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American business forecasters are predicting an extremely difficult 2009 for the European economy, in comparison with their own financial future in the US.
However, European Central Bank officials do not share this disheartening view. … Read More »
Authorities in France estimated over 1100 cars were torched during New Year’s Eve disturbances this time, continuing a habit picked up from the rioting in the poor suburbs around Paris in 2005.
And … such information concerning fires may be in some doubt from now on, (at least South of the Equator); an appointment to the French fire service has revived memories of an episode of extreme duplicity in that country’s relations abroad. … Read More »
The lavish London premiere of Australia, attended by Nicole Kidman and her co-star Hugh Jackman, was another chance to win hearts and minds, but an early review has slammed the movie and actor Kidman herself.
Nick Curtis from London’s Evening Standard fired the first shot, condemning Kidman’s English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley as “a showcase for her worst acting tics”. … Read More »
Once again the European Union won the Olympic Games hands down.
Had the twenty-seven countries’ medals tally been aggregated, in the manner of, say, the Soviet Union in days gone by, world Olympic sports domination would be close to no-contest.
It might be a tribute to sports culture, good policy on health and fitness, or a plain outcome of having money and time to spend on sport, but the medals tally from the Beijing Olympic Games is telling a story of success for Europe. … Read More »
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 »
OPINION: The main powers in the European Union want Irish voters overpowered and neutralised after their ‘no’ decision on expanding the EU and reorganising its system of decision-making.
Lee Duffield posted this commentary from Brussels, where the European heads of government wrapped up their mid-year summit on Friday (20.6.08). … Read More »
Update: Stock exchanges saw adjustments on Wednesday 23.1.08, prices in the United States, Australia and Asia beginning a recovery from the steep drops of the start of the week – encouraged by a quick interest rate cut in the United States. European markets held back.
… Read More »