "Volkskrant." Last modified 2012. Accessed March 8, 2014. http:// www.presseurop.eu/en/content/source-profile/9451-de-volkskrant.

5

Willems , Marije. NRC Handelblad, "De 4,3 miljard aan extra bezuinigingen en lastenverzwaringen op een rijtje." Last modified March 1, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/03/01/lees-hier-waar-het-kabinet-extra-op-gaatbezuinigen/.

6

184

Eigenraam, Anouk. NRC Handelblad, "Cyprus vraagt EU om ‘extra hulp’ - ‘land kan beroep doen op andere subsidiepotjes'." Last modified April 12, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/04/12/cyprus-vraagt-de-eu-om-extrahulp/.

7

van der Ziel, Arjen. "Cyprus geeft fiat reddingsplan." Volkskrant, May 5, 2013. www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2844/Archief/archief/article/detail/3434385/2013/05/01/ Cyprus-geeft-fiat-reddingsplan.dhtml (accessed December 4, 2013).

8

van Kampen, Anouk. NRC Handelblad, "Voorjaarsnota: minder belastinginkomsten leiden tot miljardentegenvaller kabinet." Last modified May 24, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/05/24/voorjaarsnota-begrotingstekortverslechterd-door-minder-belastinginkomsten/.

9

Willems , Marije. NRC Handelblad, "Amsterdamse beurs opent lager na reddingsplan Cyprus." Last modified March 18, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http:// www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/03/18/amsterdamse-beurs-opent-met-verlies-door-cyprus/.

10

Zantingh, Peter. NRC Handelblad, "Spaanse economie groeit met 0,1 procent ‘recessie voorbij, maar crisis nog niet’." Last modified October 30, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/10/30/spanje-uit-de-recessieeconomie-groeit-met-01-procent/.

11

12

Ibid.

"'Griekenland hoeft geen nieuwe noodlening'." Volkskrant, Last modified November 23, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/7264/ Schuldencrisis/article/detail/3549808/2013/11/23/Griekenland-hoeft-geen-nieuwenoodlening.dhtml.

13

Zantingh, Peter. NRC Handelblad, "Terwijl Nederland in recessie blijft, klimt de eurozone eruit." Last modified August 14 , 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http:// www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/08/14/we-blijven-in-een-recessie-vierde-kwartaal-op-rijkrimp/.

14

van den Dool, Pim. NRC Handelblad, "Nederland betaalt mogelijk half miljard extra aan EU-begroting." Last modified May 15, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/05/15/nederland-betaalt-mogelijk-half-miljard-extraaan-europese-begroting/.

15

Willems , Marije. NRC Handelblad, "De 4,3 miljard aan extra bezuinigingen en lastenverzwaringen op een rijtje." Last modified March 1, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/03/01/lees-hier-waar-het-kabinet-extra-opgaat-bezuinigen/.

16

van den Dool, Pim. NRC Handelblad, "Nederland krijgt jaar uitstel van Brussel, maar moet miljarden extra bezuinigen." Last modified May 29, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/05/29/nederland-krijgt-jaar-uitstelvan-brussel-maar-moet-miljarden-extra-bezuinigen/.

17

185

van Kampen, Anouk. NRC Handelblad, "De Nederlandsche Bank: 2013 is het jaar van de zure appel." Last modified June 10, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http:// www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/06/10/de-nederlandsche-bank-2013-is-het-jaar-van-de-zureappel/.

18

Laanen, Judith. NRC Handelblad, "UWV voorziet ‘forse’ stijging WWuitkeringen." Last modified July 1, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/07/01/uwv-voorziet-forse-stijging-ww-uitkeringen/.

19

van den Dool, Pim. NRC Handelblad, "Nederland is uit de recessie: groei van 0,1 procent ‘maar nog geen echt herstel’." Last modified November 14, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/11/14/nederland-is-uit-de-recessieeconomie-groeit-met-01-procent/ 20

Volkskrant, "VVD wil uitkeringen voor Polen beperken." Last modified January 17, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/ article/detail/3378616/2013/01/17/VVD-wil-uitkeringen-voor-Polen-beperken.dhtml 21

Volkskrant, "Asscher: 'Wet aanpassen om uitkering buitenlander'." Last modified March 25, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/ Binnenland/article/detail/3431691/2013/04/25/Asscher-Wet-aanpassen-om-uitkeringbuitenlander.dhtml.

22

Berentsen, Laurens, and Ulko Jonker. Financieele Dagblad, “ EU vindt dat Asscher voordelen vrij personenverkeer miskent." Last modified August 20, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://fd.nl/economie-politiek/714736-1308/eu-vindt-dat-asschervoordelen-vrij-personenverkeer-miskent.

23

Jonker, Ulko. Financieele Dagblad, "Een Vernislaagje EU-Integratie." Last modified August 20, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://fd.nl/economie-politiek/ 899562-1308/een-vernislaagje-eu-integratie.

24

25

Ibid.

Fennema, Meindert. Volkskrant, "'Ook traditionele partijen als PvdA en CDA worden steeds meer anti-immigratie'." Last modified September 6, 2013. Accessed December 4, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/11204/Meindert-Fennema/article/detail/3504903/2013/09/06/Ook-traditionele-partijen-als-PvdA-en-CDA-worden-steedsmeer-anti-immigratie.dhtml .

26

Willems , Marije. "Amsterdamse beurs opent lager na reddingsplan Cyprus." NRC Handelblad, March 18, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/03/18/amsterdamsebeurs-opent-met-verlies-door-cyprus/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

27

van Kampen, Anouk. "Voorjaarsnota: minder belastinginkomsten leiden tot miljardentegenvaller kabinet." NRC Handelblad, May 24, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/ 2013/05/24/voorjaarsnota-begrotingstekort-verslechterd-door-minder-belastinginkomsten/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

28

186

Willems , Marije. "Amsterdamse beurs opent lager na reddingsplan Cyprus." NRC Handelblad, March 18, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/03/18/amsterdamsebeurs-opent-met-verlies-door-cyprus/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau, . "Grote onrust over spaardersheffing Cyprus."

Volkskrant, March 18, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2680/Economie/article/ detail/3411378/2013/03/18/Grote-onrust-over-spaardersheffing-Cyprus.dhtml (accessed January 5, 2014).

29

Gersdorf, Frank. "Nederlanders keren Cyprus de rug toe." Financieele Dagblad, August 29, 2013. http://fd.nl/economie-politiek/983229-1308/nederlanders-kerencyprus-de-rug-toe (accessed January 5, 2014).

30

van den Dool, Pim. "Nederland betaalt mogelijk half miljard extra aan EU-begroting." NRC Handelblad, May 15, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/05/15/nederland-betaalt-mogelijk-half-miljard-extra-aan-europese-begroting/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau, . "Nederland betaalt 175 miljoen extra aan EUbegroting." Volkskrant, October 14, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2680/ Economie/article/detail/3526924/2013/10/14/Nederland-betaalt-175-miljoen-extraaan-EU-begroting.dhtml (accessed January 5, 2014).

31

VK Verslaggevers, . "Staat redt SNS met tegenzin." Volkskrant, February 2, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2844/Archief/archief/article/detail/ 3387162/2013/02/02/Staat-redt-SNS-met-tegenzin.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau, . "Raad van State: nationalisatie SNS blijft overeind." Volkskrant, February 25, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/12404/ Staat-nationaliseert-SNS-Reaal/article/detail/3399765/2013/02/25/Raad-van-Statenationalisatie-SNS-blijft-overeind.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

32

33 Algemeen

Nederlands Persbureau, . "Ruim 1,5 miljard verlies voor SNS Reaal."

Volkskrant, August 15, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/12404/Staat-nationaliseert-SNS-Reaal/article/detail/3492771/2013/08/15/Ruim-1-5-miljard-verlies-voorSNS-Reaal.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

34 Algemeen

Nederlands Persbureau, . "SNS Reaal wordt gesplitst voor verkoop."

Volkskrant, August 23, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/12404/Staat-nationaliseert-SNS-Reaal/article/detail/3497490/2013/08/23/SNS-Reaal-wordt-gesplitstvoor-verkoop.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

35 Algemeen

Nederlands Persbureau, . "S&P verlaagt kredietoordeel Nederland naar AA ." Volkskrant, November 29, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/7264/ Schuldencrisis/article/detail/3553465/2013/11/29/S-P-verlaagt-kredietoordeel-Nederland-naar-AA.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

Zantingh, Peter. "Terwijl Nederland in recessie blijft, klimt de eurozone eruit." NRC Handelblad, August 14, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/08/14/we-blijven-ineen-recessie-vierde-kwartaal-op-rij-krimp/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

36

187

Willems , Marije. "De 4,3 miljard aan extra bezuinigingen en lastenverzwaringen op een rijtje." NRC Handelblad, March 1, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/ 2013/03/01/lees-hier-waar-het-kabinet-extra-op-gaat-bezuinigen/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

37

de Vries, Joost. "Brussel akkoord met Nederlandse bezuinigingen." Volkskrant, November 15, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/article/detail/ 3545369/2013/11/15/Brussel-akkoord-met-Nederlandse-bezuinigingen.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

38

van den Dool, Pim. "Nederland krijgt jaar uitstel van Brussel, maar moet miljarden extra bezuinigen." NRC Handelblad, May 29, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/ 2013/05/29/nederland-krijgt-jaar-uitstel-van-brussel-maar-moet-miljarden-extrabezuinigen/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

39

Zandstra, Philippus. "IMF voorspelt Nederlands begrotingstekort van 4,8 procent in 2015." NRC Handelblad, October 10, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/10/10/ imf-voorspelt-nederlands-begrotingstekort-van-48-procent-in-2015/? utm_campaign=rss&utm_source=syndication (accessed January 4, 2014). van den Dool, Pim. "Nederland krijgt jaar uitstel van Brussel, maar moet miljarden extra bezuinigen." NRC Handelblad, May 29, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/ 2013/05/29/nederland-krijgt-jaar-uitstel-van-brussel-maar-moet-miljarden-extrabezuinigen/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

40

Eigenraam, Anouk. "Peiling NRC: Nederlanders vooral bezorgd over de economie." NRC Handelblad, August 31, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/08/31/ peiling-nrc-nederlanders-vooral-bezorgd-over-de-economie/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

41

van Kampen, Anouk. "De Nederlandsche Bank: 2013 is het jaar van de zure appel."

NRC Handelblad, June 10, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/06/10/de-nederlandsche-bank-2013-is-het-jaar-van-de-zure-appel/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

42

Eigenraam, Anouk. "Voor het eerst sinds jaren groeit overslag Rotterdamse haven niet." NRC Handelblad, December 19, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/12/19/ overslag-rotterdamse-haven-blijft-steken-politici-maken-weinig-tempo/?utm_campaign=rss&utm_source=syndication (accessed January 4, 2014).

43

"Recordhoeveelheid aardgas getransporteerd in 2013." Financieele Dagblad, December 24, 2013. http://fd.nl/economie-politiek/901863-1312/recordhoeveelheidaardgas-getransporteerd-in-2013 (accessed January 5, 2014).

44

den Brinker, Gijs. "Nederland plukt nu de vruchten van vooroplopen in vrije energiemarkt." Financieele Dagblad, January 28, 2013. http://fd.nl/economie-politiek/ 686405-1301/nederland-plukt-nu-de-vruchten-van-vooroplopen-in-vrije-energiemarkt (accessed January 5, 2014).

45

188

van Kampen, Anouk. "Huizenprijzen in Nederland dalen sterker dan gemiddeld in de EU." NRC Handelblad, January 31, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/01/31/ huizenprijzen-in-nederland-dalen-sterker-dan-gemiddeld-in-de-eu/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

Redactie, . "Mood'ys: zwak consumentenvertrouwen ondermijnt groei." Volkskrant, August 18, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2680/Economie/article/detail/ 3494282/2013/08/18/Moody-s-zwak-consumentenvertrouwen-ondermijnt-groei.dhtml (accessed January 5, 2014).

46

Jasper, Klapwijk. "Totale hypotheekschuld wel degelijk het grote probleem Nederlandse woningmarkt." Financieele Dagblad, May 6, 2013. http://fd.nl/economie-politiek/775913-1302/totale-hypotheekschuld-wel-degelijk-het-grote-probleem-nederlandse-woningmarkt (accessed March 7, 2014).

47

NRC. "Prijzen stegen sinds 2008 niet zo snel als nu." NRC Handelblad, August 9, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/handelsblad/van/2013/augustus/09/prijzen-stegen-sinds-2008niet-zo-snel-als-nu-1281351 (accessed March 7, 2014).

48

Zandstra, Philippus. "IMF voorspelt Nederlands begrotingstekort van 4,8 procent in 2015." NRC Handelblad, October 10, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/10/10/ imf-voorspelt-nederlands-begrotingstekort-van-48-procent-in-2015/? utm_campaign=rss&utm_source=syndication (accessed January 4, 2014).

49

van Kampen, Anouk. "De Nederlandsche Bank: 2013 is het jaar van de zure appel."

NRC Handelblad, June 10, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/06/10/de-nederlandsche-bank-2013-is-het-jaar-van-de-zure-appel/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

Spijkerman, Catrien. "Weer stijging Europese werkloosheid." NRC Handelblad, February 1, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/carriere/2013/02/01/weer-stijging-europese-werkloosheid/ (accessed January 5, 2014).

50

51 Algemeen

Nederlands Persbureau, . "EU-bevolking met 1,1 miljoen mensen gegroeid." Volkskrant, November 20, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2668/ Buitenland/article/detail/3548208/2013/11/20/EU-bevolking-met-1-1-miljoenmensen-gegroeid.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

HerderscheĂŞ, Gijs. "Asscher: bescherm Nederlandse werknemers tegen invasie Oost-Europa." Volkskrant, August 17, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/article/detail/3493705/2013/08/17/Asscher-bescherm-Nederlandse-werknemers-tegen-invasie-Oost-Europa.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

52

"Asscher wil contract voor nieuwkomers." Financieele Dagblad, February 20, 2013. http://fd.nl/economie-politiek/579255-1302/asscher-wil-contract-voornieuwkomers (accessed January 5, 2014).

53

189

Fennema, Meindert. "'Ook traditionele partijen als PvdA en CDA worden steeds meer anti-immigratie'." Volkskrant, September 6, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/ nl/11204/Meindert-Fennema/article/detail/3504903/2013/09/06/Ook-traditionele-partijen-als-PvdA-en-CDA-worden-steeds-meer-anti-immigratie.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau, . "Steden willen strengere eisen voor arbeidsmigranten." Volkskrant, December 9, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/article/detail/3559043/2013/12/09/Steden-willen-strengere-eisen-voor-arbeidsmigranten.dhtml (accessed January 5, 2014).

54

Moerland, RenĂŠ. "SCP: negatieve stemming over immigratie en integratie afgenomen." NRC Handelblad, December 11, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/ 2013/12/11/scp-negatieve-stemming-over-immigratie-en-integratie-is-afgenomen/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

55

Berentsen, Laurens, and Ulko Jonker. "EU vindt dat Asscher voordelen vrij personenverkeer miskent." Financieele Dagblad, August 20, 2013. http://fd.nl/economiepolitiek/714736-1308/eu-vindt-dat-asscher-voordelen-vrij-personenverkeer-miskent (accessed January 5, 2014).

56

"Een Vernislaagje EU Integratie." Financieele Dagblad, August 20, 2013. http:// fd.nl/economie-politiek/899562-1308/een-vernislaagje-eu-integratie (accessed March 7, 2014).

57

58 Algemeen

Nederlands Persbureau, . "VVD wil uitkeringen voor Polen beperken."

Volkskrant, January 17, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/article/ detail/3378616/2013/01/17/VVD-wil-uitkeringen-voor-Polen-beperken.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau, . "Asscher: 'Wet aanpassen om uitkering buitenlander'." Volkskrant, April 25 , 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2686/Binnenland/ article/detail/3431691/2013/04/25/Asscher-Wet-aanpassen-om-uitkering-buitenlander.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

Redactie, . "Wilders protesteert bij Roemeense ambassade." Volkskrant, September 9, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/11698/Kabinet-Rutte-II/article/detail/ 3506389/2013/09/09/Wilders-protesteert-bij-Roemeense-ambassade.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

59

Obbema, Fokke. "'Zodra er iets misgaat in de EU krijgen wij de schuld'." Volkskrant, February 14, 2013. http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2844/Archief/archief/article/detail/3393485/2013/02/14/Zodra-er-iets-misgaat-in-de-EU-krijgen-wij-deschuld.dhtml (accessed January 4, 2014).

"Roemeense ambassadeur: Nederland hoeft niet te vrezen." NRC Handelblad, December 8, 2013. http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/12/08/roemeense-ambassadeur-nederland-hoeft-niet-te-vrezen/ (accessed January 4, 2014).

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Poland!

Alex Foster!

!

BACKGROUND! • •

!

• • •

Population: 38,383,809 (July 2013 est.)!

Ethnic composition: Polish (96.7%), German (0.4%), Belarusian (0.1%), Ukrainian (0.1%), other and unspecified (2.7%) (2002 census) !

GDP per capita in 2012: $20,900 !

EU member entry date: May 2004!

EU funding in 2013: Net contributor!

MEDIA SOURCES!

! ! !

• • • •

Gazeta Wyborcza!

Founding date: 1989!

Ownership: Agora Spółka Akcyjna (Agora SA)!

Readership/ daily circulation: 396,000!

• • • •

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna!

Founding date: 1982!

Ownership: Axel Springer AG !

Readership/ daily circulation: 158,000!

• • • •

Uważam Rze! Founding date: 2011!

Ownership: Gremi Media!

Readership/ daily circulation: 294,000!

FINDINGS! •

Number of articles consulted: 76 (Gazeta Wyborcza-33; Gazeta Prawna-28; Uważam rze-15!

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•

List of search words: “Poland EU and Eastern Europe,” “Poland EU and Ukraine,” “CO2 emissions and the EU”, “Poland VAT and the EU”!

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Polish-EU relations reported on in 2013:!

!

Poland’s role in the Eastern Partnership Program !

•

•

•

Poland is involved in the Eastern Partnership program as a sort of ‘bridge’ between the countries of Eastern Europe, namely those countries which were former members of the Soviet Bloc, such as Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Poland has been instrumental in working alongside these countries and supporting them in their attempts to negotiate varying agreements with the EU.1!

Poland’s role in the EaP started to become a major issue towards the latter half of the year, with preparations beginning in September for the signing of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCTFA) agreement with Ukraine, and Association Agreements with Georgia and Moldova.2 The last week of November was an especially crucial moment as it marked the third summit of the Eastern Partnership to be held in Vilnius. !

While Poland’s place in the EaP may not be crucial to its relationship with the European Union per se, it is nonetheless vital to the wider geopolitical aims of both Poland and the EU. Media outlets were keen to report and comment on the pressure put on Ukraine by Russia, largely to align it with its own international interests.3 From the perspective of Poland, Ukraine’s opening to the European market was to serve as a boon to the economy – a market of some 46 million Ukrainian consumers was expected to bring considerable growth to Poland’s export economy. 4 Naturally, the Ukrainian government’s unilateral decision to suspend the signing process came as a shock to members of the Polish government. In a statement to the media, Radosław Sikorski, the Polish minister of Foreign Affairs, said, “Poland, together with the whole European

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Union, is disappointed that Ukraine is not yet ready to undertake this modernization effort.”5 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ tone was much more conciliatory, saying that it would continue to build good relations with Ukraine and support them in pro-European endeavours, further suggesting that the offer was still on the table.6 Support for continued negotiations between Ukraine and the EU was not, however, limited only to government officials. Public demonstrations of support for Ukraine’s entry in the EU were organized in Poland alongside similar demonstrations held in Kiev, and these were warmly received by the Ukrainian public.7 In more positive news, the agreements between the EU and Georgia and Moldova, which were facilitated by Poland, were successfully signed at the summit in Vilnius.8!

!

Poland, the European Union and the VAT (value added tax)!

• •

•

Poland is involved in negotiations with the EU over a potential decrease in the VAT on certain goods and services. !

Negotiations over the VAT itself and how it was to be applied to various goods was reported on rather consistently throughout the year, although the importance of the issue rose significantly in September, and again in October as new rounds of negotiations took place. !

The value added tax imposed by the European Union forms the cornerstone of a general tax problem in Poland. As Uważam Rze reports, the VAT is poorly managed – to such an extent that the consumer can pay varying rates for exactly the same goods, produced in the same place and according to the same recipe, but with a different logo on the packaging.9 The issue is compounded by low wages. According to data from the Central Statistical Office, between 1995 and 2004, the average wage (adjusting for inflation) increased by 56 percent. By contrast, between Poland’s ascension to the EU in 2004 and 2013, wages only rose by 18 percent.10 As such, 2013 saw Poland attempt to negotiate lower rates of the VAT on a

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!

broad spectrum of goods. Perhaps the most crucial issue was a raise of the tax on medical supplies implemented by the European Commission – from 8 percent to a startling 23 percent – a move which would cripple what can be described as an already faltering health care system.11 In September, two complaints were filed by the European Commission to the European Justice Tribunal against Poland for lowering VAT rates beyond the permissible scope on medical supplies, as well as fire-fighting materials.12 Poland also proposed lowering the VAT on e-books in order for prices to be more on par with printed books. The initiative was supported by France as well as publishers who suggested that a high tax on ebooks was what accounted for generally lower base prices, in comparison to traditional, printed publications.13 For its part, the European Commission agreed to analyze the proposed reductions and their effects before reaching a final decision, but Emer Traynor, a spokesperson for the EC said that the process would take months and would ultimately require the agreement of all countries in the European Union.14 Poland troubles with the VAT reached more troubling, pan-European stage. Statistical data tracked by Eurostat found that the scale of fraud in VAT transactions between Poland and other EU countries was valued at 10.5 million złoty annually (approximately 2.5 million euros) – 2012 alone saw tax fraud on goods and services reach 15 million złoty (just over 3.5 million euros).15 There has not yet been any word on how either Poland, or the European Union, will deal with this issue. !

Poland, the European Union and the problem of CO₂ emissions !

• •

The debate over greenhouse gas emissions is a pan-European issue, in which Poland, of course, plays a significant part. !

The issue began to develop slowly over the course of the year but did not become crucial until the late fall. Between November 11-22, Poland played host to the United Nations Climate Change

194

•

Conference (COP-19) which was organized to decide on tackling climate change policies and curbing greenhouse gas emissions.!

There exists a kind of bitter rivalry between Poland and the European Union over the issue of climate change and it serves as one of the key issues on which the two parties cannot seem to fd any common ground. Poland remains one of largest producers of coal in the European Union and it is keen to protect this industry from what it perceives to be harmful legislation.16 Shortly after the conference after the UN Climate Change Conference began, the problem resurfaced. The Climate Action Network (CAN) accused Poland of stalling a global process by vetoing climate change initiatives in the European Union. Poland, for its part, seeks to raise the proposed CO₂ emissions reductions from 20 to 30 percent until the year 2020.17 The problem is two-fold: in the first place, as Joanna Strzelec-Łobodzińska, president of the Kompania Węglowa (Coal Company) S.A., has suggested, Poland cannot simply stop using coal energy – 90% of total energy production in Poland depends on coal, and there is also the concern that a decision to abandon it may lead to higher costs for the consumer.18 Secondly, there exists the concern that if Poland was forced to reduce CO₂ emissions, and therefore eliminate a large part of its industry, it would become more dependent on energy imports from other countries, most notably from Germany, where there has been considerable growth in the green energy sector.19 Poland has had to stand alone, as it has done almost consistently, as the only country in the EU to block crucial legislation on climate change. Yet even so, 2013 has met with new found support for Poland’s “cause” from other East Central European countries, including Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.20 At the same time, the Polish government has been keen to exhibit the initiatives it has taken to curb CO₂ emissions. Beata Jaczewsa, the deputy Minister of the Environment, has stated that since 1988, Poland has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions, by 30 percent, and further suggested that despite the country’s stubbornness on protecting its use of coal, it

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!

will “invest in new power plants and technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, even if we use the same energy source”.21 !

2013 IN REVIEW !

For Poland, 2013 was a year of duality with regards to its relationship with the European Union. On the surface, it would seem that very little has changed. The urgency attached to the signing of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU by most of Poland’s top officials broadly reflects the country’s continued commitment to the supranational system. The current ruling party, the Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska), continues to stress the importance of the relationship between Poland and the European Union, and the maintenance of this relationship forms a key part of its political agenda. At the same time, however, on-going tensions between Poland and the EU over the issues of the VAT and CO₂ emissions create an uneasy friction where the competing interests of the two parties are readily apparent. Coupled with poor economic conditions and a fractured, increasingly turbulent domestic political scene, these tensions may signal a sharp change in Polish-EU relations in the years to come. !

Concerns about the relationship, where they exist, are primarily economic in nature. Poland has weathered the euro crisis somewhat better than a number of its European counterparts, but the country is not immune to its effects. These concerns are compounded by uncertain and often varying predictions on Poland’s future economic conditions.

Some businesses still view the country as a source of cheap labour, a “China of Europe”, rather than a place where innovations are made, while some others see the country in continuous economic growth and point to considerable strides in income levels and quality of life. Given these conflicting views, the radical changes which the EU is proposing over the issues of the VAT and carbon dioxide emissions could potentially have drastic effects on the Polish economy as a whole, but also on the day-to-day lives of Poles. The outcomes of these conflicts are not yet certain, and it might take a few years for them to be

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resolved, yet it is fair to say that disagreements over the VAT and CO₂ emissions have not caused a significant breach between Poland and the EU. It is likely that these issues will be resolved in due course. Poland’s role in the negotiations with Ukraine over its signing of the Association Agreement, while ultimately fruitless following the complete reversal on the part of the Ukrainian government, reaffirmed Poland’s own commitment to the EU.!

This commitment may be called into question in the coming years, however, as the political scene changes. Support for the Civic Platform, arguably the country’s greatest proponent for strong relations with the European Union, is facing a sharp decline in popularity as scandals and poor decisions have deteriorated voter confidence. At the same time, the largest opposition party, the conservative Law and Justice party (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość), offers a more eurosceptic outlook and are currently leading in popularity polls. Euroscepticism, however, is not limited to mainstream of Polish politics, nor is it always “soft”. 2013 also saw the registration of the National Movement (Ruch Narodowy) as a political party. Although still in its infancy, the party, which can be labelled as a right-wing nationalist party, intends to put up its own candidates for elections to the European Parliament in 2014, despite declaring their intention to defend Polish interests from “international forces and the bureaucracy of Brussels”. While nothing firm has materialized from the National Movement, the fact that is has emerged at all is reflective of a pan-European trend which has seen the right, and in some cases the far-right, transform into political options capable of garnering broad appeal among the electorate. This trend has yet to reach the same heights in Poland as it has in other countries, such as France or even Hungary, and there is a chance that it never will.

Even so, the mere presence of such forces has the capacity to alter the fabric of the European system. Only time will tell if Poland has a role to play in these new changes as well. !

For the foreseeable future, however, it is reasonable to conclude that the relationship between Poland and the European Union will continue as it has for the last five years or so. In spite of hiccups and

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conflicts of interest, the bond between Poland and the European community remains considerably strong in the face of crisis and adversity. However, Poland is one part out of many which make up this community; one, like any other country in the EU, with its own set of unique problems. If left unchecked Poland’s domestic issues combined with its struggles with the EU may lead to a breakdown in relations. !

!

1“Rozpoczął

się szczyt Partnerstwa Wschodniego” Gazeta Wyborcza September 29 2013. Date of access: 3/11/13 “Minister w podróży. Sikorski w Mołdawii, na Ukrainie i w Gruzji” Gazeta Prawna 22 October 2013. Date of access: 3/11/13.

2

“Ukraińska szansa” Uważam Rze August 11, 2013. Date of access: 3/11/13.

“Ukraina na kursie do Unii” Gazeta Wyborcza September 22, 2013. Date of access: 3/11/13.

“Rosja prowadzi politykę imperialną” Uważam Rze September 22, 2013: Date of access 3/11/13.

“Rosja eskaluje handlowy konflikt z Ukrainą. Po cukierkach kolej na ciastka” Gazeta Prawna August 1, 2013. Date of access: 3/11/13.

3

4

“Apetyt na Ukrainę” Uważam Rze October 13, 2013. Date of Access: 3/11/13.

“MSZ: Polska rozczarowana decyzją Ukrainy ws. umowy stowarzyszeniowej z UE” Gazeta Wyborcza November 22, 2013. Date of access: 23/11/13.

5

“Polski MSZ: Nie ma planu B dla Ukrainy. Oferta UE leży cały czas na stole” Gazeta Prawna November 26, 2013. Date of access: 28/11/2013.

6

“Ukraina. Polska obecna na ‘Euromajdanie’ w Kijowie” Gazeta Wyborcza November 27, 2013. Date of access 28/11/2013.

7

8

“Kowal: UE powinna podpisać umowy z Mołdawią i Gruzją przed eurowyborami” Gazeta Wyborcza Novemeber 29, 2013. Date of access: 29/11/2013.

9

“Podatnikom na ratunek” Uważam Rze June 30, 2013. Date of access: 3/11/2013

10

“Zbiednieliśmy przez Unię” Uważam Rze June 2, 2013. Date of access: 3/11/2013.

“Unia chce podwyżki VAT-u na wyroby medyczne. Polskie szpitale biją na alarm” Gazeta Prawna March 15, 2013. Date of access: 3/11/2013.

11

“KE: Polska zbyt szeroko stosuje obniżoną stawkę VAT” Gazetna Prawna September 26, 2013. Date of access: 10/11/13.

“KE pozywa Polskę przed Trybunał UE w sprawie stawek VAT” Gazeta Wyborcza September 26, 2013. Date of access 3/11/2013.

12

198

“Polska chce niższych stawek VAT na e-książki w Unii Europejskiej” Gazeta Wyborcza October 4, 2013. Date of access: 3/11/2013.

13

“Komisja Europejska przeanalizuje VAT na e-książki” Gazeta Wyborcza October 22, 2013. Date of access 3/11/2013.

14

“Przestępcy wykorzystują bezradność fiskusa i wyłudzają” Gazeta Prawna June 5, 2013. Date of access 3/11/2013.

15

“Bruksela nam szkodzi” Uważam Rze November 10, 2013. Date of access: 15/11/2013.

16

“NGO: Polska powinna bardziej angażować się w walkę z ociepleniem” Gazeta Wyborcza November 11, 2013. Date of access: 15/11/2013.

“Komisarz UE liczy, że Polska dowiedzie, iż jest idealnym gospodarzem COP” Gazeta Wyborcza November 12, 2013. Date of access 15/11/2013.

17

“Koncerny węglowe tłumaczą, dlaczego polskaenergetyka nie może zrezygnować z węgla” Gazeta Prawna February 26, 2013. Date of access 3/11/2013.

18

“Wojna klimatyczna” Uważam Rze January 20, 2013. Date of access: 10/11/2013.

“Niemcy stawiają na gaz łupkowy. To oznacza dla Polski kłopoty” Gazeta Prawna February 28, 2013. Date of access 10/11/2013.

19

“UE. Polska może znowu samotnie walczyć ws. CO2” Gazeta Wyborcza October 2, 2013. Date of access: 3/11/2013.

“Polska kontynuuje walkę z UE w sprawie emisji CO2” Gazeta Prawna October 14, 2013. Date of access: 6/11/2013.

20

Polska chwali się redukcją CO2; zagraniczni dziennikarze pytają o węgiel Gazeta Wyborcza November 11, 2013. Date of access: 15/11/2013.

21

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Portugal Giancarlo Mignardi

!

BACKGROUND • • • •

!

•

Population: 10 799 270 (as of July 2013) Unemployment Rate: 16.8% (2013 est.)

GDP per capita: $23 800 USD (2012 estimate) EU member entry date: 1986 (Portugal is also a founding member of NATO) EU funding: Net recipient. Net contributor

MEDIA SOURCES

! ! !

• • • •

Correio da Manhã (The Morning Mail) Founding Date: 1979 Ownership: The Cofina Group Circulation: Aprox. 157 721

• • • •

Expresso Founding Date: 1973 Ownership: IMPRESA Sociedade Gestora de Participações Sociais, SA Circulation: Aprox. 112 000

• • • •

Jornal de Notícias Founding Date: 1888 Ownership: Controlinveste Media Circulation: Aprox. 83 000

!

!

200

FINDINGS Number of articles consulted: Approximately 130 List of Search Words: União Europeia, medidas de austeridade, crise economica, divida nacional, troika, desemprego, greve geral, economia, EU e Portugal, politica, portugueses.

From these findings, the following three major topics stand out as leading issues related to Portugal-EU relations reported on over the course of 2013: • •

! !

Ongoing Economic Crisis •

•

The fragile economy has received more than EUR 80 billion in EU ‘bailout’ support in recent years.1 The troika–composed of the EC, ECB, and the IMF– has continually been monitoring and directing economic changes in Portugal in order to strengthen conditions. For instance, over the course of 2013, the troika completed 10 comprehensive ‘reviews’ of the performance of the bailout program. Although Portugal has not met all economic targets that have been set, the troika has commented that all 10 reviews have gone “positively.”2 The President of the EC, a former Portuguese Prime Minister, has also recognized on many occasions that the economy has increasingly been heading into the right direction as time passes.3 In any case, going forward, Portugal will probably be expected to present “more ambitious structural reforms,” alongside reduction of wages in private sectors such as banking, energy, telecommunications, justice, and education, as well as generally more austerity.4 5 Alongside the troika’s recommendations, the Portuguese Minister of Economy and Employment proclaimed that internal changes must be met with

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•

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more exports and foreign investment in order for the tough circumstances to change proactively.6 There are many people, in Portugal and at large, who are both for and against these potential changes that were aforementioned. Whatever the case may be, Prime Minister Passos Coelho has acknowledged that steps cannot be made successfully until national choices are made with honesty, consensus, and rigor.7 The reality is that changes do need to be implemented in order for current circumstances to be improved upon. By December 2013, the Portuguese population was still being labeled as one of the poorest in the ‘euro zone,’ with the country carrying a GDP per capita that stood 25% below the ‘euro zone’ average.8 Moreover, on average, Portuguese families had a purchasing power over 3.5 times lower than Luxembourg, the ‘euro zone’ country with the highest GDP per capita by December.9 The recommendations of the troika have not always been taken positively. Many Portuguese politicians actually see this economic body as a main factor in the prolonging of the crisis.

For instance, in October, A Green MEP in Germany claimed that the assumptions of the troika have continually been proven wrong, and also insisted that the body be investigated for potential abuses of authority or violation of the law.10 The Portuguese general public seem to be sharing similar views, as a study in May illustrated the fact that 41.5% of respondents believe Portugal should stop dealing with the troika.11 Yet, strangely, 55.1% of the same respondents believed that Portugal would be worse off in the ‘post-troika’ period,12 indicating a clear lack of consensus that only furthers hardships.

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Although these numbers reflect economic circumstances in 2012, still, by January 2013, statistics were released that had shown that from the second to third quarter of 2012, Portuguese public debt increased from 117.4% to 120.3% of GDP.13 14 According to Eurostat, this is the third highest ‘public debt:GDP’ ratio in the EU.15 When compared to the 17 countries that share the same currency, public debt increased from 89.9 to 90% of GDP over the same period.16 In the entire EU, the number rose from 85 to 85.1%.17 Furthermore, the only countries ahead of Portugal in terms of public debt by the end of 2012 were Greece (152.6% of GDP) and Italy (127.3% of GDP).18 Numbers already worsened for the Portuguese by February, when public debt increased even further to 126.3% of GDP.19 Although sufficient numbers still have yet to been finalized, this had led European economists, as well as the OECD, to predict that by the end of 2013, the recession in Portugal will have forced the economy to contract by anywhere from 1.7% to 2.3% – predictions have varied–while public debt will definitely continue to increase through 2014.20 21 22 Particularly during the early months of 2013, the European Commission in Brussels also held very negative expectations for Portugal. This was justified, however, as in the period between January and March of 2013, public debt seemed to be increasing by about EUR 131 million per day.23

By January, it was being reported that Portuguese industrial production had grown 3.5% from December 2012.24 However, when production is compared to January of 2012, Portugal can be seen to have experienced a 1.6% dip.25 This reflects similar trends that have remained persistent across Europe, as the euro ‑

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area took a 1.3% dip, and the EU took a 1.7% dip over the same period of time.26 Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho had been pushing for an agreement with the European Parliament regarding the multi-annual budget running from 2014-2020.27 The Prime Minister, above all, expressed the need for the EU to allow for flexibility with payments in order to protect Portugal from running into difficulties if expected funds are not generated in some circumstances.28

By May, it had been reported that the Portuguese economy had shrank during the first quarter of 2013 compared with the same period last year, which represents a marked acceleration of economic degradation in recent months.29 Comparatively, this was the third biggest economic decline among the member states of the EU in the recession that has already become the longest ever in the history of the European Union.30 Nevertheless, later in the year, on an uncharacteristically positive note, the President of the European Commission discussed the example of Portugal in a September speech regarding how economic growth was picking up in Europe, especially because the most vulnerable countries have been showing positive results.31 He stated that over the course of 2013 thus far, Portugal had seen a GDP growth of 1.1% despite the aforementioned initial setbacks.32 Nonetheless, this was evidently a very rare moment of optimism.

By June, Portugal had been given one more year– until 2015– in order to correct its excessive deficit.33 34The EU and the ‘troika’ decided to grant this after taking into account the most recent “worse than predicted” deterioration of both the Portuguese economy, as well as the “external environment,” over the last

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couple of years.35 36 Spain, France, Poland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands were also given extensions for the corrections of their deficits at this same June meeting held in Luxembourg.37 This all came about despite attempts to prevent any grants of extensions by German Chancellor Angela Merkel back in March.38 By end of the year, 2013 was being described as an ‘irrevocable’ year that will forever mark Portugal; a year where unemployment grew dramatically, where axes on civil services affected many, and where an outflow of the country’s most qualified youth was very evident.39 With that said, there have been some areas of improvement– one of them being the fact that the public deficit from January to November of 2013 actually stood at EUR 7.5 billion, which is over EUR 1 billion below the amount that the troika had required it to be at (EUR 8.9 billion).40 This was previously unexpected by the European Commission, as Brussels had predicted a complete failure to comply with the deficit expectations earlier on in February 2013.41 The biggest reason why deficits had lowered this unexpectedly was due to the fact that over the same period of time, tax revenues collected by the government increased by 9.2 percent.42 Despite some of the above information, by November, the OECD had reported that Portugal would end the year with a total budget deficit of 5.7%, which would unfortunately be considered above the goals agreed upon by the Portuguese government and the troika, which had been closer to 5.5%.43 44 With that said, the OECD also stressed that the Union should continue to take into account that the Portuguese economy remains weak and volatile. Due to this, it claims that Europe

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should allow deficits to deviate from predictions and expectations in order to “avoid a negative spiral between macroeconomic conditions and budgetary objectives.”45 Moreover, there have been clear indicators of positive economic activity among consumers in recent months, with the National Statistics Institute (INE) reporting that economic activity has not experienced such high levels since early 2011.46 The President of the European Commission, at times, has even commented that for Portugal, the euro crisis will be “outdated” by 2014, evidencing that many negative economic predictions for Portugal had been proven wrong continually over the course of 2013.47 48 This is still, of course, mere speculation, and perhaps even overly optimistic. For example, even the president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, has commented that although the economy is on its way to better times, with conditions such as that of interest rates being at historic lows of around 0.25%, recovery is still bound to happen slowly in a EU that is still very “weak, modest, and fragile.”49 By December, Prime Minister Passos Coelho acknowledged that the positives that 2013 have brought are still not enough, and that “many uncertainties and obstacles still remain.”50 As abovementioned, the troika has received some heavy criticism over the course of the crisis in 2013. For instance, Portuguese politician Jose Silva Peneda even went as far as to point out particular errors that the troika had supposedly made that served to falter economic recovery in Portugal this past year. Among his most pressing concerns are: the inadequate characterization of the crisis, underestimations of the deep imbalances in Portugal, failure to take proper account of the high levels of indebtedness that business and households still

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possess, lack of sufficient time to implement changes, as well as negligence toward the negative impacts that austerity would have.51 In any case, the troika– comprising of the EC, ECB, and the IMF– plans to continue reforming the Portuguese economy through austerity well into 2014 and 2015.52 Many are of the opinion that austerity measures, that continue to be utilized, simply do not help. More specifically, the Portuguese Socialist Party has been heavily pushing the idea that cutting funds for the ‘welfare state’ would not stabilize the economy.53 Apparently, with the Portuguese government opting to reduce public expenditure on social security, health, education, and public companies, they are running the risk of simply ushering in “the next phase of the European crisis.”54 55 Moreover, some 2013 austerity measures in Portugal have actually been rejected by the country’s Constitutional Courts.56 Portugal has been required to continually pay interest to the ‘Troika’ ever since the Union had provided the country with EUR 78 billion back in May 2011 under an economic and financial assistance program. These interest payments have amounted to EUR 2770 million in the period lasting from early 2012 until November 2013.57

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Unemployment still Remains a Major Dilemma, Despite Occasional Improvement •

Although unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues in the EU, the President of the European Commission, Jose Durao Barroso, has stressed that countries must learn that they are primarily responsible for solving their internal social problems– such as those pertaining to unemployment– yet this was surely easier said than done in 2013. He stated, in June, that

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countries like Portugal should not continue to have “exaggerated expectations” when it comes to European assistance, as the EU has relatively “no means to give” at this point.58 Nevertheless, during this same period, the European Council did, however, decide to provide member nations with over EUR 6 billion across 2014 and 2015 that will be used to fund internships and create jobs for youth.59

By June, Portugal had experienced the second highest decline in employment rates among the members of the EU– it was surpassed only by its Greek co-members.60 In particular, employment fell 5.2% in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period in 2012.61 This is quite significant, as in the same period of time, EU employment rates only decreased by 0.4%.62 The EC had not expected such improvements from Portugal. For instance, in January, analysts in Brussels had predicted that unemployment rates would increase, not decrease, due to the difficult steps being taken to “reconfigure the Portuguese economy.”63 Overall, the most debilitating 2013 employment statistics in Portugal belonged to recent immigrants. A statistic released in June showed that immigrant unemployment rates in Portugal stood at 30% across all of 2012, which was about double the rate for Portuguese citizens.64 Nonetheless, on another positive note, by July, the unemployment rate had fallen for a third consecutive month to 16.5%.65 Due to having fallen this much from the 17.4% rate three months ago, Portugal had now moved from third to fifth in the rankings for the highest unemployment rates across the EU, with Greece, Spain, Cyprus, and Croatia home the highest rates at this point, respectively.66 Portugal’s improved rate still

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remained above the European Union average, which in July stood much lower at 11.0%.67 In November, the Portuguese Minister of Labour described that unemployment rates were showing positive signs of gradual recovery, seeing as they had been slightly decreasing as 2013 was passing by.68 However, he described that unemployment was definitely still the “biggest social bill” that the country must continue to deal with.69 For example, while the total number of unemployed persons fell by 0.8 percent, youth unemployment rose sharply by 2.2 percent.70 71 Thus, quite evidently, the month of November brought along good and bad news with regards to employment.

By December, employment numbers had slightly improved to a point where Prime Minister Passos Coelho commented that 2014 would be a positive year for employment in Portugal. 72 His confidence predominantly stemmed from the fact that by November, Portuguese unemployment had fallen for the ninth consecutive month to 15.5 percent, the fourth largest decline at the European level compared with the same time in 2012.73 74 75 76 77 Yet, these proclamations were quickly refuted by Portugal’s Socialist Party, who claimed that Passos Coelho’s administration was presenting 2013 employment numbers that had been statistically manipulated.78 79 At any rate, by the end of the 2013-year, Portugal was still home to the fifth largest unemployment rate in the European Union, just behind Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, and Greece.80 81Also by the end of the year, euro zone unemployment remained relatively stable at 12.1 percent, while the EU recorded an even lower rate of 10.9 percent.82 83 Although there has been a clear lowering of unemployment numbers this year, many Portuguese politicians representing the

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PCP have warned that austerity measures that are to be put into effect in 2014 will “consume” these recent improvements quickly, rendering these new rates “unsustainable.”84 The leader of the CAP was in agreement with this, and even identified some of the direct consequences that more austerity would bring along, including: reductions of domestic consumption, an undermining of the standard of living, and in turn, the closure of Portuguese companies.85 The European Commission had already confirmed, as early as May 2013, that Portugal can expect to apply more austerity measures in both 2014 and 2015 in order to try to lower deficits to 4%, and then 2.5% in each year, respectively.86 Furthermore, Passos Coelho has already applied measures in 2013 that have led to tens of thousands of public employees losing their jobs, the retirement age increasing to 66, as well as to additional monetary contributions soon being required for pensioners.87 88

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Portuguese Confidence in the EU Continues to Waver •

Despite some improvements, surveys have shown that Portugal is the EU member whose population feels most affected by the economic crisis. When asked whether they were personally affected by the crisis, 90% of Portuguese respondents said, “yes,” which is exceedingly higher than the EU average of 65%.89 90 92% of the respondents also asserted that the European economic system only favors the few, and 70% disapproved of the way European governments have managed the crisis, which highly contrasts with the EU average of 49%, as well.91 92 Other surveys conducted in 2013 have served to confirm the same aforementioned notion, showing that with regards to their level of pessimism toward the EU and the

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current European situation, the Portuguese are surpassed only by Greeks and Cypriots.93 About 64% of the Portuguese people asked in a separate survey do not see a bright future for Europe, which is significantly higher than the EU average of 51%.94 This general disapproval for the European situation has continually been manifested in protests across Portugal, the Iberian Peninsula, as well as Europe, which have continually attracted tens of thousands of people throughout the year.95 96 97 The worsening economy and the austerity measures being used to improve it– which even caused the Wall Street Journal to write that Portugal has been reduced the country to “one of the poorest in the EU”98– eventually led to widespread general strikes by the central trade unions of the nation.99 100 Many Portuguese citizens do not consider themselves to be an integral part of the European Union. In fact, by June, a study saw that Portugal was the EU country most sceptical regarding the ‘way to Europe,’ as well as the most distrustful of European government leaders.101 The study saw that 77% of Portuguese citizens believe that with regards to the future of Europe, “no one is on the right track.”102 This comes even after the European Economic Community had proposed a gradual reduction of tariffs with the aim of establishing: a customs union, the creation of common transport policies, common agriculture, as well as a European social fund; all in order to further economic solidarity across the entire Union.103 Another report back in February had stated that only 59% of Portuguese feel European, while 14% of them see absolutely no benefit in belonging to the EU.104 This same report showed that the free movement of people and goods is, for 27% of Portuguese, the most positive aspect of being part of the EU,

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while only 10% stated that the best thing about belonging to the EU was further prosperity and/or wellbeing. 105 Later in November, it was reported that the Portuguese have the lowest rates in cultural activity participation across all of the EU.106 Furthermore, only 35% of Portuguese surveyed in February claim to know their rights as European citizens, while only 20% said they have visited another country in the EU (against the 41% average of the EU.)107 In March, the President of Portugal said, “In Europe, everything seems to be going at a very slow pace compared to the suffering of the people…particularly in the case of Portugal.”108 He also went on to say that the EU has thus far not been able to properly and effectively balance their priorities.109 These same resentments are being shared abroad too, it seems, as by late 2013, the financial services company Standard & Poor’s (S & P) cut the EU’s credit rating from ‘triple A’ to ‘AA+.’110 S & P has since reasoned that the EU has lost financial credibility this year due negative perspectives regarding the economy, as well as a lack of cohesion among members of late.111 With regards to financial credibility, yet another survey in June showed that banking and financial services, very important factors in the economic recovery of Portugal, are the sectors that inspire the least confidence in 2013.112 Only 35% of people surveyed were said to have trust and confidence in the banking sector, while only 32% said the same about the financial sector; both these numbers being worse than those of 2012.113 Many feel as if European measures of austerity have been hitting the “easy targets” of Portugal: members of the lower- and middle-class, public employees, and pensioners.114 Indeed, Portugal’s economic inequality has grown this past year due to

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reforms being applied. The incomes of the richest 20% of the country are about six times higher than the poorest 20%, and the combination of higher taxes with lower wages, in the future, would only serve to augment this imbalance.115 Nonetheless, with all opinions of uncertainty put aside, it has been made quite clear that Portugal still needs Europe. For example, in June, the executive director of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), proclaimed that without the support of Europe and without bailout funding, countries such as Portugal and Ireland would have definitely already be out of the ‘euro zone’ and amidst even more dire straits.116

2013 IN REVIEW This was yet another difficult year in Portugal that definitely served to ascertain that the economic crisis still remains the most pressing issue to be dealt with even as 2014– and beyond, for that matter– come along. Aforementioned statistics do show that there were areas of political and economic improvement, both within Portugal and across the EU, yet these improvements were often met with high levels of strife in other areas or sectors of society or the economy. With that said, although it was clearly recognized throughout the year that economic improvements certainly could not be realized without difficulty, the combination of the general ‘euro crisis’ with austerity measures, alongside continually widespread unemployment and uncertainty, all caused ongoing despair, as well as dissatisfaction, for many.

In particular, for instance, the Passos Coelho government oversaw and approved budget changes that saw: tens of thousands of civil servants either laid off or given extended hours without extra pay, a much heavier public tax burden, as well as more monetary

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contributions to be required from pensioners going forward. Overall, cuts such as these ones were implemented while the economy continued to contract, and they have yet to stabilize this contraction to the levels that the ‘troika’ requires. Amidst these virtually ceaseless contractions, the government continued to simultaneously raise taxes while reducing public expenditures, thereby even further debilitating the Portuguese public, and rendering it one of the poorest in the EU. Nonetheless, as above-mentioned, it is true that at certain points of the year, deficits, public economic spending activity, as well as unemployment rates, had actually been performing surprisingly well. In many instances, ‘troika’ or EU predictions were met or surpassed by Portugal, leading some to comment that an end to the crisis would be imminent. The most impressive economic improvements made were with regards to unemployment rates, which unexpectedly lowered to levels that saw Portugal successfully removed from the list of the “Top 3 Highest Unemployment Rates in Europe.” Yet, overall this optimism is most probably still unfounded. For example, although unemployment rates did lower significantly, youth unemployment rates dangerously rose at the same time. Again, as has been shown, for the most part Portugal still enters 2014 having not met many of the expectations set for them by the ‘troika.’ For this reason, the country should still expect to face more austerity in the future; in fact, it has already been confirmed that it indeed will. Economists that represent the EC in Brussels, as well as the OECD, have predicted that austerity measures would need to be applied until at least 2015. These measures would ideally serve to eventually lead the economy toward solidarity and prosperity, but results are still ongoing, and Portugal still remains a precarious work in progress.

At any rate, 2013 certainly also did show that when changes are made at the budgetary level, predictions tend to become out of date, as

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Portugal’s volatile economic situation has not yet found a way to effectively stabilize. In other words, given the constant policy changes and fluctuations that have become inherent in the country’s wavering economy, predictions made by Portuguese or European governing bodies have often lost their credibility or practicality rather often. Thus, both 2012 and now 2013 have served to illustrate that economic predictions are not always telling of what will truly occur. Indeed, this is precisely why the EU granted Portugal, among other co-members of the Union, more time to pay back their loans. Moreover, many have begun to ask the EU and the troika to tolerate slight statistical deviations from economic expectations for this same reason. Instead of meeting sometimes-outdated statistics, what the past year should have taught both Portugal and the EU is that political consensus and cohesion can produce better, more secure results, and thus this should be the primary goal to be striving toward. This lesson was learned the hard way in 2013, however. Namely, when both governing bodies, that of Portugal and that of the EU, failed to arrive at decisions in an effective manner politically, there were direct economic consequences. This was part of the reason why the EU lost its ‘triple A’ S & P credit rating during the second half of the year, for example.

Just as in 2012, austerity measures were a topic of great controversy over the course of this year. At times, measures taken by both the Portuguese government and the troika had to be reviewed by the country’s constitutional courts in order to assess whether or not they were legally justifiable. Not unlike other struggling countries in the Union, many in Portugal have been strongly against both the implementation and the residual effects of austerity. However, unlike these other countries, Portugal’s dissatisfaction with the economic steps being taken in order to recover is markedly higher than that of its Union co-members. Even though it is almost certain that without European

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support, Portugal would have already exited the ‘euro zone,’ much of the population has nevertheless been of the opinion that Europe– and particularly the troika– have been wrong in what they have been trying to do to help Portugal’s volatile economy. Overall, this economic uncertainty has, in turn, led to great political uncertainty– both amongst Portuguese politicians in a government led by Prime Minister Passos Coelho, as well as at the European level, where politicians from other member nations have even attempted to get the ‘troika’ investigated by authorities. This has all helped to render Portugal one of the most dissatisfied members of the EU according to surveys conducted throughout 2013. Much of the Portuguese public feels as if they receive no benefits from being members of the Union– their opinions are admittedly somewhat well founded.

Regardless of whether or not measures being imposed upon the Portuguese population have been justified and useful, the fact remains that going into 2014, Portugal is generally still home to a people who feels weakened by the crisis, is not confident in the success of Europe, and a people who does not trust the leaders that are responsible for guiding them out of the crisis. Once again, people in the struggling nations of the EU must acknowledge that even with the reforms being made, the economy may struggle before it strengthens for quite some time. However, in the general scheme of things, without their support and confidence, this eventual ‘strengthening’ will simply become overly prolonged and much more difficult to realize.

1

“Portugal recebeu 80,9 mil milhões em apoios de Bruxelas,” Correio Da Manhã, 30 May, 2013. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/cm-tv/atualidade/portugal-recebeu-809mil-milhoes-em-apoios-de-bruxelas 2

“Corte nos salários divide Governo e troika,” Expresso, 4 December 2013. http:// expresso.sapo.pt/corte-nos-salarios-divide-governo-e-troika=f844349

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Barroso: Portugal é exemplo de que recuperação económica "está à vista,” Expresso, 11 September 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/barroso-portugal-e-exemplo-de-querecuperacao-economica-esta-a-vista=f829903#ixzz2wXLiW9e8 4

“Corte nos salários divide Governo e troika,” Expresso, 4 December 2013. http:// expresso.sapo.pt/corte-nos-salarios-divide-governo-e-troika=f844349 5 Troika

diz que Portugal "continua no bom caminho,” Correio Da Manhã, 15 March 2013. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/troika-diz-queportugal-continua-no-bom-caminho 6

“Portugal precisa de mais exportações e investimento para sair da crise- Ministro Economia,” Expresso, 16 July 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugal-precisa-de-maisexportacoes-e-investimento-para-sair-da-crise-ministro-economia=f820870 7

“Mutualização da dívida não trará mais autonomia nacional,” Expresso, 8 October 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/mutualizacao-da-divida-nao-trara-mais-autonomianacional=f834523#ixzz2wXODVRye 8

“Portugueses entre os mais pobres do euro,” Correio Da Manhã, 13 December 2013.

http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/ portugueses-entre-os-mais-pobres-do-euro 9

“Portugueses entre os mais pobres do euro,” Correio Da Manhã, 13 December 2013. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/portugueses-entre-osmais-pobres-do-euro 10

“Parlamento Europeu quer investigar troika,” Expresso, 29 October 2013. http:// expresso.sapo.pt/parlamento-europeu-quer-investigar-troika=f838337 11

“Portugueses querem denunciar acordo com a troika,”Expresso, 20 May 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugueses-querem-denunciar-acordo-com-a-troika=f808370 12

“Portugueses querem denunciar acordo com a troika,”Expresso, 20 May 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugueses-querem-denunciar-acordo-com-a-troika=f808370 13

“Dívida pública portuguesa é a 3.ª mais elevada da União Europeia,” Expresso, 23 January, 2013.

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“Dívida pública aumenta 131 milhões de euros por mês,” Expresso, 18 April 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/divida-publica-aumenta-131-milhoes-de-euros-pormes=f801255#ixzz2wXQ2DH6Z 15

“Dívida pública portuguesa é a 3.ª mais elevada da União Europeia,” Expresso, 23 January, 2013.

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“Dívida pública portuguesa é a 3.ª mais elevada da União Europeia,” Expresso, 23 January, 2013.

17

“Dívida pública portuguesa é a 3.ª mais elevada da União Europeia,” Expresso, 23 January, 2013.

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“Dívida pública portuguesa é a 3.ª mais elevada da União Europeia,” Expresso, 23 January, 2013. ! Article 31 19 ! Article 42 20 !21 “Taxa de desemprego em Portugal desce em novembro para 15,5%,” Expresso, 8 January 2014. http://expresso.sapo.pt/taxa-de-desemprego-em-portugal-desce-emnovembro-para-155=f849496#ixzz2wXQXomNC !22 “Economia cresce em 2014 metade do previsto pelo Governo,” Correio Da Manhã, 19 November 2013. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/ economia-cresce-em-2014-metade-do-previsto-pelo-governo 23

“Dívida pública aumenta 131 milhões de euros por mês,” Expresso, 18 April 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/divida-publica-aumenta-131-milhoes-de-euros-pormes=f801255#ixzz2wXQ2DH6Z 24

“Portugal aumenta produção industrial,” Correio Da Manhã, 13 March, 2013. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/portugal-aumentaproducao-industrial 25

“Portugal aumenta produção industrial,” Correio Da Manhã, 13 March 2013. http:// www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/portugal-aumenta-producaoindustrial 26

“Portugal aumenta produção industrial,” Correio Da Manhã, 13 March 2013. http:// www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/portugal-aumenta-producaoindustrial 27

“Passos Coelho confiante em entendimento com Parlamento Europeu,” Correio Da Manhã, 8 February, 2013.

28

“Passos Coelho confiante em entendimento com Parlamento Europeu,” Correio Da Manhã, 8 February, 2013.

29

“Economia nacional regista 3ª maior queda da UE,” Correio Da Manhã, 15 May, 2013.

30

“Economia nacional regista 3ª maior queda da UE,” Correio Da Manhã, 15 May, 2013.

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31

“Durão Barroso diz que a recuperação da economia europeia está a chegar,” Jornal de Notícias, 11 September, 2013.

32

“Durão Barroso diz que a recuperação da economia europeia está a chegar,” Jornal de Notícias, 11 September, 2013.

33

“União Europeia aprova extensão dos empréstimos,” Expresso, 21 June, 2013.

34

“Troika disponível para dar mais um ano a Portugal,” Expresso, 11 March 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/itroikai-disponivel-para-dar-mais-um-ano-aportugal=f792713#ixzz2wXRPZjIM 35

“União Europeia aprova extensão dos empréstimos,” Expresso, 21 June, 2013.

36

“Troika disponível para dar mais um ano a Portugal,” Expresso, 11 March 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/itroikai-disponivel-para-dar-mais-um-ano-aportugal=f792713#ixzz2wXRPZjIM 37

“União Europeia aprova extensão dos empréstimos,” Expresso, 21 June, 2013.

38

“Merkel quer evitar que Parlamento vote extensão de prazo concedida a Portugal e Irlanda,” Jornal de Notícias, 11 March, 2013.

39

“Um ano novo,” Jornal De Notícias, 30 December 2013. http://www.jn.pt/ paginainicial/interior.aspx?content_id=3608687 40

“Défice até novembro está mil milhões abaixo do limite da troika,” Jornal De Notícias, 23 December 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3602681 41

“Desemprego dispara, défice derrapa, dívida cresce e crescimento encolhe,” Expresso, 22 February 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/desemprego-dispara-deficederrapa-divida-cresce-e-crescimento-encolhe=f789006#ixzz2wXT2mEk7 42

“Défice até novembro está mil milhões abaixo do limite da troika,” Jornal De Notícias, 23 December 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3602681 43

“Acordo com a troika ficará por cumprir,” Expresso, 19 November 2013. http:// expresso.sapo.pt/acordo-com-a-troika-ficara-por-cumprir=f841730 44

“UE/Previsões: Governo admite retificativo para incluir novas medidas de austeridade,” Expresso, 22 February 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/ueprevisoesgoverno-admite-retificativo-para-incluir-novas-medidas-deausteridade=f789056#ixzz2wXTq5jbG

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“Acordo com a troika ficará por cumprir,” Expresso, 19 November 2013. http:// expresso.sapo.pt/acordo-com-a-troika-ficara-por-cumprir=f841730 46

“Clima e atividade económica atingem máximos desde 2011,” Jornal De Notícias, 18 December 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3594402 47

“Barroso diz que crise do euro está ultrapassada,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx?content_id=3621471 48

“Durão Barroso: "A crise do euro foi ultrapassada,” Correio Da Manhã, 8 January 2014. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/durao-barroso-acrise-do-euro-foi-ultrapassada 49

“Presidente do BCE diz que é cedo para cantar vitória sobre a crise económica,” Jornal De Notícias, 9 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/ interior.aspx?content_id=3623377 50

“Passos Coelho: Os melhores anos estão para vir,” Correio Da Manhã, 25 December 2013. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/politica/passoscoelho-os-melhores-anos-estao-para-vir 51

“Seis erros da "troika" que desfizeram a sociedade portuguesa,” Jornal De Notícias, 9 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3622657 52

“UGT diz que troika quer manter medidas de austeridade intactas,” Jornal De Notícias, 11 December 2013.

53

“Seguro recusa apoiar mais medidas de austeridade,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 April 2013. http://www.jn.pt/paginainicial/interior.aspx?content_id=3154191 54

“Krugman aconselha Portugal a dizer "não" a mais austeridade,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 April 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3153467 55 Article

65

56

“Krugman aconselha Portugal a dizer "não" a mais austeridade,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 April 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3153467 57

“Portugal pagou quase trê mil milhões à "troika" em juros e comissões desde 2012,” Jornal De Notícias, 23 December 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/ Economia/interior.aspx?content_id=3602946

220

58

“Resolver o desemprego é "responsabilidade dos países", não da União Europeia,” Expresso, 28 June 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/resolver-o-desemprego-eresponsabilidade-dos-paises-nao-da-uniao-europeia=f816778#ixzz2wXYcSLgF 59

“Resolver o desemprego é "responsabilidade dos países", não da União Europeia,” Expresso, 28 June 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/resolver-o-desemprego-eresponsabilidade-dos-paises-nao-da-uniao-europeia=f816778#ixzz2wXYcSLgF 60

“Emprego cai 5,2% em Portugal,” Correio Da Manhã, 14 June 2013. http:// www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/emprego-cai-52-em-portugal 61

“Emprego cai 5,2% em Portugal,” Correio Da Manhã, 14 June 2013. http:// www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/emprego-cai-52-em-portugal 62

“Emprego cai 5,2% em Portugal,” Correio Da Manhã, 14 June 2013. http:// www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/emprego-cai-52-em-portugal 63

“Governo mantém previsão da taxa de desemprego para 2013 mas admite ligeiro aumento,” Expresso, 18 January 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/governo-mantemprevisao-da-taxa-de-desemprego-para-2013-mas-admite-ligeiroaumento=f780424#ixzz2wXZ1hLvl 64

“Desemprego entre imigrantes de fora da UE foi o dobro do dos portugueses em 2012,” Expresso, June 7, 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/desemprego-entre-imigrantesde-fora-da-ue-foi-o-dobro-do-dos-portugueses-em-2012=f812545 65

“Portugal desce para quinto no 'top' do desemprego,” Expresso, 30 August, 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugal-desce-para-quinto-no-top-do-desemprego=f828120 66

“Portugal desce para quinto no 'top' do desemprego,” Expresso, 30 August, 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugal-desce-para-quinto-no-top-do-desemprego=f828120 67

“Portugal desce para quinto no 'top' do desemprego,” Expresso, 30 August, 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugal-desce-para-quinto-no-top-do-desemprego=f828120 68

“Ministro diz que descida do desemprego "é sinal positivo",” Jornal de Notícias, 29 November 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3560516 69

“Ministro diz que descida do desemprego "é sinal positivo",” Jornal de Notícias, 29 November 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3560516 70

“Menos desempregados inscritos mas mais jovens sem emprego,” Jornal De Notícias, 22 December 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3601602

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71

“Desemprego aumentou entre os jovens,” Expresso, 22 December 2013. http:// expresso.sapo.pt/desemprego-aumentou-entre-os-jovens=f847588 72

“2014 pode coroar esforços dos portugueses, confia Passos Coelho,” Jornal De Notícias, December 18, 2013. http://www.jn.pt/paginainicial/interior.aspx? content_id=3595611 73

“PSD diz que descida da taxa de desemprego deve representar apelo de motivação,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/ interior.aspx?content_id=3621071 74

“Taxa de desemprego em Portugal desce em novembro para 15,5%,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3620587 75

“Barroso diz que crise do euro está ultrapassada,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx?content_id=3621471 76

“Taxa de desemprego em Portugal desce em novembro para 15,5%,” Expresso, 8 January 2014. http://expresso.sapo.pt/taxa-de-desemprego-em-portugal-desce-emnovembro-para-155=f849496#ixzz2wXdg0bJI 77

“Desemprego continua a descer em Portugal,” Correio Da Manhã, 8 January 2014. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/desemprego-continuaa-descer-em-portugal 78

“PS suspeita de manipulação pelo Governo dos dados do desemprego,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3621830 79

“PSD destaca "sinais positivos" na economia, PS contrapõe que a crise continua," Jornal De Notícias, 8 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/ interior.aspx?content_id=3621700 80

“PSD diz que descida da taxa de desemprego deve representar apelo de motivação,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/ interior.aspx?content_id=3621071 81

“Taxa de desemprego em Portugal desce em novembro para 15,5%,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3620587 82

“Taxa de desemprego em Portugal desce em novembro para 15,5%,” Jornal De Notícias, 8 January 2014. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3620587

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83

“Desemprego estabiliza na zona euro e em Portugal,” Expresso, 2 April 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/desemprego-estabiliza-na-zona-euro-e-emportugal=f797569#ixzz2wXfEWS1A 84

“Ligeira descida no desemprego vai ser consumida rapidamente com medidas do OE2014,” Jornal De Notícias, 31 October 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/ Economia/interior.aspx?content_id=3508097 85

“CAP preocupada com possíbilidade mais austeridade,” Expresso, 9 January 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/cap-preocupada-com-possibilidade-mais-austeridade=f778283 86

“BE diz que Bruxelas antecipa novo pacote de austeridade," Jornal De Notícias, 5 November 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3515832 87

“PSD acredita que medidas "duras e exigentes" permitirão no futuro aliviar carga fiscal,” Jornal De Notícias, 3 May 2013. http://www.jn.pt/paginainicial/interior.aspx? content_id=3200048 88

“Novo pacote de austeridade é duríssimo,” Correio Da Manhã, 3 May 2013. http:// www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/politica/novo-pacote-de-austeridade-edurissimo 89

“Portugueses são os europeus que se consideram mais afetados pela crise económica,” Jornal De Notícias, 18 September 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/ Economia/interior.aspx?content_id=3427034 90

“Portugueses são os europeus que se consideram mais afetados pela crise,” Expresso, 18 September 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugueses-sentem-se-os-maisafetados-pela-crise=f831016 91

“Portugueses são os europeus que se consideram mais afetados pela crise económica,” Jornal De Notícias, 18 September 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/ Economia/interior.aspx?content_id=3427034 92

“Portugueses são os europeus que se consideram mais afetados pela crise,” Expresso, 18 September 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugueses-sentem-se-os-maisafetados-pela-crise=f831016 93

“Portugueses são dos mais pessimistas com situação económica da UE,” Jornal De Notícias, 20 December 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3598602 94

“Portugueses são dos mais pessimistas com situação económica da UE,” Jornal De Notícias, 20 December 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3598602

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95

“Luta contra a austeridade junta 30 mil manifestantes em Bruxelas,” Jornal De Notícias, 21 February 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3066312 96

“Manifestantes exigem demissão do Governo,” Correio Da Manhã, 20 May 2013. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/politica/manifestantes-exigemdemissao-do-governo 97

“Manifestantes concentram-se em frente ao Parlamento,” Correio Da Manhã, 26 October 2013. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/politica/ manifestantes-concentram-se-em-frente-ao-parlamento 98

“Decisão do Tribunal Constitucional "contra austeridade" em destaque na imprensa internacional,” Jornal De Notícias, 6 April 2013. http://www.jn.pt/paginainicial/ interior.aspx?content_id=3150615 99

“Agravamento da austeridade na base da quarta Greve Geral em dois anos,” Jornal De Notícias, 25 June 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3288464 100

“Greve geral marcada para 27 de Junho,” Correio Da Manhã, 31 May 2013. http:// www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/greve-geral-marcada-para-27de-junho 101

“Portugal é o país da UE mais descrente do "caminho da Europa",” Jornal de Notícias, 4 June 2013. http://www.jn.pt/paginainicial/interior.aspx? content_id=3255256 102

“Portugal é o país da UE mais descrente do "caminho da Europa",” Jornal de Notícias, 4 June 2013. http://www.jn.pt/paginainicial/interior.aspx? content_id=3255256 103

“Sente-se cidadão da União Europeia?” Correio Da Manhã, 23 July 2013. http:// www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/internacional/mundo/sente-se-cidadao-da-uniaoeuropeia 104

“Portugueses sentem-se europeus, mas pouco,” Expresso, 25 February 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugueses-sentem-se-europeus-mas-pouco=f789268 105

“Portugueses sentem-se europeus, mas pouco,” Expresso, 25 February 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugueses-sentem-se-europeus-mas-pouco=f789268 106

“Portugueses entre cidadãos da UE com menor atividade cultural – Eurobarómetro,” Expresso, 4 November 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portuguesesentre-cidadaos-da-ue-com-menor-atividade-cultural-eurobarometro=f839264

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107

“Portugueses sentem-se europeus, mas pouco,” Expresso, 25 February 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/portugueses-sentem-se-europeus-mas-pouco=f789268 108

“Cavaco diz que Europa evolui "a um ritmo demasiado lento face ao sofrimento das pessoas",” Jornal de Notícias, 15 March 2013. http://www.jn.pt/paginainicial/ interior.aspx?content_id=3110771 109

Cavaco diz que Europa evolui "a um ritmo demasiado lento face ao sofrimento das pessoas",” Jornal de Notícias, 15 March 2013. http://www.jn.pt/paginainicial/ interior.aspx?content_id=3110771 110

“União Europeia perde 'rating' máximo,” Expresso, 20 December 2013. http:// expresso.sapo.pt/uniao-europeia-perde-rating-maximo=f847264 111

“União Europeia perde 'rating' máximo,” Expresso, 20 December 2013. http:// expresso.sapo.pt/uniao-europeia-perde-rating-maximo=f847264 112

“Banca é o setor que menos confiança inspira em Portugal,” Jornal de Notícias, 4 June 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3255252 113

“Banca é o setor que menos confiança inspira em Portugal,” Jornal de Notícias, 4 June 2013. http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Economia/interior.aspx? content_id=3255252 114

“A ditadura da austeridade,” Jornal De Notícias, 13 October 2013. http:// www.jn.pt/paginainicial/interior.aspx?content_id=3473389 115

“Portugal beneficia elite económica,” Correio Da Manhã. 13 September 2013. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/nacional/economia/portugal-beneficiaelite-economica 116

"Sem ajuda europeia Portugal já estaria fora do euro,” Expresso, 20 June 2013. http://expresso.sapo.pt/sem-ajuda-europeia-portugal-ja-estaria-fora-doeuro=f815257#ixzz2wXogeYOg

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The Russian Federation Volodymyr Sukhodolskiy

!

BACKGROUND • • • • •

Population: 142,500,482 (as of July 2013) Unemployment Rate: 5.8% (2013 est.)

GDP per capita in 2012: $18,000 EU member entry date: N/A EU funding in 2013: N/A

MEDIA SOURCES

!

• • • •

Komersant newspaper Founding date: 1909 Ownership: Privately owned by Vladimir Yakovlev Readership/daily circulation: 131,000 copies

• Izvestia • Founding date: 1917 • Ownership: Privately owned by Vladimir Potanin who is closely connected to the current government • Readership/daily circulation: 240,967 copies

! ! !

• Komsomolskaya Pravda • Founding date: 1925 • Ownership: owned by Media Partner, which is owned by ENP group, which is owned by Grigory Berezkin, who is tightly connected to Gazprom • Readership/ daily circulation: 660,000 copies

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FINDINGS Number of articles consulted: 92 (Kommersant-51; Izvestia-24; Komsomolskaya Pravda-17) !

• List of search words: “E.U. Russia”, “Ukraine Russia”, “Russian Federation E.U.”, “Russia-E.U. relations”, “gas issues, Russia Ukraine”, “visa cancellation, Russia Ukraine”.

From these findings the following three major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Russia-EU relations reported on in 2013: •

!

Visa cancellation •

•

•

The visa cancellation issue was dominant throughout the whole 2013 year and will most likely continue into the following year.

The E.U. and the Russian Federation displayed a large degree of mistrust towards one another.

The main issue in the visa dispute was the number of service passports that Russian public officials are interested in obtaining. These passports are intended to allow dignitaries to travel without the burden of visa stipulations. This demand was however unacceptable to the E.U.1 The deal is also intended to ease access between the E.U. and the Russian Federation on a cultural level through streamlining student visas. Since 2012, this ongoing issue has prevented the signing of the visa cancellation treaty. Moreover, in February 2013 the Russian media denied any possibility of the Public servants’ passport issue being resolved before 2014.2 Also, it is worth noting that the visa cancellation issue was connected to multiple other subjects in the Russian media including, gender freedom3 (specifically ‘Pride parades’), the Olympic Games4, “Eurovision”, and freedom of expression, which represent points of concern for the wider global community.5

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Gas trade issue •

•

•

•

!

The issue of gas trade represents one of the most politically and economically intertwined concerns discussed in the Russian media. As suggested by the Russian media the gas trade is the tool of statecraft which allows Vladimir Putin’s government to achieve two simultaneous goals: to advance foreign policy interests (as Ukraine’s unsuccessful integration has shown)6 and Russian economics.

When the Russian media describes the issue of gas trade it mostly juxtaposes the E.U. as a collective loser which attempts to breach the rules of the game in order to prevent a shameful defeat and the related consequences. A lot of attention was given to the South stream issue and Ukraine’s efforts to acquire Russian gas via reverse trade with E.U. countries like Hungary and Slovakia.7 Reverse trade of the E.U. is described in Russian news outlets as fraud of the international dimension and unacceptable to the Russian economic stability The issue of Ukrainian dependence on Russian gas during the November-December protests,8 and E.U.’s attitude towards Ukrainian attempts to resolve the issue were also mentioned in the consulted articles.

It is also worth noting that, it is publicly known that South Stream serves two main purposes: depriving Ukraine of its profit from transition of Russian gas, while providing E.U. with “blue fuel” it needs. However, South Stream has to face legal difficulties before the gas reaches Europe. The difficulty is that the E.U. requires the Russian government to split the “Gasprom monopoly” and lower the tariffs,9 which is seen in the Russian Federation as something illegal and unfair.

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Clash of the E.U. and the Customs Union •

•

•

•

The issue connected to the Russian-led Customs Union (which some politicians see as the resurrection of the USSR)10 and the E.U. was overwhelmingly present in the Russian media throughout the year. Particularly discussed was the Ukrainian attempt to join the E.U., as an episode of the E.U. Customs Union battle11 in December 2013 clearly depicted.

The actions of the Eastern partnership program and the states who wish to enter the E.U. are presented in the Russian media as subversive,12 as well as referred to as a crusade of the West against Russia13 where the West is reluctant to understand Russian issues, of annexation,14 etc.15 At the same time the Russian media gave a detailed explanation of the diplomatic tools and procedures Russia uses to advance the Customs Union16 and counter act the E.U.’s expansion to the East.

Moldova, as well as Ukraine, represents an important part of the conflict between the Customs Union and E.U. The latter competitor is mostly described as an imposter holding unreasonable expectations without justification ,,17 while arguing the Moldavian political elite will face negative consequences after the E.U.’s rebuff.18 Following the gas deal presented to Ukraine in December, which persuaded president Yanukovich not to sign the association agreement with the E.U., Russia was largely portrayed by its media outlets as a superhero that constantly saves its neighbor from total failure after unsuccessful intrigues.19

!

2013 IN REVIEW The year 2013 was marked by statements of outrage by the Russian media at the activities of the E.U. The main topics discussed in

229

the media were largely areas of tension such as: visa cancellation. gas trade, the and “clash” of the trade Unions.

The visa cancellation issue was nearly resolved at the beginning of the year, however, due to certain actions and demands made by the Russian diplomats the issue remained largely unresolved. The insistence of the establishment of “blue” passports for the Russian dignitaries created doubts in the E.U. about whether or not discussions on the issue should continue at all. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that Russian “MID” at times reacted in an almost contradictory manner towards propositions, which could ease access to students who participate in the study abroad programs. This was particularly noticeable following the proposal made by B. Kovach of the E.U Parliament, who was heavily criticized by Russian diplomats and Parliament. 20 On 12 March 2013 Russian foreign affairs official A. Azimov said that the E.U. and the Russian Federation had reached a consensus on the number of “blue passports” for the Russian dignitaries, decreasing the number from 1,200,000 to 150,000.21 However, even this concession did not compel Jose Manuel Barroso to take a step towards signing the visa cancellation treaty citing the inadequacy of the Russian dignitaries’ efforts in fighting corruption and protecting human dignity.22 The opinion of Mr. Barroso did not seem to influence the optimism of the Russian Prime Minister Dmitriy Medvedev, who said that there remained a possibility for Russian dignitaries to travel to Europe without visas already in 2013.23 Even though the Russian media depicted signs of progress in the negotiations for visa liberalization this reflected only a short term success, as statements made by Mr. Barroso evolved from discussing the ultimate possibility of liberalization24 to deferring discussions of the issue to a later date.25 The issue of gas trade arose between Brussels and Moscow as a result of high prices, which Neftegaz had demanded from its clients.

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The tensions related largely to the price of gas and the prevention of Ukraine from becoming independent of Moscow as a result of the European reverse gas trade. In the beginning of February, the Russian media began discussing the failure of Ukrainian attempts to lessen their dependency on Russian gas through the help of the E.U. 26 In the same month, Ukraine pursued a change in the terms of the gas trade with Russia by involving the E.U.27 The final attempt began on 21 November 2013 before the Vilnius summit28 and concluded on 17 December 2013 with the introduction of a new set of terms of the gas trade between Ukraine and Moscow. . The discussions also resulted in a credit for the purpose of supporting the Ukrainian economy in an attempt to distance the country from the E.U.29 The Russian media outlined the limited technical capabilities of Ukraine to access gas if they chose to form a closer association with the E.U. In addition, the media continued to pay substantial attention to the Russia-Ukraine-E.U. triangle, which was characterized by tensions over the modernization of the Ukrainian PHG and the construction of the South Stream project, which lacked approval from many E.U. member states.

The Russian media was mostly hostile towards the E.U. and especially with regard to its Eastern Partnership program, which lead to the clash between the E.U. and the Russian led Customs Union. The Russian media was also very skeptical regarding the E.U.’s demands of democratic reforms, particularly those aimed at eliminating homophobia.30 Throughout the year, Ukraine, Moldova and Transnistria were given major attention by news outlets, with heavy coverage particularly towards the end of the year. There appeared a distinctive similarity between the density of coverage of the Eastern Partnership and the inception of the protests in Ukraine.

Ukraine is described by the Russian media as a crucial to Russian , political 31, economic and energy security. The E.U. is depicted as constantly attempting to undermine this security through its

231

relationship with Ukraine. The Russian media sought to discredit this closer partnership by highlighting the great difficulties, which face Ukraine on its way to joining the E.U. According to the media, the reasons preventing Ukraine. from joining the E.U. are similar to those behind the refusal of visa free system for Russian citizens and “blue passports� for dignitaries, namely the absence of democracy.32 The media consistently portrayed Ukraine as a failed state33 using its burgeoning relationship with the E.U. and its institutions, namely the European Court of Justice, as a way to leverage the discussions surrounding its repayment of Russian gas debts 34 .

In addition, the Russian media portrayed the protests in Ukraine as a mutiny,35 while simultaneously styling the anti-E.U. protests in Moldova as a rightful expression of national will.36 Since the end of November, the Russian media was replete with soviet style news articles discussing the corruption of Moldova’s political elite, who are charged with having pulled their country towards the E.U. at the expense of the brave citizens of Moldova who have attempted to resist such an association.37 The government of Moldova ultimately signed an Association Agreement with the E.U. at the Vilnius summit on 29 November 2013.

In the beginning of February Stefan Fule (a Czech diplomat who has served as the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy) complained of the slow pace of the Ukrainian reforms during his visit to Ukraine and in April2013 his complaints were supported by Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, deputy of the E.U. parliament.38 Though the E.U. Parliament did recognize the progress of the Ukrainian government in eliminating prejudice from the judicial system in the two weeks following Mr. Saryusz-Wolski statement,39 However, Ukraine has yet to begin the process of accession to the E.U following its reversed position on the Association Agreement in November 2013.

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The issue of the territorial autonomy was of particular importance to Russia’s E.U.-Ukraine relations. Russian security and humanitarian interests in the Crimea were often highlighted. The request made by a senior Crimean official for Russian troops to enter Ukraine was widely addressed by the media. This message was issued by the Komersant newspaper on 2 February 2014, during a time in which the Ukrainian government was under heavy pressure from the E.U. and Russia simultaneously.40 In addition to this coverage, the entirety of the Russian media was laden with discussions surrounding Russia’s relationship with possible E.U. candidates through dual or triple format meetings.41 In general, a significant portion of the Russian population considers, according to a social survey, its neighbors to be enemies.42 Due to the attempt made by the Ukrainian government to join the E.U., a vast majority of Russia considers the Ukraine to have committed an act of 43 which many predict as even ending in catastrophe for Ukraine.44 The media of “Caesar” Putin45 describes the Ukrainian people from 22 November 2013 to the final days of 2013 as a naïve and sometimes nationalistic people.46 1ElenaChernenko,The

process ofthe abolition of visas between Russia and the EU has stalled again, http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2124346?isSearch=True, (Date of access 1.01.2014) 2ElenaChernenko, Visa-free

regimebetween the EU andRussiadelayed,http:// www.kommersant.ua/doc/2130630; ElenaChernenko,Abbolition of visas is excluded from the Olympic program, Russia changes its strategy with E.U. negotiations, http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2130354? isSearch=True, (Date of access 1.01.2014); ElenaChernenko,Russia will be kept on the visa regime, E.U. does not approve cancellation of visa for Russian citizens, http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2371692?isSearch=True, (Date of access 1.01.2014) 3 The

President promised to protect children from same-sex parents, http://izvestia.ru/ news/551462 , (Date of access 10.01.2014) 4 Anna Akhmadieva

Paul Chernyshev,Marine Le Pen shocked Hollande refusal to go to the Olympic Games in Sochi, http://izvestia.ru/news/562641, (Date of access 12.12.2013)

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5

"Can you guarantee freedom of expression for the" Eurovision"?, http://izvestia.ru/ news/560373#ixzz2nlfmRWWu, (Date of access 10.01.2014) 6

Join the European Union and we will turn off the gas!, http://www.kp.ru/daily/ 26009/2934517/, (Date of access 10.01.2014) 7

Dashing molecule start: Gas supplies from Europe could reach 5.4 billion cubic meters, http://www.kommersant.ua/doc/2157122 , (Date of access 10.01.2014) 8

Ukraine will again raise the issue of discounts for gas in early December, http:// izvestia.ru/news/561406, (Date of access 10.01.2014) 9

Lithuania again pulls "Gazprom" in court: Vilnius intends to file a new claim to a monopoly, http://www.kommersant.ua/doc/2382861?NodesID=4 , (Date of access 12.12.2013) 10

Union of Soviet Sovereign Republics?, http://izvestia.ru/news/563441 Eurasian project causes fear in the West, http://izvestia.ru/news/563236 11

Union relations: In Davos, discussed the prospects of Ukraine's integration with the EU and Customs Union: http://www.kommersant.ua/doc/2114693 Medvedev excludes the accession of Ukraine to the Customs Union format "3 +1", http://www.kommersant.ua/news/2149138 Yanukovych's visit to Moscow was canceled due to problems with the Customs Union, Viktor Yanukovych: gas contract - hinge on the neck of Ukraine, http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2139072?isSearch=True "For example, the Russian football Ukrainians can show what benefits it promises integration", http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2142496?isSearch=True Ukraine wants to become a state of the two unions, not wanting to choose between the Customs and the European, http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2159197?isSearch=True Battle for Ukraine, http://izvestia.ru/news/561521(Date of access 12.12.2013) Can Russia win the war for Ukraine?, http://www.kp.ru/daily/26175.5/3063812/? cp=11 (Date of access 12.12.2013) Sasha Pyantiskaya,European Commissioner: Customs Union adopts European standards and norms, http://www.kp.ru/online/news/1533627/, (Date of access 12.12.2013) Israel Shamir,Ukraine: Do not give up on the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?, http:// www.kp.ru/daily/26163.7/3050328/ (Date of access 12.12.2013) 12

13

"The EU for us - it's the same crusaders ...", http://www.kp.ru/daily/ 26172.7/3060376/?cp=3 14

"The EU is determined to simply annexing vast country", http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2365018?isSearch=True Vardan Aloyan, Nika Kvizhinadze Vladimir Kovalevskiy Karen Markaryan,Kiev wants to give their sovereignty to bureaucrats in Brussels, http://www.kp.ru/daily/ 26144.4/3033420/, (Date of access 12.12.2013)

234

15 Alexei

Stepanov, Putin: Europe presses and blackmailing Ukraine, http:// www.kp.ru/online/news/1593330/, (Date of access 12.12.2013) Kirill Benediktov, How could we build Eastern Partnership program?, http:// izvestia.ru/news/559866 ,(Date of access 12.12.2013) 16 Alexei

Stepanov, President of the European Parliament: Pressure on Russia's neighbors unacceptable, http://www.kp.ru/online/news/1569714/ , (Date of access 12.12.2013) 17Mark Tkachuk:

From European integration is not denied Moldovan Communists, and the European Union! , http://www.kp.ru/daily/26151/3040760/, (Date of access 12.12.2013) 18

Moldovan alliance fell apart on the way to Europe: Lack of progress in European integration can lead to a split in the ruling coalition, http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/ 2129946?isSearch=True, (Date of access 12.12.2013) EU Moldova lured, and dropped, http://www.kp.ru/daily/26167/3054648/?cp=3, (Date of access 12.12.2013) 19

Neighbor whom you secretly save ... , http://izvestia.ru/news/562815, (Date of access 21.12.2013) 20GalinaDudina, To

students was offered preferential treatment So they would be able go to the EU and Russia without visa restrictions,http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/ 2151619?isSearch=True, (Date of access 16.12.2013) 21Е.

Сучков Визы в Евросоюз могут отменить уже в будущем году, http:// www.kp.ru/daily/26043/2958046/, (Dateofaccess: 16.12.2013) 22“It’s

Counterproductive toset a date forthe introduction ofa visafreeregime"European Commission Presidenton relations with Russia, http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2150517?isSearch=True, (Date of access: 16.12.2013);ElenaChernenko RussiaandEuropegathered for Bigtalk,bilateral problemshave accumulatedon the mostrepresentative delegation ofthe EU http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2150121?isSearch=True, (Date of access: 16.12.2013); Detachment ofcommissioners, The EUsent alarge delegation ofRussianrecord (Date of access: 16.12.2013) 23Medvedev:

Russia awaitsEU proposalson abolishing visas, http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2151021?isSearch=True, (Date of access: 16.12.2013); Dmitry Medvedev: "gray" schemes withdrawal of Russian is not so significant,http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2151039?isSearch=True, (Date of access 10.01.2014)

235

24EU

President: I would like to visa-free regime between Russia and the EU was introduced today,http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2153223?isSearch=True, (Date of access 10.01.2014) European Commission President hinted at the abolition of visas with Russia, http:// izvestia.ru/news/547199, (Date of access 10.01.2014) Russian visa paves the way to Europe through the Urals, http://www.kp.ru/daily/ 26085.5/2988161/,(Date of access 10.01.2014) 25Introduction

of visa-free regime with the EU tightened,http://www.kommersant.ru/ doc/2144403?isSearch=True 26

Tube for two: Kiev and Moscow agree on the management of Gas Transport System without the EU, http://www.kommersant.ua/doc/2124683,(Date of access 10.01.2014) 27

Kiev on the eve of the EU summit Kiev refused to pay Moscow the gas bill, http:// izvestia.ru/news/545527,(Date of access 10.01.2014) 28 A week

before the Vilnius: "Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished", http://izvestia.ru/news/ 561062, (Date of access 10.01.2014) Ukraine expects to receive from "Gazprom" installments, http://izvestia.ru/news/ 561073, (Date of access 10.01.2014) 29

Ukrainian media: For refusing to European integration Russia offered Ukraine to restructure old debts, http://www.kp.ru/online/news/1600217/, (Date of access 1.01.2014) Eugene Beliakov,Why do we give billions in debt to Independent?, http://www.kp.ru/ daily/26174.4/3062550/?cp=0 ,(Date of access 1.01.2014) 30 What

will Georgia and Moldova receive from the European Union?, http:// www.kp.ru/daily/26165/3052986/?cp=1, (Date of access 12.12.2013) 31

Eastern partnership moves to the West, http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2354783? isSearch=True, (Date of access 10.01.2014) 32

Hopeful conversation,Viktor Yanukovych can rectify the situation with Yulia Tymoshenko and Yuriy Lutsenko, http://www.kommersant.ua/doc/2136106 (Date of access 21.12.2013) Anastasia Novikova, President of the European Parliament: Pressure on Russia's neighbors unacceptable, http://www.kp.ru/online/news/1599152/ (Date of access 21.12.2013) Round table pointed to the sharp corners on the issue of European integration prospects of Ukraine, http://www.kommersant.ua/doc/2168100 (Date of access 21.12.2013) EU pointed Russia on systematic violations of human rights, http://www.kp.ru/online/ news/1599152/, (Date of access 21.12.2013) Maria Gorkovskaya, European Parliament scares Moscow by its "Magnitsky list", http://izvestia.ru/news/551580, (Date of access 21.12.2013)

236

33 Why

Ukraine prays on Europe, not Russia, http://www.kp.ru/daily/26164/3051505/, (Date of access 10.01.2014) 34 Account

with a tail, http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2115678?isSearch=True(Date of access 21.12.2013) 35

Ukraine is again Maidan, http://www.kp.ru/daily/26163.5/3050445/(Date of access 21.12.2013) "We do not help neither Europe nor Russia until we change ourselves", http:// izvestia.ru/news/562488 (Date of access 21.12.2013) 36 Alexandra

Lyabina, What alliance is more prophitable for Moldova - European or Customs?, http://www.kp.ru/daily/25949/2892713/, (Date of access 12.12.2013) 37

Choking the Ukraine, Europe "ate a" Moldova, http://www.kp.ru/daily/ 26165.4/3052487/?cp=2, (Date of access 10.01.2014) Ukraine cut for Moldova a window into Europe!, http://www.kp.ru/daily/ 26165.4/3052556/,(Date of access 10.01.2014) 38

"The EU is fed up with good intentions" Europeans criticized Ukraine in the Kiev forum, http://www.kommersant.ua/doc/2176130(Date of access 21.12.2013), (Date of access 21.12.2013) Europe did not subscribe to such: Stefan Fule warned Ukraine about the problems with the agreement of association, http://www.kommersant.ua/doc/2121871 (Date of access 21.12.2013) 39

Mission Possible: European Parliament recognized Ukraine's progress in eliminating the problem of selective justice, http://www.kommersant.ua/doc/ 2173430(Date of access 21.12.2013) 40Sevastopoldeputyasked Vladimir

Putin toenter theRussian troopsin Ukraine, http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2358075?isSearch=True, (Date of access 12.12.2013) Victor YanuKovish complained about Russian blackmailing to Lithunia, http:// www.kommersant.ua/news/2350673 41

"Acceptable to Russia conditions of signing an agreement with the EU will be developed", http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2354795?isSearch=True(Date of access 21.12.2013) Mykola Azarov: The European Union should become familiar with the position of Russia regarding the association, http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2359266? isSearch=True, (Date of access 21.12.2013) 42

"Short-sighted propaganda creates a false sense of hostility in Russia",http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2354608?isSearch=True, (Date of access 10.01.2014)

237

43

Russian's do not like European choice of Ukraine, http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/ 2364591?isSearch=True, (Date of access 10.01.2014) Do you want to Europe?, http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2356473?isSearch=True, (Date of access 10.01.2014) Victor Yanukovish complained to Angella Merkel on Russia, http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2356930?isSearch=True , (Date of access 10.01.2014) 44

"One gets the sad feeling that Ukraine does not have good scripts", http:// www.kommersant.ru/doc/2358028?isSearch=True, (Date of access 10.01.2014) Ukraine will be the poorest, if maidan wins, http://www.kp.ru/daily/26170/3057372/? cp=25, (Date of access 12.12.2013) 45 Andrei

Kolesnikov,This is Cesar,,http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2353232? isSearch=True, (Date of access 12.12.2013) 46

Kievan Rus is looking for new Vikings. part 1, http://www.kp.ru/daily/ 26163.5/3050630/ ,(Date of access 12.12.2013)

238

Spain!

Marcos Perez!

!

BACKGROUND! • • • •

Population: 47,370,542 (July 2013 est.)!

GDP per capita in 2012: $31,100 (2012 est.)!

EU member entry date: 19861!

Unemployment: 26.3% (2013 est.)!

!

MEDIA SOURCES!

! ! !

• • • •

El País!

Founding date: May 1976!

Ownership: PRISA communication group !

Readership/ Daily circulation: 440,000 copies!

• • • •

ABC !

Founding date: 1903!

Ownership: Grupo Vocento2!

Readership/ Daily circulation: 250,000 copies!

• • • •

El Mundo!

Founding date: 1989!

Ownership: Unidad Editorial, S.A3!

Readership/ Daily circulation: 330,000 copies!

FINDINGS! •

Number of articles consulted: 90 (30 – El Pais, 30 –El Mundo, 30- ABC)!

• List of search words: “Austeridad y Economia”, “Crisis economica España”, “Bancos BCE”, “Bancos Españoles”, “plan de estabilidad”, “Gibraltar”, “Gibraltar borde y EU”.!

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Irish- EU relations in 2013:!

239

Spanish Banks and ECB! •

• •

•

!

Early on in 2013 the Spanish banks complained that they had received a “substandard” credit of 127,000 million euros in the budget and asked for it to be increased for an undisclosed amount.4 In response, in April 2013, the European Central Bank demanded from Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, an increase of austerity measures and funding cuts.5!

To mitigate the damage to the Banks, the ECB agreed to keep a low interest rate of around 0.5% for the national debt.6 !

Another blow struck the Spanish banks in May when low interest rates and a housing bubble caused the banks to be flooded with toxic assets costing approximately 185 million euros in reparations of which 100 million are problem loans.7 Even more on July 11th, new economic reforms have raised taxes on the major banks in order to take on the brunt of the debt.8 !

Since mid-summer, Spain and the European Central Bank have been discussing the terms of aid for the Spanish Banks; the talks have been largely inconclusive as the Spanish banks wish for the ECB to give them more leeway by further lowering rates and liquidating an undisclosed .9 !

New Economic Plans and Deficit Cuts!

•

• •

Since approximately February 8, 2013 the EU, with France, Germany and the UK as the most vocal countries, has been pushing Spain towards deficit cuts and economic reforms.10 !

Spain began 2013 by giving 10 million Euros and receiving 13 million Euros annually from the EU.11 !

Due to Spain’s willingness to enact more austerity measures, the government has received the approval of Brussels for its new budget plan. This was drawn up in October,12 and included more austerity measures such as higher taxation and lower wages.13 !

240

•

•

!

Faith in the austerity measures has been somewhat upheld by some government officials as Spain had managed to be the country that reduced its commercial deficit the most.14It must be noted that while officials are hopeful many of Spain’s youths feel disfranchised by the government and feel that these measures will not be enough to better the economic situation.15 !

The economic situation in Spain is still precarious; however Spain has been proactive in attempting to cut the deficit and has managed to demonstrate some success.16 In September,17 El Pais reported that the debt would reach 1 billion dollars even with the new budget plans. The Spanish media also reported that the debt will mount up to 105% of the current GDP by the end of 2014.18 !

Gibraltar Fiasco!

•

•

•

•

!

Since early August 2013, tensions between Spanish and British governments have risen due to an artificial reef being created off the coast of Gibraltar in July.19 !

This has led to both countries arguing about who owns the state of Gibraltar. Spain claimed Gibraltar was theirs and denounced it as the only colony of the 21st century. 20 Tensions rose to a point that Prime Minister David Cameron, threatened Spain with gunships in August.21 !

Throughout the summer and early autumn, Gibraltar accused Spain of making unfair border restrictions around the territory of Spain and Gibraltar.22 An EU investigation proved to be largely inconclusive.23 !

Although tensions are still high between the two nations, the EU has been trying has being mediating the two nations to deter hasty actions.24During the final months of 2013 both the governments of UK and Spain calmed down and entered in long debates about the status of Gibraltar. 25!

241

2013 IN REVIEW! 2013 was a difficult year for Spanish banks because of increased pressure from the government’s robust austerity measures and reforms26 have caused these banks to face an increase of taxes with a diminishing of their annual credit.27 Furthermore, a discovery of toxic assets, mainly composed of problem loans, has further damaged the income of these banks.28 The difficult circumstances of the Spanish banks have caused the ECB and the Spanish government to negotiate the bail out of the banks.29 The talks have been largely inconclusive,30 but it was agreed that the interest rate on the debt should not rise.31 !

Although this year was not too good for Spanish banks, Spain’s relationship with the EU has improved due to the government’s new austerity measures which include higher taxing,32 massive budget cuts,33 and a cut in wages of 10%.34 Indeed Spain’s new plans have had such a huge impact that German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised Spain for its tougher austerity measures. Although relationships with the EU improved, economic projections for 2014 did not show a massive improvement.35 Instead it is estimated that debt will rise to 1 billion dollars36 and that the interest rate will surpass the GDP.37 Projections do not show an improvement until 2020.38 !

The Gibraltar issue was also, albeit brief, point of tension in the early summer between Spain and the UK.39 Both nations went into heated debate over the status of Gibraltar. Spain accused the UK of colonialism40 and as a response the UK sailed a warship into Spanish territorial waters.41 To avoid an escalation of the conflict, the EU intervened and began to act as a mediator between the two states.42 An EU investigation was issued to explore the allegations that Spain had made unfair border restrictions on Gibraltar.43 Discussions about the status of Gibraltar have continued up to the end of the year with neither side reaching an agreement.44!

!

242

1

“Spain.” EUROPA, European Commission, n.d. October 10, 2013, <http://europa.eu/ about-eu/countries/member-countries/spain/index_en.htm> 2

“ABC.” Vocento, Vocento Group, n.d. October 10, 2013, <http://www.vocento.com/ nacionales_prensa_abc.php > 3

“El Mundo.” Unidad Editorial, n.d October 10, 2013, <http:// www.unidadeditorial.com/el-mundo.html> 4

De Barrón, Íñigo,“El Banco de España exige a la banca más provisiones para el crédito refinanciado” El Pais, April 30, 2013, accessed November 23, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/04/30/actualidad/ 1367341032_774460.html?rel=rosEP > Recuero, Marisa,“El Banco de España advierte de que continuará la sequía del crédito” El Mundo, October 4, 2013, accessed November 19, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/10/04/ economia/1380873811.html> “El BCE no despeja las dudas de la banca española sobre el examen a sus carteras de préstamos” El Mundo, November 18, 2013, accessed December 16, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/economia/2013/11/18/528a67dc684341652f8b4579.html> 5

Mars, Amanda, “¡Que alguien empuje!” El Pais, April 21, 2013, accessed November 18, 2013 <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/04/19/actualidad/ 1366397486_168979.html > Pérez, Claudi, “Los bancos españoles devuelven al BCE 44.000 millones de una tacada” El Pais, January 30, 2013, accessed November 5, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/01/29/actualidad/ 1359488885_811018.html > “El BCE advierte de que la recuperación europea se debilita” El Mundo, October 10, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/10/10/economia/1381403003.html > “El BCE tiene 44.300 millones de euros de deuda española” El Mundo, February 21, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/02/21/economia/1361460481.html> “Rajoy: «Me preocupa que Alemania y Europa tengan claro adónde vamos»” ABC, December 9, 2013, accessed December 27, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20131208/abci-rajoy-presidente-gobiernoentrevista-201312082202.html > 6

Gómez, Juan, “Merkel mete presión al BCE para que no baje los tipos de interés” El Pais, April 25, 2013, accessed November 4, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/04/25/actualidad/ 1366907983_302054.html?rel=rosEP > “El BCE espera una recuperación gradual de la economía durante 2013” January 17, 2013, accessed November 30, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/01/17/agencias/ 1358426060_532224.html > Sánchez, Rosalía, “El BCE y la pax europea” El Mundo, October 2, 2013, accessed November 18, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/10/02/economia/1380698092.html >

243

7

Jiménes, Miguel “La banca suma ya 85.000 millones en pisos, solares y promociones” El Pais, May 21, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2012/05/08/actualidad/ 1336508326_996611.html> “El Banco de España cree que se podría haber dejado atrás la recession” El Mundo, September 26, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/09/26/economia/1380184729.html > “El Banco de España exige mejores explicaciones a las firmas de rating” El Mundo, July 23, 2013, accessed December 26, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/07/23/economia/1374569931.html> 8

E. Cué, Carlos, “Una rectificación total con un argumento: no hay libertad para elegir” El Pais, July 11, 2013, accessed November 28, 2013, <http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2012/07/11/actualidad/1341997963_126827.html > “El Banco de España y el INE no dan la razón a Montoro: los sueldos bajan” El Mundo, October 9, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/10/09/economia/1381324931.html> “El euríbor volverá a subir en febrero pero reducirá las hipotecas 900 euros” El Pais, February 24, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/02/24/agencias/ 1361699656_496633.html> 9

González, Alicia, “La política monetaria apura la recámara” El Pais, November 15, 2013, accessed November 29, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/11/15/actualidad/ 1384535642_193666.html> “La deuda de la banca española con el BCE se sitúa en su nivel más bajo desde febrero de 2012” El Mundo, December 13, 2013, accessed December 27, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/economia/2013/12/13/52aad9e161fd3df2118b4589.html > 10 Pérez, Claudi, “La UE decreta recortes para toda la década” El Pais, February 8, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, <http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/02/08/actualidad/ 1360356173_837363.html > González, Miguel,“Rajoy dice que España recibirá más de lo que paga a la UE hasta 2020” El Pais, February 7, 2013, accessed, December 21, 2013, <http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/02/07/actualidad/ 1360266635_018515.html > “Bailando en la tormenta perfecta” ABC, November 21, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013, <http://kioskoymas.abc.es/noticias/espana/20131121/abcp-bailando-tormentaperfecta-20131121.html >

244

11

Pérez, Claudi, “La Europa rica se conjura para recortar aún más el presupuesto comunitario” El Pais, February 7, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, <http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/02/07/actualidad/ 1360222415_489015.html > “Bruselas publica el déficit final de España en 2012, primer paso para relajar los objetivos” El Mundo, March 22, 2013, accessed December 27, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/04/22/economia/1366614506.html> 12

Romero, Álvaro, “La deuda pública seguirá subiendo hasta superar el 100% del PIB en 2015” El Pais, October 17, 2013, accessed November 27, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/10/17/actualidad/ 1382022633_287618.html > “La Diputación contará con 102 millones de presupuesto para 2014” ABC, December 24, 2013, accessed December 27, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/comunidad-castillalamancha/20131224/abcp-diputacion-contaramillones-presupuesto-20131224.html > Martín Ferrand, Manuel, “Más de lo mismo” March 27, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/cordoba/20130427/sevp-mismo-20130427.html > “En directo: Guindos: «Antes los mercados apostaban al rescate de España, ahora no»” ABC, May 3, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20130503/abci-alminuto-consejoministros-201305030854.html > Sérvulo González, Jesús, “Comunidades y Ayuntamientos harán fuertes ajustes en plena fase electoral” El Pais, October 17, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/10/17/actualidad/ 1382005889_349386.html > Hernández, Pilar “La estabilidad económica, clave para vender más en el exterior” ABC, February 20, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/toledo/20130220/abcp-estabilidad-economica-clavepara-20130220.html > 13

Doncel, Luis, “Rehn apoya la rebaja de sueldos en España que pide el FMI” El Pais, August 8, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/ economia/2013/08/06/actualidad/1375809528_711397.html> 14

Jiménez Gálvez, J. “La UE logra el primer superávit comercial en un semestre desde 1999” El Pais, September 1, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/09/01/actualidad/ 1378057815_272065.html>

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16

José, Marcos, “El PP aprueba sin apoyos unos presupuestos cargados de intereses” El Pais, December 19, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, <http://ccaa.elpais.com/ccaa/2013/12/19/madrid/1387466589_579743.html> “El Gobierno ahorrará 1.500 millones de euros con la supresión de 708 empresas” El Pais, September 24, 2013, accessed November 28, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/09/24/economia/1380017530.html> 17

Sérvulo González, Jesús, “Más de un billón de euros de deuda” El Pais. September 30, 2013, accessed, December 28, 2013, <http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2013/09/30/actualidad/ 1380528909_672509.html> “Rajoy, en el Senado: «Sin reformas estructurales no se crece»” ABC, June 4, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20130604/abci-rajoy-senado-201306041608.html> G. A. “Bellido prevé 20 millones de superávit en las cuentas de 2013” ABC, January 4, 2013, accessed January 2, 2014, <http://www.abc.es/cordoba/20140104/sevp-bellido-preve-millonessuperavit-20140104.html> 18

“Economía De los números rojos al superávit en dos años” ABC, December 27, 2013, accessed January 2, 2014, < http://kioskoymas.abc.es/noticias/madrid/20131227/abcp-economia-numeros-rojossuperavit-20131227.html > 19

González, Miguel, “Londres, Madrid y Gibraltar asumen un nuevo marco de diálogo sobre el Peñón”El Pais, August 23, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, < http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/08/23/actualidad/1377287878_531516.html > “Hague destaca ante Picardo el “compromiso” británico con Gibraltar” El Pais, August 28, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, <http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/08/28/actualidad/1377686869_392512.html >

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20 Ayllón,

Luis, and Ana Mellado, “Malestar en Londres por los avisos de Margallo sobre Gibraltar en ABC”ABC, August 5, 2013, accessed November 28, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20130805/abci-malestar-londresmargallo-201308042134.html> Gonzáles, Miguel, “Rajoy denuncia que Londres desoye el mandato de descolonizar Gibraltar” El Pais, September 26, 2013, accessed November 28, 2013, <http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/09/26/actualidad/ 1380157209_837708.html> Bergarache, Borja “Acusan a un ministro británico de usar Gibraltar para evadir impuestos” ABC, December 16, 2013, accessed January 2, 2014, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20131216/abci-acusan-ministro-britanicousar-201312152008.html> 21

“Gibraltar «celebra» que España quiera acudir a organismos internacionales” ABC, August 12, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20130812/abci-gibraltar-organismosinternacionales-201308122116.html> A. Rodriquéz, Jorge, “Rajoy mantiene el pulso con Londres y encara el conflicto “sin prisas” El Pais, August 17, 2013, accessed December 18, 2013, <http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/08/17/actualidad/1376767570_082434.html> 22

“España replica que el lanzamiento de hormigón se hizo 'sin control'” El Mundo, August 30, 2013, accessed December 28, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/08/30/espana/1377826808.html> G. Gallego, Javier, “Bruselas niega que investigue a Gibraltar por las tensiones con España” El Mundo, October 16, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/10/16/espana/1381920999.html> “Gibraltar se queja ahora de las colas de peatones” El Mundo, November 4, 2013, accessed November 26, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2013/11/04/5277dbdd684341d40a8b4587.html> “Bruselas investiga en profundidad el impuesto de sociedades de Gibraltar” El Mundo, October 16, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/10/16/economia/1381917733.html> 23

“Bruselas investigará el lanzamiento de bloques de hormigón al mar por parte de Gibraltar” ABC, August 20, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20130820/abci-bruselas-bloquesgibraltar-201308201238.html> 24

“La UE ve injustificada la intensidad de los controles a personas de riesgo en el Peñón” El Pais, December 23, 2013, accessed December 28, 2013, < http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/12/23/actualidad/1387822668_233886.html> Luiz Ruis Alcaide, Carlos,” El «encargao» de Gibraltar se pone macarra” ABC, November 30, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/cordoba/20131130/sevp-encargao-gibraltar-ponemacarra-20131130.html>

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“Rajoy y Cameron se reúnen para tratar el conflicto de Gibraltar” El Mundo, September 5, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, <http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/09/05/espana/1378394686.html> “El Gobierno estudia reforzar los controles en Gibraltar” El Pais, December 28, 2013, accessed January 2, 2014, <http://ccaa.elpais.com/ccaa/2013/12/28/andalucia/1388258744_495455.html> “Margallo cree que España 'va ganando' en el conflicto de Gibraltar” El Mundo, December 9, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013,<http://www.elmundo.es/espana/ 2013/12/09/52a61c5e61fd3d6a268b456e.html > “Rajoy y Cameron se reúnen para tratar el conflicto de Gibraltar” El Mundo, September 5, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, < http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/09/05/espana/1378394686.html > Ayllón, Luis, “España y Reino Unido buscarán una fórmula para el envío de correspondencia de Gibraltar a Londres” ABC, November 28, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20131128/abci-espana-reino-unidoformula-201311272210.html > 26

Érice, Manuel, “Weidmann descarta ya un rescate a España y lo ve un éxito del Gobierno” ABC, February 6, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013,<http://www.abc.es/ espana/20130206/abci-budesbank-espana-201302060030.html> 27

Calleja, M. “Rajoy «sube el tono» ante Europa” ABC, March 10, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20130410/abci-rajoy-europareformas-201304092052.html 28

“nuevo balon de oxigeno del bce (make it in lowercase..)” ABC, November 8, 2013, accessed November 29, 2013,<http://www.abc.es/cordoba/20131108/sevp-nuevobalon-oxigeno-20131108.html>> “Rubalcaba pide a la UE abordar ya la crisis”ABC, February 16, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013, <http://www.abc.es/espana/20130216/rc-rubalcaba-pide-abordarcrisis-201302160134.html> 29

“Rajoy: «He cumplido buena parte de mi programa electoral»” ABC, February 20, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.abcdesevilla.es/espana/20130220/rcrajoy-cumplido-buena-parte-201302201355.html “EL BCE REACCIONA CONTRA LA CRISIS” ABC, May 3, 2013, accessed November 23, 2013, http://www.abc.es/cordoba/20130503/sevp-reacciona-contra-crisis-20130503.html 30

“NCG devuelve 1.150 millones al Banco Central Europeo de manera anticipada” ABC, October 18, 2013, accessed December 27, 2013, http://www.abc.es/local-galicia/20131017/abci-devolucion-201310171045.html Núñez, Maribel, “«Los sacrificios son solo útiles si llevan al crecimiento económico»” ABC, May 15, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://kioskoymas.abc.es/noticias/espana/20130515/sevp-sacrificios-solo-utilesllevan-20130515.html 31

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García-Abadillo, Casimiro, “Cambio de ciclo: los retos de 2014” El Mundo, December 30, 2013, accessed January 2, 2014. http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2013/12/30/52c0a98c22601d44698b4570.html “El Gobierno lanza la reforma de las pensiones sin revelar su subida en 2014” El Mundo, September 27,2013, accessed December 18, 2013. http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/09/27/economia/1380300839.html 32

“Bruselas pide más esfuerzo a Rajoy”El Mundo, November 16, 2013, accessed December 27, 2013. http://www.elmundo.es/economia/2013/11/16/528655d361fd3d07558b4577.html “Los socialistas pedirán al BEI 60.000 millones de euros para pymes” ABC, May 19, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013. http://www.abc.es/espana/20130519/abci-psoe-plan-economico-201305191657.html 33

34

Nuñez, Francisco, “Las pensiones subirán un 0,25% en 2014, el mínimo previsto en la reforma del Gobierno” El Mundo, September 30, 2013, accessed November 27, 2013. http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/09/30/economia/1380533358.html 35

G. Gallego, Javier, “Bruselas empeora sus previsiones para España y pone en duda las de Rajoy” El Mundo, May 3, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013. http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/05/03/economia/1367568898.html 36

Cruz, Marisa, “Rajoy anuncia una revisión 'prudente' del crecimiento: del 0,5% al 0,7% en 2014” El Mundo, September 24, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013. http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/09/24/economia/1380033277.html 37

“La inflación subió al 2,1% en junio por los carburantes y los alimentos” El Mundo, July 12, 2013, accessed December 18, 2013. http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/07/12/economia/1373612876.html “El PP defiende su política de déficit y afirma que no habrá más ajustes” ABC, December 20, 2013, accessed January 2, 2014. http://www.abc.es/comunidad-castillalamancha/20131220/abcp-defiende-politicadeficit-afirma-20131220.html “La eurozona publica hoy el dato del crecimiento que confirmará si la recuperación es un hecho “ El Mundo, November 14, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013. http://www.elmundo.es/economia/2013/11/14/52849c1d684341332a8b458c.html 38

39

González, M. and F. Manetto, and W. Oppenheimer, “Rajoy mantiene la mano dura con Gibraltar pese a la presión de Cameron” El Pais, August 7, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013. http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/08/07/actualidad/1375905522_394278.html González, Miguel, “Vuelta de tuerca de España a Gibraltar” El Pais, January 3, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013. http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/01/02/actualidad/1357161495_904235.html

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40

“El 'bunkering', en el punto de mira por el conflicto entre España y Gibraltar” El Mundo, August 30, 2013, accessed, December 23, 2013. http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/08/14/espana/1376447534.html González, Miguel “España niega haber violado una valija diplomática como denuncia Londres” El Pais, November 27, 2013, accessed January 2, 2014 http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/11/26/actualidad/1385499335_065850.html 41 A.Rodriguez,

Jorge, “Rajoy mantiene el pulso con Londres y encara el conflicto “sin prisas”” El Pais, August 18, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013. http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/08/17/actualidad/1376767570_082434.html Calvo Poyato, José, “ASÍ NOS VA” ABC, December 21, 2013, accessed January, 2 2013. http://www.abc.es/cordoba/20131221/sevp--20131221.html 42

43

Doncel, Luis, “El PP pide a Bruselas avances en la investigación sobre Gibraltar” El Pais, December 3, 2013, accessed December 27, 2013. http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/12/03/actualidad/1386099085_038635.html “España y Reino Unido pactan una declaración sobre Gibraltar que elevarán a la ONU” El Mundo, May 11, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013. http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2013/11/05/5278f0430ab74030578b456a.html Galleja, Mariano, “El Gobierno alerta de los problemas de seguridad que plantea Gibraltar a Europa” ABC, December 6, 2013, accessed December 19, 2013. http://www.abc.es/espana/20131206/abci-estrategia-seguridadmaritima-201312052121.html 44

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Turkey Seray Pulluk, Akman Özel, Onat Akcapar

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BACKGROUND

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Population: 80, 694,485 (July 2013 est.)

Unemployment: 9.3% (2013 est.)!

GDP per capita in 2011: $15,000 EU member entry date: 1997 – declaration of eligibility EU funding in 2011: €902.9 million

MEDIA SOURCES

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Zaman Founding date: 2007 Ownership: Feza Inc. (Gulen movement Readership/ daily circulation: 1.050.961

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Hurriyet Daily News Founding date: 1961 Ownership: Dogan Media Group Readership/ daily circulation: 398.086

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Sabah Founding date: 1985 Ownership: Turkuaz Media Group Readership/ daily circulation: 450 000

FINDINGS • Number of articles consulted: 43 (Huryiet-21; Zaman-15; Sabah-7)

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• List of search words: Article 1: “Turkey’s foreign policy on Cyprus”; “Turkey and Cyprus”; “The EU and Cyprus”; “The EU, Cyprus, and Turkey”; “Obstacles to Turkish membership to the EU”; “Greece and Turkey”; “The EU’s progress report”; “The EU Commission”; “Issue of Cyprus”; “Stefan Füle” Article 2: “Gezi and the EU”; “Gezi Park”; “Turkey and the EU”; “Gezi and the progress report of the EU”; “Turkey’s accession to the EU”; “Protests in Turkey”; “Government opposition in Turkey”; “Gezi and the Turkish foreign policy” Article 3: “energy security”; “EU’s progress report”; “pipeline”; “economy”; “petroleum”; “natural gas projects”; “tanap”; “Turkey’s foreign policy on energy resources” From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Turkey-EU relations reported on in 2013:

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The EU and Cyprus (by Akman Ozel) •

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There has been an ongoing conflict over Northern Cyprus between Greek and Turkish Cypriots since 1974. Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey, and considered as an occupied territory by the international community. On November 8, 2013 in a meeting with Stefan Füle (Commissioner responsible for enlargement and European neighbourhood policy), Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu stated that the resolution of the Cyprus problem would remove a major obstacle from Turkey’s potential EU membership. He also stated that the Turkish government would like extensive membership negotiations to begin, calling for UN help in the resolution of the Cyprus problem.1 An article stated that the EU is ready to re-initiate negotiations with Turkey regarding the Cyprus problem. According to recent

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feasibility reports done by the EU, transportation of natural gas through Turkey is less costly than through Crete and Greece.

This news makes the transportation of natural gas extracted from the Mediterranean Sea a win-win situation for both Turkey and the EU. In this context, the article suggests that the EU’s main motivation for re-opening negotiations regarding Cyprus is to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas, and to minimize its transportation costs.2 Hurriyet newspaper has reported strong criticism towards Turkey in EU’s 2013 Progress Report because of the Cyprus problem. The EU demands Turkey open its ports to Cyprian ships and airplanes and wants Turkey-Cyprus relations to be normalized. In addition, the EU demands Turkey not refuse Cyprus’s membership into international organizations and insists Turkey also take into consideration the international maritime law due to the prevailing natural gas issue.3

Gezi and the EU (by Seray Pulluk) •

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The Gezi Protest started last May in Istanbul against a city project, which was planning the demolition of one of the biggest parks in Istanbul, the Gezi Park, and since its inception the protests have become more about anti-government cries throughout the country and less about the environment.4 The use of disproportionate force against the peaceful protesters by the city police between May 27th-June 16th5 and the AK Party government’s intolerant attitude has raised concerns in the EU. The European Parliament claimed that the Turkish government violated the European Convention on Human Rights through the use of excessive force, the arrest of countless protesters, and by preventing Turkish news agencies from televising and

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publishing news on the protests.6 Until now more than 1000 protestors got arrested, and 6 people died because of the police brutality.7 The spokesperson for the EU’s Enlargement Commissioner, Peter Stano, stated, “we do not have enough information on the events of Gezi Park. However, Turkey still is a candidate country for full membership. Turkey must acquire the freedoms of thought, expression, and assembly …”8 The Commissioner’s spokesperson further explained their worries regarding the violation of basic freedoms and stated that they plan to closely follow the actions of the Turkish government. The Commissioner, Stefan Fule, further stated, “the explanation of the arrests made during the protests are not clear.”9 The special Dutch committee that came to Turkey to investigate the effects of the Gezi protests concluded Turkey was not ready to enter negotiations regarding full EU membership due to serious deficiencies in the areas of “democracy, justice, and rule of law”.10 The European Parliament rapporteur on Turkey, Oomen-Rujiten, published a written statement to voice her concerns about the use of disproportionate force and asked the Turkish government to increase its tolerance towards the right to assembly, even in times of protest.11 The Gezi Report, approved by the European Parliament with a majority of votes, stated that Prime Minister Erdogan’s intolerant attitude and his refusal to apologize, has further polarized the country. The EP was pleased with the moderate statements of Mr. Arınç, who is Prime Minister Erdogan’s deputy, and of Mr. Gül’s, Turkey’s President.

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Turkey reacted harshly to the EP’s report. Foreign Minister, Davutoglu, promised to return the report to EP as soon as it arrived.12 Positive actions from the government included arranging meetings with protesters, which incited positive reactions from EU ambassadors.13 The announcement of the democratization package (passed by the Turkish parliament in October to make the current constitution more democratic), which increased the rights of Turkish minorities also, gained EU praise.14 The EU stated the democratization package had a positive affect on the accession process of Turkey to full EU membership. 15 Mr. Davutoglu stated that EU membership is still a strategic goal for Turkey.16 Mrs. Oomen-Rujiten, stated that the future of the EU will be shaped by Turkey.17 In the progress report published in October, the EU explained its concerns regarding the number of imprisoned journalists in Turkey, as well as the use of excessive force and the blocking of unbiased news during the protests.18 The report, notes and praises the democratization package, however.19 November marked the beginning of a new chapter, which was supposed to commence in June, but was postponed due to the protests.20 There have been 14 chapters opened since 2005 for the negotiations. 21 Turkey’s biggest oppositions, Germany and Holland,22 stated that this time they would not object to the restart of the negotiations with Turkey for full EU membership as they did in June 25, 201323 as Merkel stated in July that ‘freedoms of assembly, thought, and expression will always be valid. … It is better to start the 14th chapter in fall.”24 Italian Foreign Minister, Mrs. Bonino, stated that the protests of Gezi Park caused the

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relationship between the EU and Turkey to accelerate.25 Thus the Protests both led to more democratization and it revitalized the accession process of Turkey to the EU.

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Developing Energy Projects and the Stabilization of Security in Turkey (by Onat Akcapar) •

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The 2013 progress report published by the European Commission underscored the geographic importance of Turkey as a significant strategic partner and as a facilitator of European energy prospects. The Progress Report urges the revitalization of negotiations between Turkey and the EU regarding energy security. 26 It has clearly been clarified by the EU through the Progress Report published in October 16, 2013 that Turkey’s withholds a potential for a significant contribution to the union through the use of its energy resources. Energy transportation projects passing through Turkey have vital importance for Europe’s energy security. The concerns regarding the development of energy security and a strategic trade partnership with Turkey are significant topics the EU has discussed regularly in 2013. 27 Achieving bridged energy lines between the EU and Turkey is made difficult due to Turkey’s issues of regional security, including possible terrorism and sabotage. In order to secure EU funding and private investments into the pipeline, those risks would have to be eliminated.28 Despite achievements in previous years, this project still withholds the potential for mass economic profit for investors, the European market and the Turkish economy, making this topic a primary agenda in Turkish-EU relations.29 Growing demands for petroleum and natural gas, make Turkey important

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in establishing and enhancing trade mobility between the Middle East and the EU. There has been marked progress in negotiations about the linking of pipelines and petrol fields between the two continents.30 Turkey has achieved a 7 billion dollar inter-governmental pipeline agreement (TANAP) with Azerbaijan in late 2013. The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline Project is planned to link Azeri’s natural gas to Europe, across Turkey.31 Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliev has underlined that 35 billion dollars in investments and 30 thousand new businesses are expected to open in accord with the TANAP project. Turkey’s Energy Minister, Taner Yildiz, has since stated that the project considers Turkey and Azerbaijan attempts to supply EU nations in need of energy.32 Yildiz criticized the European Union due to their lack of support in the development of such projects.33 However, existing petrol and natural gas lines have been significant terrorist targets worldwide. The vast lines expected to extend through Turkey’s southern border raises security concerns. As terrorism remains a threat in certain parts of Turkey, international petroleum companies have postponed all projects due to the demand for low risk investments. Although some progress has been made a reliable transportation plan for the gas is still lacking due to Turkey’s security issues.34 Abdullah Gül highlights the importance of enhancing energy security in the region in order to achieve economic growth. Gül has requested EU assistance in enhancing of the security of these energy projects in order to transport the natural gas extracted from Azerbaijan and the Middle East to Europe.35 However, Turkey has been long awaiting the expected extent of EU cooperation in order to facilitate pipeline links from the East

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Mediterranean region to Europe.36 President Abdullah Gül complained to the Atlantic council regarding the complications that arose due to the EU’s refusal to open the energy chapter, or membership negotiations due to the Greek Cypriot embargo.37 Also, there have also been an increasing number of sabotages in energy foundations in a the global scale that generates additional unease during security discussions between Turkey and the EU, hindering Turkey’s ability to become an energy bridge between the two continents.38 39 Existing petrol and natural gas transfer webs that extend over 20 thousand kilometers in Turkey are protected by military ‘Gendarme’ forces and private security firms.40

2013 IN REVIEW The 2013 progress report published by the European Commission underscored the geographic importance of Turkey as a significant strategic partner and as a facilitator of European energy prospects. The Progress Report urges the revitalization of negotiations between Turkey and the EU regarding energy security. 41 Turkey has achieved a 7 billion dollar inter-governmental pipeline agreement (TANAP) with Azerbaijan in late 2013. The TransAnatolian Natural Gas Pipeline Project is planned to link Azeri’s natural gas to Europe, across Turkey.42 Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliev has underlined that 35 billion dollars in investments and 30 thousand new businesses are expected to open in accord with the TANAP project.

Turkey’s Energy Minister, Taner Yildiz, has since stated that the project considers Turkey and Azerbaijan attempts to supply EU nations in need of energy.43 Yildiz criticized the European Union due to their lack of support in the development of such projects.44

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Turkey has been long awaiting EU cooperation in order to facilitate pipeline links from the East Mediterranean region to Europe.45 President Abdullah Gül complained to the Atlantic council regarding the complications that arose due to the EU’s refusal to open the energy chapter, or membership negotiations due to the Greek Cypriot embargo.46 New gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean are under Egyptian, Israeli, Syrian and Cyprian control which Turkey experienced deterioration of political relations with these states over the past few years. In order to fulfill national interests and support European energy security, President Gül has emphasized the significance of forming a pipeline transportation axis between the Middle East and East Mediterranean to Europe. The national agenda has, thus, prioritized the reshaping of its ideological focus in foreign relations in order to bolster national interests concerning the economy.47 2013 was the year of protests in Turkey. It all started with a municipal development project, which aimed to demolish the Gezi Park that is located at the core of Istanbul. Initial protesters just wanted to save the park, however the disproportional reaction of the city police, by burning down the tents of the peaceful protesters during sunrise without warning, raised concerns among protesting groups. In June, the protests turned into anti-government cries. This discontent spread to other cities in Turkey, and the police brutality along with it. TOMAs (Turkish abbreviation for Intervention Vehicle for Societal Events), which are tank-like vehicles that use water to disperse people, meetings in front of courthouses to support the protestors who were unjustly arrested, were a common sight during the summer. However, the EU’s concerns and warnings acted as a catalyzer to force the government to take some action. Just before the EU’s annual progress report Turkish Prime Minister announced the Democratization Package, which

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included several reforms on minority rights. The EU welcomed this move, and because it was seen as a step towards to the West, it accelerated the long dead accession process for Turkey’s EU membership by re-opening chapter 22, Regional Policy & Coordination of Structural Instruments, for negotiations.

There has not been remarkable progress towards the solution of the Cyprus dispute. This has been a point of criticism in EU’s 2013 Progress Report. New gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean are under Egyptian, Israeli, Syrian and Cyprian control which Turkey experienced deterioration of political relations with these states over the past few years. In order to fulfill national interests and support European energy security, President Gül has emphasized the significance of forming a pipeline transportation axis between the Middle East and East Mediterranean to Europe. The national agenda has, thus, prioritized the reshaping of its ideological focus in foreign relations in order to bolster national interests concerning the economy.48

1

Cihan News Agency,Vize Muafiyetinde Hava Türkiye Lehine Döndü, Sabah

Newspaper, http://www.sabah.com.tr/Gundem/2013/11/08/vize-muafiyetinde-havaturkiye-lehine-dondu (Retrieved on November 8).

2

Batur Nur, Türkiye'nin Hala Şansı Var, Sabah Newspaper, http://www.sabah.com.tr/

Gundem/2013/10/22/turkiyenin-hl-sansi-var (Retrieved on October 22).

3

Lüle Zeynel, AB'den Türkiye'ye Zehir Zemberek İlerleme Raporu, Hürriyet

Newspaper http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/avrupa/24800240.asp, 27.09.2013 4

Kizilkoyun, Fevzi, Başkuş, Ender, Koç Mert Gökhan. “Ankara’da ‘Gezi’

protestosu.” Hürriyet Gündem. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/23410335.asp (retrieved on December, 22). %5 Dağlar, Ali. “Gezi’de polis şiddeti soruşturması YÖK Başkanı’nı bekliyor.” Hürriyet Gündem. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/25238425.asp (retrieved on December, 24).

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6

Hürriyet Planet. “Gezi Parkı olaylarına AB'den ilk tepki.” Hürriyet Planet.

http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/planet/23410185.asp (retrieved on December, 22).

7

Hürriyet Gündem. “ Başkent’te 4 gün bilançosu: 937 gözaltı.” Hürriyet Gündem. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/23428545.asp (retrieved on December, 23).

8

Hürriyet Planet. “Gezi Parkı olaylarına AB'den ilk tepki.” Hürriyet Planet.

http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/planet/23410185.asp (retrieved on December, 22).

9 Anadolu Agency.

“AB'den Türkiye'ye 'gözaltı' tepkisi.” Hürriyet Planet. http://

www.hurriyet.com.tr/planet/23690905.asp (retrieved on December, 22).

10

BBC Türkçe. “'Bu koşullarda AB, Türkiye için hayal'.” Hürriyet Avrupa. http://

www.hurriyet.com.tr/avrupa/24991073.asp (retrieved on December, 23).

11

Brüksel Zaman. “AB’den sert Taksim tepkisi.” Zaman Gündem. http://

www.zaman.com.tr/gundem_abden-sert-taksim-tepkisi_2095932.html (retrieved on December, 23).

12

Demir, Emre, Yanatma, Servet. “Avrupa Parlamentosu ile Gezi raporu restleşmesi.”

Zaman Dünya. http://www.zaman.com.tr/dunya_avrupa-parlamentosu-ile-gezi-raporurestlesmesi_2100325.html (retrieved on December, 23).

13

Zaman Politika. “AB Komisyonu’ndan ‘Gezi’ değerlendirmesi: Olumlu işaretler

geliyor.” Zaman Politika. http://www.zaman.com.tr/politika_ab-komisyonundan-gezidegerlendirmesi-olumlu-isaretler-geliyor_2100751.html (retrieved on December, 24).

14

Yanatma, Servet. “Demokrasi Paketi, AB raporunu dengeledi.” Zaman Dünya. http://www.zaman.com.tr/dunya_demokrasi-paketi-ab-raporunudengeledi_2146128.html (retrieved on December, 24).

15

Yanatma, Servet. “Demokrasi Paketi, AB raporunu dengeledi.” Zaman Dünya. http://www.zaman.com.tr/dunya_demokrasi-paketi-ab-raporunudengeledi_2146128.html (retrieved on December, 24).

16

Hürriyet Avrupa. “AB stratejik hedefimiz.” Hürriyet Avrupa. http://

www.hurriyet.com.tr/avrupa/23623979.asp (retrieved on December, 22).

17

Anadolu Agency. “‘Avrupa'nın geleceğini Türkiye şekillendirecek.’” Hürriyet Dünya. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/dunya/25319577.asp (retrieved on December, 23).

18

Lüle, Zeynel. “AB'den Türkiye'ye zehir zemberek İlerleme Raporu.” Hürriyet

Avrupa. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/avrupa/24800240.asp (retrieved on December, 22).

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19

Zaman Dünya. “AB’den Gezi’ye eleştiri, pakete övgü.” Zaman Dünya. http://

www.zaman.com.tr/dunya_abden-geziye-elestiri-pakete-ovgu_2150023.html 20

Lüle, Zeynel. “AB ile ‘orta yol’ bulundu.” Hürriyet Planet. http://

www.hurriyet.com.tr/planet/23586824.asp (retrieved on December, 23).

21

ANKA News Agency. “Üç yıl aradan sonra Brüksel'de ilk randevu.” Sabah Gündem. http://www.sabah.com.tr/Gundem/2013/11/05/uc-yil-aradan-sonrabrukselde-ilk-randevu (retrieved on December, 24).

22

Hürriyet Planet. “Almanya ve Hollanda'dan Türkiye'ye AB vetosu.” Hürriyet

Planet. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/planet/23536987.asp (retrieved on December, 23).

23

Anadolu Agency. “AB ile yeni başlık için geri sayım başladı.” Hürriyet Planet. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/planet/24951924.asp (retrieved on December, 23).

24

Hürriyet Planet. “Merkel: Özgürlükler müzakere edilmez.” Hürriyet Planet. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/planet/23603579.asp (retrieved on December, 24).

25

Çakir, Esma. "Gezi Parkı olayları Türkiye-AB ilişkilerine ivme kazandırdı."

Hürriyet Dünya. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/dunya/25315494.asp (retrieved on December, 25).

26 AB, Türkiye

İlerleme Raporu'nu yayınladı. Hurriyet Ekonomi. http://

www.hurriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/24926861.asp. (December 28, 2013) 27

EU urged to open energy chapter. Hurriyet Daily News. http:// www.hurriyetdailynews.com/eu-urged-to-open-energy-chapter.aspx? pageID=238&nID=62981&NewsCatID=351. (February 27, 2014) 28

Turkey is an integral component of Europe's energy security, Sabancı. Zaman

Anatolia News Agency. http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-222561-turkey-isan-integral-component-of-europes-energy-security-sabanci.html (January 5, 2013) 29

"Gül: "The Eu Has Strategic Myopia”." National-Sabah English. http://

www.english.sabah.com.tr/National/2013/05/11/gul-the-eu-has-strategic-myopia (December 18, 2013).

30

Paul, Amanda. Rethinking Turkey-EU Relations http://www.todayszaman.com/

columnists/amanda-paul_330398-rethinking-turkey-eu-relations.html. (January 3, 2013) 31

Shuruyev, Zaur ‘When gas is more than politics’. http://www.todayszaman.com/

columnists/zaur-shiriyev_335094-when-gas-is-more-than-politics.html (December 28, 2013).

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32

Paul, Amanda. ‘Azerbaijan: mecca of the energy industry’ http://

www.todayszaman.com/columnists/amanda-paul_206619-azerbaijan-a-mecca-of-theenergy-industry.html. (December 28, 2013) 33

Tarihi anlaşma imzalandı. Hurriyet Ekonomi. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/

ekonomi/25382807.asp (December 28, 2013).

34

ERDİL, Merve Petrolde büyük risk. Hurriyet Gazetesi- Ekonomi. http://

www.hurriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/24549809.asp (December 27, 2013).

35

Paul, Amanda. Azerbaijan: underpinning Europe's energy security http://

www.todayszaman.com/columnists/amanda-paul_334597-azerbaijan-underpinningeuropes-energy-security.html. (December 26, 2013) 36 Yiğit,

Süreyya Turkic energy supply and EU demand!

http://todayszaman.com/ newsDetail_getNewsById.action;jsessionid=ECA93088B0128E1FE5B8676A4CBF4 72D?newsId=329217. (December 21, 2013).

37

Greek Cyprus vows to block Turkey-EU energy talks in gas row http://

www.todayszaman.com/news-256768-greek-cyprus-vows-to-block-turkey-eu-energytalks-in-gas-row.html (December 21, 2013) 38

gültaşli, selçuk AB!nin stratejik enerji projelerinde Türkiye var http://

www.zaman.com.tr/dunya_ab-nin-stratejik-enerji-projelerinde-turkiye-var_ 264557.html (December 12, 2013) 39

Özkaya Sefa. Nükleer enerjiye ihtiyacımız artıyor. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/

ekonomi/25177249.asp. (December 27, 2013) 40

Erdil, Merve ‘Petrolde büyük risk’. Hurriyet Gazetesi- Ekonomi. http://

www.hurriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/24549809.asp.(December 27, 2013) 41 AB, Türkiye

İlerleme Raporu'nu yayınladı. Hurriyet Ekonomi. http://

www.hurriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/24926861.asp. (December 28, 2013) 42

Shuruyev, Zaur ‘When gas is more than politics’. http://www.todayszaman.com/

columnists/zaur-shiriyev_335094-when-gas-is-more-than-politics.html (December 28, 2013).

43

Paul, Amanda. ‘Azerbaijan: mecca of the energy industry’ http://

www.todayszaman.com/columnists/amanda-paul_206619-azerbaijan-a-mecca-of-theenergy-industry.html. (December 28, 2013)

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44

Tarihi anlaşma imzalandı. Hurriyet Ekonomi. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/

ekonomi/25382807.asp (December 28, 2013).

45 Yiğit,

Süreyya Turkic energy supply and EU demand!

http://todayszaman.com/ newsDetail_getNewsById.action;jsessionid=ECA93088B0128E1FE5B8676A4CBF4 72D?newsId=329217. (December 21, 2013).

46

Greek Cyprus vows to block Turkey-EU energy talks in gas row http://

www.todayszaman.com/news-256768-greek-cyprus-vows-to-block-turkey-eu-energytalks-in-gas-row.html (December 21, 2013) 47

Turkey loses ground in the Middle East and East Mediterranean. http://

www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-loses-ground-in-the-middle-east-and-eastmediterranean.aspx?PageID=238&NID=58507&NewsCatID=409 (January 2, 2013) 48

Turkey loses ground in the Middle East and East Mediterranean. http://

www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-loses-ground-in-the-middle-east-and-eastmediterranean.aspx?PageID=238&NID=58507&NewsCatID=409 (January 2, 2013)!

!

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Ukraine Larysa Workewych

!

BACKGROUND

!

• • • • •

Population: 44,573,205 (July 2013 est.)!

GDP per Capita: $7,500 (2012 est.) !

Unemployment Rate: 8% (2013 est.)!

EU Member Entry Date: N/A! EU Funding in 2013: N/A!

MEDIA SOURCES

!

!

• • • •

УНІАН/UNIAN (Ukrainian Independent Information Agency)!

Founding Date: March 1993 !

Ownership: Privat Group (ГрупаПриват)!

Readership Stats/ Weekly Circulation: N/A!

• • •

Ekspres (Експрес)!

Founding Date: 1992!

Ownership: ТзОВФонд"Свобода"слова (translation is “Fund” Free Word) !

Readership Stats/ Weekly Circulation: 1,223,700 copies!

• • • • •

!

Vysoky Zamok (Високий Замок/ “High Castle”)!

Founding Date: 7 September 1991 !

Ownership: JSC Publishing house!

Readership Stats/Weekly Circulation: 565,000 copies (circulated four times a week) !

FINDINGS • •

Number of Articles Consulted: 112 (UNIAN – 33; Ekspres – 42; and Vysoky Zamok – 37)!

List of Search Words: “Євромайдан” (EuroMaidan), “Європа” (Europe), “Тимошенко” (Tymoshenko), “Євросоюз” (European Union)!

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From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to Ukraine-EU relations in 2013:!

Association Agreement with EU vs. Customs Union with Russia !

•

•

•

Parties Involved: The President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, the European Union, Russia, and the Eastern Partnership Summit!

The Agreement itself was to be signed on November 29, 2013, while discussions of terms and conditions of the agreement have featured in Ukrainian media since January 2013.!

In 2007 the European Union and Ukraine began to discuss the possibility of signing an Association Agreement to create a freetrade barrier between the two regions. On May 15, 2013 it was announced that the Association Agreement would be signed on November 28-29 2013 at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, with the intention of creating a free-trade barrier and solidifying the relationship between Ukraine and the EU1. The Polish Government, who encouraged the progress of Ukraine’s relationship with the European Union, supported the agreement in hopes that it would bring Ukraine closer to EU membership2.

The Association Agreement entails increased free trade relations with the European Union, and introduces the possibility of a visa free zone between Ukraine and the European Union, if all the conditions outlined by the EU in order to demonstrate Ukraine’s “readiness” are met3. On November 21, 2013 the Ukrainian government stated that it would be postponing signing of the agreement and would instead be pursuing closer trade ties with Russia due to the nation’s financial struggles4.

The European Union stated it is willing to begin negotiations with the International Monetary Fund in the interest of transferring a 20 billion Euro loan to aid Ukraine in it’s hardships, and sent a delegation to Ukraine on December 8,

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2013 to encourage Yanukovych to sign the agreement5. Due to the President’s actions the European Union stated on December 19 the possibility of signing the Association Agreement will potentially be “frozen”6. !

Russia has been a vocal opponent of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, particularly due to Russian anxiety surrounding Russo-Ukrainian trade, and is raising concerns (strengthened by threats of restriction on Ukrainian trade) that the Association Agreement may jeopardize Ukrainian relations with its eastern neighbour7. At the moment polls indicate that 58% of Ukrainians are in favour of closer ties with the European Union, as opposed to joining the Customs Union with Russia8. On November 26, 2013 Ukrainian President Yanukovych stated that Ukraine is still focused on solidifying ties with the European Union, but would like Russia to participate in negotiations between the EU and Ukraine9. On December 17, 2013 Viktor Yanukovych signed a “condition free” agreement with Russia, which included discounted gas and a $15 billion dollar bail out to help Ukraine’s struggling economy, with the first $3 billion in bonds being acquired by Russia in December10. Yuriy Lustenko (Ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs whose controversial jailing was regarded as politically motivated by the EU) remains a vocal player in EU-Ukrainian relations, and has expressed strong opposition to the RussoUkrainian agreement, stating that Ukraine must “attack the East” and urging the government to diminish Russian influences in exchange for the development of Ukrainian-EU relations11. !

European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle has since commented on the agreement between Russia and Ukraine, arguing that the EU never desired to disregard existing trade relations between the two countries, insisting that the agreement does not impede Ukraine from strengthening its ties with Europe and thus maintains that the possibility for an Association Agreement remains open12.

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Despite this, the EU has stated that acknowledging the fact the Association Agreement remains open it will not “fight with Russia for Ukraine”; however, discussions regarding Ukraine’s circumstances will be the first topic of discussion in the EU Council meeting on December 19-2013. Angela Merkel has stated that though the doors to Europe remain open to Ukraine, the nation cannot be a member of two customs unions according to WTO rules, and that this situation will be discussed at the Russia-EU summit to be held in January 201414. Ultimately, this decision will depend on Ukraine’s commitment to European values and Europe itself15. The association agreement remains unsigned, although Ukraine will continue approaching an agreement with the EU regarding the simplification of the visa process between Ukraine and the EU, in addition to discussions regarding the Association Agreement which are planned to resume after the holiday season16. !

Euro Maiden Protests !

•

•

•

Parties Involved: The Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, the European Union, Ukrainian Civil Society, the Ukrainian Police Force, and the Ukrainian Opposition Leaders.!

This issue is quite recent in the Ukrainian media, beginning in mid-November but have escalated in relevance ever since. The EuroMaidan movement is the response to the postponement of signing the Association Agreement at the Eastern Partnership Summit.!

Ukrainians have been protesting in significant Ukrainian squares – most notably the Independence Square (which became famous in 2004 as the location of the peaceful protests becoming known as Orange Revolution) in response to Yanukovych postponing officiating the Association Agreement with the EU with Ukrainians accusing him of “robbing Ukraine’s European future” 17. As the first generation to not experience the era of the

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Soviet Union, Ukraine’s student population has played a strong role in the protests, arguably due to the fact that they are not as tied to Russia as many current Ukrainian politicians18. This growing civil society movement is speaking out against the Ukrainian government, urging for Yanukovych’s resignation in an attempt to demonstrate the public support towards Ukraine’s growing relationship with Europe in hopes that Ukraine could become European through a “nation-wide campaign of civil disobedience”19. Prominent Ukrainian figures including the Opposition Leaders, numerous ministers and oligarchs, as well as Ukrainian pop-singer Ruslana have openly supported the people in their protests20. !

In late November the Ukrainian police forcefully attempted to remove the protestors from Independence Square, however the Ukrainian government has since stated the attack was not condoned and that an investigation has been launched regarding the parties involved21. Many of Yanukovych’s employees have also handed in letters of resignation in response to the violence, including the chief of police, though Yanukovych has not accepted the resignations22. Numerous reports have established that there was no legal basis for the police to forcibly remove the protestors from the square23. The European Union has made numerous statements condemning the use of force against the protestors, and has considered imposing sanctions against the individuals responsible for the violence24. On December 1, 2013, the Ukrainian protesters re-claimed the square by building barricades around the square, and setting up a permanent protest camp with a stage for speeches from opposition leaders and representatives of the EU who demonstrated their support for the Ukrainian protestors25. Protests continue to occur in Independence Square, including an incident where a statue of Vladimir Lenin in Kyiv was toppled, despite the signing of an agreement with Russia, as protesters resolve to demonstrate that their desire for integration remains strong26. The EuroMaidan

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protests have prompted a number of Ukrainian artists and residents to create flags, icons and symbols combining the Ukrainian flag, tryzub and EuroMaidan slogan “Ukraine is Europe” with the EU flag27. Polls indicate that 75.2% of Ukrainians consider the EuroMaidan protests to be the main event of 2013, in comparison to 3.6% of Ukrainians who consider the failure of the Association Agreement itself to be the main event, indicating to what degree Ukraine’s union with Europe continues to be a prominent issue in Ukrainian media and politics28. In efforts to exhibit their desires for a European Ukraine in the New Year, protesters held a large protest on New Years Eve in hopes their pleas would be heard29. !

Jailing of Yulia Tymoshenko!

•

•

•

Parties Involved: Former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko, the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights!

Yulia Tymoshenko’s jailing has been an issue of consistent importance in Ukrainian media throughout 2013. In recent months, discussion of Tymoshenko has increased in Ukrainian media due to the ex-Prime Minister’s deteriorating health as well as the condition of her release in the European Partnership Summit agreement, in combination with the recent EuroMaidan protests. !

Early 2013 Tymoshenko’s release seemed unlikely due to current Prime Minister Yanukovych’s position on the issue despite the persistence of small protests in early 2013 pushing for her release30. In September 2013 discussions regarding Tymoshenko’ potential release in order to seek treatment in Germany began circulating which Tymoshenko stated she would accept31. Yanukovych, however, has since stated that there are no legislations under which Tymoshenko’s release to another country could be permitted32. Tymoshenko has also missed a

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•

•

number of court appearances, which Yanukovych argues make it difficult to resolve the issue of her imprisonment, and resulting in the delay of the court case until November33.!

Tymoshenko filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights in 2013 claiming she was subject to beatings in April 2012, violating her constitutional rights as a citizen to be protected from torture34. Discussions regarding the illegitimacy of Tymoshenko’s jailing for political reasons (the EU has stated that Ukraine’s judicial system features ‘selective justice’) have had a major impact on the Ukrainian-EU Association Agreement35. Allegations of Tymoshenko’s wrongful imprisonment are problematic for the European Union36. As a result, an additional condition has been imposed on Ukraine in discussions of the Association Agreement to include Tymoshenko’s release, as well as former Minister of Internal Affairs Yuriy Lustenko (who was formally pardoned on April 7, 2013 and released from prison the same day37. Yanukovych on the other hand argues that this condition has been a waste of time in the negotiations between Europe and Ukraine, and should therefore be dropped38. Tymoshenko was surprisingly also in favour of the removal of her release from the conditions of the Agreement in order to allow Ukraine to sign the Agreement and strengthen its ties with Europe39.!

Tymoshenko’s prominence in the EU and Ukraine’s discussions regarding the Association Agreement has caused her to become a symbol for some of the EuroMaidan protesters, as she has been an activist and supporter of the protests40. Condemning the police brutality against protestors and journalists, which most recently included Tatyana Chornovil, Tymoshenko continues to call for the removal of Yanukovych from office through early presidential elections41. Polls suggest that support for Tymoshenko to be the next President of Ukraine is rising among the Ukrainian population42. Tymoshenko wrote a letter to Yanukovych encouraging him to become a better President, to

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attend to the demands of the Ukrainian people, and to allow Ukraine to move forward instead of halting its progress43.

Tymoshenko has called the EuroMaidan protests the “achievement of the decade” for Ukraine, as she believes they will lead Ukraine towards a path of cleansing and Europeanization44.!

2013 IN REVIEW! !In 2013, these three interrelated issues have largely affected Ukrainian relations with the EU, reflecting the various elements that have come to play an important role while trying to come to an agreement. The Association Agreement, which would have strengthened the political and economic relationship between Ukraine and the EU, dominated Ukrainian media coverage on the EU in 2013.

Failure to sign the Agreement caused the EuroMaidan movement prompting thousands of Ukrainians to protest their concern for Ukraine’s “European future”. Yulia Tymoshenko’s continued imprisonment, due to Viktor Yanukovych’s refusal to release her (despite strong EU opposition on the matter) has also remained a prominent topic of discussion regarding Ukraine’s relationship with the EU.! !

The beginning of 2013 meant potentially strengthened relations between Ukraine and the EU. The Association Agreement, and the conditions to be imposed on Ukraine, were being developed and debated therefore demonstrating the likelihood the agreement would be signed during Yanukovych’s term. In April the release of Yuriy Lustenko, despite refusal to pardon Tymoshenko, demonstrated Ukrainian compliance with EU conditions. This progression, however, came to an abrupt halt in November when Yanukovych declared Ukraine was not ready to sign the Association Agreement due to the nation’s economic struggles, deciding in favour of a large Russian bailout instead. As a result of this occurrence Ukraine’s future as a EU member is ambiguous.!

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Tymoshenko’s jailing also remained a crucial source of tension between the EU and Ukraine due to the EU’s insistence upon her release prior to any agreements being signed. This ‘selective justice’ is an example of the judicial corruption opposed by the EU. As a supranational organization built on democratic values, any country seeking EU membership must demonstrate commitment and adherence to a democratic, free market government with regard for the rule of law.

Consequently, Yanukovych’s refusal to release Tymoshenko, in addition to her role in the Association Agreement as a key condition, have made her the face of the EuroMaidan protesters and a representation of Ukrainian values. Ultimately, any further integration between Ukraine and the EU beyond the current discussions of simplified visa travel and basic trade will depend on the Ukrainian government’s willingness to meet the conditions the EU dictates for membership. Tymoshenko will continue to play a crucial role as a result.! !

The EuroMaidan protests represented Ukrainian support in favour of European integration. There has been heavy coverage in the Ukrainian media on these day-to-day events leading up to the Vilnius conference and the continued EuroMaidan protests. These displays for European integration put Yanukovych in a difficult position due to the agreement that was signed with Russia in December. Yanukovych’s response to the protest, most importantly the police violence against Ukrainian citizens, furthered Ukrainian resentment with a government increasingly perceived as corrupt and non-representative of the people’s desires. By not signing the Association Agreement, Yanukovych’s actions sparked a movement that has since developed beyond its initial purpose to encompass dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian political culture and government as a whole. It must be acknowledged, however, that the EuroMaidan protests does not encompass the full Ukrainian public opinion on this issue, and the country remains divide. As a result, a significant population in Ukraine maintains a desire to retain closer ties with Russia and pursue the Customs Union. As stated by numerous European politicians and EU Commissioners, the potential for an Association Agreement still exists so long as Ukraine does not join the

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Customs Union with Russia. Ukraine’s economic union and political direction – East or West – ultimately lies in the hands of the Ukrainian Government and most importantly, the President.! !

EU-Ukrainian relations have therefore shifted from what they were at the beginning of 2013 to what they have developed into at the end of 2013. The potential for integration remains uncertain, and the early months of 2014 will prove crucial in the development of Ukraine’s path either towards or away from Europe. It remains clear, however, that the three major issues of 2013 discussed in Ukrainian media represent a pivotal moment in relations between the EU and Ukraine. !

1

“Україна припиняє підготовку до укладення Угоди про асоціацію з Євросоюзом — рішення уряду” УНІАН, November 21, 2013. http:// eunews.unian.net/ukr/detail/198808 (accessed November 26, 2013) “Президент Литви: ЄС має підписати угоду з Україною” УНІАН, July 3, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/581116-prezident-litvi-es-mae-pidpisati-ugodu-zukrajinoyu.html (accessed November 26, 2013) “Янукович каже, що Європа висунула 11 вимог, і над ними працюють” УНІАН, June 19, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/578688-yanukovich-kaje-scho-evropavisunula-11-vimog-i-nad-nimi-pratsyuyut.html (accessed November 26, 2013) 2

Тимонць, Ігор. “Янукович пообіцяв Коморовському «вирішити проблему Тимошенко і Луценка»” Високий Замок, February 21, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ ukraine/122197 (accessed November 27, 2013) “ЄС пропонує Україні підписати Угоду про асоціацію на кращих умовах, ніж це було з Польщею у 90-х роках – євродепутат” УНІАН, November 18, 2013. http:// eunews.unian.net/ukr/detail/198801 (accessed November 27, 2013) 3

Тимонць, Ігор. “«Угода про асоціацію – це половина шляху до ЄС»” Високий Замок, February 22, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/122183 (accessed November 26, 2013) 4

“Представництво України при ЄС повідомляє, що текст Угоди про асоціацію надруковано” УНІАН, November 27, 2013. http://eunews.unian.net/ukr/detail/ 198812 (accessed November 27, 2013) 5

“Євросоюз готовий допомогти Україні у переговорах з МВФ і протистояти економічному тиску Росії - президент Литви” УНІАН, November 20, 2013. http:// eunews.unian.net/ukr/detail/198806 (accessed November 26, 2013) “В Україну прибула переговорна група Європейського союзу” Високий Замок, December 8, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124909 (accessed December 21, 2013)

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Пукіш-Юнко, Інна. “Що буде, якщо Угоди з ЄС не буде?” Високий Замок, November 14, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124615 (accessed November 27, 2013) “Угода з Євросоюзом тепер заморожена назавжди - чиновники ЄС” Експрес, December 19, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/19/99014-ugoda-yevrosoyuzomzamorozhena-nazavzhdy-chynovnyky-yes (accessed December 21, 2013) 7

Фаріон, Іван. “Захоче Янукович Митного союзу – нарветься на імпічмент…” Високий Замок, January 31, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/121966 (accessed November 27, 2013) “Азаров зізнався: відклав угоду після ультиматуму Москви” Експрес, November 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/digest/2013/11/27/97611-azarov-ziznavsya-vidklav-ugoduultymatumu-moskvy (accessed November 27, 2013) “Євросоюз має представити нову пропозицію для України – євродепутат” УНІАН, November 25, 2013. http://eunews.unian.net/ukr/detail/198810 (accessed November 26, 2013) “До 2015 року борг України сягне жахливої цифри — Пинзеник” УНІАН, December 21, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/613632-do-2015-roku-borg-ukrajinisyagne-jahlivoji-tsifri-pinzenik.html (accessed December 29, 2013) 8

Фаріон, Іван. “«Підписати Угоду про асоціацію без звільнення Тимошенко– неможливо»” Високий Замок, November 18, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/ 124672 (accessed November 26, 2013) “Прихильників ЄС серед українців - на 10% більше, аніж симпатиків Митного союзу” Експрес, December 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/digest/2013/12/27/99463pryhylnykiv-yes-sered-ukrayinciv-10-bilshe-anizh-sympatykiv-mytnogo-soyuzu (accessed December 29, 2013) 9

“#Євромайдан і Єврореволюція: план, який треба реалізувати у найближчі дні” Експрес, November 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/main/2013/11/27/97617-yevromaydanyevrorevolyuciya-plan-treba-realizuvaty-nayblyzhchi-dni (accessed November 27, 2013) Фаріон, Іван. “Уже ніхто в Європу не йде…” Високий Замок, November 23, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124718 (accessed December 21, 2013) “Екс-президенти запропонували Януковичу план вирішення кризи” Високий Замок, December 10, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124940 (accessed December 21, 2013)

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“Майдан повинен почати наступ на Схід - Луценко” Експрес, December 28, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/28/99491-maydan-povynen-pochaty-nastup-shidlucenko (accessed December 29, 2013) “Євромайдан повинен рухатися на схід – Луценко” УНІАН, December 28, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/614956-lutsenko-perekonaniy-scho-evromaydan-povinenruhatisya-na-shid-ukrajini.html (accessed December 29, 2013)

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“Євросоюз відновить підготовку до підписання Угоди про асоціацію, щойно Україна засвідчить свою готовність відновити рух до асоціації з ЄС - Фюле” УНІАН, November 11, 2013. http://eunews.unian.net/ukr/detail/198809 (accessed November 26, 2013) “ЄС готовий надати Україні фінансову допомогу для імплементації угоди про асоціацію” Високий Замок, December 10, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/ 124938 (accessed December 21, 2013) “46-мільйонна нація не повинна залежати від ціни на газ та позичок МВФ посол ЄС” Експрес, December 16, 2013. http://expres.ua/digest/ 2013/12/16/98873-46-milyonna-naciya-ne-povynna-zalezhaty-ciny-gaz-pozychokmvf-posol-yes (accessed December 21, 2013) “Якби Янукович захотів - угоду з ЄС підписали б до кінця цього тижня” Експрес, December 16, 2013. http://expres.ua/world/2013/12/16/98887-yakby-yanukovychzahotiv-ugodu-yes-pidpysaly-b-kincya-cogo-tyzhnya (accessed December 21, 2013) “Україна-ЄС: Меркель хоче нагадати Путіну, що холодна війна вже скінчилася” УНІАН, November 27, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/607844-ukrajina-es-merkelhoche-nagadati-putinu-scho-holodna-viyna-vje-skinchilasya.html (accessed November 27, 2013) “Фюле, на відміну від Німеччини й США, не проти угоди Януковича з Путіним. Якщо той не обманув ЄС” Експрес, December 18, 2013. http://expres.ua/world/ 2013/12/18/98955-fyule-vidminu-nimechchyny-ssha-ne-proty-ugody-yanukovychaputinym-ne-obmanuv (accessed December 21, 2013) “Меркель засмучена "європаузою" Януковича. Але підтвердила як пропозицію, так і категоричність вимог” Експрес, December 18, 2013. http://expres.ua/world/ 2013/12/18/98979-merkel-zasmuchena-yevropauzoyu-yanukovycha-pidtverdylapropozyciyu-tak (accessed December 21, 2013) “Президент Ради ЄС: Євроінтеграцію України вже не зупинити” Експрес, December 20, 2013. http://expres.ua/world/2013/12/20/99089-prezydent-rady-yesyevrointegraciyu-ukrayiny-vzhe-ne-zupynyty (accessed December 21, 2013) 13

“У ЄС кажуть, що не будуть боротися з Росією за Україну” Експрес, December 18, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/18/98980-yes-kazhut-ne-budut-borotysyarosiyeyu-ukrayinu (accessed December 21, 2013) “Новий глава МЗС Німеччини обурений натиском Росії на Україну” УНІАН, December 18, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/612870-noviy-glava-mzsnimechchini-obureniy-natiskom-rosiji-na-ukrajinu.html (accessed December 21, 2013) “Сьогодні Рада ЄС розгляне ситуацію в Україні і дасть Євромайдану "сигнал"” Експрес, December 19, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/19/99011-sogodni-radayes-rozglyane-sytuaciyu-ukrayini-dast-yevromaydanu-sygnal (accessed December 21, 2013) “Ніхто не планував присвячувати Раду ЄС Україні - польський міністр” УНІАН, December 19, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/613120-nihto-ne-planuvavprisvyachuvati-radu-es-ukrajini-polskiy-ministr.html (accessed December 21, 2013)

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“Двері для України в ЄС вже не закриються. А про пакт з Януковичем Меркель розпитає особисто Путіна” Експрес, December 21, 2013. http://expres.ua/ world/2013/12/21/99130-dveri-ukrayiny-yes-vzhe-ne-zakryyutsya-paktyanukovychem-merkel-rozpytaye (accessed December 29, 2013) 15

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Пукіш-Юнко, Інна. “«Разом нас багато – Угоду не зірвати!»” Високий Замок, November 24, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124735 (accessed November 26, 2013) Хом’як, Орися. “«Революцію не треба вимагати. Її треба робити»” Високий Замок, November 24, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124732 (accessed December 21, 2013) Пукіш-Юнко, Інна. “«Ми віддали вибір у руки одній людині. І покарані за це...»” Високий Замок, November 28, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124765 (accessed December 21, 2013) “Евромайдан: месяц гражданского неповиновения и визит к Януковичу” УНІАН, December 30, 2013. http://www.unian.net/news/615166-evromaydan-mesyatsgrajdanskogo-nepovinoveniya-i-vizit-k-yanukovichu.html (accessed December 31, 2013) 18

“В АП пообіцяли, що Янукович зустрінеться зі студентами найближчим часом” УНІАН, November 27, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/607849-v-appoobitsyali-scho-yanukovich-zustrinetsya-zi-studentami-nayblijchim-chasom.html (accessed November 27, 2013) 19

“Янукович може зважитися як на відставку уряду, так і на силову «зачистку» Майдану” Високий Замок, November 26, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/ 124743 (accessed November 26, 2013) “#Євромайдан і Єврореволюція: план, який треба реалізувати у найближчі дні” Експрес, November 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/main/2013/11/27/97617-yevromaydanyevrorevolyuciya-plan-treba-realizuvaty-nayblyzhchi-dni (accessed November 27, 2013) “Активісти оприлюднили проект плану української Єврореволюції” Експрес, November 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/11/27/97614-aktyvisty-oprylyudnylyproekt-planu-ukrayinskoyi-yevrorevolyuciyi (accessed November 27, 2013) Пукіш-Юнко, Інна. “«Разом нас багато – Угоду не зірвати!»” Високий Замок, November 24, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124735 (accessed December 21, 2013) “Кабмін Азарова треба замінити урядом національної надії - регіонал” Експрес, December 17, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/17/98899-kabmin-azarova-trebazaminyty-uryadom-nacionalnoyi-nadiyi-regional (accessed December 21, 2013)

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“Шосту ніч #Євромайдан зігрівався піснями й танцями та кликав Вакарчука” Експрес, November 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/digest/2013/11/27/97604-shostu-nichyevromaydan-zigrivavsya-pisnyamy-tancyamy-klykav-vakarchuka (accessed November 27, 2013) Янченко, Костянтин. “«У Януковича на лівому плечі сидить чортик, а на правому – дурник...»” Високий Замок, November 27, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ ukraine/124760 (accessed December 21, 2013) “Руслана:"У нас більше немає президента"” Високий Замок, December 1, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124813 (accessed December 21, 2013) 21

“Проти Євромайдану скоєно чергову автомобільну помсту” Експрес, December 28, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/28/99473-proty-yevromaydanu-skoyenochergovu-avtomobilnu-pomstu (accessed December 29, 2013) Доротич, Марія. “«Беркут» свідомо бив журналістів, щоб не було жахливих фото»” Високий Замок, December 4, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124862 (accessed December 21, 2013) “Майдан по-звірячому зачистили. Десятки поранених. Десятки затриманих. Такого Україна ще не бачила” Високий Замок, November 30, 2013. http:// www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124801 (accessed December 21, 2013) 22

“Фонд "Відродження" припинив співпрацю з владою Януковича” Високий Замок, November 30, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124805 (accessed December 21, 2013) 23

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“Євросоюз: «Застосування сили проти маніфестантів неприпустиме»” Експрес, November 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/11/27/97618-yevrosoyuzzastosuvannya-syly-proty-manifestantiv-neprypustyme (accessed November 27, 2013) “ЄС прямим текстом сказав Януковичу про санкції через розгін Майдану” Високий Замок, December 7, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124906 (accessed December 21, 2013) “Фюле закликав владу України не бити мирних мітингувальників” Високий Замок, November 30, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124804 (accessed December 21, 2013) 25

Пукіш-Юнко, Інна. “Допоможіть Майдану дровами, продуктами і теплим одягом” Високий Замок, December 5, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124888 (accessed December 21, 2013) Фаріон, Іван. “Єврореволюція!” Високий Замок, December 2, 2013. http:// www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124818 (accessed December 21, 2013) “Євромайдан уночі добудував барикади з боку Європейської площі” УНІАН, December 20, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/613433-evromaydan-unochidobuduvav-barikadi-z-boku-evropeyskoji-ploschi.html (December 21, 2013)

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“Верховна Рада не змогла відправити уряд Миколи Азарова у відставку” Високий Замок, December 3, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124845 (accessed December 21, 2013) “#Євромайдан підготувався до великого заходу 17 грудня” Експрес, December 16, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/16/98861-yevromaydan-pidgotuvavsyavelykogo-zahodu-17-grudnya (accessed December 21, 2013) “#Євромайдан перестав боятися відлиги” Експрес, December 18, 2013. http:// expres.ua/news/2013/12/18/98958-yevromaydan-perestav-boyatysya-vidlygy (accessed December 21, 2013) “Близько 10 тисяч осіб мітингують на Майдані Незалежності” УНІАН, December 18, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/613031-blizko-10-tisyach-osib-mitinguyut-namaydani-nezalejnosti.html (accessed December 21, 2013) “Янукович фактично здав Україну в ломбард - Тягнибок” УНІАН, December 17, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/612793-yanukovich-faktichno-zdav-ukrajinu-vlombard-tyagnibok.html (accessed December 21, 2013) “Сотні людей проводжають Януковича в гості до Путіна” Експрес, December 17, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/17/98892-sotni-lyudey-provodzhayutyanukovycha-gosti-putina (accessed December 21, 2013) “Західні ЗМІ в шоці від примітивності і совковості електорату Партії регіонів” Експрес, December 17, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/17/98906-zahidni-zmishoci-prymityvnosti-sovkovosti-elektoratu-partiyi-regioniv (accessed December 21, 2013) “Сікорський радий знесенню пам`ятника Леніна у Києві” УНІАН, December 8, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/610352-glava-mzs-polschi-radiy-znesennyupamyatnika-lenina-u-kievi.html (accessed December 21, 2013) “Луценко схвалив знесення пам'ятника Леніну у Києві” УНІАН, December 9, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/610392-lutsenko-shvaliv-znesennya-pamyatnikaleninu-u-kievi.html (accessed December 21, 2013) 27

Хом’як, Орися. “Україна і ЄС — разом. На прапорі” Високий Замок, December 27, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/news/49737 (accessed December 29, 2013) “На #Євромайдані відкриють виставку місцевих художників” Експрес, December 16, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/16/98867-yevromaydani-vidkryyut-vystavkumiscevyh-hudozhnykiv (accessed December 21, 2013) Хом’як, Орися. “«Опа-опа, Україна – це Європа»!” Високий Замок, November 28, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/124787 (accessed December 21, 2013) 28

“Три чверті українців вважають Євромайдан головною подією 2013 року” Високий Замок, December 28, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/125173 (accessed December 29, 2013)

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“Руслана покликала зустріти Новий рік на Майдані і виконати Гімн України” Високий Замок, December 31, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/125167 (accessed December 31, 2013) “На Майдані відбудеться святкування «барикадного» Нового року” Високий Замок, December 31, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/125206 (accessed December 31, 2013) “#Євромайдан кличуть відсвяткувати Новий рік у Межигір'ї” Експрес, December 25, 2013. http://expres.ua/digest/2013/12/25/99303-yevromaydan-klychutvidsvyatkuvaty-novyy-rik-mezhygiryi (accessed December 29, 2013) “Влада сфальсифікує майбутні президентські вибори - Луценко” УНІАН, December 28, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/614965-vlada-sfalsifikue-maybutniprezidentski-vibori-lutsenko.html (December 29, 2013) “На столичному Майдані готуються до святкування Нового року” УНІАН, December 31, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/615283-na-stolichnomu-maydanigotuyutsya-do-svyatkuvannya-novogo-roku.html (accessed December 31, 2013) 30

Фаріон, Іван. “Команда Януковича хоче бачити Тимошенко у тюрмі довічно” Високий Замок, January 31, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/121863 (accessed November 27, 2013) “Прихильники Тимошенко пікетували Печерський суд” Високий Замок, August 5, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/photo/438 (accessed December 21, 2013) “Турчинов каже, що Тимошенко планують перевести з лікарні до колонії” УНІАН, November 29, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/608192-turchinov-kaje-schotimoshenko-planuyut-perevesti-z-likarni-do-koloniji.html (accessed December 21, 2013) “Тимошенко: Якщо Янукович не підпише угоду у Вільнюсі, він її не підпише ніколи” УНІАН, November 27, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/607876-timoshenkoprosit-es-pidpisati-ugodu-yakscho-na-tse-pogoditsya-yanukovich.html (accessed December 21, 2013) 31

“Кузьмін: Для звільнення Тимошенко є кілька можливостей” УНІАН, September 29, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/597203-kuzmin-dlya-zvilnennyatimoshenko-e-kilka-mojlivostey.html (accessed December 21, 2013) “Яценюк підказав Януковичу, як убити двох зайців: і Тимошенко позбутися, і ЄС задобрити” Експрес, July 5, 2013. http://www.expres.ua/digest/2013/07/05/89868yacenyuk-pidkazav-yanukovychu-ubyty-dvoh-zayciv-tymoshenko-pozbutysya-yes (accessed December 21, 2013) “Двоходівка "збитими льотчиками": Кузьміна - у відстійник, Тимошенко - за кордон” Експрес, October 4, 2013. http://expres.ua/digest/2013/10/04/94796dvohodivka-zbytymy-lotchykamy-kuzmina-vidstiynyk-tymoshenko-kordon (accessed December 21, 2013) 32

“Янукович закликає Тимошенко відвідувати судові засідання” УНІАН, September 25, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/596798-yanukovich-zaklikaetimoshenko-vidviduvati-sudovi-zasidannya.html (accessed December 21, 2013) “Тимошенко з-за грат звільнить Верховна Рада. А Янукович просто все підпише” Експрес, October 17, 2013. http://www.expres.ua/news/2013/10/17/95450tymoshenko-grat-zvilnyt-verhovna-rada-yanukovych-prosto-pidpyshe (accessed December 21, 2013)

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“Власенко запевняє, що Тимошенко не відмовлялася їхати до суду” УНІАН, September 23, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/596483-vlasenko-zapevnyae-schotimoshenko-ne-vidmovlyalasya-jihati-do-sudu.html (December 21, 2013) “Тимошенко відклали на листопад, а Кличка так "дістали", що він вирушив у президенти просто з трибуни ВР” Експрес, October 25, 2013. http://expres.ua/ digest/2013/10/25/95841-tymoshenko-vidklaly-lystopad-klychka-tak-distaly-vinvyrushyv-prezydenty (accessed December 21, 2013) 34

“Захист Тимошенко направить доповідь до ЄСПЛ з доказами її побиття” УНІАН, September 9, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/594151-zahist-timoshenkonapravit-dopovid-do-espl-z-dokazami-jiji-pobittya.html (accessed December 21, 2013) “Адвоката Тимошенко можуть ув'язнити через жінку” Експрес, December 24, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/12/24/99266-advokata-tymoshenko-mozhutuvyaznyty-zhinku (accessed December 29, 2013) 35

“Місія Європарламенту чекає рішення Януковича у справі Тимошенко - Кокс” УНІАН, September 25, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/596809-misiyaevroparlamentu-chekae-rishennya-yanukovicha-u-spravi-timoshenko-koks.html (accessed December 21, 2013) 36

Фаріон, Іван. “«Підписати Угоду про асоціацію без звільнення Тимошенко– неможливо»” Високий Замок, November 18, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/ 124672 (accessed December 21, 2013) 37

Фаріон, Іван. “Помилуваний – але не скорений!” Високий Замок, April 7, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/ukraine/122618 (accessed November 26, 2013) “Польща вважає заяву Тимошенко недостатнім аргументом для підписання Угоди про асоціацію” УНІАН, November 28, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/ 607961-polscha-vvajae-zayavu-timoshenko-nedostatnim-argumentom-dlyapidpisannya-ugodi-pro-asotsiatsiyu.html (accessed December 21, 2013) 38

“Тимошенко просить ЄС підписати угоду без будь-яких умов - в т.ч. про її звільнення” Експрес, November 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/digest/2013/11/27/97640tymoshenko-prosyt-yes-pidpysaty-ugodu-bud-umov-tch-zvilnennya (accessed November 27, 2013) 39

“Активісти оприлюднили проект плану української Єврореволюції” Експрес, November 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/news/2013/11/27/97614-aktyvisty-oprylyudnylyproekt-planu-ukrayinskoyi-yevrorevolyuciyi (accessed November 27, 2013) 40

“Євромайдан отримав новий статус. У число його співголів ввели Юлію Тимошенко” Експрес, December 22, 2013. http://www.expres.ua/news/ 2013/12/22/99166-yevromaydan-otrymav-novyy-status-chyslo-yogo-spivgoliv-vvelyyuliyu-tymoshenko (accessed December 29, 2013) “Тимошенко радить Майдану чіткий план із трьох пунктів: мільйоном на Межигір’я - ЦВК - тимчасовий уряд” Експрес, December 25, 2013. http:// expres.ua/news/2013/12/25/99329-tymoshenko-radyt-maydanu-chitkyy-plan-trohpunktiv-milyonom-mezhygirya-cvk (accessed December 29, 2013)

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“Звернення щодо побиття Тетяни Чорновіл” Високий Замок, December 25, 2013. http://www.wz.lviv.ua/blogs/julija_tymoshenko/125135 (accessed December 29, 2013) “Тимошенко закликала “Батьківщину” голосувати за євроінтеграційні закони” УНІАН, September 2, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/593111-timoshenko-zaklikalabatkivschinu-golosuvati-za-evrointegratsiyni-zakoni.html (accessed December 21, 2013) “Чорновол не виключає, що постраждала через нове, ще шикарніше "Межигір'я" у Кончі” Експрес, December 27, 2013. http://expres.ua/digest/2013/12/27/99410chornovol-ne-vyklyuchaye-postrazhdala-nove-shykarnishe-mezhygirya-konchi (accessed December 29, 2013) “Тимошенко закликає повалити Януковича” Експрес, December 19, 2013. http:// expres.ua/news/2013/12/19/98998-tymoshenko-zaklykaye-povalyty-yanukovycha (accessed December 21, 2013) 42

“Чому Тимошенко досі за гратами? Тому що вибори Янукович програв би саме їй - соцопитування” Експрес, December 25, 2013. http://expres.ua/digest/ 2013/12/25/99324-chomu-tymoshenko-dosi-gratamy-tomu-vybory-yanukovychprograv-by-same-yiy (accessed December 29, 2013) 43

“Тимошенко зізналася у намірі вбити Януковича. А передумала, бо "навряд чи ви надовго залишитеся президентом"” Експрес, November 22, 2013. http:// www.expres.ua/digest/2013/11/22/97342-tymoshenko-ziznalasya-namiri-vbytyyanukovycha-peredumala-bo-navryad-vy (accessed December 21, 2013) 44

“Тимошенко назвала Євромайдан здобутком десятиліття” УНІАН, December 31, 2013. http://www.unian.ua/news/615368-timoshenko-nazvala-evromaydanzdobutkom-desyatilittya.html (accessed December 31, 2013)

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United Kingdom Norman Chung

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BACKGROUND • • • • •

Population: 63,395,574 Unemployment Rate (April, 2013): 7.9% GDP per capita: $37,500 EU member entry date: 1973 EU funding: Net Contributor

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MEDIA SOURCES

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The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) Founding date: 19221 Ownership: The BBC Trust2 Readership/ Weekly circulation: ca. 40,000,000 across the web3

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The Daily Mail Founding date: 18964 Ownership: DMGT (Daily Mail and General Trust)5 Readership/ Weekly circulation: 4,245,0006

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The Daily Mirror Founding date: 19037 Ownership: Trinity Mirror8 Readership/ Weekly circulation: 2,856,0009

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FINDINGS • •

Number of articles consulted: 98 (BBC – 37; The Daily Mail – 36; The Daily Mirror – 25) List of search words: “UK EU,” “UK EU Referendum,” “UK EU Immigration,” “UK EU Budget”

From these findings the following 3 major topics stand out as the leading issues related to UK-EU relations reported on in 2013:

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UK EU Membership Referendum 2013 saw increased debate both within the United Kingdom and with the rest of the EU concerning an In/Out Referendum to decide the fate of the UK’s membership in the EU. ● At the beginning of the year, The Daily Mail reported that an increasing number of British citizens were in favor of staying in the EU.10 Polls showed that only 42% of people would vote to leave the EU in the event of a membership referendum, while 50% would vote to remain with the EU.11 This marked the lowest level of support for leaving the EU since December 2011.

This also came in the lead-up to British Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech in an attempt to negotiate the claw back of several powers from the EU. ● In late January, PM Cameron formally announced his pledge to hold an in/out referendum on UK membership in the EU.12 France and Germany both responded to the pledge with warnings that the UK could not “cherry pick” membership to the EU, while even within Parliament, both the UK Independence Party and the Labour Party criticized the PM’s move.13 PM Cameron pledged to hold the referendum by the end of 2017 at the latest.14 ● On May 14, the Conservative Party published a bill for Parliament announcing the terms for holding a referendum on the UK’s EU membership. As The Daily Mirror reported, the PM’s announcement of the draft bill came as an effort to help regain some of the control lost over his party, with many Tories unhappy with the PM’s progress on the referendum so far.15 By the next day, The Daily Mirror reported that 100 Tory MPs had politically opposed PM Cameron for failing to push legislation on a referendum in the House of Commons, voting to officially reprimand the Government for not acting quickly enough on the EU referendum issue.16

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● Just days later, The BBC News announced that Conservative MP James Wharton would introduce his own private member’s bill to set the path for a national referendum on EU membership to Parliament.17 PM Cameron publicly supported Wharton’s bill and pledged the full support of the Conservative Party behind the legislation, which would have its first reading in the House of Commons in mid-June.18 ● In early July, Business Secretary Vince Cable publically clashed with PM Cameron over the proposed referendum to be held before 2017.19 On the eve of a vote in the House of Commons on the proposed EU Referendum Bill, Cable claimed the legislation served only as a distraction in a period of recovery from the recession. Instead, Cable argued for a referendum only in the case Britain’s relationship with the EU changes dramatically.20 ● On July 4, the House of Commons voted in favour of a referendum to determine the UK’s membership in the EU, with 304 MPs voting in favour and none against (nearly all Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs had boycotted the parliamentary session).21 The vote brought the private member’s bill, launched in May by Conservative MP James Wharton, one step closer towards becoming a full law, reported The Daily Mail.22 As The BBC News covered, PM Cameron announced the unanimous support for the bill as bringing the UK “one step closer to giving the British people a say on Europe.”23 ● On September 12, The Daily Mirror reported on a claim from EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso that the UK was attempting to break the unity of the EU.24 Barroso claimed that Britain’s constant hostility towards Europe could potentially force the entire continent back into “war and trenches,” further highlighting growing tension in the UK as sentiments towards

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holding a national referendum on membership in the EU continued to progress.25 ● In early October, Tory MP Adam Afriyie announced he would try to persuade the government to hold the referendum earlier, pushing for a vote in October 2014 instead of in 2017.26 Afriyie argued holding the referendum earlier would allow the UK to kick-start its membership negotiations with the EU, claiming that more than half the population wanted a referendum before the next election, contradicting PM Cameron’s initial plans.27 Afriyie’s announcement received harsh criticism from many, including both PM Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May, who declared that the move could potentially kill any chance of MP Wharton’s bill being passed.28 ● In early November PM Cameron publically defended his decision to hold an in/out referendum after renegotiating powers with the EU.29 On the eve of the Parliament’s next discussion session regarding the referendum issue, Cameron claimed that support regarding the maintenance of EU membership was “wafer thin,” stating more improvements needed to be made in order to convince voters to stay in.30 Prior to the announcement, the British CBI business group lent its support to Cameron by publishing a report declaring that the EU occupied 4%-5% of UK yearly output, adding £78 billion to the British economy annually.31 ● On November 8, the House of Commons addressed MP Wharton’s private member bill on the EU membership referendum, reached no conclusion and instead adjourned the discussion until later in the month.32 As The BBC News reported, private member bills such as this one often face the challenge of inadequate parliamentary time for discussion, often preventing the bills from being legislated. 33 Thus, Labour MPs delayed the proposed legislation in the first of three days of debate in order

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to focus on related topics at length, including the eligibility of prisoners to vote in a future referendum. By the end of the session, over 50 amendments to MP Wharton’s bill had been tabled, further complicating the process of it being legislated.34 ● On November 29, the House of Commons reconvened to discuss MP Wharton’s bill in regards to EU membership and voted in approval of the proposed legislation.35 MPs from both the Labour and the Liberal Democrat parties attempted to delay the bill, arguing that the current bill did not fully cover eligibility to participate in a referendum or take into account the effect of a referendum on British business with the EU.36 Despite this, Tory MPs successfully called a “Closing Motion” on the bill, a motion requiring only 100 votes to end debate on the bill.37 The bill will next move on to the House of Lords to be discussed early next year. As The BBC News notes, the bill will likely face heavier scrutiny from upper house, where the Conservative government does not currently hold a natural majority.38

UK European Immigration Policy With net migration on the rise in 2013, support in favour of legislation that curbs benefits for new immigrants, especially those coming from Eastern Europe, remained popular throughout the year.

• In January, PM David Cameron quickly put forth his position on the UK’s immigration policy, claiming that only working European immigrants should be allowed entry to the UK.39 PM Cameron further stated that he would be in favour of new measures to restrict the number of state-funded benefits that immigrants from the EU have access to.40 • In early February, Minister of State for Immigration Mark Harper publically announced that the UK should offer only what is necessary in terms of benefits for incoming EU immigrants, but nothing more.41 Harper’s comments were part of a larger

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Parliamentary debate on how to reduce the expected influx of Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants once the controls expire at the end of the year.42 At the end of February, The BBC News reported that net migration into the UK had fallen by a third, a victory for the nation’s new immigration control policies, claimed MP Harper.43 These policies form part of a greater strategy by the Ministry of State Immigration to reduce net migration to fewer than 100,000 by 2015.

In early March, Foreign Secretary William Hague openly claimed the need for an end to “benefit tourism,” immigration for the purpose of benefitting from another nation’s social welfare system, in the UK.44 As The BBC News reported, Hague claimed the need for immigrants to be attracted to the UK for the right reasons and not for the sole purpose of taking advantage of offered benefits.45 Shortly after Hague’s call for an end to “benefit tourism,” Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called for a similar UK immigration policy reform.46 Cooper revealed larger plans by the Labour Party to ban European immigrants from receiving government employment insurance for three months upon arriving in the UK, among other controversial immigration control policies.47 In April and May, tension further rose between the UK and the rest of the EU over the former’s immigration control policies.48 In late April, the EU Commission demanded that the UK make it easier for unemployed European immigrants to find work.49 The announcement came just a day after PM Cameron pledged to put forward new legislation to make it more difficult for EU immigrants to migrate to the UK in order to claim benefits.50 Just a month later, The Daily Mirror reported that the UK had been brought before the European Court of Justice over claims

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that it had unfairly prevented immigrants from claiming benefits.51 By requiring EU immigrants to become formal residents of the UK before they could receive welfare payments, the EU claimed the UK had been breaking EU law. British Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith vowed to fight the ruling and not to succumb to EU accusations.52 At the end of June, with Croatia having acquired EU membership, The Daily Mail reported the UK could potentially face a new wave of immigrants which could compound the already pressing issue of immigrant “benefit tourism.”53 Croatia’s unemployment rate among its youth, approximately 50%, raised fears that Croatian immigrants will perceive the UK as a future home, though they will have to wait a minimum of seven years before they would be able to be employed.54 In mid-August, The BBC News reported that the number of Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants working in the UK had risen by 26% between April and June 2013.55 This only exacerbated fears among MPs of an expected influx of Eastern European workers once employment restrictions expire at the end of the year A poll in mid-October found that over two-thirds of UK citizens agreed the current population was too high claiming that the government’s pledge to cut immigration to below 100,000 people a year in 2015 was not enough.56 These results surfaced one day after The Daily Mirror similarly reported that there were 611,779 unemployed immigrants living in the UK, costing the National Health Service an estimated £1.5 billion extra each year, according to a report commissioned by the EU.57 The Daily Mirror further reported that these facts would only harden the government’s resolution to curb immigration from the EU and welfare claims by new migrants.58

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On October 14, The BBC News reported on a study commissioned by the EU which found claims of large-scale “benefit tourism” in the UK to be exaggerated.59 The study discovered that the number of unemployed EU immigrants in the UK benefitting from welfare only comprised a small portion of the total number of people claiming social benefits.60 These results greatly contrasted with popular opinion in the UK, further complicating the debate over policies that control welfare claims for new EU immigrants.61 In late November, The Daily Mail reported on a plan by Conservative MPs to extend restrictions on Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants to the UK for another five years.62 The proposal would be presented to a committee of MPs and could be available for vote before the House of Commons within weeks.63 Yet, in a report from The Daily Mirror, Immigration Minister Mark Harper warned that immigration restrictions passed in an effort to block Romanian or Bulgarian immigrants would be legally impossible.64 This would potentially leave the UK with no choice but to lift its immigration restrictions on Eastern European immigrants by the end of the year.65 On November 25, Bulgarian ambassador to the UK, Konstantin Dimitrov announced that up to 8,000 Bulgarians could potentially move to the UK once immigration controls expire at the end of the year.66 Dimitrov also added that the UK could not legally deny these expected immigrants access to the labour market once the restrictions expire, contradicting the plans of many Conservative MPs earlier in November.67 The ambassador’s comments were shortly followed by claims from Hungarian Eurocrat Laszlo Andor that the UK’s efforts to curb these benefits for EU immigrants threatened the market and could potentially fuel hysteria across Eastern Europe.68 The UK quickly rebutted that Andor’s claim demonstrated how little the

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EU understood the UK, increasing tension between the two over immigration policies.69 Just days later, PM Cameron announced new measures to help limit Bulgarian and Romanian immigration.70 With his pledge, any EU immigrant found begging or sleeping on the streets would be deported and banned from entry to the UK for a year.71 If re-elected in the next general election, PM Cameron pledged to go even further to curb EU immigration in the coming year.72 On November 30, Romanian Prime Minister publically demanded that the UK not treat Romanians as “second-rate citizens” when immigration controls expire at the end of the year.73 The Prime Minister’s comments came in response to PM Cameron’s new immigration control policies, accusing the UK of threatening the freedom of movement, one of the EU’s fundamental principles.74 In an extension of earlier pledges to further limit Romanian and Bulgarian immigration into the UK, PM Cameron proposed additional policies in mid-December which would ban workers from poorer EU countries from entering the UK until their home economies reached a certain level of growth.75 In defiance of the EU’s earlier demands that the UK adhere to the principle of freedom of movement, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan commented on the new policy stating he would personally prevent benefit tourism.76 On December 18, The BBC News reported on another policy that planned to curb EU immigrant benefits in the UK.77 This new policy, if passed in Parliament, would lengthen the time EU jobseekers have to wait before claiming welfare benefits to three months. If everything goes as planned, the new policy would also be implemented to coincide with the expiration of current immigration controls on Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants on December 31.78 In an effort to make the UK less desirable to

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immigrants hoping to live off state welfare, The Daily Mirror reported the UK had already capped Jobseeker’s Allowance for new immigrants to a maximum six months.79

UK/EU Budget Negotiations The UK has made efforts to both protect its annual rebate from the EU, in addition to continuing to minimize EU budget costs, both of which were major themes in UK-EU relations throughout 2013.

• In early February, the EU resumed talks in Brussels to negotiate its multiyear budget after they failed to reach an agreement during meetings last November.80 Prior to the resumption of negotiations, PM David Cameron, with the support of the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany, pledged to fight for large cuts to the EU’s complex Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF), amounting to an estimated €200 billion in cuts.81 As The Daily Mail reported, PM Cameron’s tough position on budget cuts could greatly threaten budget talks, as he could be expected to block all deals, with the exception of his proposed budget cuts. The expected support for an increase in EU budgets from other countries including France, Italy, and Spain, only magnified tensions during the talks.82 This tension climaxed when French President François Hollande scolded PM Cameron for demanding cuts to the EU budget while refusing to cut the UK’s own annual rebate from the EU.83 • After two days of discussion the EU finally passed a 2013-2020 budget of €908 billion, 3% lower than the current 2007-2014 budget.84 Though still subject to approval by the European Parliament, this represented a major victory for PM Cameron who pushed for the EU’s first reduction to its MFF budget in its history.85 In addition to securing budget cuts over the next seven years, PM Cameron also maintained the UK’s current annual

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rebate on its yearly contributions to the EU, further adding to his victory at Brussels.86 By mid-February, the European Parliament threatened to veto the MFF budget unless the UK, among others, pledged to increase it again by several billion euros.87 It claimed that the budget cuts were too extreme and would threaten economic growth in the region. The European Parliament’s demand was opposed in the UK, especially with the budget having already been approved by all 27 EU Heads of State earlier in the month.88 On March 12, the European Parliament voted 506 to 161 to veto the February MFF budget approved by the 27 EU heads of state.89 This veto would force the heads of state to re-negotiate the MFF budget in order for it to meet several terms dictated by the parliament.90 Among these is the payment of unpaid bills which translate into an additional £1.7 billion in UK national contributions for next year.91 As The Daily Mail reported, PM Cameron responded by claiming that his opinions remained unchanged and he continued to support the agreement reached by all 27 member states.92 In mid-April the European Parliament announced a €16.2 billion deficit in its budget for this year, and demanded an additional £2 billion from the UK to rectify the situation.93 The announcement came from European Commission Budget Chief Janusz Lewandowski, who claimed that without contributions from its member states, the EU would run out of cash within months.94 According to The Daily Mail, the EU’s request only further damaged EU-UK relations, especially the EU’s credibility as this was not the first time requests for outstanding and additional contributions had been made.95 In mid-May, the UK lost its battle as finance ministers from the EU’s other member states passed a £6.2 billion increase to the

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budget.96 With the new increase, the UK was expected to pay an additional £770 million by the end of the year, a major defeat for PM Cameron in his efforts to cut EU spending.97 Despite the setback, PM Cameron claimed he would still fight for a renegotiation of the deal with Brussels in the coming months.98 On June 27th, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso announced that a new MFF budget agreement had been reached after a series of renegotiations.99 The new budget of €960 billion (or £822 billion) cut real spending for the EU in addition to meeting many of the terms established by the European Parliament in March. The new budget had already received support from the speaker of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, and would be tabled as early as September if approved by all 27 EU member state governments as well as a majority of the European Parliament.100 During an EU leaders summit in late June, the UK’s annual rebate came under scrutiny again as many leaders suggested reforms that could see the rebate, currently £3 billion annually, being cut by as much as £300 million a year.101 PM Cameron vehemently opposed pledging to maintain the rebate at its current rate as settled in previous budget agreements.102 On July 3rd, 2013 the European Parliament approved the EU’s MFF budget of €960 billion (£822 billion) after months of negotiations.103 The text of the budget itself was to be voted on in September or October, which will allow the budget to be completely passed.104 On September 25, 2013, the European Commission again demanded that the UK pay £450 million as part of a £3.5 billion bailout to pay off bills from 2012.105 With the new bailout, the EU’s budget for 2013 totaled £126 billion, up 8.4% from 2012’s budget.106 The request was met with great opposition in the UK, with Tory MPs urging PM Cameron to refuse the requested

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payment, claiming the EU should practice the austerity it imposes on others, such as Greece.107 EU Budget Commisioner Janusz Lewandowski nevertheless insisted that extra funds were necessary for the EU’s long-term budget plans to invest in more infrastructure projects across the region.108 In late October, the European Parliament met to vote on a budget for 2014 totaling €142 billion, €855 million higher than the deal PM Cameron had secured during negotiations back in February.109 The 2014 budget would still be 5% lower than 2013’s if passed at this level.110 On November 13, a series of negotiations in Brussels resulted in cuts of the proposed 2014 EU budget, down by 6% from 2013, to €135.5 billion.111 The new budget would provide more funding for areas including economic growth, jobs, and humanitarian aid.112 Though significantly smaller than what was proposed in October, the UK voted against the compromise, claiming it still did not go far enough to make budget cuts.113 To be passed, the budget would still require approval from the European Parliament and from EU ministers later in the month.114 On November 19, the European Parliament gave its final approval to the proposed MFF budget for 2014-2020 in the amount of €960 billion (£805 billion).115 The budget, easily passed by a margin of 411 votes, would cut 3.5% from the last MFF budget for 2007-2014, particularly affecting EU spending on Europe’s poorer countries.116

2013 IN REVIEW 2013 was a year of continued tension between the United Kingdom and the European Union over several points of contention, especially a UK referendum to leave the EU, British policies to curb

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European immigration, as well as negotiations to finalize the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) budget for 2014-2020.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s pledge to hold a referendum on UK membership in the EU before 2017 shaped the UK’s relationship with the EU. As a net contributor to the EU, the UK continues to play a major role in the financing of EU operations. Thus, when PM Cameron pledged to hold a referendum before 2017, both France and Germany quickly warned the UK that it could not simply “cherry pick” its membership with the EU. After the PM’s declaration, the possible loss of one of the EU’s most important member states loomed over EU-UK relations for the rest of the year.

EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso’s statement regarding the destruction of the EU’s unity exemplified the deteriorating relations between it and the UK. This accusation was made just after the House of Commons approved a private member’s bill for a referendum and demonstrated to what extent the referendum threatened EU-UK relations. Barroso further claimed that a UK referendum would only push the EU to the breaking point of “war and trenches.” This tone continued throughout the year, setting a tense climate for all other EU-UK matters.

In this mood of mistrust, the relationship between the UK and the EU soured even more extensively over British efforts to control European immigration. PM Cameron’s claim early in January that only working European immigrants should be allowed in the UK caused an immediate backlash throughout the EU, especially since freedom of movement is a core EU principle. Further calls in the UK for curbs on the amount and type of state-funded welfare EU immigrants could claim only exacerbated the situation.

At the end of May tensions climaxed when the UK was brought before the European Court of Justice over claims it had broken EU law by denying immigrants their proper welfare payments. The UK’s implementation of further legislation to limit immigration from the EU,

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especially from Bulgaria and Romania, provoked further outcries from senior European officials including accusations of being the EU’s “nasty country.” In an effort to accommodate domestic demands for policies to control the immigration of Eastern Europeans, the UK has only intensified existing friction with the EU. Efforts led by the UK to reduce EU spending in the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) budget also worsened the already strained relationship between the two. PM Cameron’s pledges to veto any budget agreement that did not include substantial budget cuts drew great opposition from several other European heads of state, including French President François Hollande as well as from the European Parliament. The UK’s demand for budget cuts in combination with its refusal to reduce its own annual rebate from the EU also caused great criticism due to its unwillingness to compromise.

Calls by the EU for additional member state contributions to fill deficits in the 2013 budget amplified British sentiments of mistrust towards the EU, which had requested an additional £2 billion from in April. As The Daily Mail claimed, this demand for additional funds greatly tarnished the EU’s credibility in the eyes of the UK and therefore only reinforced domestic skepticism about the UK’s membership in the EU, causing immense support for a referendum on the issue.

Through the year, referendum issues, in addition to growing anxieties concerning EU membership, UK-EU immigration policy, and reforms to the EU budget played a dominant role in EU-UK relations.

The possibility of the UK leaving the EU overshadowed all interactions between the two entities. Clashes over British legislation that impede freedom of movement for immigrants and ongoing disputes regarding the EU’s budget brought EU-UK relations to an all-time low. This growing trend of mistrust and hostility between the EU and the UK makes it safe to say that 2013’s UK-EU issues have only further deteriorated relations between the two.

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1

“Where Next?” The BBC News, accessed January 4, 2014, http://www.bbc.co.uk/ historyofthebbc/ wherenext/index.shtml.

2 “Who We Are,” The BBC News, accessed January 4, 2014, http://www.bbc.co.uk/ bbctrust/who_we_are/.

3 “BBC News,” Presseurop, January 23, 2013, accessed January 4, 2014, http:// www.presseurop.eu/ en/content/source-profile/3309231-bbc-news.

4 “Daily Mail,” Media UK, accessed January 4, 2014, http://www.mediauk.com/ newspapers/13700/daily-mail.

5 Ibid.

6 Ibid.

7 “Daily Mirror,” Presseurop, March 14, 2013, accessed January 4, 2014, http:// www.presseurop.eu/en/ content/source-profile/3538381-daily-mirror.

8 “Daily Mirror,” Media UK, accessed January 4, 2014, http://www.mediauk.com/ newspapers/13701/daily-mirror.

9 Ibid.

10

Matt Chorley, “Half of People Want to Stay in the EU If Cameron Can Claw Back Powers in Major Boost for the PM on Eve of His Big Speech,” The Daily Mail, January 17, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ article-2264025/Half-people-want-stay-EU-Cameron-claw-powers-major-boost-eveBig-Speech.html.

11

Ibid.

12“David

Cameron Promises In/Out Referendum on EU,” The BBC News, January 23, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21148282.

13

Ibid.

14

Ibid.

15

Jason Beattie, “David Cameron Caves in to Tory Rebellion and Will Publish Draft Bill on EU Referendum,” The Daily Mirror, May 14, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/david-cameron-caves-toryrebellion-1887894.

16

James Lyons, “EU Referendum: Over 100 Conservative MPs in Mutiny Over Europe,” The Daily Mirror, May 15, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, http:// www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/eu-referendum-over-100-conservative-1891718.

17

“EU Referendum: Tory MP Will Take Forward Bill,” The BBC News, May 16, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-22542207.

18

Ibid.

19

“Cameron and Cable Clash Over EU Referendum Vote,” The BBC News, July 1, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-23125742. 2

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20

Ibid.

21

Matt Chorley, “304 to Zero: Unanimous Commons Backing for EU Referendum Which Cameron Hails as ‘One Step Closer’ to Britain Having a Say,” The Daily Mail, July 4, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ article-2356219/David-Cameron-hosts-Downing-Street-barbecue-Tory-MPs-keptLondon-EU-referendum-vote.html.

22

Ibid.

23

“EU Referendum: MPs Call for Public to Have Their Say,” The BBC News, July 5, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-23186128.

24

Jason Beattie, “British Hostility to Europe Could Lead Back to War, Warns EU Commission President,” The Daily Mirror, September 12, 2013, accessed December 20, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/british-hostility-europe-couldlead-2268007.

25

Ibid.

26

“Tory MP Adam Afriyie Tries to Force Early EU Referendum,” The BBC News, October 6, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-24417670.

27

Ibid.

28

Ibid.

29

“UK Support for Staying in EU is Wafer Thin, Says Cameron,” The BBC News, November 4, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-24804479.

30

Matt Chorley, “Support for Brussels is Wafer Thin: Prime Minister’s Stark Warning to Business Chiefs Who Want Britain to Stay in the EU,” The Daily Mail, November 4, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ article-2487134/Support-Brussels-wafer-Prime-Ministers-stark-warning.html.

31

Ibid.

Tom McTague, “British People are £1,125 Better Off Every Year Being in the EU Claim Business Chiefs,” The Daily Mirror, November 4, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/european-union-brits-1125better-2673841 32

“Tories Defend EU Referendum Plan Amid Labour Blocking Efforts,” The BBC News, November 8, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ uk-politics-24859102.

33

Ibid.

34

Ibid.

300

35

“EU Referendum Bill Gets Commons Approval,” The BBC News, November 29, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-25152028.

36

“Tories Defend EU Referendum Plan Amid Labour Blocking Efforts.”

37

Ibid.

38

“EU Referendum Bill Gets Commons Approval.”

39

James Chapman, “Cameron Vows to Curb EU Migrants’ Benefits and Only Allow Working Immigrants into Britain in New Relationship With Brussels,” The Daily Mail, January 6, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ news/article-2258047/Cameron-vows-curb-EU-migrants-benefits-allow-workingimmigrants-Britain-new-relationship-Brussels.html.

40 Ibid.

41 “UK ‘Must Not be Soft Touch’ For Migrants From Romania and Bulgaria,” The BBC News, February 11, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/ news/uk-politics-21416257.

42 Ibid.

43 “UK Net Migration Falls By a Third,” The BBC News, February 28, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21614086.

44 “William Hague: ‘Benefit Tourism Must End,” The BBC News, March 3, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21647808.

45 Ibid.

46 James Lyons, “Three Months Before Claiming Dole: Labour Plans to Make European Immigrants Wait,” The Daily Mirror, March 7, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/labour-plans-make-europeanimmigrants-1749929.

47 Ibid.

48 James Slack, “EU Tells Britain: Make It Easier For Jobless Migrants to Find Work,” The Daily Mail, April 26, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http:// www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2315542/EU-tells-Britain-Make-easier-joblessmigrants-work.html.

49 Ibid.

50 Ibid.

51 Tom McTague, “Britain Taken to European Court of Justice Over Claims Migrants Unfairly Blocked From Benefits,” The Daily Mirror, May 30, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-taken-europeancourt-justice-1922869.

52 Ibid.

53 Steve Doughty, “Britain Faces New Wave of Immigration as Croatia Joins the EU – With Half Its Youth Out of Work,” The Daily Mail, June 30, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2352109/Croatia-joins-EU--halfyouth-work.html.

301

54

Ibid.

“Romanians and Bulgarians Working in UK Up 26%,” The BBC News, August 15, 2013, accessed December 21, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-23707274.

56 Jessica Best, “Two Thirds of Voters Want Government to Take ‘Drastic Action’ on Immigration,” The Daily Mirror, October 14, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/two-thirds-voters-want-government-2371859.

57 Chris Richards, “Survey Reveals There Are More Than 600,000 Unemployed EU Migrants Living in the UK,” The Daily Mirror, October 13, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/600000-unemployed-eu-migrantslive-2366751.

58 Best, “Two Thirds of Voters Want Government to Take ‘Drastic Action’ on Immigration.”

59 “EU Study on Migrants Rebuffs ‘Benefit Tourism” Claims,” The BBC News, October 14, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldeurope-24517983.

60 Ibid.

61 Ibid.

62 Jack Doyle, “Don’t Lift Curbs on Romanian Migrants, Tories Tell Cameron: Dozens of MPs Set To Call For Five More Years of Restrictions For Jobseekers,” The Daily Mail, November 18, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ news/article-2509605/Dont-lift-curbs-Romanian-migrants-Tories-tell-CameronDozens-MPs-set-5-years-restrictions-jobseekers.html.

63 Ibid.

64 Tom McTague, “Minister Admits Extending Immigration Restrictions to Romanians and Bulgarians Is ‘Not Legally Possible,” The Daily Mirror, November 21, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/legallyimpossible-extend-restrictions-bulgarian-2814472.

65 Ibid.

66 “Thousands of Bulgarians Set For UK Move, Bulgarian Ambassador Says,” The BBC News, November 25, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/ news/uk-politics-25096293.

67 Ibid.

68 James Chapman, “Fury as Hungarian Eurocrat Calls UK ‘Nasty:’ Sort Out Your Own Backyard First, MPs Fume At Politician in Migrant Row,” The Daily Mail, November 27, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ article-2514733/Fury-Hungarian-eurocrat-calls-UK-nasty-Sort-backyard-MPsfume.html.

69 Ibid.

70 Jason Beattie, “David Cameron In New Bid to Stop Bulgarian and Romanian Migrants With Immigration Bill Changes,” The Daily Mirror, November 27, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/david-cameronnew-bid-stop-2855324.

55

302

71

Ibid.

Ibid.

73 “We Are Not Second-Rate Citizens!: Romanian Prime Minister Tells Britain Not to Discriminate Against ‘Migrant Wave,” The Daily Mail, November 30, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2515988/We-secondrate-citizens--Romanian-Prime-Minister-tells-Britain-discriminate-migrant-wave.html.

74 Ibid.

75 Matt Chorley, “Migrants From Poorer Countries Should Be Banned From Britain To Curb Benefits Tourism,” The Daily Mail, December 13, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2523220/Migrants-poorercountries-banned-Britain-curb-benefits-tourism.html.

76 Ibid.

77 “Curbs on EU Benefits to Come Into Force on 1 January,” The BBC News, December 18, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-25421086.

78 Ibid.

79 Jason Beattie, “David Cameron Rushes Through Immigration Measures Before Restrictions on Romanians and Bulgarians Are Lifted,” The Daily Mirror, December 18, 2013, accessed December 22, 2013, http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/davidcameron-rushes-through-immigration-2937905.

80 “Gloom as EU Budget Talks Resume in Brussels,” The BBC News, February 4, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldeurope-21320056.

81 Ibid.

82 Jason Groves, “Cameron Faces Fresh Showdown in Brussels as He Demands More Cuts to £810bn EU Budget,” The Daily Mail, February 4, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2273558/Cameron-faces-freshshowdown-Brussels-demands-cuts-810bn-EU-budget.html.

83 Matt Chorley, “Hollande Warns Cameron He Cannot Secure Cut in EU Budget Without Giving Up Britain’s Rebate,” The Daily Mail, February 5, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2273878/Hollandewarns-Cameron-secure-cut-EU-budget-giving-Britains-rebate.html.

84 “EU Budget: Cameron Hails Agreement as ‘Good Deal For UK and Europe,” The BBC News, February 8, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/ news/uk-politics-21379667.

85 Ibid.

86 Ibid.

87 Jason Groves, “Euro MPs’ Threat to Block PM’s Landmark Deal Unless Britain Agrees to Increase EU Budget by Billions,” The Daily Mail, February 18, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2280849/EuroMPs-threat-block-PMs-landmark-deal-unless-Britain-agrees-increase-EU-budgetbillions.html.

72

303

88

Ibid.

Gerri Peev, “Euro-MPs Reject Calls to Cut Vast Brussels Budget and Instead Demand Britain Stumps Up More Cash,” The Daily Mail, March 13, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2292799/Euro-MPsreject-calls-cut-vast-Brussels-budget-instead-demand-Britain-stumps-MOREcash.html.

90 Ibid.

91 Ibid.

92 Ibid.

93 Jason Groves, “EU May Hit Us For an Extra £2 Billion to Plug Black Hole in Its Budget, MEPs Warn,” The Daily Mail, April 16, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2310242/EU-hit-extra-2billion-plug-blackhole-budget-MEPs-warn.html.

94 Ibid.

95 Ibid.

96 Matt Chorley, “Britain Loses EU Budget Battle and Must Pay Brussels an Extra £770 Million This Year,” The Daily Mail, May 15, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2324853/Britain-loses-EU-budgetbattle-pay-Brussels-EXTRA-770million-year.html.

97 Ibid.

98 Ibid.

99 “EU Reaches Political Deal on Seven-Year Budget,” The BBC News, June 27, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23062291.

100 Ibid.

101 “David Cameron: Attempt to Cut UK’s EU Rebate ‘Unacceptable,” The BBC News, July 2, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukpolitics-23144358.

102 Ibid.

103 “MEPs Approve EU Long-Term Budget After Divisive Talks,” The BBC News, July 3, 2013, accessed December 23, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldeurope-23162781.

104 Ibid.

105 Jason Groves, “EU ‘Will Run Out of Cash in Months:’ Member States Asked For £3.5 Billion to Stay Afloat…and Britain is Told to Hand Over £450 Million,” The Daily Mail, September 26, 2013, accessed December 24, 2013, http:// www.dailymail.co.uk /news/article-2433931/EU-demands-3-5-billion-governmentsafloat.html.

106 Ibid.

107 Ibid.

108 Ibid.

89

304

109

Matt Chorley, “What Austerity? On the Eve of Talks on Curbing European Spending, 110 Ibid.

111 “EU Negotiators Clinch Deal on 2014 Budget,” The BBC News, November 13, 2013, accessed December 24, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldeurope-24909708.

112 Ibid.

113 Ibid.

114 Ibid.

115 “EU Seven-Year Budget Adopted By MEPs in Strasbourg,” The BBC News, November 19, 2013, accessed December 24, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldeurope-25001658.

116 Ibid.

305