Aug 2009 28

Paid Whisperers1

Timing is everything with the release of paperwork from the EU. Here’s a coincidence that highlights a reality.

The European Economic and Social Committee has published a report on "The external dimension of the EU’s energy policy" (2009/C 182/02). In it, it calls for a greater corporate EU role.

To push this agenda, "The EESC recommends that the social partners as well as environmental organisations and other civil society representatives should be heard and actively involved in defining the external energy strategy. Their capacities to support international dialogue and negotiations should be fully exploited."

Or rather, one side of it: the version that endorses more power being handled by the centre.

It’s a reality that the accident of posting reminds us of. In the same packet from Brussels comes a notice (2009/C 158/05) inviting civil society organisations at European level to bid for funding under the "Europe for citizens" programme. The general objectives include;


(a) giving citizens the opportunity to interact and participate in constructing an ever-closer Europe, which is democratic and world-oriented, united in and enriched through its cultural diversity, thus developing citizenship of the European Union;

(b) developing a sense of European identity, based on common values, history and culture;

(c) fostering a sense of ownership of the European Union among its citizens

More proof, not that it is needed, of the insidious nature of "Brussels talking to Brussels."

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  • Hardeep Singh

    I agree it really is quite laughable. However this point could very easily be made against our own elected lawmakers and lawyers in general. As I’ve mentioned in the past it’s an overly complex system that ends up being a pantomime that plays to itself rather than serves.
    Nevertheless the EU really are a menace to the people’s of the European region and ultimately to themselves. When they’ve pushed run out of cash, ideas and opportunities then the backlash against them could fragment Europe for many deacdes to come. Like all socialist projects that eventually but inevitably run out of income streams they’ll resort to some nasty measures in order to hold onto their ‘dream’. Unlike localised national governments the EU is a far bigger entity and will take considerably longer to run the cash dry but it will happen and then …..
    Other regions of the world are heading in a different direction and the whole EU dream is something that’s nearly 60 too late and out of place. In this 21st century we need a structure that temptingly invites trade and participation and not directives for who’s allowed and who isn’t. The EU is supported by just a few hangers on and I’m personally unimpressed.