EU Row “Disastrous” For Australia
- July 3rd, 2008
- Posted by Lee Duffield
OPINION: An open row between the powerful French President and the European Commission has posed a new threat to international trade deals where Australia has high stakes.
As Lee Duffield reports from Brussels, the new development has upset arrangements that the Australian government wants — and in Europe it has brought on a new political challenge to the existence of the European Union itself, in its present shape. … Read More »
European leaders ended their Brussels conference on Friday (20.6.08) unsuccessful in settling political problems over their governing Treaty, but declaring confidence in being able to find a way in the coming year.
The European Commission has produced a short-term assistance package to help industries and private citizens hit by sharply rising oil prices and related costs for food and other commodities. 
European Union heads of government meeting in Brussels have been told world food prices have passed their peak, but will continue high, demanding new levels of international cooperation.
The din of heavy tractors and semi-trailers blocking the streets of Brussels – farmers and truckies protesting over petroleum, and prices – has set the scene for a tense meeting of European Union heads of government this week (19-20.6.08).
Commentary:
The Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has proposed a new “partnership with Europe”, and a two-third cuts in farm protection — in a speech at Brussels.