Christmas again

December 24th, 2018
Posted by EU Australia

Winding down at year’s end is bringing the traditional mix of devotional observances, silly season and anxiety about what’s likely to come next.

Lee Duffield writes. … Read More »

British mess over Europe

December 12th, 2018
Posted by EU Australia

Teresa May’s postponement of the show-down vote over leaving Europe, in the British parliament, has highlighted a full-scale conflict over ideologies and wills – and high risk for the country’s future.

Lee Duffield who has a long background reporting European affairs says walking out which looked simple has proved complicated and dangerous.

In the first of two articles he documents the agreement between the British government and European Union, and the fight over it which has paralysed politics in the United Kingdom. … Read More »

British walk-out from Europe has been a long time coming

December 12th, 2018
Posted by EU Australia

Debate in the British parliament over the Draft Agreement with Brussels, for Britain to leave the European Union, has produced above all fresh conflict, confusion and uncertainty.

In this second of two reports, Lee Duffield, a long-time specialist on European affairs, says British involvement with the EU has always been a love-hate liaison. … Read More »

The Armistice: “Ancient demons coming to the surface”

November 13th, 2018
Posted by EU Australia

It came to France, scene of the epic battles of the Great War (1914-18), to host the celebration of its centenary on 11 November.

Lee Duffield says it also fell to the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to post a reminder about the ideal of civilisation which the savagery of that war had jeopardised. … Read More »

Faltering UK exit from Europe – possible impacts in Australia

July 16th, 2018
Posted by EU Australia

Weakening of accord between Europe and the United States comes at a moment when Australian-EU relations are intensifying – raising thoughts about some future test of loyalty among friends.

British secession from the European Union that is set to become formal on 19.3.19 should complicate things even more. … Read More »

Europe’s Refugee Crisis – déjà-vu on the frontier …

September 8th, 2015
Posted by EU Australia

Thousands this September, crossing Hungary’s frontier into Austria, replayed the events at the same place in September 1989, with a clear tinge of irony.

Then as now it was a desperate rush to take advantage of an open frontier, to be received with open arms, moving on to find protection and freedom in Western Europe, writes Lee Duffield. … Read More »

Football: America’s third win

July 8th, 2015
Posted by EU Australia

The United States emerged convincing winners at the Women’s World Cup in Vancouver, on Sunday, beating the defending champions Japan 5-2. … Read More »