Merkel Warns on Threats as Cameron Steps Up EU Exit Talk
Source: Bloomberg
By Robert Hutton and Patrick Donahue Jun 10, 2014 10:50 AM ET
June 10 (Bloomberg) -- Gabriel Stein of Oxford Economics discusses the possibility of compromise on the next president of the European Commission as leaders debate the candidacy of Jean-Claude Juncker and looks at the role of the ECB in the European economy. He speaks on Bloomberg Televisions The Pulse.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that threats arent the way to win arguments in the European Union as Prime Minister David Cameron suggested that failing to get his way may increase the chances of a U.K. exit.
After an overnight meeting hosted by Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt at his country residence in Harpsund, Merkel and Cameron were still at loggerheads over the candidacy of Jean-Claude Juncker to head the European Commission. Merkel urged her fellow leaders to proceed in the European spirit to enable compromise.
We cant put aside this European spirit just because were now talking about personnel, Merkel told reporters in a joint news briefing today after the talks, which also involved Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Threats arent a part of that. Thats not how we operate.
Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-10/cameron-merkel-set-aside-eu-personnel-matters-focus-on-agenda.html
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)Merkel "warns" people of the consequences if they disagree with her . . . other nations make "threats".
SkyDaddy7
(6,045 posts)in terms of Merkel "warning" vs Cameroon "threatening" I see the difference...Cameroon is "threatening" to blow up the EU while Merkel is simply "warning" him of the very real consequences of such actions.
Having said that...Who is the worse merchant of austerity? Is it not Cameroon? Or is it more complicated than that? I was under the impression the far right was creeping in while the Right was taking over? YES? NO?
yellowcanine
(35,692 posts)such moves is more of a warning about the possible negative consequence. Cameron is holding the referendum out as a reason for the EU to do his bidding - that is indeed a threat.
SkyDaddy7
(6,045 posts)Although, I know very little about EU politics.
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)(is that a deliberate misspelling on your part?)
I'm only pointing out that Merkel speaks out of both sides of her mouth. She's levels threats at other EU nations on a regular basis, so it's a bit disingenuous for her to get prissy about it now (remember when she threatened to kick Greece out of the EU if they held a referendum vote?) Besides, Cameron is only stating a fact - putting Juncker in as EU president increases the likelihood of a referendum vote for withdrawal in the UK. It doesn't ensure it, but given the increased interest in UKIP, it increases the likelihood.
That said, he's not threatening to "blow up" the EU, in any case.
As far as austerity goes, there are no good actors in this, so pick and choose your merchant (I like that phrase - ). The recent EU elections suggest moderate disenchantment with the major parties, but I don't see anything as tragic as the "Right taking over".
I'm no expert, but I do know that Merkel is very good at flinging the same poo she drops on occasion. She's pissed because Cameron is refusing to back Juncker and since she agreed to back him (after initially not doing so), she thinks everybody should. She can claim "the question of the European Spirit" all she wants, but its more about her not getting her way at this point.
SkyDaddy7
(6,045 posts)I feel embarrassed! NO, I was not misspelling his name on purpose...USA!
I am already doing some reading now to try & learn more about the process but knowing who is who is what matters & that takes time & an immersion in the game to fully understand the EU.
However, thanks for your perspective it helps!
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)Please don't take me for an expert! There are many here who know a great deal more about the ins and outs of EU politics, including some very wise heads in the UK group (I recommend asking there - if nothing else, they will direct you to good learning resources); I'm just being my usual cranky self.
SkyDaddy7
(6,045 posts)First you correct my spelling then you direct me to a part of DU I would have NEVER even considered...Did not know existed.
Yes, I am guilty of visiting my set of spots here on DU & not branching out. Must do some more exploring!
Seriously, thanks again! Every little bit helps.
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)it's more fun than reading yet another "Fine! I'll . . ." post.
roamer65
(36,739 posts)Keep the pound, negotiate a trade agreement and leave.
SkyDaddy7
(6,045 posts)I know next to nothing about the EU & I am trying to learn so please don't think I am trying to argue, I am clearly not.
First, I thought the UK still had the Pound not the Euro...That aside, if the UK did leave the EU would that be the end of the EU or would it be absorb such impact. Or would it be that big of an impact?
Last, why would it be better for the UK to leave...Just so it would have to deal with headache considering it would have no problem standing on its own in the global economy? If so, why is it in the EU in the first place?
WOW! I just hit you with a lot of questions as they just continued to roll on my head...Answer what you want or just ignore.
Take care.
roamer65
(36,739 posts)1. The UK still has the pound and by waiver is outside the ERM (exchange rate mechanism). The British Pound is a freely floating, fiat currency...just like our dollar. Therefore, departure of the UK would not cause a euro crisis and a British departure may actually enhance EU unity.
2. When you surrender your currency, you surrender your sovereignty. The British are simply not ready for that step yet. Any referendum on joining the euro would fail miserably in Britain. If put to a referendum, it's even questionable whether Britain would stay within the EU.
3. The systems of law are very different, English common law versus civil law. This is one area where the EU is really rubbing the British "the wrong way".
4. The British joined the EEC in 1973, when it was mainly a economic trade zone. Since then the EEC has given way to the EU...which now has much more political facets and German influence embedded within it. If they cannot swallow the German dominated political union aspects of the EU, it is best to get out now.
SkyDaddy7
(6,045 posts)That really helped a lot!! Take care...If you are a father by chance Happy Fathers Day...If not, have good weekend!