THE WEEK THAT WAS... (May 28, 2013)

‘According to recent surveys, euroscepticism is gaining ground. Only 30% of Europeans still have a positive image of the European Union, an alarming figure in view of the fact that the European elections will take place in a year's time. What is more, in almost every country, anti-Europe parties are moving up in the polls while pro-Europe parties are falling behind’; a quote of European Economic and Social Committee’s President Henri Malosse. His concerns are right; unfortunately he is using the term ‘anti-Europe parties’. That shows that Mr. Malosse, like all EU zealots, is wearing the European blinkers. For them there is no space for nuance. If you are not blindly pro-Europe, you will be automatically considered as against it.

In the opinion of critical (not anti!) EU observers, it should be better if European politicians and dignitaries would show a clear and convincing approach of the real problems in the union instead of showing confusing and contrary opinions in the top. For instance: first we hear that European Commissioner De Gucht is about to start a trade war with China because their solar panels are too cheap (though probably not in the eyes of the European consumers) but a few days later EU’s most important politician, German Chancellor Angela Merkel reassures her Chinese counterpart that there will not be a trade war about solar panels.

It would also be recommendable that the EU stays away from ridiculous proposals. The latest example is the announcement of an EU wide ban on olive oil reusable bottles in restaurants. Subsequent media coverage ensured that the proposal is set to take place in the hall of fame for odd EU legislation; together with the straight-cucumbers directive and the proposal to produce rosé wine by mixing red and white wine. ‘An injection of common sense is needed’, MEP Martin Callanan said in a debate. I am afraid he is right…