EU Leaders Agree To Close Their External Borders To Limit The Coronavirus From Spreading

CNBC: European Union will close external borders for 30 days to slow coronavirus pandemic

* Leaders of European Union countries have agreed to close the EU’s external borders to most people from other countries for 30 days in a new effort to slow the coronavirus pandemic.
* Movement within European Union member nations will be still be allowed.
* On Monday, Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, said he was closing his nation’s borders to foreigners, with the major exception of U.S. citizens.

European Union member nations agreed Tuesday to close the EU’s external borders to most people from other countries for 30 days in a dramatic new effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the planned closings of the massive union’s external borders at a press conference.

Movement of people within the European Union’s 27 member nations will still be allowed under the restrictions.

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission said the United Kingdom is not applying restrictions to their external borders, even though it had been invited to do so.

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WNU Editor: The EU is moving to close their external borders in response to EU governments imposing their own controls at their borders .... EU executive warns against border closures as way to curb coronavirus (Reuters).

More News On EU Leaders Agreeing To Close Their External Borders To Limit The Coronavirus From Spreading

Coronavirus: European Union seals borders to most outsiders -- BBC
EU leaders agree to close external borders -- The Hill
The EU shuts its borders to slow the coronavirus crisis -- CNN
Coronavirus: E.U. announces sweeping ban on most nonessential incoming travel -- NBC
EU leaders agree to close external borders to limit coronavirus spreading - President of EU commission -- RT

European Union Governments Have Agreed To Develop More Weapons Independently Of U.S.

European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, March 8, 2018. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo

Reuters: Europe agrees to develop more weapons independently of U.S.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union governments gave the green light on Tuesday for 13 new defence projects in a step to develop more firepower independently of the United States.

Under plans agreed by EU defence ministers in Brussels, work will begin on a new patrol vessel, an electronic jamming weapon for aircraft and technology to track ballistic missiles.

The projects took months to negotiate but French President Emmanuel Macron underlined the desire for deeper EU defence collaboration last week when he said the U.S.-led NATO defence alliance was dying.

Some 47 joint EU defence projects are now in the works following the signing of a pact by France, Germany and 23 other EU governments in late 2017 to fund, develop and deploy armed forces following Britain’s decision to quit the bloc.

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WNU Editor: 25 European governments deciding on who will do what in developing new weapons. I see the arguments already.

More News On European Union Governments Agreeing To Develop More Weapons Independently Of U.S.

EU launches 13 new PESCO defense cooperation projects -- Defense Post
EU expands military cooperation with 13 new joint projects -- Euractiv
The EU just agreed on 13 more weapons projects to develop more firepower independently of the US -- Business Insider/Reuters

Is The Idea Of A European Aircraft Carrier Realistic?

The French Marine Nationale aircraft carrier FS Charles De Gaulle (R91) transits the Red Sea, April 15, 2019. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua L. Leonard)

David Axe, National Interest: What If Germany Build a European Union Aircraft Carrier?

A good idea or a fool's errand?

Key point: The EU has long dreamed of having a unified military, along with common weapons systems and ships.

A German politician has floated the idea of a European aircraft carrier.

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who in 2018 succeeded German chancellor Angela Merkel as the head of Merkel’s governing Christian Democratic Union party, proposed the Euro-carrier in the summer of 2019.

Kramp-Karrenbauer’s proposal came in response to French president Emmanuel Macron’s call for greater European integration.

Merkel herself in early 2019 endorsed the idea. “It’s right and good that we have such equipment on the European side, and I’m happy to work on it.”

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WNU Editor: This plan is not realistic. Aside from the billions needed to build a new aircraft carrier, there are billions more needed to build escort ships, fighter jets, etc., and billions more to maintain this carrier strike force annually. European governments are reluctant to spend money on their military right now, and I certainly do not see the political will in Europe to spend it on a new program like this one.

EU Elections -- News Updates May 27, 2019

Daily Mail: Battering for mainstream parties across Europe as Marine Le Pen's party calls for 'powerful' group of far-right parties to join forces in EU Parliament - despite gains for pro-EU Greens

* Centrist and ruling parties suffered heavy losses across much of Europe as EU Parliament results confirmed
* Voters elected anti-EU and anti-immigration parties in record numbers, with Marine Le Pen winning in France
* Conversely, left wing and Green parties surged, with Merkel's CDU losing to them rather than right-wingers
* Despite anti-EU gains, the legislature is still controlled by a two-thirds majority of Pro-EU parties
* Ms Le Pen's National Rally party came just ahead of Emmanuel Macron's En Marche in French vote
* Her party toasted 'emergence of new forces' that 'open the way for formation of a powerful group' in Brussels
* Spain bucked the trend with ruling Socialists on top but Greek PM called a snap General Election after losses
* Italy's Matteo Salvini told supporters 'A new Europe is born', while Silvio Berlusconi was re-elected at 82
* Turnout across the continent is the highest in 25 years - up by around eight percent on 201

Far-right and Eurosceptic parties have won more European Parliament seats than ever before after voters across the continent left their nations' rulers with bloody noses.

Conversely, left wing and pro-EU Green parties also surged amid the highest turnout in 25 years as the 40-year majority held by the two largest centre-right and centre-left groups of parties was broken.

Marine Le Pen's National Rally inflicted a painful defeat - but not a knock-out blow - on pro-European French president Emmanuel Macron before her party called for a 'powerful' group of far-right parties to join forces in the EU Parliament.

In Italy, the League party of hard-line Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, was one of the biggest winners in the European elections, with soaring support that bolsters his role as the flagbearer of the nationalist and far-right forces in Europe and could also shake up politics at home.

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EU Elections -- News Updates May 27, 2019

European elections 2019 -- BBC
2019 European election results -- France 24
EU election aftermath — live updates -- DW
The Latest: Italy’s 5-Stars have work to do after EU vote -- AP
European Parliament election results, the main countries at a glance -- DW
European elections 2019: Power blocs lose grip on parliament -- BBC
Nationalists surge in EU Parliament, but pro-EU parties remain dominant -- Reuters
European People's Party to maintain majority in European Parliament elections -- UPI
EU elections produce fragmented parliament amid high turnout -- Al Jazeera
Europe's leading parties lick wounds after bruising election -- Al Jazeera
Brexit Party wins EU elections in UK, Conservatives fear wipe-out, centre parties lose ground continent-wide -- ABC News Online
After EU poll disaster, Britain's main parties gird for no-deal Brexit battle -- Reuters
French Greens in surprise surge as climate crisis grips voters -- France 24
French far-right makes big demands on Macron after small win -- AP
European elections: far-right 'surge' ends in a ripple -- The Guardian
German EU election results ramp up pressure on Merkel's coalition -- DW
Europe's rising far-right tries to bury differences to wield clout -- Reuters
European Parliament elections: High turnout and a changed chamber -- Al Jazeera
Europe wakes up to climate concerns after green wave in vote -- AP
European elections hint at what's next for the EU and who will lead it -- ABC News Online
Europe at crossroads as far-right, Greens make gains in vote -- Lorne Cook and Mike Corder, AP

EU President: U.S., China, And Russia Must Must Not Destroy The Global Order. Calls President Trump 'Fake News'

The Independent: EU leader Tusk warns China, US and Russia that trade wars threaten 'conflict and chaos'

Trump, Putin and Xi have 'common duty' not to destroy global order

US president Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin and China have been urged to work with Europe to avoid trade wars and prevent "conflict and chaos".

European Council president Donald Tusk was speaking in Beijing at the opening of a summit between China and the European Union, just hours ahead of a summit between Mr Trump and Mr Putin in Helsinki.

"We are all aware of the fact that the architecture of the world is changing before our very eyes and it is our common responsibility to make it a change for the better," Mr Tusk said.

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WNU Editor: A few decades ago European Council President Donald Tusk's remarks would have made sense .... but not today. The current system is causing havoc on the U.S. economy in terms of trade deficits and the relocation of its manufacturing base. What also does not help the discussion is when the EU President makes comments like this .... Saying EU, U.S. are trade foes is 'fake news', says EU's Tusk in swipe at Trump (Reuters).

More News On European Council President Donald Tusk's Remarks

Remarks by President Donald Tusk after the EU-China summit -- Council of the European Union
EU official urges Trump, Putin not to destroy global order -- AP
EU's Tusk calls on China, U.S., Russia not to start trade wars -- Reuters
EU's Tusk Warns Trump Trade Wars Can Lead to ‘Hot Conflicts’ -- Bloomberg

What's Wrong With European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker?

BBC: EU's Jean-Claude Juncker filmed stumbling at Nato event

Footage has emerged showing European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker having to be supported by Nato leaders after repeatedly stumbling.

Mr Juncker was filmed by news agency AP struggling to keep his balance before the alliance's leaders attended a gala dinner in Brussels, Belgium.

This is not the first time he has been filmed unsteady on his feet.

The former prime minister of Luxembourg has previously blamed sciatica, which can cause numbness in the legs.

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Update: Juncker, swaying and stumbling, needs help from NATO leaders (Politico)

WNU Editor: European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says he has a medical condition known as sciatica which causes him to stumble at times. But this is not the first time this has happened, and he has refused to have his medical reports made public .... Is Jean-Claude Juncker an alcoholic? EU President who has repeatedly denied allegations of drinking problem (The SUN).

Are There EU Plans To Create A European Super-State?

Radio Poland: New EU 'superstate plan’ by France, Germany: report

The foreign ministers of France and Germany have proposed creating a “European superstate” limiting the powers of individual members following Britain’s referendum decision to leave the EU, Polish public broadcaster TVP Info has reported.

The document in which the proposals appear is to be presented to Visegrad Group countries meeting in Prague on Monday by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, TVP Info said, adding that the document was an "ultimatum".

TVP Info said the proposals would mean members of a superstate would in practice have no right to their own army, to a separate criminal code or a separate tax system, and would not have their own currency.

In addition, TVP Info said, member states would lose control over their own borders and procedures for admitting and relocating refugees.

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WNU Editor: None of the principles that have been named in this leak are denying the story. As to whether or not the story is true .... I say never let a crisis go to waste. Case in point .... the mayor of London wants more powers .... London Mayor Khan demands more autonomy after Brexit vote (Reuters).

More News On Reports That The EU Has Plans To Create A Super-State

Has Britain avoided a ‘European superstate’? France and Germany ‘draw up plans to morph EU countries into one with control over members’ armies and economies’ -- Daily Mail
European SUPERSTATE to be unveiled: EU nations 'to be morphed into one' post-Brexit -- Express
France & Germany plan to lead post-Brexit EU reform – leaked memo -- RT
Poland Leaks French-German Plan for EU Superstate Amid Brexit Chaos -- Sputnik

With The Euro Predicted To Die .... Is The EU Not Far Behind?

The survey's findings underline suspicions that the new Chancellor, George Osborne, will have to firefight a full-blown crisis in Britain's biggest trading partner in his first years in office

Euro 'Will Be Dead In Five Years' -- The Telegraph

The euro will have broken up before the end of this Parliamentary term, according to the bulk of economists taking part in a wide-ranging economic survey for The Sunday Telegraph.

The single currency is in its death throes and may not survive in its current membership for a week, let alone the next five years, according to a selection of responses to the survey – the first major wide-ranging litmus test of economic opinion in the City since the election. The findings underline suspicions that the new Chancellor, George Osborne, will have to firefight a full-blown crisis in Britain's biggest trading partner in his first years in office.

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My Comment: A European Union with a common currency was always believed to be the way for Europe to go in order for it to break with its long history of wars and conflicts .... especially between its different European nation states. Unfortunately .... as the Euro crisis continues .... it is now being revealed that nation states with their own unique political/social/and economic cultures cannot change by simply joining some larger international organization.

If the Euro dies, the EU and the influence that it exercises will soon follow. Will wars and conflicts be the ultimate end game .... if history is any indication, wars and conflicts in Europe is something that I will never bet against.

EU Defence Contracts To Become More Transparent

From EU Observer:

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – A code of conduct coming into force on Wednesday (1 July) in 25 EU member states and Norway is to bring more transparency in defence procurement contracts. But experts question its effectiveness as long as it is a non-binding agreement.

To be implemented by the European Defence Agency (EDA), the EU's intergovernmental co-operation body on military procurements, the code will set standards for side-deals made by national governments when they sign defence contracts.

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My Comment: When I was young and studying military history, I was always intrigued by the pay-offs and corruption in the arms trade. Especially when it came to European defense contractors and their government allies.

30 years later .... we now have a code of conduct.

I guess this is progress.

EU Election Results Indicate A Swing To The Right

Spain's centre-right Popular Party was one of the night's big winners

Conservatives Score Wins In EU Parliament Voting -- Yahoo News/AP

BRUSSELS – Conservatives scored victories in some of Europe's largest economies Sunday as voters punished left-leaning parties in European parliament elections in France, Germany and other nations.

Some right-leaning parties said the results vindicated their reluctance to spend more on company bailouts and fiscal stimulus to combat the global economic crisis.

The European Union said center-right parties were expected to take the most seats — 267 — in the 736-member parliament. Center-left parties were headed for 159 seats. The remainder were expected to go to smaller groupings.

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More News On The EU Elections

European Election 2009: EU Results -- BBC
European voters punish the left -- BBC
European election results: Greens predict 9% share of the vote -- The Guardian
Conservatives racing ahead in EU parliament voting -- Yahoo News/AP
Labour faces disastrous results in European elections -- Times Online
Far-right gains from Labour turmoil -- The Independent

Why Ankara Does Not Deserve To Be In The European Union -- A Commentary

(Click to Enlarge)

Ankara Shows Its Hand -- Slate

Turkey's scheming at the Strasbourg summit proves it doesn't belong in the European Union.

The most underreported story of the month must surely be the announcement by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner that he no longer supports the accession of Turkey as a full member of the European Union. His reasoning was very simple and intelligible, and it has huge implications for the Barack Obama "make nice" school of diplomacy.

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