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Click on the links below to view Open Europe's press coverage by year:
2010
Anxiety grows over new powers for ESMA 29 July Global Risk Regulator 19 July FT
Open Europe's Director Mats Persson featured in an article in Global Risk Regulator discussing the forthcoming European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs), which he indicated "looks like the first step towards a European Securities and Exchange Commission". On the rushed negotiations, which could see the ESAs operational by January 2011, Mats added: "I don't really understand the rush. We question whether the ESAs will actually address any of the underlying causes of the financial crisis. And, we do not subscribe to the view that if the ESAs are not up and running by January 1, it will be a disaster. On the contrary, it might be a good thing to allow more time to properly work through these proposals and ensure they make sense".
Meanwhile, the FT also cited Open Europe's debate, held on 12 July in conjunction with Policy Exchange, on the EU's proposals for financial supervision and regulation.
CAP should be scrapped 28 July BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio 5 Live featured Open Europe's Sarah Gaskell discussing measures to drive down the UK's deficit. She suggested that the EU's wasteful Common Agricultural Policy should be scrapped, as it raises costs for consumers.
EU's intelligence agency a burgeoning European secret service 28 July Le Monde
An article in Le Monde, which reported the appointment of Patrice Bergamini as head of the EU's intelligence agency, the Joint Situation Centre (SitCen), cited Open Europe describing SitCen as a burgeoning European secret service.
New Czech government likely to be less EU-critical 27 July MFDnes
Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe was quoted in Czech daily MFDnes, saying: "It seems that the new [Czech] coalition is going to be less critical towards the EU than it was during the period of the country's EU presidency, even though the ODS is in the government. Minister Schwarzenberg will also possibly give up a few Czech embassies in favour of EU ones".
Europe's Emissions Trading Scheme created a transfer of $470 million a year from British firms to their overseas competitors 27 July Washington Times
An article by Iain Murray and Matthew Sinclair in the Washington Times looking at carbon cap and trade systems cited Open Europe's research on the EU's emissions trading scheme.
EU funds £400 million worth of "confidential" projects 26 July Telegraph
The Telegraph cited Open Europe's finding that between 2007 and 2009, the EU has funded £400m worth of confidential projects.
€13.8m of EU funds spent on research revealing that apples are healthy 23 July Mail Sun
Open Europe's Siân Herbert was quoted in the Mail and on page two of the Sun criticising the "ridiculous spending" of taxpayers' money in reference to a €13.8m EU research project that concluded that two apples a day are good for cholesterol.
European Investigation Order threatens both civil liberties and criminal justice system 19 July Express
An article in the Express, looking at the consequences of the introduction of the European Investigation Order (EIO), quoted Open Europe's Stephen Booth saying: "This would not only pose a major threat to civil liberties in the UK but also irreversibly change the shape of our criminal justice system. The coalition's claims to be serious about civil liberties are meaningless unless they defend individuals' freedoms and rights from unwelcome EU laws, as well as those in the UK".
MEPs check out of the European Parliament early and head to the 16 July The Parliament
Commenting on 15 MEPs’ trip to the
End the travelling circus between 16 July Knack
Open Europe's
British MEPs have worst European Parliament attendance record 16 July The Parliament 10 July Telegraph
An article in the Telegraph, reporting that the UK’s 72 member delegation to the European Parliament had the worst attendance record of all 27 member states, quoted Open Europe’s
Open 15 July Brussels blogger study 2010
The Open Europe blog has been ranked 7th in public affairs firm Waggener Edstrom’s ‘
The Coalition must keep promise on referendum 13 July E!Sharp
Open Europe’s Director
13 July Express
Open Europe was quoted in the Express, commenting on research that found the
MEPs must change their attitude in order to convince voters 13 July TSF Radio Noticias
Open Europe’s
European Commission has given out £400m in grants to “confidential” projects
The Sun and the Express both reported on Open
8 July TVP
In an interview with Polish TV channel TVP, Open Europe's
Future treaty changes should repatriate powers 8 July American Spectator
Open Europe’s Mats Persson was quoted by the American Spectator magazine arguing that any future EU treaty change should be used by David Cameron to repatriate powers to
European Commission proposes ‘peer review’ of member states’ pensions systems 8 July Express The Parliament
In an article in the Express on the European Commission’s suggestion that retirement ages across Europe should be raised, Open Europe’s
‘The EU after the euro crisis: superstate or disintegration?’ 5 July Guardian: Hannan
Writing in the Guardian, Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan cited Open Europe’s recent debate, “The EU after the euro crisis: superstate or disintegration?”, and argued that trying to label critics of the European Union as xenophobes is a “handy way of sidestepping criticism”.
Foreign Secretary wants more British officials in EU institutions 2 July Deutsche Welle Radio
Open
'The EU after the Euro crisis: Superstate or disintegration?' 1 July Telegraph: Hannan 30 June EUobserver blogs
Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan summarised on his Telegraph blog the arguments he set out at Open Europe's debate in
Commission outlines plan to suspend EU subsidies for countries flouting deficit rules 30 June Telegraph
Following the publication of new proposals to issue sanctions against EU countries that fail to conform to rules on deficits, Open Europe's Stephen Booth was quoted by the Telegraph calling on the government to oppose a "disproportionate" measure, adding: "The UK has said it will play no part in the euro for the very reason that it wants to maintain control over economic and monetary policy. Why would the government then agree to be sanctioned by an economic government designed for the eurozone?"
MPs' expenses: New Lords allowance regime 'open to abuse' 29 June Telegraph
In response to the news that the new House of Lords' expenses system will be operated on a per diem basis, Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted in the Telegraph pointing to the experience of the European Parliament, where MEPs were caught "signing in and sloping off". He added, "The idea of a per diem allowance eliminates a lot of accountability."
Protests against austerity measures paralyse Greece 29 June Russia Today
Open Europe's Mats Persson appeared on
George Soros: 24 June Express
With rumours spreading about the potential collapse of the euro, Stephen Booth was quoted by the Express in relation to Germany's economic policies, saying: "Germany understandably wants to maintain control over its economic policy but this crisis has shown that being part of the single currency involves huge responsibilities to the other euro countries, something which politicians didn't tell their citizens when they signed up to the euro."
EU takes on extra 18 MEPs for £7 million 23 June Telegraph
Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe was quoted in the Telegraph, as the European Union amended the Lisbon Treaty to allow an extra 18 MEPs to begin work, saying that it was "strange that the EU sees it fit to go through a complicated process of treaty reform just to provide for more jobs in the European Parliament - at a time when virtually every country in Europe is cutting back. This says a lot about the EU's priorities. If anything, the EU's institutions should be slimmed down."
Osborne axes Treasury's "Euro Preparations Unit" 22 June Telegraph
Cameron backs EU treaty deal in move that could block another referendum 22 June Mail
Following David Cameron's assurance that the
Over 1,000 unelected EU officials paid more than David Cameron 22 June Express
After revelations that over 1,000 EU civil servants are paid more than the
Record numbers take part in EU student mobility scheme 22 June EurActiv
Open
Cameron returns from first EU summit 21 June Guardian: Booth EUobserver: Persson's blog
Writing for the Guardian's Comment is Free, Open Europe's Stephen Booth argued that, at his first EU summit, David Cameron successfully avoided greater incursions on the
Austerity but not for the EU 21 June Tele
Appearing on Spanish TV channel Tele
European Council summit sees Cameron resisting moves for closer EU economic governance 17 June BBC: Robinson Mail Conservative Home 16 June Economist: Eastern Approaches blog
Open
The Mail quoted Open
The effects of the CAP in Poland 17 June Dziennik
An article in Polish newspaper Dziennik looking at the effects of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy cited Open Europe’s research revealing that the EU spends €293m subsidising tobacco farmers.
16 June FT Video 11 June Telegraph
Open Europe Director
Ahead of the European Council summit, Mats appeared on FT Video discussing recent tensions between
15 June Mail on Sunday
Following the publication of a new report from the Office of Budget Responsibility which estimated that the
The cost of regulation 15 June Express: Clark
In his column in the Express, Ross Clark cited Open Europe’s research, which found that regulation introduced between 1998 and 2008 cost the UK economy £148 billion.
Van Rompuy admits €750bn eurozone aid package may not be enough 11 June Telegraph: Hannan 7 June Telegraph: O'Brien
On his Telegraph blog Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan ‘hat-tipped’ Open Europe’s press summary, which revealed comments from EU President Herman Van Rompuy, who said that the cost of eurozone bailouts may rise above the €750bn already agreed by EU governments.
On his Telegraph blog, Policy Exchange Director Neil O’Brian also recommended Open
MEPs want to snoop on web searches 8 June Mail on Sunday
In an article in the Mail on Sunday looking at a European Parliament proposal to more closely monitor citizens’ web searches, Open
Life after the Commission 8 June Le Post
An article in Le Post cited Open
The true cost of compliance 7 June Private Equity Manager
An article in Private Equity Manager cited Open
Government promises "fresh approach" on 4 June LBC radio
Open Europe's
Sweden must resist moves towards fiscal federalism 1 June Svenska Dagbladet: Persson & Sigfrid
Open Europe's Mats Persson and Karl Sigfrid, MP for Swedish governing party Moderaterna, wrote an op-ed for Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet, in which they argued that "what we probably will see in the eurozone in the long-term is common fiscal policies, which aim to even out economic differences", that could include direct EU taxes. "EU taxes and fiscal federalism would disadvantage Sweden and lack democratic legitimacy...through large financial transactions Swedish taxpayers would be forced to pay for the mistakes of governments which they cannot vote out of office," they noted.
MEPs have spent £5m on foreign trips since 2004 31 May Sunday Telegraph News of the World
Open Europe researcher Siân Herbert was quoted in the Sunday Telegraph and News of the World saying: "It seems ridiculous that while the EU faces economic crisis, MEPs jet to far-flung destinations and stay in luxury hotels."
Stanley Fink: "The last government was asleep at the watch" on AIFM Directive 31 May Sunday Telegraph 24 May New Europe El Periodico de Aragon
An article featuring an interview with Stanley Fink, sometimes referred to as the 'godfather' of the UK hedge fund industry, in the Sunday Telegraph cited Open Europe's research on the AIFM Directive, which estimated that €5.3bn in annual tax revenues will be lost to Britain if hedge fund managers conduct their business elsewhere, and that in total the Directive could end up costing the UK economy between €6.8bn and €9.6bn by 2020.
The research was also cited in Spanish paper El Periodico de Aragon, and in an article in New Europe magazine discussing the directive.
Frosty relations between France and Germany 31 May EUobserver blog: Persson
On his EUobserver blog, Open Europe Director Mats Persson looked at the Franco-German relationship and argued, "If Merkel sounds like Thatcher, what exactly is that a sign of? German taxpayers are potentially liable for some €120 billion in eurozone loans and have just seen the independence of the ECB kissed goodbye - after having been promised that neither could ever happen. Whining over the fact that the Germans are not acting like this is 'business as usual' just isn't serious."
Van Rompuy admits citizens were misled about the euro 28 May Express 27 May Telegraph
Both the Telegraph and Express featured Open Europe's new briefing, "They said it: How the EU elite got it wrong on the euro". Open Europe analyst Vincenzo Scarpetta was quoted in the articles saying: "The euro zone crisis is not simply about economic failure but also a breakdown in trust between the political class and European citizens. The EU elite simply got it wrong on the euro."
ECB starts work on new £730m HQ 29 May Hospodarske Noviny 24 May Property Week 23 May Sunday Times Corriere della Sera
In an article looking at the construction of the European Central Bank's new headquarters in Frankfurt, the Sunday Times quoted Open Europe Director Mats Persson saying: "It's mind-boggling that the ECB is going ahead with such a grand project only weeks after taxpayers were asked to cough up €500 billion to save the eurozone." Mats was also quoted in Italian paper Corriere della Sera, Property Week, and in Slovakian newspaper Hospodarske Noviny.
Divisions emerge on EU approach to banking levy 27 May Mail This is Money
Following the publication of new proposals from the Commission for an EU-wide tax on banks to set up 'resolution funds' to manage future bank failures in a structured way, Open Europe was quoted in the Mail and This is Money saying: "The Government must resist any moves by the Commission towards anything which looks like an EU-wide tax".
Cameron rules out any EU Treaty change which affects UK 26 May Telegraph 25 May Economist: Charlemagne notebook 22 May Conservative Home:Persson Mail This is Money
The Mail quoted Open Europe Director Mats Persson saying: "If this ends up involving any transfer of powers to Brussels then the coalition has to call a referendum. The crisis has already sucked us into the bailout package and there is a clear drive to put new controls in place, some of which will include the UK." Mats was also quoted in This is Money.
In an article for Conservative Home, Mats argued that this "is also a once-in-a-decade opportunity for Cameron... Treaty changes - or any substantial changes that require unanimity in the EU - could actually be good news for the UK. It would finally present a British Government with real leverage in negotiations with EU partners: in return for allowing the eurozone to integrate further, the UK should ask for any of a number of things in return, including the repatriation of powers and a more sensible EU budget." The article was cited on the Economist's Charlemagne blog, looking at the reaction of the British media to potential Treaty change.
Mats was also quoted in the Telegraph, saying that Conservative MPs may rebel if David Cameron did not use the "ideal opportunity" for Britain to repatriate powers: "Cameron will come under massive pressure from his own ranks but he should not fear going down this road. If successful, Cameron would set an important precedent for Europe by which powers can be brought back to member states as well as handed over to the EU."
Germany backs tax on financial transactions 23 May Sunday Telegraph: Booker
In his Sunday Telegraph column, Christopher Booker cited Open Europe's press summary which revealed that Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a "global" tax on financial transactions.
Alistair Darling agrees to help the eurozone 21 May BBC World Service 18 May EUobserver blogs 11 May Sky News Mail Yorkshire Post This is Money Sky News 2 Telegraph
Open Europe Director Mats Persson appeared on the BBC World Service discussing the future of the eurozone.
Sky News, The Sunday Telegraph, Sun, Express, Mail, Yorkshire Post, This is Money and The Scotsman quoted Mats saying "While it is in everyone's interest for Europe's economy to stabilise, this deal could easily spiral out of control and see UK and European taxpayers becoming exposed to ever growing debt burdens of governments over which they have no democratic control whatsoever. This is simply unsustainable - both from a democratic and an economic point of view."
Mats also examined the recent eurozone events on his EUobserver blog.
Regional 'stars' rewarded for innovative projects 12 May EurActiv
In an article looking at an awards ceremony for EU-funded regional projects, Euractiv quoted Open Europe's Mats Persson saying, "While more effective targeting of cohesion funds certainly should be encouraged, you would think that the EU had bigger things on its plate at the moment than engaging in self-congratulatory ceremonies at the taxpayers' expense."
New UK coalition should have the courage to pursue EU reform 20 May The Parliament 18 May Telegraph: Persson> 17 May EurActiv
Following the coalition agreement between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems, EurActiv cited Open Europe welcoming the commitment to hold a referendum on any future Treaty changes. Mats was quoted saying: "What cannot happen is for the new government to adopt the calculating, spinning, referendum-dodging approach of its predecessor in order to avoid facing up to the electorate and honouring its pledges, particularly on the transfer of powers to Brussels."
The Parliament quoted Open Europe saying, "We encourage the new UK government to push for genuine EU reform, including repatriating powers from Brussels. Most importantly, the coalition must break with the Labour government's record, and be fully honest with voters about when powers are being transferred from Westminster to Brussels - and take the voters' side in opposing such moves."
Writing for the Telegraph, Mats argued: "It's clear that the EU's flagship project, the eurozone, was built on an unsustainable political and economic model, and that people across the continent are becoming increasingly fed-up with the entire European project. This gives the Conservatives the backdrop they need to push for long overdue changes in Europe."
European Commission proposes to oversee member states' budgets 19 May Full Fact 16 May Sunday Express
The Sunday Express quoted Open Europe's Sarah Gaskell saying, "Any suggestion that budgets should be more tailored towards the EU is undemocratic and a huge encroachment on member states' powers."
The fact-check website Full Fact also quoted Sarah saying, "While it remains to be seen whether or not these proposals will elicit the required level of support - it is important that the UK Government does not sit back and allow proposals to take shape without their input, or they may find EU economic cooperation moving further than they expect or want."
George Osborne forced to accept EU hedge funds regulation 19 May TAZ Mail Sueddeutsche 18 May Guardian EUobserver Europolitics EUobserver: blog
The Guardian, Sueddeutsche and Tageszeitung cited Open Europe's research into the AIFM Directive. The Guardian, EUobserver and Europolitics quoted Open Europe Director Mats Persson saying, "Forcing through the directive could cause serious damage to the UK's economy and jeopardise billions in funding to developing countries...The decision is being taken by the bloc's finance ministers only one week after the new UK government has taken office, leaving it virtually no room to prepare for the negotiations."
The Mail quoted Mats saying, "The current UK Government was landed in a real mess by its predecessor and should be given credit for trying to make the best of a bad situation. The attempts to remove the most protectionist (hedge fund) rules are clearly welcome...The last thing the EU needs is the City of London and the British Government feeling like victims of a political point-scoring exercise in Europe. Constructive relationships have to work both ways."
Nick Clegg made €362,550 profit on his Brussels home while receiving Brussels accommodation allowances 30 April Nieuwsblad 29 April Express 28 April Times FT Guardian Sun Express Mail 27 April Sky News BBC London
Open Europe's findings that Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg made a profit of €362,550 on the sale of his home in Brussels he bought while receiving thousands of pounds in accommodation allowances as an MEP received coverage in the Times, Express, Guardian, Sun, Mail, page 2 of the FT, in Belgian daily Het Nieuwsblad and was featured on Sky News and BBC London.
Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted in the Sun saying: "Nick Clegg has taken the moral high ground in this campaign. But now he needs to come clean on whether he used taxpayers' money in any way to make a huge personal profit on his house in Brussels. Failure to do so would amount to extraordinary hypocrisy as he's been the most outspoken against MPs who have used public money to make personal gains in the property market."
Open Europe was also quoted in the Mail saying: "It is unacceptable to simply hide behind the opaque EU allowances system, which doesn't require MEPs or officials to provide receipts for their allowances."
Greece wouldn't find it easy to leave the euro 30 April Guardian: Elliott BBC Oxford
Writing in the Guardian Larry Elliot looked at whether Greece could or should leave the eurozone, and quoted Open Europe Director Mats Persson saying: "There is no mechanism on the table [for leaving the euro] at all. They haven't thought about it." He added that, in the long-term "an alternative would be for the eurozone to split into a German-led inner core and an outer core made of a weaker group of countries, which would not include Greece."
Mats also appeared on BBC Oxford radio, arguing that the case for the UK joining the euro was "getting weaker by the day".
British policy towards the EU needs a "healthy dose of realism" 26 April FT: Letters
In a letter to the FT, Open Europe Chairman Lord Leach of Fairford argued that the "mantra of the importance of being at 'the top table', working 'in the mainstream' of Europe...is too vague to be of value in shaping British policy towards the European Union. What is needed is a healthy dose of friendly realism and reform of an EU that is failing on many fronts."
He added, "A thoughtful British administration would recognise that the robust defence of our own interests, far from marginalising us, would put us in the same camp as France, Spain and many other member states, including (as the Greek crisis is making clear) the hitherto self-denying Germany - that is, at the heart of Europe."
EU declares 'tourism is a right' with holiday subsidies for poorer citizens 26 April Lidovky 18 April NOTW National Post
In its report that the EU is drawing up plans to subsidise holidays around the EU for poorer citizens, pensioners and students, the News of the World quoted Open Europe's Mats Persson saying, "The commission is literally considering paying people to go on holiday. In this economic climate, it's astonishing that the EU wants to bribe people with cheap holidays." Mats was also quoted in the Canadian paper National Post and in Czech paper Lidovky.
Clegg the 'political outsider' received £2.5m in taxpayers' money over ten years in Brussels 24 April Mail 23 April Mail 22 April Sun Times Telegraph
The Sun, Times, Mail and the Telegraph all featured calculations by Open Europe that Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg received an estimated £1.6 million in salaries and allowances and £1 million in staff allowances over ten years working in the EU institutions.
Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted in the Sun saying, "He's been part of the privileged political class for years." The Times quoted Mats saying, "By no definition can he be considered a political outsider and his claims to being one are simply not credible. For ten years he was on the EU's generous payroll, so it is no surprise that he is out of step with the British public on Europe, including on his insistence that the UK should still join the euro, which is a ludicrous idea in light of recent events."
AIFM Directive 24 April E24 18 March FT Deutschland
Scandinavia's largest financial news site E24 cited Open Europe research on the impact of the AIFM Directive. The report was also cited in FT Deutschland.
Open Europe spells out the choices voters face on Europe 24 April ARD 22 April WSJ blog Bloomberg Independent:Hamilton
Open Europe's new briefing detailing the UK's main parties' positions on the EU, published ahead of the second leaders' debate, was cited on the WSJ's Brussels blog, which described the briefing as a "tip sheet that could prove useful". The briefing was also suggested as further reading in Adrian Hamilton's column in the Independent. Open Europe Director Mats Persson also appeared on Bloomberg discussing the debate and on German television ARD discussing the EU and the UK General Election.
Committee of Regions defends regional policy status quo
Open Europe's Mats Persson was quoted by EurActiv criticising the recent Committee of the Regions' report, which called to preserve current EU regional policy structures, saying: "the EU's regional spending is off-target, inflexible, wasteful and out of sync with the current economic climate. It's extraordinary that the CoR continues to defend a system which sees some of the richest EU member states recycling money via Brussels at a huge deadweight cost to the European taxpayer - smack in the middle of the worst recession in a generation. A more common sense approach would clearly be to restrict funding to the genuinely poor regions and countries, and so make the EU's regional spending far more focused and cost-effective."
Mats was also interviewed on the Italian television channel RAI Tre, discussing the ineffectiveness and wastefulness of the EU's distribution of regional funding and agricultural funding among member states.
Open Europe research shows that EU regulation since 1998 cost UK economy £124 billion 15 April Weltwoche
Open Europe's recent research on the cost of 11 years of regulation in the UK was featured in Swiss weekly magazine Weltwoche.
EU Free Movement Directive 14 April Channel 4: Fact Check
Channel 4's FactCheck blog looked at the EU's 2004 directive on the freedom of movement, and cited Open Europe arguing that the legislation rules out a general rule for deporting EU citizens convicted of a criminal offence, but allows deportation in some cases, as long as individual circumstances are taken into account.
Gordon Brown defends controversial decision not to hold promised referendum on Lisbon 13 April Channel 4
In an article looking at Labour's 2005 manifesto pledges, Channel 4 news cited Open Europe's research, which found that the Lisbon Treaty and the European Constitution are 90 percent the same, noting that when in Government, the party refused to hold a referendum on Lisbon, despite promising one on the Constitution.
Eurozone leaders agree €45bn rescue package for Greece 12 April Mail Express Talk Sport radio
Following agreement among eurozone leaders on a bailout package for Greece, the Mail and Express quoted Open Europe director Mats Persson saying that "Britain didn't want to be in the eurozone for this very reason" but that it is "in Britain's interests economically for Greece not to go bankrupt." Mats also appeared on Talk Sport Radio discussing the bailout.
EU regulation has cost 8 April Wprost 7 April The Parliament 4 April Conservative Home: Persson 1 April EurActiv 2 31 March Economist: Charlemagne's notebook Sun 30 March WSJ: Wheatcroft Sky News blog Reuters Telegraph Conservative Home Evening Standard Mail Liverpool Post Express 29 March FT PA City AM Euractiv
Open Europe’s research was covered by the Telegraph, Mail, Evening Standard, City AM, EurActiv, Express, Conservative Home, Reuters, Liverpool Post, and on PA and Alex Rossi’s Sky News blog.
The FT noted that the study warns that the Conservatives’ heavy focus on regulatory reform of domestic rules rather than EU rules “could lead to contradictory or undeliverable policies since a future Conservative government will only have full control over 28 per cent of the cost of regulation”.
The study was also cited by Patience Wheatcroft in the Wall Street Journal and was featured on page 2 of the Sun.
Open
In a comment piece on Conservative Home Open
Open
MEPs call for law to make Sunday a day of rest 4 April NOTW
Following the news that hundreds of MEPs signed a petition calling for a ban on working Sundays, the News of the World quoted Open
EU plans to promote regional rather than national borders 4 April NOTW
In an article looking at the £1.1 million EU INTERREG project to create new trans-frontier EU regions, which would see parts of southern England joined to northern France as a new zone called “TransManche”, the News of the World quoted Open Europe Director
European Commission proposes stringent rules on Citizens’ Initiative 31 March Business Week Forbes AP Czech TV
Following the unveiling of the Commission’s plans for the new EU citizens’ initiative, Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe was quoted by AP, Forbes, Business Week and was interviewed on Czech TV, saying that the proposal would prevent petitions from smaller political groups outside the mainstream, adding “who is going to decide what the values of the EU are?”
28 March LBC radio 27 March Express Mail
Following the EU Council summit and the call from the German government for the European Council to be the “economic government” of the EU, Open Europe Director
Mats also appeared on LBC Radio discussing the proposals for an EU economic government.
French MEP: ‘I won’t be sad’ at job losses resulting from AIFM Directive 27 March Times 26 March Bloomberg
Following comments from the French MEP Jean-Paul Gauzes, serving as rapporteur for the EU’s AIFM Directive, that he would not be “sad” if the rules resulted in job losses in the City of London, Open Europe Director
Conflict of interest 26 March Rzeczpospolita
Open
UK urged to stand firm against AIFM Directive 26 March Bloomberg 17 March Világgazdaság 16 March Times City AM 15 March EurActiv
Writing in the Times, Business Editor David Wighton cited Open Europe's estimates that the hedge fund and private equity industry contribute €9.2 billion (£8.4 billion) in tax revenues to the EU economy every year. The findings were also covered by Hungarian business daily Vilaggazdasag.
Open Europe's Director Mats Persson was quoted in City AM saying, "Ministers must have the courage to resist all forms of protectionism and populism. Failure to do so will cost Europe dearly." Mats was also quoted on EurActiv saying ministers and MEPs "have come a long way" since the original proposal was tabled but he warned against introducing protectionist measures like the "third country" clause.
Responding to comments from Jean-Paul Gauzes, rapporteur for the Directive, that he would not lose sleep if the new rules caused job losses for hedge funds, Mats was quoted by Bloomberg saying, "It's a very revealing remark that shows he thinks the only negative impact of the directive will be on hedge funds and private equity funds in the U.K. It could have a much wider impact."
Britain faces losing power over its own Budget under new plans for EU an 'economic Government' 26 March Mail This is Money
Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted in the Mail and This is Money describing Franco-German plans pushing for a reinforced economic government as "an astonishing power grab", adding: "It is a ground-breaking development which paves the way for full scale economic federalism, with the European Council controlling the economic policy of member states, particularly those that are not well managed and have large budget deficits like the UK. It is obviously a very significant move and it is hard to see how it could be forced through without a referendum in the UK."
Budget sees UK's EU contributions rise to £6.4 billion 25 March Telegraph
Following the news that the UK's contributions to the EU are set to rise again, Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted in the Telegraph saying: "It's extraordinary that when virtually every single government in Europe is forced to cut its public expenditure the EU sees fit to increase its own...The UK's contribution keeps on going up at a time when every penny counts. Surely we can think of better ways to spend £7.6 billion a year during the worst recession for a generation?"
UK High Court rules on right to benefits for EU migrants 24 March LBC Radio
Open Europe's Stephen Booth was interviewed on LBC Radio arguing that the High Court's ruling on the entitlement of EU migrants' families to UK benefits demonstrates the extensive impact EU law has on the lives of EU citizens and UK taxpayers, and arguing that Europe should therefore play a bigger role in the general election campaign.
EU 'wastes' millions on 'hip hop' dance and circus skills 24 March Euractiv 19 March Mail Jurnalul 18 March Telegraph
Following the news of the EU's £366m cultural programme, Open Europe's Stephen Booth was quoted in the Telegraph saying, "These projects show that, if nothing else, EU bureaucrats have an exceptional talent for finding creative ways to waste taxpayers' money...Europe is struggling through the worst economic climate for generations and yet the EU budget is still being squandered on dubious projects that do nothing to create sustainable jobs and futures for European citizens".
Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted in the Mail saying, "The EU's spending machine is completely out of sync with economic reality...the question is why EU bureaucrats should be involved in cultural initiatives in the first place. Surely this is better handled nationally or locally?" Mats was also quoted in Romanian daily Jurnalul.
Open Europe's research on EU communication policy was also featured on EurActiv, which quoted former Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally saying: "taxpayers should not be footing the bill for vain PR exercises to make us love the European Union. This senseless spending on dubious and silly projects has got to stop".
Bill for each MEP due to rise to £2.1 million next year 23 March Express
Open Europe's Stephen Booth was quoted in the Express in an article detailing the rise in the cost of MEPs, saying: "This is a huge rise in these tough economic times when governments across Europe are trying to find ways to save money. Taxpayers are being forced to tighten their belts. Euro MPs should do the same."
Now EU will sent three presidents to summits 21 March Sunday Express 20 March Southern Star 18 March Eurasia Review 16 March EUportal 15 March Al Jazeera
Responding to the news that the EU plans to send its three presidents as representatives to global summits, Open Europe researcher Sarah Gaskell was quoted in the Sunday Express, saying: "This surely must be the final nail in the coffin of the Government's promise that the Lisbon Treaty would bring greater clarity to the European Union...Instead of Europe speaking with one voice we have two of the EU's many presidents fighting for the limelight and over who gets to speak on what issue." She went on to say, "Other countries at the G20 will be completely puzzled by the EU's failure to decide who should speak for it. It seems to change from one day to the next."
In a report by US think tank The Heritage Foundation, featured on Eurasia Review, Open Europe's Director Mats Persson was cited saying, "Europe needs to concentrate on delivering policies for the 21st century, rather than on being seen as a 'global power.' The EU's consistent failure is an inability to recognise that it is the former that brings about the latter, and not the reverse".
Open Europe's Stephen Booth was quoted on Czech website EUportal and in Irish newspaper The Southern Star saying: "No one in the UK voted for the creation of an EU Foreign Minister and no one across the EU has ever voted for Catherine Ashton. She is a complete lightweight."
Sarah was also interviewed by Al Jazeera's English news channel, discussing whether or not Lady Ashton's trip to the Middle East might boost her credibility among her domestic constituency.
Open Europe debate: Europe: A priority for the next government? 19 March The Parliament
Open Europe's debate in the House of Commons was featured on The Parliament's website.
Media credibility is damaged by EU subsidies 17 March Swedish Radio
Swedish Radio interviewed Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe discussing how the EU Commission subsidises media such as Café Babel and Euradionantes. He said: "Some of them are doing a good job, but their credibility is being damaged because of the fact that they get EU money. Others are proper propaganda outlets".
EU money spent on skiing trips and 'TV propaganda' 16 March Telegraph
Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted by the Telegraph responding to an MEP's report critical of the European Parliament budget, saying: "This report illustrates the complete disregard that MEPs have shown for taxpayers' money. In this tough economic climate, it is astonishing that the European Parliament continues to justify spending money on luxuries such as ski holidays for its staff and their children...It is no wonder that less and less people are turning out to vote for MEPs. European taxpayers deserve much better."
Open
Open Europe’s
He went on to say, "The
The potential cost of a Greek bailout 7 March Sunday Business Post
The Sunday Business Post reported on Open Europe’s briefing on how much a Greek bailout could cost EU taxpayers, which found that Ireland’s share of a bailout would be between €227 million and €406 million.
Planned European Public Prosecutor could prosecute Britons without 6 March Telegraph Vancouver Sun
In an article detailing the possible impact of a European Public Prosecutor, Open Europe’s
The article was syndicated in the
Commission plans for carbon tax would cost 6 March Express 5 March BBC Today Programme 4 March Telegraph
The Telegraph and Express reported on the Commission plans for a Europe-wide carbon tax and cited Open
Open
Ashton is the highest paid female politician in the world 6 March Mail: Pierce
In the Mail, Andrew Pierce noted that EU Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton’s salary package of £328,000 a year makes her the highest paid female politician in the world. The article quoted Open Europe’s
Barroso’s vow to use
Open
He added, “While everyone is in favour of more growth and jobs, it’s far from clear how this will be achieved by allowing the EU to set even more central targets. Economic growth receives its thrust from individuals, businesses and communities – it cannot be forced from the centre.”
Is the EU a threat to civil liberties? 2 March Private Eye
Private Eye’s Brussels Sprouts column reported on Open Europe’s recent event in
MEPs vote for increased allowances 28 February NOTW InterEconomia LBC Radio
The NOTW reported on the European Parliament’s vote to award MEPs increased allowances, quoting Mats Persson saying, “The last thing taxpayers want to hear is that Euro-MPs are getting even more money.”
Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe was quoted by Spanish news site InterEconomia saying: “It is not appropriate…Whilst we are in the midst of a full blown crisis, and have to keep a lid on public spending, it turns out that the European Parliament have decided to increase their budget.”
Open
EU spends millions on dubious culture projects 28 February Sunday Express
The Sunday Express reported that the European Commission is spending millions of euros of taxpayers’ money on “meaningless” cultural projects and quoted Open Europe’s
European Parliament criticised for handing out cash in envelopes 27 February Express
An article in the Express looked at the European Parliament’s expenditure and quoted Mats Persson saying: “The European Parliament already has a terrible reputation for wasting taxpayers’ money. Now we hear that citizens’ cash is being handed over, ready-packaged, in brown envelopes without a second thought.”
Societe Generale warns that the euro is facing an "inevitable break-up" 24 February BBC World Service Swedish Radio 17 February Mail 14 February Sunday Express Sunday Telegraph 13 February Mail
The Mail reported that strategists at French bank Societe Generale warned in a note to investors that the euro is facing an 'inevitable break-up', and quoted Open Europe Director Mats Persson saying: "The eurozone is facing a fully-fledged crisis. The Greece episode has made it painfully clear how flawed the euro project was from the very beginning. Even if Greece receives a one-off bailout it would not solve the real problem, which is the huge differences in competitiveness between the eurozone's richest and poorest members...One thing is clear, Britain made the right choice in staying out."
The Sunday Telegraph cited Open Europe's research into the different options available if the EU chooses to bailout Greece and the Mail reported that non-eurozone member states could still contribute to an EU bailout of Greece, quoting Mats saying: "British taxpayers simply won't accept being forced to pay for the mistakes of a government which they could never vote out of office." Mats was also interviewed on Swedish Radio, discussing the political consequences of the crisis in Greece.
Open Europe's Sarah Gaskell was quoted by the Sunday Express saying, "Despite all of the guarantees in the EU rulebook that countries aren't allowed to bail each other out, EU member states could be set to get around that by simply advancing EU funds to those countries, like Greece, who are in trouble. UK taxpayers pay money into the EU budget, so they would effectively be on the hook for a rescue operation like this and could end up paying for the financial mistakes of governments they had no hand in electing. In fact, British taxpayers are set to subsidise Greece for years to come through the EU budget".
Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe appeared on the BBC World Service discussing the strikes against budget austerity measures in Greece.
Iceland's EU membership bid 24 February Bloomberg
Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe appeared on Bloomberg TV, discussing whether it is a good idea for Iceland to join the EU. He said: "Iceland is already in the European Economic Area, so at the moment it's enjoying quite a good deal: access to the internal market, but not suffering from the overregulation coming from Brussels." He added: "certainly the argument that Iceland would have to join the EU in order to profit from the Euro has now fallen apart."
EU Commissioners to take home more than £1 million each on leaving office 22 February Nepszabadsag 14 February Sunday Tribune
Hungarian newspaper Nepszabadsag and the Irish Sunday Tribune cited Open Europe's findings on the pensions and pay-offs of retiring EU Commissioners.
70% of Germans oppose bailing out Greece 21 February Hurriyet
Turkish daily Hurriyet cited Open Europe's poll of German voters in June 2009, which found that 70% were against using taxpayers' money to bail out countries in financial difficulties.
Is the EU a threat to civil liberties? 21 February Newstalk Radio
Open Europe's Stephen Booth appeared on Irish Newstalk radio, arguing that the EU's growing role in justice and home affairs raises serious questions about democratic oversight and safeguards for civil liberties.
MEPs' allowances 20 February Diena New Europe
New Europe reported that the European Parliament is refusing to disclose the identities of MEPs who were forced to pay back €3.4 million in "wrongly claimed" expenses and quoted Open Europe Director Mats Persson saying: "If the European Parliament was serious about cleaning up its act it would name and shame the MEPs who have misused their allowances and conned the taxpayer, just as the UK Parliament is currently doing."
Latvian newspaper Diena also cited Open Europe's research into the allowances and expenses available to MEPs.
EU moves towards economic government 17 February Associated Press Sunday Times
The Sunday Times reported that the response to Greece's economic crisis could be to further EU integration, and quoted Open Europe Director Mats Persson warning: "The danger is that a lot of people in Brussels see this [Greek crisis] as an opportunity rather than a threat...A decade ago, when the euro was founded, they said that we don't have the tools now, but when a crisis comes along we will be able to take this forward."
AP reported on an unpublished paper by EU President Herman Van Rompuy, which proposed a new regime of stronger "economic governance" at the EU level, and quoted Open Europe's Sarah Gaskell describing Van Rompuy's move as "a power grab" and a method "to push forward economic integration in a way that's not necessarily transparent."
Whitehall scheme aims to boost UK staff in EU institutions at taxpayers' expense 16 February Express
The Express reported that Whitehall plans to train more civil servants for EU jobs, with the aim of boosting UK influence in Brussels. Open Europe Researcher Sarah Gaskell was quoted saying: "The UK certainly needs to step up the fight for its interests, but this cannot be achieved only by simply sending more middle-ranking civil servants to Brussels at an additional cost to taxpayers. There urgently needs to be a change in culture at the very top - the UK needs to be confident enough to say No to the many intrusive and unwelcome EU initiatives that seem to keep on coming."
EU leaders plan bailout of Greece 12 February Mirror BBC News 24 BBC Radio Five Live Prensa 11 February NPR Sky News This is Money 10 February Time Informador 9 February Le Monde 8 February Trends 7 February The Observer 6 February Express 5 February L'Expansion 4 February Le Temps 29 January Telos-EU
Open Europe’s
Open
The Mail noted Open Europe’s finding that, based on the
Mandelson calls for UK to join the Euro 12 February Express BBC Radio Humberside 11 February Telegraph
Following Lord Mandelson’s comments that
Hedge funds contributed €4bn in tax revenue to the EU in 2008 12 February WSJ: Woolmer
In a comment piece in the WSJ, Lord Woolmer cited Open
Obama “snubs” the EU 10 February National Interest 5 February Washington Times 4 February Telegraph: Persson
Following President Obama’s decision not to attend the annual EU-US summit scheduled for 2010, both the National Interest and the Washington Times cited Open Europe Director
EP refuses to name MEPs forced to repay €3m in wrongly-claimed allowances 11 February Lidovky 8 February Telegraph
The Telegraph quoted Open Europe’s
Are EU-funded think tanks independent? 10 February Neviditelny Pes 2 February Euractiv Euro.cz Lidove Noviny 1 February Vilaggazdasag 29 January Wiener Zeitung
Open Europe’s
Affordability of MEP pensions 10 February Professional Pensions
In a Professional Pensions article looking at MEPs’ pensions, Thomas Selby wrote: “The affordability of the current system has been widely criticised, especially after research by Open
The cost of EU regulation 7 February Vakary Ekspresas
Open Europe Director
MEPs seek to abolish 2 February Telegraph
Following MEPs’ calls for stronger powers for the EU’s proposed financial regulators, Open Europe Director
EU propaganda 1 February Hansard
In a House of Commons debate looking back at the 2008 EU budget, Conservative MP David Gauke cited Open
Commissioners’ golden pay-offs 31 January Irish Sunday Tribune
The Irish Sunday Tribune looked at the retirement of Irish EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, and cited Open
MEPs vote to give themselves more cash 29 January Express The Parliament Telegraph
Following the news that MEPs voted to increase their allowances, the Telegraph and The Parliament magazine quoted Open Europe's Stephen Booth saying: "The EU institutions are so out of touch with ordinary citizens that the prevailing culture in Brussels seems to be 'who cares, it's only taxpayers' money'".
Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted in the Express arguing, "MEPs already receive more than enough cash so there's no justification for this increase. If they want to be taken seriously by European taxpayers they have to cut back on their lavish habits, particularly as people continue to feel the pinch of the recession."
EU-funded think tanks defend their credibility 29 January EUobserver
Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe was quoted by EUobserver in an article reporting that 58 think-tanks will receive €6.7 million in EU subsidies this year. Pieter said, "They [the EU] are setting up their own committees claiming that these are independent think tanks when, in fact, they are cheerleaders for the EU. They do not question the EU to the extent they would if they were not being funded by it. That's the whole point of the grants."
Lisbon Treaty's "institutional chaos" leads to fight over who is the 'real' EU President 27 January Nieuwsblad TVP 25 January CEP: Cleppe
Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe was interviewed by Polish broadcaster TVP, discussing EU President Herman Van Rompuy's first weeks in office. Pieter said: "EU President Van Rompuy has not exactly been modest during his first month in office, engaging in a fight with the Spanish EU Presidency over who is the 'real' EU President, in the wake of the institutional chaos brought in by the Lisbon Treaty."
In an opinion piece for the Czech Centre for Economics and Politics think-tank, Pieter argued: "Van Rompuy doesn't want to let countries decide their own economic model. The Anglosaxon, Swedish or Eastern-European models should all disappear. In 1998, he wrote in a book: 'The Rhineland model is limited to the Benelux countries and Germany. It needs to become the model of the whole of the Union.'"
The threat to the EU's competiveness does not come from a lack of Commission powers 26 January The Parliament
Writing in The Parliament magazine, Mats Persson looked at the Spanish EU Presidency and argued: "The threat to Europe's overall competiveness arises not from a lack or binding targets or commission powers, but from over-intervention and rules that de-incentivise growth, innovation and job creation."
EU's bid to end opt-out from 48 hour week will push costs to £12bn a year 22 January Telegraph 17 January Sunday Express
Following the revelation that the European Commission is planning to revise the Working Time Directive, the Sunday Express and Telegraph both cited Open Europe's research on the Directive, which found that losing the opt-out could cost the UK economy as much as £12bn a year by 2011. Stephen Booth was quoted in the Sunday Express saying that the UK should regain control of social legislation.
The Telegraph quoted Mats Persson, warning that "Losing the opt-out would send the annual bill for this Directive through the roof...Attempts to abolish the opt-out will come back again and again until the UK has a full derogation from EU social legislation. An incoming Conservative government must make a manifesto commitment to seek a full opt-out from European employment law. Riding the fence simply won't do."
EU opens 54 embassies 22 January Telegraph
The Telegraph quoted Mats Persson saying that "Common EU embassies mean that Britain can be overruled on crucial diplomatic matters, such as on how to respond to human rights abuses in a conflict-ridden country...In order for common embassies to work, EU member states must have shared national interests. This simply isn't the case, particularly in Africa where the EU has consistently failed to act in a unified manner in the past."
'We will be followed in 100 ways' 22 January TVN24
Polish news channel TVN24 looked at the Indect project, a new surveillance technology funded by the EU, and quoted Stephen Booth describing the project as "Orwellian".
House of Commons 22 January Hansard
In a debate in the House of Commons Conservative MP for North East Bedfordshire Alistair Burt cited Open Europe's research into the cost of ten years of EU regulation, which found that the cost of regulation has tripled for the farming industry since DEFRA was formed in 2001.
Commission floats ideas for EU-wide driving tests and speeding limits 21 January Express
Open Europe was quoted in the Express following the news that the EU is planning a new 'green' campaign on motorists saying, "This illustrates that the EU simply can't stop interfering in every aspect of people's lives."
Germans say no to bailing out Greece 19 January Scotsman
An article in the Scotsman cited Open Europe's poll of German voters in June 2009, which found that 70% of Germans were against using public money to bail out other countries that have got into financial difficulties.
EU judges to benefit from 3.7% pay increase 11 January TVP 8 January Comment is Free: Booth Origo 7 January Euractiv Challenge Express 6 January Rzeczpospolita Telegraph 1 January Mail
Following the news that EU judges will benefit from the 3.7% pay increase for EU officials that they will be asked to rule on, Open Europe was quoted in the Express, the Mail, Polish daily Rzeczpospolita, and on news sites Euractiv, Challenges and Origo.
Open Europe Director Mats Persson was quoted by the Telegraph saying: “Only the EU could come up with a system in which judges and bureaucrats have the ultimate power to decide on whether to award themselves an inflation-busting pay rise in the middle of the worst recession for generations. It's hard to find a clearer case of an inbuilt conflict of interest.”
Open Europe’s Stephen Booth wrote an article for the Guardian’s Comment is Free website and Open
EU regulations to cost £184bn by 2020 7 January EUportal 30 December CNBC
Open Europe’s Sarah Gaskell appeared on CNBC discussing Open Europe’s research on the top 100 most costly EU regulations and arguing that powers over social and employment policy should be repatriated to the
100 examples of EU fraud and waste 5 January ICM
An article by ICM news cited Open
New European Commission will treat tax harmonisation as a high priority 4 January Irish Mail
Following the news that the European Commission intends to make tax harmonisation a high priority in its next mandate, the Irish Mail quoted Open
EU President to cost taxpayers over £20m a year 4 January Kurzy 3 January News of the World
Open
3 January Yorkshire Post 31 December Conservative Home
In a piece for Conservative Home, Open Europe’s
The EU in 2010 - what to expect from the Spanish EU Presidency 2 January El Pais 28 December EurActiv
Open
Taxpayers fund skiing holidays for MEPs and EU officials on £108,000 salary 1 January Express 31 December Telegraph
Following the news that the EU is to heavily subsidise a skiing holiday for MEPs’ children and European Parliament officials, Open Europe Director
2009
22 December Telegraph ICM 20 December Sunday Times NOTW
Open Europe’s research showing that the top 100 most costly EU regulations introduced since 1998 will cost the UK £18 billion in 2010 alone was featured in the Sunday Times, the News of the World, and the Telegraph.
Open
Key EU financial supervision project clears a major hurdle 16 December Global Risk Regulator
Open
EU’s alternative investment directive to cost industry billions 16 December Reuters Global Risk Regulator
Reuters cited Open Europe’s study on the EU’s AIFM Directive, which found that the initial costs for the combined hedge fund and private equity sectors of the new rules could be between €1.3 billion and €1.9 billion. Open
MEPs’ pay rise takes salary to £86,000 16 December Telegraph 14 December The Parliament
In an article on the controversy surrounding the proposed 3.7 percent pay rise for EU officials and MEPs, the Telegraph quoted Open
Open Europe’s
15 December Deutsche Welle
Open Europe’s
'Phantom MEPs' to cost taxpayers £6m a year 14 December Telegraph 21 December Lidove Noviny
In an article looking at the 18 ‘observer’ MEPs, whose seats were created by the
EU’s chief environmental policy a failure 14 December ANSA
Italian news agency ANSA cited Open Europe’s research which found that oil and gas companies’ operations in the UK were granted a surplus of carbon permits worth €28.6m in 2008 under the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme. Open
EU civil servants to strike over pay 11 December Rzeczpospolita The Parliament
Following the news that EU civil servants are planning strikes over proposals from member states to block an inflation-busting 3.7% payrise, Open Europe’s Sarah Gaskell was quoted in Polish daily Rzeczpospolita and
PBR reveals 11 December Express 10 December Telegraph
In stories in the Telegraph and the Express on the UK Treasury’s Pre-Budget Report, and the fact that Britain’s net contributions to the EU are set to rise by £1.2 billion in 2010/11, Open Europe Research Director Mats Persson was quoted saying, “The increase in the UK’s contribution to the EU budget could hardly come at a worse time. The EU budget represents exceptionally poor value for taxpayers’ money – it’s wasteful, irrational and hopelessly out of date. British taxpayers have good reason to be angry about their money being spent on wasteful EU projects rather than on closing the budget deficit or lowering taxes at home.”
Cameron pledges clear-out of health and safety legislation 10 December New American 3 December Mail 1 December Cameron speech
In a speech on “over the top” health and safety rules and legislation, Conservative leader David Cameron highlighted Open Europe’s research that the cost of complying with EU employment, social and health and safety regulation over the last ten years has amounted to over £35 billion – 25 percent of the entire regulatory cost for that period.
The Mail and the New American magazine also reported on the briefing, which showed that the regulations will cost the
Sarkozy: British are the “big losers” after Michel Barnier is handed responsibility for finance 8 December World Politics Review 29 November Telegraph Mail Express
Following the news that French MEP Michel Barnier had been appointed as the EU’s next Internal Market Commissioner, with responsibility for financial services, Open Europe Director
Open Europe’s Mats Persson was quoted by the Mail saying, “The Government has failed to fight for the City of
7 December DPA
German press agency DPA looked at the new so-called ‘Citizens’ Initiative’ in the
3 December This is Money Mail
Following an agreement by EU finance ministers to create three new EU authorities with binding powers over national regulators to supervise the bloc’s financial markets, several papers reported that the UK Government gave in on some of the most controversial aspects of the proposal, including the fact that qualified majority voting, or simple majority voting, will apply to decision-making. The Mail and This is Money quoted Open Europe Research Director Mats Persson saying, “The
Open 3 December La Informacion 1 December Pluska 29 November TA3
Open Europe’s “50 new examples of EU waste” continued to receive coverage across
German MEP hails “day of joy” for those who want a federal 2 December Express
Following the coming into force of the
Outgoing EU Commissioners cost taxpayers €35.6 million 30 November Sunday Times Capital
The Sunday Times and Romanian newspaper Capital reported on Open
EU officials set for inflation-busting pay rise 27 November Telegraph EUobserver Express
After discovering that European civil servants are to receive a 3.7 percent pay rise despite the fact that there is a pay freeze for British civil servants Open
In the Express
Lukewarm response to European Parliament’s first draft on AIFM Directive 26 November Telegraph
In article looking at proposals to give the EU the power to restrict shortselling and leverage for fund managers under the AIFM Directive, the Telegraph quoted
Brown accused of ducking out of MPs’ questions on EU’s top jobs 23 November Telegraph
Lorraine Mullally was quoted saying, “This is a total cop-out. There are all sorts of important question marks hanging over these appointments – such as why Gordon Brown agreed to give up the influential EU trade portfolio for external relations, and why he has allowed a clear runway for the French and Germans to take the most important economic portfolios in the Commission? Gordon Brown has got an awful lot to answer for after this shoddy backroom stitch-up – he must appear in the Commons and face the music.”
Gordon Brown accused of taking 'wrong' EU job 23 November Evening Standard; 20 November Telegraph
Mats Persson was quoted in the Telegraph saying, “This appointment is part of a very deliberate French strategy to challenge the Anglo-Saxon model in general and the prominence of the City of
In a letter in the Evening Standard, Open Europe’s
EU leaders appoint EU and EU Foreign Minister in secretive backroom deal 23 November Evening Standard Telegraph; 20 November Telegraph; 19 November BBC CNBC’s Europe Today programme, CNN news, BBC News, BBC Radio 5 Live; 20 November Mirror Northern Echo Sun Mail Express Channel 5 News, Belgian TV RTBF, ARD, 4FM Het Laatste Nieuws; 17 November 2009 Express Zycie Warszawy 16 November Telegraph Telegraph-leader Express
The Open
Open
Cathy Ashton to be paid more than British Prime Minister in charge of “biggest diplomatic service in the world” 22 November Sunday Times; 19 November Express
In the Sunday Times
Van Rompuy is bad for small countries 19 November De Morgen: Cleppe
In an op-ed in Belgian daily De Morgen,
Wie is die jeugdige Belgische lobbyist?
Belgium’s most watch news programme Terzake had a feature on Open Europe’s
The EU’s budget is unmanageable 16 November 2009 La Voz de Galicia Gazeta Wspolczesna; 19 November Southern Star 17 November 2009 Malta Times; EUobserver 13 November
In an article for EUobserver, Mats Persson argued that “The fundamental problem of waste and mismanagement involving EU money lies primarily with the budget itself – not with the member states, although they should not entirely escape blame…Mismanagement and waste in the EU budget are two sides of the same coin. They both stem from the size, complexity and irrational nature of the EU budget. Both receive their thrust from the blurred line between spending and accountability, owing to the set-up of the EU's budget programmes. And both can be radically reduced by simplifying the budget, cutting down on the spending and by repatriating a large chunk of regional spending and the CAP to member states.”
Open Europe’s list of 50 new examples of EU waste was cited in Spanish regional paper La Voz de Galicia, Polish paper Gazeta Wspolczesna, the Irish regional paper the Southern Star and in The
Open Europe’s top 50 new examples of EU waste 12 November Gazeta Wspolczesna Magyar Nemzet 11 November Mail Express Dziennik Telegraph 10 November Mail: Synon blog
Open Europe’s top 50 new examples of EU waste was reported in the Mail, Express, Telegraph, Polish newspapers Dziennik and Gazeta Wspolczesna, and in Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet.
Open Europe’s Mats Persson was quoted in several papers saying, “The European Commission tries to put the blame for fraud and waste on the member states, but the real problem is the EU budget itself. Too often, EU money is wasted on inefficient projects which are based on unrealistic expectations, or for which there is no real demand. Because of the way the EU's spending schemes are set up, bizarre or wasteful projects can receive funding which never would have received money if subject only to national spending priorities. Unfortunately the focus of the EU budget is to get the money out of the door, not to spend the money wisely.”
Sweden proposes to include caps on bonuses in AIFM Directive 11 November Risk 6 November Money Marketing
Risk Magazine and Money Marketing cited Open Europe’s study on the AIFM Directive, published in September, which estimated the new Directive could cost the EU private equity and hedge fund industries between €1.3 billion and €1.9 billion in its first year, if adopted in its current form.
Blair’s decision to give up chunk of EU rebate has cost the UK £9.3bn 9 November Telegraph
In an article on the cost of the decision to give up part of the UK’s rebate from the EU budget, the Telegraph quoted Open Europe’s Mats Persson, saying, “This £10 billion would certainly have come in handy at a time when the UK is facing a massive public deficit, and every tax penny counts. Taxpayers will not be pleased at this news.” He added that Mr Blair had “naively agreed to give up large chunk of the UK’s rebate from the EU budget, in return for vague promises of a root-and-branch reform of the EU’s distorting and wasteful farm subsidy scheme”.
Stephen Booth: “The defence of our civil liberties is now a war on two fronts” 9 November Telegraph 2 November Comment is free: Booth
In a comment piece in the Telegraph, Philip Johnston looked at Open Europe’s recent research, “How the EU is watching you: the rise of Europe’s surveillance state” and quoted Open Europe’s Stephen Booth saying “We are fast approaching a situation where the EU will have the full coercive machinery of a state but without the proper democratic controls or robust checks on power that citizens should expect. How can citizens expect their fundamental rights to liberty and independence from the state to be protected by unaccountable institutions which have a vested interest in creating more laws?"
Writing for the Guardian’s Comment is Free, Stephen also argued that, “Once [the] Lisbon [Treaty] is finally ratified, it will be full steam ahead. Plans are already underway for a fledgling EU ‘Home Office’ which has been dubbed the committee on internal security. It will decide how national police, border, immigration and criminal justice authorities should deal with cross-border issues throughout the EU.”
Conservatives “must turn off every single tap from which EU social policy flows” 7 November BBC Newstalk 6 November Conservative Home: Persson 4 November BBC Breakfast Handelsblatt BBC News Telegraph: Mullally 3 November BBC Radio 5 Live Newsnight
Open Europe’s Lorraine Mullally appeared on Newsnight, BBC Breakfast, BBC News and BBC Radio 5 Live discussing the Conservatives’ new policy on Europe. Lorraine argued while pledges to repatriate aspects of EU law are welcome, the Conservatives could have strengthened their hand at the negotiating table by getting a mandate for the reforms from the people through a referendum, and making a firmer commitment about using the EU budget as a negotiating tool.
She argued that it is wrong to believe that British voters are alone in wanting to see reform of the EU, and that a Conservative government could find allies for repatriating EU powers. Lorraine was also quoted by the Evening Standard and German newspaper Handelsblatt, and appeared on BBC Radio Scotland’s Newstalk programme, to debate the merits and drawbacks of the European Union.
In an article for the Telegraph, Lorraine argued that “If a Conservative government is serious about repatriating policies that have a real impact in Britain, social and employment policy is exactly the right place to start. Laws of this nature have had a massive impact on the UK economy – in fact, they are the most significant driver of regulatory costs in the UK”.
Writing on Conservative Home, Open Europe’s Mats Persson argued, “in order to give their policy real teeth, the Conservatives must pledge to turn off every single tap from which EU social policy currently flows – once and for all. In practice, this means opting out of all those articles in the Treaties which serve as basis for social legislation – whether existing or future – rather than picking and choosing individual Directives or segments of Directives, as Cameron seems to suggest”.
Open Europe demonstration against Vaclav Klaus’ signature of the Lisbon Treaty 4 November Business Times Express
The Business Times reported on Open Europe’s demonstration in Brussels on 30 October supporting friends from around Europe in urging Vaclav Klaus not to give in to pressure and to withhold his signature from the Lisbon Treaty. The Express also quoted Open Europe’s Lorraine Mullally in an article on the ratification, saying: “Unelected EU judges will see their powers bolstered and more and more decisions affecting our everyday lives will be taken by bureaucrats behind closed doors in Brussels.”
The future EU President 4 November Hospodarske Noviny
Slovak newspaper Hospodarske Noviny quoted Open Europe’s Stephen Booth in an article discussing the future EU President.
Proposed EU Directive to ban money back guarantees for shoppers 2 November The Parliament 1 November Express 27 October
Open Europe’s Mats Persson was quoted by the Sunday Express discussing the EU’s proposed Consumer Rights Directive. He said, “This watering-down of British consumer rights laws represents a significant power grab by Brussels and British consumers will be rightly horrified that Europe wants to denude the UK’s national safeguards. Worse still, new EU rules mean the UK Government cannot continue to offer British consumers extra safeguards if it wants to. British shoppers are getting short-changed by Brussels.”
How the EU is watching you 29 October National Interest 28 October Ziua 27 October Mail Express Telegraph Ziua.net 25 October Sunday Express
Open Europe’s new report, “How the EU is watching you – the rise of
The Telegraph quoted the report saying: “In practice, the
Quoted in the Mail, Stephen said: “How can citizens expect their fundamental rights to liberty and independence from the state to be protected by unaccountable institutions which have a vested interest in creating more laws?”
Blair for EU President? 29 October HN
Open
ECB's former chief economist at Open 28 October Telegraph: Evans-Pritchard 27 October Telegraph: Ambrose Evans-Pritchard's blog
Following Open Europe’s debate, “Eurozone: out of the woods, or off the cliff?” Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, writing in the Telegraph, quoted Otmar Issing, the ECB's former chief economist, who told the forum that "Nobody can be sure that we have a self-sustaining recovery. The challenges facing the ECB are tremendous." Evans-Pritchard also mentioned the event on his blog.
Plans for an EU tax would “rightly cause concern among British taxpayers” 28 October Express Leaked Commission Communication
On the front page of the Express, Open Europe Research Director
28 October Wales Online 19 October Telegraph
Following reports that British MEPs are paying relatives hundreds of thousands of pounds to work for them in the European Parliament, Open Europe’s
An article on Wales Online cited Open Europe’s finding that Lord and Lady Kinnock received some £8m in salaries and allowances and another £4m in six publicly-funded pensions, worth about £150,000 a year, from their times as EU Commissioner and MEP in Brussels.
European Commission’s use of media spin 28 October Soitu
Spanish news site Soitu.es quoted Open Europe’s
EU’s AIFM Directive to cost billions 26 October Sunday Telegraph 22 October Telegraph 17 October Sunday Telegraph October 15 Financial Times
Open
The Telegraph quoted Open
The cost of France’s EU Presidency 22 October La Vanguardia
Spanish daily La Vanguardia quoted Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe, in a report on the cost of last year’s French EU Presidency, saying, “the presidencies will continue to cost the same [after the Lisbon Treaty], but in most part it will only be for show. Up until now the investment was worthwhile because the country was gaining political influence, something of interest for the smallest countries”.
Czech Republic will lose out under the Lisbon Treaty 20 October MF Dnes: Cleppe
Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe had an article in Czech daily MF Dnes, in which he argued that, “The
EU’s Constitutional Hubris 20 October Providence Journal
In an article covering the trials and tribulations of the Lisbon Treaty, an article in the Providence Journal took up Open Europe Director
We need to start looking at the AIFM Directive from a European point of view 16 October De Standaard11 October Sunday Telegraph Sunday Telegraph 2 9 October Telegraph 1 October First Post Bloomberg Dagens Industri-Persson
Open Europe’s research on the EU’s Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive continued to receive coverage in the Sunday Telegraph, online magazine First Post and on Bloomberg, which quoted Open Europe Research Director Mats Persson saying: “It’s good to avoid mentioning London in every single sentence and start looking at this from a European point of view”, noting that three-quarters of Europe’s 1,785 private-equity firms are based outside Britain.
Mats also had an op-ed in Swedish financial daily Dagens Industri, urging the Swedish Presidency of the EU and Swedish MEPs to step up their efforts for an amended and improved AIFM Directive. Mats argued that “
Open Europe also organised a roundtable discussion with MEPs in
“Lord and Lady Expenses” received up to 8 million pounds in EU taxpayers' money over 15 years 14 October Borsen Berlingske Politiken Jyllands-Posten 10 October Gazeta du Sud
Several Danish papers and Romanian paper Gazeta du Sud cited Open Europe’s calculations showing that Lord and Lady Kinnock between them received around £8 million from the EU in pay and allowances during their respective tenures in
Bryant appointed to the ‘downgraded’ job of
Following the news that the Europe Minister role in the Government had passed to junior minister Chris Bryant, the Telegraph quoted Open Europe saying, “After all, with Blair back ruling the country, this time from a flashy office in Brussels, what need will Labour have for a decent Europe Minister?'” The Sun also quoted Open
Ireland votes to ratify the Lisbon Treaty 12 October BBC Radio 5 Live 5 October Hospodarske Noviny Khabrein Irish Independent on Sunday Impuls Scotsman IHT EurActiv Ceske Noviny Irish Examiner Sunday Times Leitrim Observer Rzeczpospolita 2 October Der Standard 1 October LBC Radio
Following Ireland’s vote in favour of the Lisbon Treaty on 2 October, Open Europe’s
She said, “This is a sad day for democracy in
Lorraine also appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss the Czech situation with regards to the Treaty, and was quoted by Polish daily Rzeczpospolita and appeared on LBC radio, suggesting that in all likelihood the Treaty will be in force by the time of the next General Election.
In an article in Der Standard about the “opinion makers on the Emerald isle”, Austrian MEP Martin Ehrenhauser, cited Open Europe as part of the “No” campaign to the Treaty in
Regulatory reform is vital to an EU burdened by regulation costing over 160bn euros a year 12 October Europe's World: Booth
In an article for Europe’s World, Open
Cameron pledges to seek new deal on Europe 12 October Economist: Charlemagne's notebook 8 Oct LBC radio 6 October HNOnline 5 Oct Independent on Sunday: McMillan Scott Irish Times Mirror Mail Sunday Express American Spectator 2 October BBC
The Sunday Express quoted Open Europe’s Mats Persson, regarding the Conservatives’ position on holding a retrospective referendum on the
The front page of the Mail, and the American Spectator reported that Open Europe has proposed a referendum on reform, rather than the
Ahead of the Conservative Party Conference, the BBC reported that Open
Conservatives vow to stop Blair becoming EU President 8 October Hospodarske Noviny 4 October Scotsman 3 October Mail
The Mail reported that Tony Blair may be deterred from accepting the job of permanent EU President if it were to hit his other money-making activities. The article quoted Open
The Sunday’s Scotsman quoted Open Europe Director
Slovak daily Hospodarske Noviny quoted Open
EU funding 'Orwellian' plan to monitor public for “abnormal behaviour” 7 October Publico 6 October El Pais
Open
EU drawing up plans to allow it to negotiate treaties and open embassies around world 7 October Telegraph 5 October CNBC
The Telegraph reported that the EU is drawing up secret plans on how to implement the
Lorraine also appeared on CNBC’s Europe Tonight programme, discussing the wider implications of the
EU’s alternative investment directive to raise costs, hit tax revenues 30 September The Deal 28 September Irish Independent RTE NRC Handelsblad 25 September Guardian Cincodias Boerse 24 September Telegraph Nepszabadsag Foonds 23 September Bloomberg Le Temps Hedge Co Net 22 September Telegraph Bloomberg TV City AM Wall Street Journal blog Reuters Hedge Fund Net The Hedge Fund Journal HFM Week Dow Jones eFinancial News Global Pensions Global Investor Népszabadság Valori 21 September FT FT: Alphaville blog Bloomberg FinAlternatives
The FT featured the findings of Open
Open Europe Research Director
Bloomberg also reported the study’s findings and cited extensively from a recent event organised by Open Europe and Policy Exchange where European Socialist Party President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen addressed hedge fund and private equity managers in
Pieter Cleppe: “Liberal parties betray their liberal democratic principles at the EU level” 30 September EUobserver
In a comment piece for EUobserver, Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe criticised Europe’s liberal parties for betraying their liberal democratic principles at the EU level or when they are forced to confront EU issues, especially when it comes to denying voters referendums on the Lisbon Treaty.
Open Europe: David Cameron should promise a referendum on reforming the EU 29 September Times: Aaronovitch 27 September Independent on Sunday Observer Conservative Home
Writing in the Times, David Aaronovitch noted that given that the Lisbon Treaty is likely to be ratified by the time the Conservatives come to power, “Open Europe suggests that the new government should indeed hold a referendum not on Lisbon, but on something else – a ‘reform package’ – threatening to veto the EU budget if we don’t get our way.”
The Independent on Sunday quoted Open Europe Director
In an article looking ahead to the Conservative Party conference, the Observer reported that Open Europe’s event on the Conservatives’ EU policy “looks certain to be one of the biggest crowd pullers of the
75% of EU citizens wanted a referendum on EU treaty 29 September Mayo News
An article in Irish regional paper the Mayo News cited Open Europe’s poll which found that 75% of citizens across
Derek Scott: A ‘No’ vote on the 28 September WSJ
Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Derek Scott, former Economic Advisor to Tony Blair, advisory board member of Vestra Wealth LLP and Vice-Chairman of Open Europe, argued that “Ireland should have the confidence to challenge the prevailing consensus that a No vote would be bad for the economy, because it's bunk.”
European Commission attacked for “illegal interference” in 27 September Sunday Telegraph: Booker
In the Sunday Telegraph, Christopher Booker looked at double standards in the Irish referendum campaign, pointing out that the European Commission has spent millions on a Yes vote but when Open Europe organised an event in Dublin “their ‘foreign intervention’ was greeted by orchestrated howls of abuse.”
Irish ‘yes’ could see Tony Blair become EU President within weeks 27 September NOTW
The News of the World reported that Tony Blair could become EU President within weeks if
Lisbon would see more power given to the unelected ECJ 27 September Sunday Express
The Sunday Express reported that if Ireland votes Yes to the Treaty then judges at the European Court of Justice will get sweeping new powers over Britain’s criminal justice, immigration and asylum policies. Open Europe’s
EU farmers hose away 25 million gallons of milk 27 September Sunday Express
The Sunday Express looked at the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and the recent protests by EU milk farmers at falling prices. Open
EU funding ‘Orwellian’ artificial intelligence plan to monitor public for “abnormal behaviour” 25 September Zeit Neowin 24 September Interia Short News EU portal Lupa 23 September The Register 22 September Webwereld 21 September Inquisitr 20 September Sunday Telegraph
The Sunday Telegraph reported on Open Europe research which found that the EU is spending millions of pounds developing “Orwellian” technologies designed to scour the internet and CCTV images for “abnormal behaviour”. The article quoted Open
Sweeping new powers could see 24 September Telegraph
In an article looking at the European Commission’s proposals for a pan-European financial supervisor and three new European regulatory authorities the Telegraph quoted Open Europe’s
How you are paying for the Irish ‘Yes’ Campaign 24 September FT: Brussels blog
The FT’s
The cost of doing business in the EU 22 September Telegraph Telegraph: Tyler
In a feature looking at business leaders’ opinions on the costs and benefits of EU membership, the Telegraph quoted Lord Leach of Fairford, a Director of Jardine Matheson, and Chairman of Open Europe, saying, “Britain is so constrained by regulations that we are being dragged down into the least competitive sector of the world. It is very strange that we, as a great champion of the free market, should find our relations with
The article also featured Simon Wolfson, Chief Executive of Next and Open Europe Advisory Board Member, who said that: “I think that the big benefit of the EU is the free movement of goods and the free movement of labour, and this becomes more important as the EU expands east. But the costs of what started as a free trade agreement and the burdens of regulation and bureaucracy are increasing every year.”
Also in the Telegraph, Richard Tyler looked at the cost of doing business in the EU writing that “Open Europe estimates that 70 per cent of the additional cost to business of new
The impact of EU membership on 21 September Telegraph: Evans-Pritchard
In an article in the Telegraph Ambrose Evans-Pritchard looked at the impact of EU membership on Estonia’s economy, which featured comments made at a debate held by Open Europe and The Educational Initiative for Central and Eastern Europe.
Commission President earns the same as Obama 18 September HBVL
Is 17 September Telegraph
In an article looking at the impact of EU membership on the
ECJ rules that workers can claim back holidays ruined by illness 15 September Mail
In an article looking at the recent ECJ ruling, the Mail quoted Open
Barroso to appoint EU Immigration and Human Rights Commissioners 14 September Telegraph
The front page of the Telegraph reported that the next European Commission is expected to contain a new portfolio for fundamental rights and social rights.
The article quoted Open
EU budget used to finance puppet theatre, promote Finnish tango, and a crocodile zoo 13 September Sunday Telegraph
In an article on EU spending, the Sunday Telegraph cited from Open Europe’s research that the EU has spent £93,000 on a puppet theatre, £6,165 to a former Miss Seville to kick-start her event organising company, more than £87,000 on a fake silkworm-breeding business and £750,000 on a crocodile zoo from the EU budget.
Ireland lost out in negotiations on the original text of the Lisbon Treaty 7 September Irish Mail: Synon 12 September Irish Independent 13 September Sunday Tribune News of the World
In the Irish Independent, Bruce Arnold reported on Open Europe’s research which found that during negotiations on the original text of the
The Irish edition of the News of the World also reported on Open
Responding to the research, Irish Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said Open Europe should “butt out” of the
Diarmuid Doyle, writing in the Sunday Tribune, also covered the story and argued: “in the world populated by the 'Yes' campaign, anybody opposed to the
Open 11 September FT Reuters Reuters blog: Hedge Hub City AM Telegraph Times Bloomberg Forexpros Financial News WSJ 14 September HedgeWorld
The FT, Reuters, City AM, Times, and Telegraph all reported on Open
Vincent Browne hosts debate on Lisbon Treaty on TV3 7 September Near FM 8 September – TV3
Open Europe's
Lorraine argued that the Treaty should be rejected on the grounds of democracy and trust – explaining that in spring and summer last year Europe Minister Dick Roche repeatedly insisted that Ireland would not hold a second referendum, but had gone back on his word.
Open Europe’s
Commission proposes joint EU resettlement programme for refugees 3 September Mail
In an article discussing the EU Commission’s proposals for a joint EU resettlement programme for refugees, the Mail quoted Open
The Irish referendum 3 September Ekonom 28 August Washington Examiner 24 August National Interest
An Open Europe poll, which found that 75 percent of all Europeans, including a majority in every country, wanted a referendum on any new Treaty transferring powers to the EU from member states, was cited in an op-ed in the
An article in the National Interest looked at the
The Czech Ekonom magazine referred to Open Europe’s research in an article looking at
2 September CNBC
Open Europe’s
Commissioners to retire with millions 1 September ABCNyheter 26 August The Parliament
The Parliament magazine reported on Open
The research was also quoted by Norwegian news site ABCNyheter.
EU to shelve budget review promised to the UK 30 August LBC Radio 24 August Express Suntalk Radio 23 August NOTW
Following the news that the UK contribution to the budget is set to increase by 60 percent, Open Europe’s
Irish MEPs to receive two EU pensions on top of two national pensions 23 August Sunday Times
In an article about Irish MPs Jim Higgins and Liam Aylward receiving a total of 4 pensions each, the Irish edition of the Sunday Times noted that Open Europe has criticised the Parliament’s voluntary pension scheme as unacceptable because there are no checks to ensure that MEPs repay the contributions made towards their pension, which is two-thirds funded by taxpayers.
Commission developing strategy to impose road tolls across Europe 21 August Newcastle Journal
The
Open 20 August HFM Week
Open
Brezhnev in American Spectator 18 August
In an article looking at the upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum in Ireland, the American Spectator quoted Open Europe's
The article also cited an Open
What percentage of law comes from the EU? 17 August BBC Radio 4 8 August Grimsby Evening Telegraph
Open Europe Director
The
Commission funded ‘information’ stifles debate about the EU 10 August Aftonbladet
Open Europe’s
The article concluded that “None of these examples can be seen as attempts to inform the general public about EU affairs…instead of contributing to a diversified debate, the Commission is instead stifling the debate. This does not fare well for the democracy in the EU.”
EU extradition treaty means British law no longer protects us 10 August Sunday Telegraph: Booker
Christopher Booker’s column in the Sunday Telegraph cited Open Europe in its discussion of the use of the European Arrest Warrant in the case of Andrew Symeou, who has been extradited to Greece and could be in jail for up to 18 months awaiting trial because he cannot be bailed, as a non-resident of Greece.
5 August City AM 4 August Global Pensions 29 July CityAM
City AM cited Open
Global Pensions also quoted Mats saying, “This is quite extraordinary given the impact the directive will have both on the financial sector and the wider economy. We support more transparency for this industry, but we believe the directive is miss-targeted, poorly drafted, inconsistent with previous EU law and quite protectionist."
EU’s Climate and Energy package will cost the 4 August American Thinker
American Thinker cited Open Europe’s research that the EU’s Climate and Energy package will cost the
EU’s cap on junior doctors’ working hours to cost NHS the equivalent of 5,400 new doctors 1 August Independent 2 August Sunday Mirror Scotland on Sunday Channel4 News Sky News MSN News ITN Yorkshire Post PA Coventry Telegraph Grantham Journal CityTalk Key 103 Manchester Hinckley Times Loughborough Echo Ormskirk & Skelmersdale Advertiser Southport Visitor Holyhead and Anglesey Mail Staines News Journal Live Midulster today Liverpool Echo Maghull & Aintree Star Formby Times ic NorthWales St. Helens Star Bridlington Today Buckinghamshire Advertiser Lytham Today Motherwell Today Guide and Gazette Mail on Sunday Politics.co.uk
Open
Open
“This scenario was unforeseeable when EU ministers rubber-stamped these rules in
Commission allocates €885m to promote a "common European identity" among young people 30 July EUobserver International News Service
New 27 July Sunday Business Post
The Irish Sunday Business Post cited Open
Open Europe’s league table of MEPs 24 July Hungarian News Agency
An article for Hungarian News Agency MTI cited Open http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=110
€2.4bn spent on promoting the EU in 2008 24 July Elsevier
An article in Dutch magazine Elsevier cited Open http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/hardsell.pdf
70% of Germans against bailing out 23 July Europe's World 21 July Irish Daily Mail Ef-magazin 20 July Irish Times
In an article for Europe's World, Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe highlighted Open Europe's poll, writing, “Any financial help flowing across EU borders depends entirely on the willingness of taxpayers - particularly German ones - to cough up, and the clear public opposition to the idea makes it politically unfeasible."
21 July New Statesman: Best of the politics blog 19 July LBC Radio 16 July BBC Press and Journal Independent
Open Europe’s
Lorraine was quoted by the BBC saying, “Tony Blair may well be a respected politician around the world, but he is also yesterday's news. The problem with creating a post of EU president is that it would inevitably go to an ex-leader who has lost the support of his or her own electorate.” The comments were featured in the Independent as one of the paper’s ‘Quotes of the day’, and also in Scottish paper Press and Journal.
The New Statesman’s Best of the Politics Blogs quoted from Open
German judges call EU treaty an illegal power grab 14 July Sun
Open Europe was quoted in an article in the Sun on the German Constitutional Court’s decision on the Lisbon Treaty, which ruled that the German parliament should have more oversight of EU decision making. Open
Developing countries resist pressure for firm climate change targets 10 July WSJ 7 July WSJ: Editorial
An article and a separate editorial in the WSJ cited Open
Cowen names 2 October as second referendum date 9 July Mail
After the date for the Irish second referendum on the
Evaluation of Czech Presidency 7 July Onet.pl
Open
Green MEPs are most transparent 2 July News and Star
A letter to the Cumbrian News and Star cited Open
Following the decision on the Lisbon Treaty by the German Constitutional Court, Open Europe Director
77% of German voters want a referendum on the 2 July Irish Times: Letters 29 June EurActiv
After the publication of a poll showing that 77% of German voters want a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, Open Europe Director
"Politicians claim they want to see more debate about the EU at national level, and yet they have conspired to deny voters a say on the
"If politicians want people to connect with the EU, they should give them a say on the big issues like treaty change. The public are crying out to be consulted - it is time to stop pretending that politicians know best, and inject some democracy into EU politics".
Open
McCreevy: 95% of countries would probably have voted No in 29 June EurActiv
After EU Internal Markets Commissioner Charlie McCreevy revealed that he thought "95% of countries would probably have voted No in
Many areas of foreign policy will be affected by Lisbon Treaty 25 June Conservative Home
An article by Sally McNamara for the Conservative Home blog cited Open Europe's findings that "12 areas of foreign policy, including the election of the EU foreign minister and proposals emanating from the foreign minister will move from unanimity voting to a qualified majority under the
"Lord and Lady Expenses" received up to £8 million in EU taxpayers' money over 15 years 20 June Sunday Telegraph 15 June Sunday Times Mail on Sunday Wales Online Telegraph Sun United Press International Mail: Leader Mail Mail 2 Express Sunday Express LBC Radio
The front page of the Sunday Times reported on Open Europe's findings that the new Europe Minister and outgoing MEP Glenys Kinnock, and her husband, the former EU Commissioner Neil Kinnock, have received up to £8m of taxpayers' money in pay and allowances from the EU since 1994.
Open Europe's
The findings were reported by Christopher Booker in the Sunday Telegraph, and received coverage in the Sunday Express, News of the World, Telegraph, Sun, Mail, Express, United Press International, Wales Online and the Western Mail. Mats also appeared on LBC Radio discussing the findings.
Irish guarantees on 19 June Irish Independent Irish Times
Open Europe's debate held at The Centre in
MEPs take legal action to block reform of their pensions 17 June Global Pensions
Following news that MEPs are taking legal action to block steps by the European Parliament Bureau to reform their controversial second pension scheme, Open Europe's
Cost of MEPs is five times higher than MPs 16 June Hansard
In a debate in the Public Bill Committee in the House of Commons Conservative MP Greg Hands cited Open Europe's findings that the cost of the European Parliament is five times higher than the UK Parliament and quoted an Open Europe briefing which said, "The huge gaps in pay will tempt the most talented people away from national politics."
EU commissioners leaving office this year will receive £1 million in pensions and pay offs 16 June Dziennik
Polish paper Dziennik quoted Open
A Conservative government and the Lisbon Treaty 14 June Politics Show
Eurozone membership is not the answer to beating the recession 13 June Express
The front page of the Express quoted Open Europe's Vice Chairman, and former economic advisor to Tony Blair, Derek Scott, reacting to Lord Mandelson's comments that
Commissioners to take home more than £1 million each on retirement 12 June CT 24
An article on Czech newsite CT 24 cited Open Europe's findings that retiring EU Commissioners can expect to receive more than £1 million each in pension payments, transitional and resettlement allowances.
Glenys Kinnock appointed UK Europe Minister
The Mail quoted Open Europe saying that "The appointment of Glenys Kinnock is quickly turning into a shambles. The Government is all over the place on Europe. Yesterday's election results show it needs to get its act together sooner rather than later."
A separate article also quoted Open Europe saying, "In a vote in the European Parliament in February last year, Glenys voted against an amendment which asked that the European Parliament "undertake to respect the outcome of the referendum in Ireland" on the Lisbon Treaty.' She was also among those MEPs that vetoed a proposal which would have ensured that MEPs' contributions to the second pension scheme could no longer be paid out of MEPs' allowances, but would have had to come out of their own pockets."
The EU's "gravy plane" 9 June El Confidencial 3 June Express 31 May Sunday Times News of the World
The Sunday Times, the News of the World, the Express and El Confidencial reported on Open Europe's findings that in the past year, Britain's MEPs flew 363,990 air miles on foreign trips. It also reported that Glenys Kinnock is the most widely-travelled, clocking up 127,465 miles over the past five years, equivalent to flying around the world more than five times.
The Sunday Times quoted Open Europe Director
Implication of centre-right victory 9 June BBC World Business Report
Open Europe's Mats Persson appeared on BBC World's Business Report, discussing the success of the centre-right parties in the European elections, and the implications for the reduction of regulation.
BNP could pocket £5.2 million in EU funds 9 June Mail
The Mail cited Open Europe's research that, over the next five years, the British National Party could pocket £5.2 million of EU taxpayers' money to spread its message across Europe.
How many of the UK's laws emanate from Brussels? 9 June Private Eye
Private Eye's Brussels Sprouts column asked "how many of the UK's laws emanate from Brussels?" and quoted Lord Trimble speaking at last month's Open Europe debate saying, "Since national parliaments don't get the possibility to scrutinise, things are getting worse."
MEPs' pay rise to have big impact in poorer countries 9 June Express
The Express reported that new rules for MEPs' pay, coming into effect next month, will have most impact in poorer countries such as Bulgaria where MEPs will earn around 50 times more than the average salary. Open Europe was quoted saying, "The huge gaps in pay will tempt the most talented people away from national politics."
MEPs cost taxpayer £1.8 million a year 7 June Andrew Pierce on LBC 5 June Professional Pensions Przekroj 4 June Guardian: White South Wales Evening Post 3 June Western Morning news
On live BBC coverage of the European elections, presenter Emily Maitlis cited Open Europe's figures, which showed that each MEP costs the European taxpayer £1.8 million per year, compared to £364,000 for each Member of the House of Commons. The findings also received coverage on Michael White's Guardian blog.
Open Europe's
The South Wales Evening Post reported that retiring Welsh MEPs Glenys Kinnock and Eluned Morgan are set to receive hundreds of thousands of pounds in pensions and benefits as part of a £20 million pay-off for UK MEPs who retire this week, and quoted Open Europe's Mats Persson saying, "It is scandalous that MEPs are receiving this level of pay-off."
Open Europe's findings on MEPs' pensions also received coverage in Polish magazine Przekroj and in Professional Pensions magazine, which quoted Open Europe's Sarah Gaskell saying, "At a time when everyone else is seeing their pension pots dwindle in the recession, MEPs have ensured themselves a gold-standard pension under new rules in the new parliamentary session, which they will pay nothing into themselves."
MEP league table coverage 5 June Novinite Nepsava Irish News 4 June Sydsvenskan Fejer Megyei Hirlap Corriere della Serra 3 June MR1 Info Radio
Open Europe's league table of MEPs continued to receive coverage across Europe, in Swedish daily Sydsvenskan, Italian newspaper Corriere della Serra, Hungarian paper Nepsava, Bulgarian news agency Novinite and in the Irish News.
European voters suffer from apathy 5 June Hospodárske noviny
Slovak paper Hospodárske Noviny featured an article looking at voter apathy in the European elections, and quoted Open Europe's Mats Persson.
MEPs vote to keep expenses secret 4 June iDNES 3 June Irish Times: Smyth
The Irish Times reported that almost all Irish MEPs voted for an amendment to the so-called 'Cashman report' this year, to ensure that MEPs' expenses claim remained secret. The vote was featured in Open Europe's league table of MEPs. Open Europe's Mats Persson was quoted in the article saying, "No matter how MEPs present it, this amendment is a way to keep their expense receipts secret. It will prevent people from using the Cashman provisions to ask about expenses".
Open Europe's
170,000 bureaucrats for the EU 4 June NRC Handelsblad
Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad reported on Open Europe's figure that the EU employs 170,000 bureaucrats.
Cameron pledges to use EU budget talks to negotiate return of powers to the UK 3 June De Pers
Open Europe's
Shamed MEPs take share of £20m 'farewell' payout 2 June Times Australian BBC Radio 5
Reacting to the news that 22 British MEPs, retiring after the European elections, will receive a £20 million payoff in pensions and benefits, the Times quoted Open Europe’s
Scrutinising MEPs’ records in office 1 June Daily Politics
Open Europe’s
A third of British MEPs employ family members on expenses 29 May Times
Open Europe's Research Director
Open 29 May WSJ 28 May Evening Standard Limerick Leader 27 May CNBC Berlingske Yle Svenska YLE Helsing Sanomat Jyllands-Posten Dagens Nyheter Scotsman 26 May Sun Sun 2 EUobserver Kilmarnock Standard Conservative Home NRC Handelsblad Standaard STA Galloway Gazette PA Denik Svenska Dagbladet FT Trumpet ADN RP Newsdesk.se Folket
Open Europe’s league table was covered on the front page of the FT, in the Sun, the Mail, the Scotsman, on the BBC Breakfast Show, on the Conservative Home website and in several regional newspapers, including the Kilmarnock Standard, the Argus and the Galloway Gazette. It also received coverage around Europe, appearing in Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad Standaard, Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet, on EUobserver and several other papers in
Open Europe’s
Open
MEPs’ expenses: the real expenses scandal is in 29 May BBC World Service 27 May Comment Is Free: Persson 26 May FT FT 2 22 May Rochdale News 21 May Daily Politics
Open
Lorraine also appeared on More 4 News and live on the BBC Daily Politics show, discussing the need for MEPs to publish their expenses. The FT quoted Open
In a piece on the Guardian’s Comment is Free page,
EU referendums encourage voter engagement with the EU 29 May FT: Letters
In a letter to the FT, Open Europe's Lorraine Mullally argued that referendums on the EU stoke public interest and debate and that “national referendums on EU treaties should be encouraged, not avoided at all costs, as is the current consensus in Brussels”.
How does the European Parliament impact on business? 27 May BBC Breakfast Show
Open
Communication Commissioner’s £1.8m pension 26 May Aftonbladet
Open
100 examples of EU fraud and waste 26 May Varlden Idag
Swedish paper Varlden Idag cited Open
18 ‘ghost’ MEPs to board the EU gravy train 24 May Mail
The Mail quoted Open
The cost of EU regulation 22 May Times: Cavendish 18 May Kurier
In the Times, Camilla Cavendish questioned what MPs are paid for, given that
How the European Parliament influences your daily life 18 May Sunday Business Post
The Irish Sunday Business Post had a feature on MEPs based on Open
Open Europe seminar in 18 May Kristianstadsbladet
The seminar organised by Open Europe in MEPs’ lucrative second pensions 1 May Southern Star
Irish regional weekly, the Southern Star looked at the issue of MEPs’ expenses and quoted Open
Deconstructing the EU budget
Open
The EU needs reform 29 April BBC Northern Ireland
Open Europe’s
The cost of EU regulation to the UK 28 April 2009 Mail: Synon blog
Mary Ellen Synon’s Mail blog looked at the cost of EU membership to
The never ending Acquis Communautaire 22 April Derby Evening Telegraph
The
Three quarters of Irish MEPs refuse to publish expenses 20 April Mail Telegraph: Bruno Waterfield blog Finanzas ABhaber Sunday Times
Open Europe’s findings about the number of MEPs signed up to the controversial second pension fund were reported on page two of the Sun, in the Mail, the Irish Sunday Times, and on Bruno Waterfield’s Telegraph blog. Open Europe’s
The growing acquis and burden of red tape 17 April Conservative Home
Conservative Home referenced Open
Examples of fraud and waste 15 April Expressen
In an op-ed in Swedish daily Expressen, Swedish MEP Eva-Britt Svensson looked at the problems with waste and fraud involving EU funds, and cited several examples from Open
Open 14 April Yorkshire Post
In response to an article in the Yorkshire Post by Richard Corbett MEP, Open Europe’s
EU free movement regulations enable convicted criminals to enter the UK 9 Aprill Herald 14 April Glasgow Evening Times
Open Europe’s
EU Commissioners receive lucrative pensions and pay-offs 14 April Malta Independent 6 April Euronews 3 April Pardon Politique
Open Europe’s findings on European Commissioners’ pay-off packages continued to receive coverage on French and Polish news sites Politique and Pardon, and in the
Construction industry awaits outcome of EU negotiations on working time 9 April Construction News
Construction News reported on the ongoing negotiations in
MEP Jim Nicholson criticised for luxurious travels at taxpayer expense 6 April Belfast Telegraph
The Belfast Telegraph reported that MEP Jim Nicholson has been criticised for his globe-hopping trips and wrote, “Information published by Open Europe, an independent think-tank, says that on a recent trip to Australia, Mr Nicholson enjoyed La Traviata at the Sydney Opera House followed by a cruise around Sydney Bay on a luxury catamaran to watch the sun go down over dinner.”
Wallstrom claims Open 6 April Focus
In an interview with Focus Information Agency, EU Communications Commissioner Margot Wallstrom responded to research published by Open
Open Europe Director responds to Caroline Flint’s admission that she has not read the Lisbon Treaty 6 April Conservative Home
On Conservative Home, Open Europe Director
“
EU chiefs' £1million pay-off March 21 Telegraph March 22 News of the World March 23 N24 Dagens Nyheter Swedish Television March 24 Telegraph: Waterfield EUobserver Politiken Swedish Radio Svenska Dagbladet Expressen DELFI European Voice Kauppalehti March 25 HBVL Politics.be SDP Noticias TVP Brux Info Ceske Noviny GVA Blesk SP.nl NTR Zacatecas Dziennik Delfi March 26 Politiken Politiken2 Danish Radio Journal Chretien March 27 Standaard March 30 France 2 - 09.12 minutes in March 31 AFP Le Vif Challenges Echos ASCA France24 EU Business Euronews SDP Noticias Malta Today De Morgen Trouw Gulf Times April 1 Le Monde Gazeta Wyborcza Elsevier Economiste DELFI Standaard Pardon Politique.net LCI (6.45 min in) April 2 Magyar Hirlap
Open Europe's findings that EU Commissioners leaving office will receive more than £1 million in pension payments and so-called 'transitional' and 'resettlement' allowances received wide coverage in both print and broadcast media all over
Huge costs for Britain if Working Time Directive opt-out is lost
In the Sunday Times, Christopher Booker questioned why there was no outrage in Britain over the potential end of the opt-out to the EU's 48 work week, legislation that, "as the think tank Open Europe has been trying to highlight in an admirable analysis...threatens to be by far the most costly law ever imposed on Britain".
In an article for Shift Magazine, a
Europe Minister has not read the Lisbon Treaty
Czech EU Presidency in disarray as government collapses March 25 Mail
In a report on the Czech government's collapse and the impact this could have, Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally was quoted in the Mail arguing that the news gives hope to those opposing ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.
Britons convicted in absentia could face deportation to other EU states March 20 Telegraph
An article in the Telegraph about how a new EU regulation will leave courts compelled for the first time to order the extradition of British citizens to any EU countries that want them quoted Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe, who warned that "This could open the door to serious miscarriages of justice and ministers should not be supporting it. One British man only found out that he had been tried and convicted of grievous bodily harm in
EU access to medical records 19 March Mail: Synon blog
On her Mail blog, Mary Ellen Synon noted that Open
Cutting back our working hours will put lives in danger March 18 Western Daily Press Mail Mail 2 BBC 17 March Guardian: Comment is Free 11 March Hansard
The Mail and the BBC both referenced Open Europe’s report published this week, which noted that losing the opt-out from the EU’s 48 working week will cost the UK £8bn. Open Europe’s Research Director,
Mats set out the reasons for keeping the opt-out on the Guardian’s Comment is Free, arguing, “No-one is opposing safeguards to ensure that people enjoy fair and decent working conditions. However, the WTD is arguably one of the worst laws ever to come out of
Shadow Europe Minister Mark Francois referred to an Open
The EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy: How It Threatens Transatlantic Security March 17 Heritage Foundation
An article for the Heritage Foundation regarding the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy quoted an Open Europe briefing that details the
March 13 Independent March 6 BBC
In a letter to the Independent, Open Europe Director
As part of a BBC online series of viewpoints on EU issues,
EU’s emissions trading scheme a disaster March 13 Conservative Home
In an article on Conservative Home Roger Helmer MEP cited Open
Darling’s big bailout plan for March 11 Daily Express
In an article addressing Alistair Darling’s call for British taxpayers to bail out eastern European countries in trouble, the Daily Express quoted Open Europe’s
New battle for Britain March 10 Washington Times: Rahn
In an article in the
5.2m pounds to renovate EU's new 1 March News of the World ANSA
Reacting to the news that the European Parliament and the Commission are planning to spend 5.2 million pounds on renovating their new offices in London, Open Europe Research Director Mats Persson was quoted in the News of the World, saying, "In the middle of a recession, taxpayers will not be pleased to hear that they are forking out for more lavish office space for EU bureaucrats."
Maybe EU elite will listen now 1 March Sunday Express
In an article discussing the EU's diminishing popularity across Europe, the Sunday Express noted Open Europe's recent calculation that EU regulation has cost the
EU's financial supervisory scheme will be against 27 February FT: Letters Times: Letters
In letters to both the FT and the Times, Bill Cash MP argued that the de Larosiere report calling for a European supervisory scheme for banks and financial institutions is "potentially disastrous" for the City of
26 February Daily Reckoning
In an article for the Australian financial paper The Daily Reckoning, William Rees-Mogg quoted from Open Europe's bulletin on the
EU propaganda 26 February AgoraVox
An article on the AgoraVox Italia website cited Open
Counting the cost of losing the 24 February Conservative Home
On Conservative Home, MEP candidate Zehra Zaidi looked at the potential end of the
What can April's G20 summit achieve? 22 February BBC Radio 4: The World This Weekend
Open Europe Vice-Chairman Derek Scott appeared on BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend programme discussing the potential outcomes from April's G20 summit in
EU bid for sweeping control of 22 February News of the World
Reacting to speculation that the Commission is seeking to establish an EU regulator with the authority to control all multi-national banks, Open Europe was quoted by the News of the World, saying, "The last thing the UK needs is to have its hands tied by unelected bureaucrats."
16 February NOTW
Reacting to the news that the Swedish EU Presidency plans to hold 6,000 ‘working group’ meetings throughout its term, Open Europe Director
A 15 February VoxAfrica
Open Europe’s
Keep European workers moving 12 February Comment is Free: Persson
In an article on the Guardian’s Comment is Free website, Open Europe Research Director
EU regulation has cost the 13 February House Magazine 10 February Conservative Home 8 February Sunday Express 7 February Telegraph: Letters
In a letter to the Telegraph, 15 business leaders, including Tim Martin and Julian Blackwell, called on the Government to “adopt an uncompromising stand against regulatory overkill.” Citing Open Europe’s report on the cost of regulation to the
Open
Mats also had an op-ed article in House Magazine arguing that, “In these times of economic turmoil and uncertainty, the public rightly expects politicians to have both their hands on the levers of power.”
Union européenne: l’argent de la propagande 9 February Marianne
Open
Open BBC Politics Show FT Reuters Telegraph: Hannan blog 2 February Malta Independent 4 February Conservative Home 5 February
Open
Mats also presented the findings in a piece on Conservative Home.
Expensive EU climate package Washington Times 3 February
An article in the
Open Mail on Sunday 2 February
Reporting on the publication of Conservative MEPs’ expenses, the Mail on Sunday reported that "Analysis by think-tank Open
Open Europe clashes with Commission in Publico 26 January Belgian Radio 1 28 January Mail: Synon blog Euractiv 29 January
Open Europe's recent research on the EU’s communication policy as well as our debate on the policy held in Brussels were covered in detail on Euractiv, Spanish daily Publico and by Mary Ellen Synon on her Daily Mail blog. Open Europe’s Pieter Cleppe debated the publication on
Only one EU leader respecting Irish No vote News of the World 26 January
Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally was quoted by the News of the World, welcoming Czech President Vaclav Klaus’ vow that during its EU Presidency “The Czech government will not lead Europe to an ever-closer union. She said: “Out of 27 EU leaders he was the only one to respect the Irish ‘no’ vote. Gordon Brown and the others could do with taking a leaf out of his book.”
Mail 22 January
In a piece in the Mail, relating to a ruling by the European Court of Justice which said that employees on long-term sick leave are entitled to paid holidays no matter how long they are off work, Open Europe was quoted saying the ruling “shows how once Britain has lost control over a policy area to the EU, the European court can really go to town with it.”
The cost of selling the EU City Wire 21 January Conservative Home 19 January New Europe 12 January Spectator 9 January Elsevier 22 January
Conservative Home featured Open
ECJ rules that employees on long term sick leave are entitled to full holiday pay Mail 22 January
Reacting to the European Court of Justice’s ruling that employees on long-term sick leave are still entitled to paid holiday, Open Europe Director
MEPs fail to back end to European Parliament’s second seat in DNES 19 January Private Eye 21 January The Parliament Sky News 13 January
Open
Lord Malloch-Brown questions the legitimacy of Irish ‘No’ vote on Mail 14 January
Open Europe Director
Czech art installation revealed as a hoax Mail 14 January
Open
2008
EU spending 2.4 billion euros a year on propaganda Der Standard 26 December Telegraph Mail General-Anzeiger ANSA Focus News 27 December Sunday Times 28 December Elsevier Open Market Courrier International 29 December Penzcentrum 7 January
Open Europe's research on EU propaganda was covered in the Telegraph, the Mail, the Sunday Times, Austrian daily Der Standard, Dutch magazine Elsevier, Bulgarian news site Focus News, German daily General-Anzeiger, ANSA and Hungarian news site Penzcentrum.
Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally was quoted saying, "Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for vain PR exercises to make us love the EU. The EU needs urgent and radical reform, not expensive campaigns to improve its image. People certainly need to know more about the EU, but the EU has proved unable and unwilling to provide neutral, factual information. This senseless spending on dubious PR projects has got to stop."
Sarko's Folly
In an article in US magazine the National Interest, which looked at the attempts to push through the Lisbon Treaty despite the Irish No vote, Open Europe's Mats Persson was quoted saying that "It's a sad day for democracy when Europe's politicians gang up on their citizens, rather than trying to win over their trust."
UK to lose opt-out from EU's 48 hours working week Guardian 19 December In a feature on the European Parliament's vote to end the UK's opt-out from the EU's 48-hour working week, the Guardian cited Open Europe's estimate that losing the exemption would cost the UK £2,300 per household by 2020.
Ireland to hold second referendum on Lisbon Treaty as questions remain on legal status of "concessions" Telegraph Express Mail EurActiv 12 December Mail 7 December
Reacting to the outcome of the European Summit on 11 December, Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally was quoted in the Telegraph, the Express and the Mail, and on Euractiv, saying that the draft conclusions say nothing about legally-binding guarantees, and that the Irish 'no' vote is being ignored.
The Mail quoted Open Europe's Mats Persson as saying "Ever since the Irish voted No to the Lisbon Treaty in June, politicians in Ireland and across Europe have tried to find ways to force this unwanted document through - against the clear will of the people. It's a sad day for democracy when Europe's politicians gang up on their citizens, rather than trying to win over their trust". He added that should the Irish reverse their decision, "Britain will be forced to accept a Treaty that will weaken the power of ordinary voters in this country and across Europe."
Open Europe campaigns in Brussels for respect of Irish no vote Mail Irish Times BBC: Newsnight 12 December
There was broad coverage of Open Europe's protest in Brussels. The Irish Times and the Mail carried a photo of Open Europe campaigners wearing masks depicting EU leaders and carrying banners calling for the 'no' vote to be ignored.
Open Europe's protest was featured on the BBC's Newsnight and on several European television and radio stations, including RTE, Danish TV2, France 2, Swiss TV, Luxembourg radio and Czech TV. Open Europe was interviewed on many of these, in addition to BBC Radio Scotland, CNBC, and the BBC World Service.
EU stimulus package agreed amid uncertainties Bloomberg TV 12 December
Open Europe's Mats Persson appeared on Bloomberg Television, discussing what the hand-over of the EU's rotating Presidency to the Czech Republic may mean for the EU's financial stimulus package.
Rumours over Britain joining euro membership
Open Europe's Director Lorraine Mullally was quoted in the Daily Express, saying "there is nothing to suggest that we would be better off in the euro. If the last few months have taught us anything, it's that we need as much flexibility and as many tools as we can get."
UK Europe Minister accused of "patronising" the Irish Telegraph Irish Times Belfast Telegraph Morning Star 14 December
Lorraine Mullally reacted to comments from the UK Minister for Europe, Caroline Flint, claiming that Irish voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty because they did not understand it. Lorraine described her words as "extremely patronising...For Caroline Flint to stand up and say that voters were wrong to feel they would be losing control is extraordinary. Either she has no idea what is in the Treaty, or she is being deliberately misleading... It is not for British politicians to casually dismiss legitimate Irish concerns about a loss of power to Brussels."
European Parliament rejects opt-out on Working Time Directive, costing UK up to £66.45 billion by 2020 BBC: WATO 16 December 2008 BBC BBC Today (2.06 minutes in) BBC-Mardell 17 December Mail Mail-Leader Euractiv Telegraph Belfast Telegraph Guardian Express BBC Wales Radio 18 December
In a feature on the European Parliament's vote on the British opt-out of the Working Time Directive, Radio 4's World At One programme quoted from Open Europe's debate on the issue, and interviewed several of the panellists. Open Europe's estimates that the loss of the opt-out would cost up to £66.45 billion by 2020 were mentioned on the BBC Today programme, the BBC website, in the Mail, Guardian, Express, Belfast Telegraph, and on Euractiv.
After the vote, a leader in the Mail cited Open Europe's cost estimate, while Mats Persson was quoted in the Telegraph, arguing that "The real losers from this deal will be ordinary workers and taxpayers. Politicians should be focusing on how to cut taxes and create jobs to boost the economy, not forcing through expensive new EU rules." Mats was also interviewed on BBC Wales Radio.
EU response to the financial crisis LBC 27 November Financiarul
Open Europe's
Open Europe's recent event in
Sunday Times 23 November Mail 17 November
Frank Fitzgibbon, Editor of the Irish edition of the Sunday Times, mentioned Open Europe in a comment piece on 23 November about his paper's support for a No vote to the
Meanwhile, the Irish edition of the Mail criticised the Irish government for attacking Open
Irrégularités et fraudes en tous genres dans la maison Europe La Depeche Accountancy Age ZDF Kurier Postimees DW France2 (26 minutes in)
Open Europe's briefing "100 examples of EU fraud and waste" continued to receive wide coverage across
The Sunday Telegraph had a feature on EU waste, noting that more than 10p in every £1 handed to Europe by British taxpayers was spent on controversial regional projects, and cited examples contained in Open Europe's briefing note. Open
The briefing also formed the basis of articles in French daily La Depeche, Austrian daily Kurier, Deutsche Welle and
EU elections in 2009 an opportunity for "power to be taken back from Conservative Home 14 November
Open
Conservative MEP expelled from party after expenses scandal LBC - No link 13 November
Open Europe's Hugo Robinson appeared on LBC's 'Drivetime' programme, arguing that it was right for Den Dover MEP to be expelled from the Conservative Party and face criminal investigation after channeling around £750,000 of taxpayers' money to a family owned company.
Open Mail on Sunday Telegraph BBC Les Echos Times BBC-Mardell Stuttgarter Nachrichten La Depeche BBC Tyden 10-12 November
Open
MEPs vote to end the Express 6 November
Open Europe Research Director
EU green package to cost $100bn a year by 2020 Time 3 November
In an article discussing the impact of the financial crisis on European climate change proposals, Time magazine referred to Open Europe's research on the cost of the EU's proposed targets for cutting carbon emissions: "Europe is simply coming to grips with the potential cost of its green dreams -- up to $100 billion a year by 2020, according to a study by the think tank Open Europe".
The EU response to the financial crisis BBC Westminster Hour 9 November
Contributing to a debate about the EU's response to the financial crisis Open Europe's Hugo Robinson appeared on BBC Westminster Hour arguing that there was no political or democratic legitimacy for the large-cross border transfers and more centralised European economic governance envisaged by Nicolas Sarkozy, which explains why there is resistance to such measures from many member states.
EU climate package talks deadlocked following widespread concern over costs Corriere della Serra Time Financni Noviny OJE Guardian Polska Times Conservative Home Robinson
Open Europe's recent report on EU climate change targets was featured in various papers across
The study was also cited by Italian Europe Minister Andrea Ronchi, in an interview with Corriere della Serra, arguing that concerns over the EU climate and energy package have been raised across
Motorists fined under EU law for displaying national flags on number plates Telegraph 24 October
The Telegraph quoted Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally following reports that motorists displaying national flags on their number plates had been fined, as EU rules permit only the display of the European Union symbol of 12 yellow stars on a blue background. Lorraine said that the use of EU symbols, instead of national ones, was part of a wider attempt to promote the idea of a common European citizenship.
EU passes new laws for temporary workers Birmingham Post BBC 23 October
Both the Birmingham Post and the BBC quoted Open Europe Research Director
Sarkozy calls for European "economic government" and sovereign wealth fund LA Times 22 October
The LA Times ran a story on European anger at Gordon Brown receiving so much media attention following his financial rescue plan. The piece quoted Open
Juncker: Express 20 October
Following comments by Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, who said that Gordon Brown had to "beg" to be let into the meeting of eurozone ministers last weekend,
EU climate change targets will cost Britons £150 a year Euractiv Telegraph Shropshire Star Point Carbon Guardian Robinson La Tribune Pravo 14 October
Various papers featured Open
Hugo authored a piece on the Guardian's Comment is Free site, arguing that "It should now be more obvious than ever that the elderly and the fuel-poor literally cannot afford the indulgence of irrational and wasteful policies that will be locked in under this reckless plan."
The report also received coverage across
Bury Daily Express 15 October
The Express quoted Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally staying that EU leaders had formed a coherent plan without the need of the
Mandelson set for £1million payout Daily Express 13 October
Hugo Robinson was quoted in the Express after news that Mandelson was set to receive £1million after leaving his post as EU Trade Commissioner. He said, "Hard-pressed taxpayers will be angered to hear their money is being spent keeping Peter Mandelson in the luxury he grew accustomed to."
Open Europe's former Director to lead Policy Exchange Le Monde 03 October
Le Monde reported the news that Open
Green Party MEPs top in transparency league News and Star October 1 The Cumbria News and Star quoted Peter Cranie, an MEP candidate for the Green Party in the North West, as saying "Open Europe recently conducted a survey on parliamentary transparency on expenses and pay. The Green Party scored highest, with 100 per cent for transparency."
EU to unveil proposals for maternity leave to be fully paid Politics Show September 28 The BBC Politics Show ran a feature on the new EU Commission proposals to extend maternity leave and introduce full pay for the entire maternity period, which have been criticised by some small businesses. Open Europe Director Lorraine Mullally was interviewed, warning that once the proposals have been decided - by majority vote - at EU level, it will be impossible for future UK governments to reverse them should they decide they need to.
Government unveils first UK ID cards - with EU design Telegraph Rzeczpospolita September 26 There was wide coverage of the unveiling of Britain's first ID card, which will be issued to foreigners from outside the EU. Open Europe's Lorraine Mullally was quoted in the Telegraph saying, "The use of EU symbols, instead of national ones, is part of a wider attempt to promote the idea of a common European citizenship, which EU federalists have been pushing for some time. The Government seems happy to buy into this." Open Europe was also mentioned in Polish daily Rzeczpospolita in an article on the same subject.
EU extradition law faces legal challenge Telegraph September 21 The Sunday Telegraph reported that civil rights groups Liberty and Fair Trials International are considering a legal challenge to new EU laws that would allow citizens to be extradited automatically if they are convicted in their absence by foreign courts. Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe was quoted in the article, saying "the new law is a pretext for making it easier to extradite people".
Weak pound to increase Britain's payments to EU by billions - EU ignores Lisbon vote and initiates spending spree Saturday Telegraph Sunday Times 15 September Mail-leader Mail 09 September 2008 The Telegraph picked up on the story that the pound's recent decline in value was set to increase Britain's contribution to the EU budget. Open Europe's Neil O'Brien was quoted, stating that "the value of our contribution is already pretty big. It's not clear we get good value for money. The EU spends too much on the Common Agricultural Policy and regional policy that has been shown to be ineffective...Now we're likely to pay even more - this should make us consider whether we get a good deal". Open Europe was also quoted in the Daily Mail. Meanwhile, the Sunday Times looked at the EU's reaction to the Irish no vote, quoting Neil O'Brien as saying, "The EU is pressing ahead as if nothing happened, and is doing all the things it was planning to do under the Lisbon treaty anyway. They are arrogantly assuming that they will be able to force the treaty through, regardless of the Irish No vote."
Haggling over shape of second Irish referendum begins Reporting on the leak of an EU briefing paper calling for a second referendum to deal with what it called the "Irish problem", the Daily Mail quoted Open Europe saying: "The EU simply won't take no for answer. They will make Ireland vote again and again until they are bullied into coming up with the so-called "right" answer. The British Government should be ashamed of itself for being part of the attempt to bully and isolate the Irish."
EU failing on waste policy Telegraph blog 8 September Open Europe Director Neil O'Brien had an article on EU waste policy on the Telegraph Ways and Means blog. He noted that EU rules are responsible for the spread of fortnightly bin collections, and that the EU has regulated across the board in this area. He argued that the EU's approach of trying to control and regulate, rather than incentivise green behaviour, is a failure.
Commission to propose minimum gas stocks requirements; £16bn cost for UK energy customers predicted Telegraph 4 September In an article looking at EU plans to stockpile gas stocks the Telegraph quoted Open Europe saying: "We must avoid ending up with an artificially high storage target from the EU which would impose huge costs on consumers, and not benefit anyone. This is a bad time for the EU to make a proposal which would jack up energy bills even further.
UK Government welcomes EU plans to allow citizens to be tried in their absence in other member states Various papers picked up on Open Europe's new briefing paper on EU plans which would impose recognition of foreign trials in absentia. Open Europe's Pieter Cleppe was quoted on the BBC website and in the Mail, as saying, "This proposal could open the door to serious miscarriages of justice and ministers should not be supporting it."
United in Powerlessness US magazine the National Interest quoted Open Europe dismissing the notion that the Lisbon Treaty would make Europe a more serious player internationally, saying: "Open Europe points out that EU members collectively spend but 1.6 percent of their GDP on the military and have been steadily cutting expenditures since the 1990s: 'Why will the short war in Georgia change this long trend when the other wars--which EU members are actually fighting in--have not?'"
EU sends development aid to Russia On his Telegraph blog, Alex Singleton questioned why the EU gives aid to Russia, citing an Open Europe report calling for control over development aid to be returned to member states.
UK Government too passive about EU proposals Open Europe was quoted in News of the World, in a piece looking at a House of Lords report on the EU Commission's Annual Policy Strategy. The report criticised the UK Government for taking a too passive an approach to proposals coming from the Commission.
170,000 people work for the EU, as revealed by Open Europe research Open Europe's research, which found that the number of people working for EU institutions has reached 170,000 people, far more than it claims, continued to receive coverage, reported in several European newspapers in particular.
71 per cent of Irish voters against a second referendum, according to Open Europe poll Open Europe's poll, which found that 71 per cent of Irish voters were against a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, continued to receive coverage. Extent of EU bureaucracy revealed Open Europe's research into the number of EU bureaucrats in the EU's legislative process was reported across Europe. Open Europe analyst Nick Cosgrove was quoted as saying, "'The Commission desperately tries to play down just how many people are now working for the EU... They are extremely secretive about the number of people who are working to churn out regulations". Open Europe's Hugo Robinson was also quoted in Polish paper Rzeczpospolita criticising the poor transparency of the EU's legislative process. Open Europe's Director Neil O'Brien appeared on the BBC Today programme to discuss the findings. He said, "It's not a very transparent system... This huge figure [170,000] is commensurate with the huge influence that Brussels now has over everything in our daily lives".
EU paying farmers not to farm Open Europe's Mats Persson appeared on BBC Radio 4 discussing the flaws of the EU's farm subsidies.
Creation of a European Intelligence Centre Neil O'Brien was quoted in the Mail arguing that, "Moves towards a Euro CIA are not a good idea... The US will not share intelligence with us if we are going to pass it on to an organisation which leaks like a sieve. We could find ourselves putting a lot into such an organisation and getting very little back".
European energy firms 'picking our pockets' Neil O'Brien was quoted in the Telegraph discussing the problem of British energy customers subsidising their European counterparts. Neil argues, "People in Britain are paying more because other EU countries are rigging the market".
Britain and Ireland could share a Commissioner Neil O'Brien was quoted in the Mail on Sunday commenting on France's proposals that countries could share an EU Commissioner. He said, "The Irish don't want to have Peter Mandelson as their commissioner any more than most people in Britain do".
Collapse of Doha Round Mats Persson had an op-ed in Swedish daily Sydsvenska Dagbladet, arguing that the global food crisis illustrates the need for freeing up trade in agricultural products and that the EU must bear part of the blame for the break down of the Doha talks.
Continued coverage of Open Europe's poll on the Irish Referendum Open Europe's poll, which found that 71 per cent of Irish voters were against a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, has continued to receive coverage.
Opposition to Lisbon intensifies The findings of Open Europe's poll of Irish voters were reported extensively across the British, Irish and European media. Open Europe's Director Neil O'Brien was quoted as saying "By appearing to bully the voters, EU politicians are actually driving lots more people into the no camp." Neil appeared on Irish national radio RTE, and Open Europe's Lorraine Mullally also discussed the poll results on Irish radio stations Q102 and Newstalk, and on the RTE programme Morning Ireland. A piece in the Irish Independent looked at Open Europe's list of supporters, while a piece in the Irish Mail reported in detail on Lorraine's Irish family background after Foreign Minister Micheál Martin dismissed the poll as "outside interference".
World trade talks collapse Open Europe's Hugo Robinson was interviewed on Al-Jazeera English, discussing the breakdown of the Doha world trade talks.
Bulgarian aid withheld Neil O'Brien commented on the EU's withdrawal of funds from Bulgaria on the BBC's Newsnight. He said: "There are much stronger levers that the EU has to try and deal with [these problems of corruption]... this really isn't the strongest thing they could've done".
Start Your Creative Engines! In US weekly Human Events, former US Senator George Allen cited Open Europe's recent report on the EU's Emission's Trading Scheme, in an article discussing American energy policies.
Lisbon Treaty ratified in secret Lorraine Mullally was quoted in the Express, arguing that Gordon Brown had ratified the Lisbon Treaty in secret because he was scared of the voters.
Europe's Tory nightmare The Charlemagne section in this week's Economist mentioned the recent Open Europe poll which showed that 88% of Britons could not name their members in the European Parliament.
Cameron orders "deep clean" of MEPs' expense claims The BBC noted: "Neil O'Brien, of the lobby group Open Europe, says that the proposals do go further than any of the other parties have gone as yet - although Labour MEPs have been subject to an independent audit since 2000 and the Lib Dems are expected to give proposals for their MEPs' allowances next week."
Euro-sleaze: over to you Gordon Open Europe's Neil O'Brien had a piece on the Telegraph's new 'Ways and Means' blog, arguing that David Cameron's proposal to make Tory MEPs' expenses more transparent will put pressure on Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg to take similar steps.
50 Labour MPs sign motion to protest EU's Health Directive Open Europe was quoted in the Mirror saying, "We might end up with a European Health Service rather than a National Health Service."
Mandelson complains at being "undermined" by Sarkozy Open Europe's Mats Persson was quoted in the Telegraph saying: "For a change,
French takes over EU reins Open Europe's Lorraine Mullally appeared on the CNBC Europe Tonight programme to discuss the French EU Presidency.
MEPs' champagne 'study days' cost taxpayers £200,000 Open Europe Director Neil O'Brien was quoted saying, "There is a clear conflict of interest here. MEPs must not have financial interests in companies they are regulating." |
The trouble with markets for carbon
NY Times 23 June IHT 19 June
The New York Times and IHT looked at carbon emissions trading in Europe, quoting Open Europe's Hugo Robinson as saying, "We currently are in danger of losing yet another decade in the fight against global warming. The sheer amount of lobbying creates so much uncertainty about the way these markets operate that nobody really is investing in cleaner technologies in Europe."
Respect the Irish no vote
BBC Newsnight Channel Four News BBC 10 O'clock News BBC World Tonight BBC Today BBC Today 2 BBC World Tonight Focus Politiken 20 June
Open Europe's stunt at the EU summit in Brussels was covered on BBC Newsnight, and Open Europe was interviewed on Channel Four News, the BBC 10 O'clock News and several European channels including Belgian, Spanish and Danish TV. Pictures from the stunt were also featured in German magazine Focus and in Danish daily Politiken.
Open Europe comment pieces
Open Democracy 20 June Svenska Dagbladet 19 June EUobserver 19 June Sunday Times 15 Sunday Times 8 June
Open Europe had two more articles in a series of piecies for the Irish edition of the Sunday Times, arguing the case for a 'no' in the Irish referendum. Neil O'Brien had an article on EUobserver arguing that the EU could self-destruct if it continues ignoring voters. Mats Persson had an op-ed in Svenska Dagbladet, responding to claims in the Swedish media that Sweden would lose influence without the Lisbon Treaty. Hugo Robinson had a piece on the Open Democracy 'Our Kingdom' blog arguing that the case for respecting the Irish vote.
EU treaty should be dropped, say British voters
Telegraph Telegraph Mail Express Evening Standard 18 June
Open Europe's poll of 1,000 UK voters, which found that a majority want the Government to drop the Treaty, received coverage in the Express, Telegraph, and Mail. Open Europe was also quoted in the Telegraph and the Express, condemning the Lords' vote on the Lisbon treaty.
France proposes EU navy
Sun 18 June
Neil O'Brien was quoted saying: "The EU political elite seem to have gone mad. No one in Britain wants to hand over our Navy to corrupt Brussels officials. Gordon Brown must not go along with this."
Irish reject the Lisbon Treaty
Bloomberg NewsTalk Express Daily Mail 16 June Times Sky News LBC BBC World 15 June Sun EUbusiness Press and Journal Guardian Times New York Times IHT Mirror 14 June National Public Radio 13 June
Following the Irish 'no' vote, Open Europe was quoted in the Guardian, Sun, IHT, Mirror, Mail, Express, New York Times and several other national and international papers. Neil O'Brien appeared on Sky News, LBC and BBC World. He said, "David Miliband arrogantly says we must ratify the treaty to put forward what he calls the 'British view'. But in reality he only means the Government's view. People in Britain are overwhelmingly against the treaty." Lorraine Mullally appeared on Bloomberg and on Irish national radio NewsTalk and Mats Persson was interviewed on US-based National Public Radio.
Voters in the UK would reject the Lisbon Treaty by a margin of two to one
Mail Telegraph 14 June Express 15 June
The Telegraph, Mail and Sunday Express mentioned a new ICM poll for Open Europe, which showed that voters in the UK would reject the Lisbon Treaty by a margin of two to one.
Bullying tactics in Irish referendum campaign
BBC World Service BFM 12 June Evening Standard 11 June CNBC Europe Evening Standard 10 June
Ahead of the Irish referendum, Lorraine Mullally appeared on French radio station BFM and on CNBC Europe, and Neil O'Brien appeared on the BBC World Service. Neil was also quoted in the Evening Standard arguing that "The political elite are prepared to say anything to ensure this pet project gets through. The experience in Ireland shows that the people are far more sceptical of the project than their leaders".
New EU Justice Commissioner is a convicted fraudster
Sun 12 June
The Sun reported that the EU's new Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot is a "convicted fraudster." Open Europe was quoted saying, "To say this smacks of poacher turned gamekeeper is an understatement."
MEP expenses scandal widens
Sun 14 June Times Sun Telegraph Private Eye 11 June Sun Mail 10 June Mail News of the World 9 June
Open Europe was quoted in several articles on MEP's misuse of allowances. Neil O'Brien was quoted in the Telegraph and Times saying that there were allegations of unacceptable use of expenses against MEPs from all the main parties, and argued: "There will be a huge premium for whichever party leader can be shown to take action against sleaze in Brussels." Open Europe was also quoted in the Sun, Mail, News of the World and Private Eye.
Does Ireland really have a veto over trade deals?
BBC-Mardell 11 June
On his blog, BBC's Mark Mardell quoted Neil O'Brien arguing that Ireland does not have a veto over trade deals, despite claims by Irish PM Brian Cowen.
Lisbon Treaty could come back to haunt Government
Sunday Express 8 June
The Sunday Express quoted Open Europe saying, "Polls suggest the majority of the British public think the Government lied to them over the Treaty, so when bad things start happening, things will get very awkward for the Government. It will come back to haunt them."
Head of Conservative MEPs forced to resign in expenses scandal
BBC News at Ten Newsnight BBC online Guardian Mail Mirror Times Times 2 Times Analysis Telegraph European Voice Telegraph Martin Conservative Home Guido Guido 2 Express FT IHT Telegraph Times Sunday Times Telegraph Guido Conservative Home 1 – 6 June
Giles Chichester has been forced to resign as Conservative leader in the European Parliament after admitting breaking the rules on the use of £400,000 of his expenses. Open Europe was widely quoted in national and regional print and broadcast media, arguing "If this is serious enough to resign the leadership over, it is serious enough to warrant resigning as an MEP."
EU accused of "strong arm" tactics in Ireland
Mail 29 May
The Mail reported on Commission President Jose Barroso’s warning to Ireland ahead of the referendum in the country and Open Europe was quoted saying, "This is classic Brussels tactics. Stage one is to try to cover up what the grand project really means, then bully voters into accepting it."
Brussels’ plan for Euro police
Express 24 May
The Express reported on the allocation of EU funds to investigate the possibility of setting up a federal EU police force. Open Europe, said: “Most people in Britain would be horrified by the idea of a single European police force.”
Commission has failed to reform the
Times-Maddox Mail Mail 20 May
In the Times, Bronwen Maddox argued that the Commission has “ducked the chance” to reform the
The Mail quoted Open Europe saying, “Gordon Brown has been royally stuffed…As long as we keep sending the cheques nothing in Brussels is ever going to change.”
MEPs fly 10 million miles on junkets
NOTW Wales on Sunday18 May
The News of the World reported on a study from Open Europe which estimates that overseas excursions by MEPs have cost EU taxpayers £3.1 million since 2004. Labour's Glenys Kinnock led a team of MEPs to the luxury resort of the Seychelles in April to visit the tuna fish industry. Open Europe's
Eurozone chief attacks “social scourge” of City bonuses and vows to “combat these excesses”
BBC Radio Five 14 May
Open Europe Director Neil O’Brien appeared on
Euro heading for choppy waters
BBC 7 May
Open Europe was quoted on
Wobecnym ksztalcie Unia dlugo nie przetrwa
Rzeczpospolita 5 May
Polish daily Rzeczpospolita published an interview with Open Europe’s
EU renewable targets will cost UK families £3,000 – more than any other Member State
Sunday Express 4 May
The Sunday Express reported that EU targets for minimum renewable use will cost every family in Britain more than £3,000, according to a report by energy consultants Poyry for the Government. Open Europe was quoted saying: “People’s electricity bills are going to soar because of this EU target. The EU have chosen the least effective and most costly way to go green and we are all going to have to pay as a result. Britain seems to have got a raw deal, paying in more than any other country while other countries will actually make money out of it.”
Irish referendum – Open Europe urges a ‘No’ vote
(Others available as PDF documents on request from rhea@openeurope.org.uk)
Over the past six weeks Open Europe’s Neil O’Brien,
'Palace, jet and personal staff of 22' for the new EU President
Telegraph 11 April
The Telegraph reported on the discussion of new powers and perks of the future EU President. Open Europe was quoted saying, "EU politicians claim that the Lisbon Treaty will make the EU more transparent and accessible to voters, but this latest example of secretive horse-trading shows that if it ever does come into force it will be business as usual in Brussels."
France and Britain poles apart on key EU issues
Telegraph 1 April
Neil O'Brien of Open Europe had a letter in the Telegraph questioning the assertion of Roland Rudd and Sir Stephen Wall of Business for New Europe that the British and French governments share the same view of the EU. Neil wrote: "The recurring illusion that other leaders have exactly the same vision of Europe as we do - when they clearly do not - has hampered Britain in Europe for years."
Open Europe's Mats Persson appeared on Al Jazeera English discussing the extension of the Schengen area to include nine new member states.
1 April
UK contributions to EU budget set to rise from £3.3bn to £6.4bn
Telegraph Sun Mail 29 March
Several papers reported that the UK's net financial contributions to the EU will rise by almost £1 billion this year, taking the country's net contribution to more than £4 billion.. Paul Stephenson of Open Europe was quoted in the Express: "These figures just highlight the sheer level of Blair's sell-out to Brussels in 2005. It's hardly surprising that he's now the frontrunner to become the next president of the EU. Last year the EU's accountants were unable to sign off over £43bn worth of spending. Until the EU gets its house in order, Gordon Brown should refuse to send any more cheques to Brussels."
Sarkozy calls for new Anglo-French brotherhood
Newsnight (25 mins in) 27 March
On his state visit to London, Nicolas Sarkozy called for a new French-British "brotherhood" urging the two countries to "write a new page in our common history". On Newsnight, Open Europe's Neil O'Brien argued that while Sarkozy talks a good game, the reality is that his priorities are quite different to those of Gordon Brown and the UK. For example, despite his praise of globalisation and CAP reform, he is in favour of higher trade tariffs.
Harmonizing England and Europe
Town Hall 26 March
On American website Townhall, Herb London of the Hudson Institute picked up on Open Europe's recent publication "The EU and You". He noted, "This is indeed an odd historical moment. A democracy that people often take for granted is challenged by a 'soft' authoritarianism that is barely recognised by the public at large. If there was a referendum or several such referenda that would be one thing, but, in fact, most of the anticipated regulations will occur below the radar."
Peter Mandelson's days in EU post numbered
Telegraph14 March
The Telegraph reported that a House of Lords report on the Lisbon Treaty concluded that the UK does not have a watertight opt-out from the Charter of Fundament Rights. Open Europe's Neil O'Brien was quoted saying: "This report shows again that it is a significant transfer of power, that the Government have not been honest."
Referendum defeat will prove pyrrhic for EU
Our Kingdom 7 March
Writing on the Open Democracy ‘Our Kingdom’ blog, Open Europe’s Hugo Robinson argued that the Government has won a “pyrrhic victory” on the Lisbon Treaty in the Commons.
On
Telegraph Three Line Whip 6 March
The Telegraph Three Line Whip blog noted, "Open
Call referendum to restore trust in politics
Today (9 minutes in) BBC Three Counties Radio, Al Arabia TV, Independent Radio News, Time FM 5 March Radio Talksport 4 March
Open
The ruthless politics of the Lisbon Treaty
Times 5 March
On the Times Red Box blog Sam Coates looked at Open
Coming or going?
Guardian 26 February
Neil O’Brien had an article on the Guardian’s Comment is Free website arguing that “Nick Clegg is only calling for a referendum on ‘in or out of
EU to investigate staff payments
Al Jazeera Express 22 February
Labour EU rebels hit out at 'expulsion threat’
Telegraph 5 February
Open
Unanswered questions
Irish Times 4 February
The Irish Times picked up on Open
MPs debate new EU energy powers in
Download Open Europe briefing here, read related press release here. 31 January
Yesterday MPs debated the new energy powers in the
UPI: parliamentary ratification of Treaty is a “puppet show”
UPI 31 January
A comment piece on the ratification of the
A blank cheque: leaked EU document reveals Government doesn't even know what it is signing up to in the
Sunday Times Mail Open Europe press release 28 January
Paul Stephenson of Open
Telegraph 28 January
Open Europe were featured in a list in the Telegraph of the
EU renewable energy targets to cost family of four in
Mail Sun Telegraph Express Evening Standard 24 January
Open Europe’s findings that the EU’s plans for renewable targets would cost the average family of four in the
Sun 22 January
In the Sun Fergus Shanahan reported that "
Nick Clegg says Lib Dems would vote to block a referendum
BBC BBC Today Express 22 January
Open Europe is quoted on BBC Online arguing that "despite trying to distract attention by abstaining and waffling about a referendum on leaving the EU, Clegg’s real plan is to vote to deny people a referendum".
New EU asylum powers reported
Sun 21 January
The S un reported on Open Europe’s analysis that the
EU targets for biofuels and renewable
FT 21 January
The FT trailed a new study from Open Europe and
MPs vote for Blair’s budget deal –
Mail16 January
Open Europe was quoted in the Mail arguing that: "Britain is shovelling billions a year into the EU which wastes vast sums of money and is so riddled with fraud that its own auditors haven't signed off its accounts for 13 years in a row… Countries that are richer than
New burden on struggling police
News of the World 14 January
The News of the World reported on the EU proposal that every criminal suspect should be given an EU "letter of rights" when arrested in the
Subsidy trading to get underway again
Aberdeen Press and Journal 7January
The
2007
£35bn EU poverty budget 'wasted'
Mail 27 December
The Mail reported on Open
Health Directive causes controversy
Spectator Coffee House 20 December
Spectator Coffee House blog Fraser Nelson cited Open
Scots’ treaty blow for PM
Sun 20 December
The Sun reported: “Last night the Open
Brown plays down significance of 'Reflection Group'
Express Aberdeen Press and Journal 15 December
Open Europe’s Director Neil O'Brien was quoted in the Express following the establishment of an EU ‘Reflection Group’, saying: "Gordon Brown knows that the group he has endorsed will lead to yet another round of integration and more new powers for the EU. He must now rule out a further handover of powers." Neil was also quoted in
Brown signs up to EU Constitution
Sun Sun leader Daily Mail Daily Express 13 December BBC Washington Post 14 December
Neil O'Brien was quoted in the Sun, Mail and Express arguing that "By signing us up to the rejected Constitution, Gordon Brown is giving EU courts the right to hear asylum cases. This could mean that decisions made by
EU needs to close gap between rhetoric and reality
Sydsvenskan 12 December 2007
Open Europe’s Mats Persson had an article in Swedish daily Sydsvenska Dagbladet , arguing that the decision to split December’s EU summit between
US should not repeat EU’s mistakes on emissions trading
American Public Media 12 December 2007
Open Europe’s Hugo Robinson appeared on
Germany leads charge to put flag and anthem back into EU Constitution
Sun 11 December 2007
The Sun reported that 16 countries had signed up to a declaration on the importance of the EU's flag, anthem and motto which will be annexed to the EU Constitution. The paper quoted Open
Sunday Telegraph-Martin 10 December 2007
In the Sunday Telegraph, Iain Martin mentioned Open Europe's recent briefing on the EU budget, which showed that Britain is set to contribute £71 billion over the next seven years.
US should not make same mistakes as EU on cap and trade scheme
EE News 10 December 2007
Open Europe’s Neil O’Brien appeared on US environment and energy channel EE News discussing the failings of the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme, and urged the US not to make the same mistakes as Europe in implementing its own cap and trade scheme.
EU Emissions Trading Scheme blamed for handing huge profits to big energy companies
Guardian 5 December 2007
On the Guardian’s Comment is Free blog , David Thorpe cited Open
Open
WSJ 21 November
Open
British attitudes to the Charter
E!Sharp 15 November
David Gow discussed the
EU accounts not signed off for 13th year in a row - £6bn of
Express 14 November Telegraph 15 November
The Express and the Telegraph reported on Open Europe research which found that as much as £6 billion of the
Increased costs and carbon emissions "the price to pay for new treaty"
Focus 14 November WSJ Daily Politics (26 mins in) 9 November Express 5 November Times 2 November
Neil O’Brien appeared on the