Political philosophy

Croatia strides into EU despite crisis

Agence France-PresseJune 18, 2013 22:30

The European Union may be engulfed by a debt crisis, but Croatia still sees its imminent membership of the bloc as a victory, the Balkan state's president told AFP in an interview. "Yes, the crisis (within the EU) is here, but we are stronger together... and the only way out from the crisis is through 'more Europe and not less Europe,'" Ivo Josipovic said. The best proof of that is that none of the current 27 EU member states have dropped out of the bloc, he said less than two weeks before Croatia was due to be formally admitted.

Widow, daughter of late Cuban dissident seek US asylum

Agence France-PresseJune 18, 2013 15:01

The widow and daughter of late Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya, who are visiting relatives in Miami, said on Tuesday that they plan to seek asylum in the United States. "We are political refugees, because we are politically persecuted in Cuba," said Ofelia Acevedo, whose deceased husband founded the Christian Liberation Movement dissident group. "We did not come here seeking political asylum, but we are, quite simply, refugees who have found ourselves in this country," she told a press conference at a Miami church.

Cuban VP's visit to Beijing gives fresh boost to old friendship

Agencia EFEJune 18, 2013 13:33

Beijing, Jun 18 (EFE).- Cuban First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a new push to longstanding bilateral relations with a meeting here Tuesday. "We want you to feel at home," Xi told Diaz-Canel at the start of the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, which was only open to the media for a few minutes. Joined by a large political retinue, Diaz-Canel was the first senior Cuban leader to meet with Xi since he became China's president in March.

EU budget deal elusive as parliament digs in heels

Thomson ReutersJune 18, 2013 12:35

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union negotiators are struggling to conclude talks on the bloc's next long-term budget, risking delays to the disbursement of funds destined for poorer regions and the fight against youth unemployment. Negotiators for member states and the European Parliament are due to meet later on Tuesday to try to finalize the budget, worth nearly 1 trillion euros between 2014-2020. But officials are downbeat on the chances for a deal.

Lithuania becomes final EU state to ratify Serbia deal

Agence France-PresseJune 18, 2013 09:31

Lithuania on Tuesday became the final European Union member to ratify a trade and aid accord with Serbia, a move that could help Belgrade's bid to join the bloc. Lawmakers in the Baltic state, which takes over the rotating six-month EU presidency on July 1, approved the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, considered a first official step towards EU membership. "Lithuania's parliament demonstrated good will and support towards Serbia's euro integration path," Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius told AFP after 73 lawmakers voted in favour and four abstained.

China, EU to hold talks on solar dispute

Agence France-PresseJune 18, 2013 07:00

China said Tuesday it would this week hold talks with the European Union in a bid to resolve a dispute over solar panels and other business issues, as tensions between the two risk escalating into a trade war. The two sides have "tentatively decided" to hold the annual ministerial-level meeting of the joint economic and trade commission on Friday in Beijing, said Shen Danyang, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce.

U.S., Cuba to discuss renewal of direct mail service

Agencia EFEJune 17, 2013 18:01

Washington, Jun 17 (EFE).- The United States and Cuba will discuss this week the possibility of reestablishing direct mail, suspended 50 years ago, a State Department spokesperson told Efe on Monday. Talks of a "technical" nature will take place Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington among officials of the State Department, the U.S. Postal Service and the Cuban government, said the spokesperson, who asked to remain anonymous.

US, Cuba seek to restore mail services

Agence France-PresseJune 17, 2013 17:33

Officials from the United States and Cuba will meet this week to restore direct mail services frozen since 1963, the State Department said Monday. "Representatives from the Department of State and the United States Postal Service will meet with representatives from the government of Cuba for a technical discussion on re-establishing direct transportation of mail," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

Romania, EU launch works on world's most powerful laser

Agence France-PresseJune 14, 2013 22:29

The European Union and Romania laid Friday the cornerstone of a research hub due to host the world's most powerful laser. "The project is of particular importance not only for Romania and also for Europe as a whole.," European commissioner for regional policy Johannes Hahn told a press conference alongside Romania's Prime Minister Victor Ponta. "Its cutting-edge technology will be used by researchers all over the world," he added.

France threatens to block start of EU-U.S. trade talks

Thomson ReutersJune 12, 2013 20:36

By Mark John and Philip Blenkinsop PARIS/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - France threatened on Wednesday to block the start of free trade talks between the European Union and the United States if movies and digital media are not kept out the negotiations. Two days before EU countries are supposed to give the go-ahead for negotiations, France said it would veto the talks unless the sector - that it sees as crucial to its cultural identity and under threat from Hollywood - is excluded.