You are currently browsing the EU Australia Online archives for December, 2012.
Among major players of the century, the outlook for Russia shows mixed economic prospects, more nationalistic position-taking, and “strong government†– as President Vladimir Putin flexes into his new, six-year term of office. … Read More »
OPINION: The closing stages of 2012 showed all indications for “more of the same†in the year to come: in times of burgeoning human ingenuity, knowledge and productivity, it is a world grappling with the economics of human survival, and threats to survival of the planet itself. … Read More »
In 2012 the European Union received the Nobel Peace Prize for its interventions on the side of ending conflicts without violence; a new direction for Europe past, strongly symbolised, also, by humanitarian efforts of the European states.
A major focus has been in the campaign for health rights everywhere, bringing the blessing of proper care to millions, and directly benefiting all humankind with the defeat of neglect and menacing disease. … Read More »
The year 2012 has seen over 170000 site visits; welcome support for a service that aims to keep abreast of news from Europe, with emphasis on Australian connections and perspectives. … Read More »
A new government has been formed in the Catalan region of Spain (19.1.212), pledged to hold a referendum on independence in 2014, the same year as a similar poll is expected in Scotland.
Leaders of that government, sensitive that regional aspirations might come to be accommodated within the European Union, say EU law may help it the project through to a binding vote. … Read More »
Lance Armstrong’s sports doctor Michele has come out at year’s end denying any knowledge of the former champion cyclists history of doping.
The Italian doctor named in the investigation which caused Lance Armstrong to be banned from the sport, and stripped of his seven wins in the Tour de France, said his regime in managing elite cyclists was “not strictâ€. … Read More »
The end of the year sees the Assad regime in Syria embattled after nearly two years of conflict degenerating in to civil war.
This week, 13.12.12, the Secretary General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen (picture), said it was facing collapse. … Read More »