fredag den 28. januar 2011
tirsdag den 20. oktober 2009
Former Finnish PM Lipponen as president in the EU
POINTS OF VIEW & SUGGESTIONS: Stimulating a forward-looking debate
Here is what I just have written in my Home Page:
www.simplesite.com/kimbrer
Suggestion: FINN as President of the European Council
When the Treaty of Lisbon hopefully soon come into force we will have a President for the European Council. A new post for a person, who will have as the main job to make the Council work efficiently and give results. He or she must be a very good negotiator, create confidence everywhere and ensure unity and broad agreements instead of being divisive and conflict provoking.
My view is that former prime minister PAAVO LIPPONEN is the ideal person for that post.
More Background:
PAAVO LIPPONEN
Former Prime Minister of Finland
Paavo Lipponen (born April 23, 1941) is a Finnish politician and former reporter. He was Prime Minister of Finland from 1995 to 2003 and Chairman of the Finnish Social Democratic Party from 1993 to 2005. He also served as Speaker of the Parliament of Finland 2003-2007.
Receiving his gymnasium diploma from the Lyceum of Kuopio in 1959, he then studied philosophy and literature at Dartmouth College for one year.
Soon after returning to Finland he moved to Helsinki where he eventually attained a master's degree in international politics from the University of Helsinki in 1971. He was the editor of the student newspaper Ylioppilaslehti 1963–1965 and a freelance reporter for the Finnish Broadcasting Company ( YLE ) 1965–1967.
Lipponen first came into the political limelight when he was secretary to the then Prime Minister Mauno Koivisto from 1979 to 1982. Frequently having to substitute for the busy PM, Lipponen was soon dubbed vara-Manu ("deputy Manu" — Manu being short for Mauno).
Lipponen was a Member of the Parliament of Finland from 1983–1987 and also from 1991 until he retired in 2007. In 1993 SDP chairman Ulf Sundqvist was suspected and later convicted of a large financial fraud. Lipponen was elected the new chairman in 1993, and he led the party to victory in the parliamentary election of 1995. Lipponen formed a cabinet of five parties including both rightist and leftist parties. Lipponen's economic policies were however dominated by the right-wing. The main task of the cabinet was to decrease the number of unemployed. Lipponen was one of the EU's visionaries and tight fiscal policies allowed participation in the European Monetary Union , which resulted in the introduction of the Euro in 1999. Foreign trade increased above the European average 1995-1999. Laws for a new constitution were passed and it took effect on March 1, 2000.
Lipponen headed the SDP campaign in 1999 which resulted in losses, but the SDP remained the largest party in the parliament. The coalition formed in 1995 was renewed. During the second Lipponen cabinet, Lipponen headed Finland's six months in the EU presidency and led pro-integration and pro-expansion policies. Lipponen introduced the concept of a European constitution during a speech in Bruges in 2000.
He headed the SDP campaign of 2003, which led to victory for the SDP; however, the Center Party gained more seats, which marked the end for the cabinets of the SDP and the National Coalition Party. The chairman of the Center Party, Anneli Jäätteenmäki , formed a new cabinet, and Lipponen took the position of Speaker of Parliament. Lipponen retired from the party chairmanship in 2005 and was succeeded by Eero Heinäluoma . Lipponen left the parliament in 2007.
Additional personal information:
He is an exceptionally cultured person, which is not that common in the corridors of politics. He is a genuine European and takes a positive attitude towards NATO. However, as Prime Minister of Finland at the time, he only agreed to take part in the reconstruction of Iraq – not any attack or war. He is fluent in English, German, Swedish and of course Finnish. Nor does Norwegian and Danish creates any problems for him. On the political right-left-scale many Finns regards him rather right. One reason being that he led the Government that brought the Finnish economy back on its feet, after the country’s worst recession ever, in the later part of the nineties. Needless to say he was forced to take rather unorthodox measures, at least seen from a social democratic point of view.
The post as President of the European Council:
The Lisbon Treaty creates a new post as president of the European Council. Qualified The 27 member states of the EU will by qualified elect the president for a period of 2 ½ years at a time. The role is to prepare and run the meetings of the European Council and also in some cases to represent the EU to the outside world ( at summits, etc. ). To make the EU more efficient and faster in its decision-making the president has to be able to make everybody work together towards a solution. He or she should not be divisive or conflictual in the approach. It’s not necessarily a question of having a great world standing and making visionary speeches. It’s for an efficient president to make everybody work closely together – to convince - to create confidence and goodwill – and to find possible and holding final compromises to often very complex problems.
Paavo Lipponen has all the qualifications needed for the post.
If you want to join the discussion – and I hope you will – then do it right here:
http://www.simplesite.com/kimbrer/5741883
Niels
Here is what I just have written in my Home Page:
www.simplesite.com/kimbrer
Suggestion: FINN as President of the European Council
When the Treaty of Lisbon hopefully soon come into force we will have a President for the European Council. A new post for a person, who will have as the main job to make the Council work efficiently and give results. He or she must be a very good negotiator, create confidence everywhere and ensure unity and broad agreements instead of being divisive and conflict provoking.
My view is that former prime minister PAAVO LIPPONEN is the ideal person for that post.
More Background:
PAAVO LIPPONEN
Former Prime Minister of Finland
Paavo Lipponen (born April 23, 1941) is a Finnish politician and former reporter. He was Prime Minister of Finland from 1995 to 2003 and Chairman of the Finnish Social Democratic Party from 1993 to 2005. He also served as Speaker of the Parliament of Finland 2003-2007.
Receiving his gymnasium diploma from the Lyceum of Kuopio in 1959, he then studied philosophy and literature at Dartmouth College for one year.
Soon after returning to Finland he moved to Helsinki where he eventually attained a master's degree in international politics from the University of Helsinki in 1971. He was the editor of the student newspaper Ylioppilaslehti 1963–1965 and a freelance reporter for the Finnish Broadcasting Company ( YLE ) 1965–1967.
Lipponen first came into the political limelight when he was secretary to the then Prime Minister Mauno Koivisto from 1979 to 1982. Frequently having to substitute for the busy PM, Lipponen was soon dubbed vara-Manu ("deputy Manu" — Manu being short for Mauno).
Lipponen was a Member of the Parliament of Finland from 1983–1987 and also from 1991 until he retired in 2007. In 1993 SDP chairman Ulf Sundqvist was suspected and later convicted of a large financial fraud. Lipponen was elected the new chairman in 1993, and he led the party to victory in the parliamentary election of 1995. Lipponen formed a cabinet of five parties including both rightist and leftist parties. Lipponen's economic policies were however dominated by the right-wing. The main task of the cabinet was to decrease the number of unemployed. Lipponen was one of the EU's visionaries and tight fiscal policies allowed participation in the European Monetary Union , which resulted in the introduction of the Euro in 1999. Foreign trade increased above the European average 1995-1999. Laws for a new constitution were passed and it took effect on March 1, 2000.
Lipponen headed the SDP campaign in 1999 which resulted in losses, but the SDP remained the largest party in the parliament. The coalition formed in 1995 was renewed. During the second Lipponen cabinet, Lipponen headed Finland's six months in the EU presidency and led pro-integration and pro-expansion policies. Lipponen introduced the concept of a European constitution during a speech in Bruges in 2000.
He headed the SDP campaign of 2003, which led to victory for the SDP; however, the Center Party gained more seats, which marked the end for the cabinets of the SDP and the National Coalition Party. The chairman of the Center Party, Anneli Jäätteenmäki , formed a new cabinet, and Lipponen took the position of Speaker of Parliament. Lipponen retired from the party chairmanship in 2005 and was succeeded by Eero Heinäluoma . Lipponen left the parliament in 2007.
Additional personal information:
He is an exceptionally cultured person, which is not that common in the corridors of politics. He is a genuine European and takes a positive attitude towards NATO. However, as Prime Minister of Finland at the time, he only agreed to take part in the reconstruction of Iraq – not any attack or war. He is fluent in English, German, Swedish and of course Finnish. Nor does Norwegian and Danish creates any problems for him. On the political right-left-scale many Finns regards him rather right. One reason being that he led the Government that brought the Finnish economy back on its feet, after the country’s worst recession ever, in the later part of the nineties. Needless to say he was forced to take rather unorthodox measures, at least seen from a social democratic point of view.
The post as President of the European Council:
The Lisbon Treaty creates a new post as president of the European Council. Qualified The 27 member states of the EU will by qualified elect the president for a period of 2 ½ years at a time. The role is to prepare and run the meetings of the European Council and also in some cases to represent the EU to the outside world ( at summits, etc. ). To make the EU more efficient and faster in its decision-making the president has to be able to make everybody work together towards a solution. He or she should not be divisive or conflictual in the approach. It’s not necessarily a question of having a great world standing and making visionary speeches. It’s for an efficient president to make everybody work closely together – to convince - to create confidence and goodwill – and to find possible and holding final compromises to often very complex problems.
Paavo Lipponen has all the qualifications needed for the post.
If you want to join the discussion – and I hope you will – then do it right here:
http://www.simplesite.com/kimbrer/5741883
Niels
lørdag den 17. oktober 2009
A FINN as the first EU President
A FINN as President of Europe
Europe is moving ahead. Before long the new and modernised Lisbon Treaty will in all likelihood come into force. Making the European Union more efficient, faster in taking decisions and a stronger voice in world affairs. All good stuff J
The new Treaty also means that Europe for the first time will have a President. A President elected by all 27 member states and who will serve for up to five years. He or she will lead the summits, the meetings of the European Council and their preparations. And also represent the EU to the outside world ( often together with the Commission’s president and the new foreign minister ).
Who should be the first president? I think it should be a FINN. Why ?
My first answer is: Why not ?
My second and more substantial reply is that we need at president, who has Europe-wide support. And who comes from a member state, which is a full and active partner of all EU policies. An able and experienced FINN will fulfill all these conditions. Finland is well regarded by everybody in the EU and beyond. Its politicians have a long experience in dealing with complex domestic and especially foreign policy questions. The country is a relatively new member state, but still with many years of active EU membership. And its hands-on experience in dealing with EU’s great neighbour Russia is definitely also a positive asset for Europe, which gives strong priority to working with its Eastern partners.
And my third argument for at FINN is that it would represent a fine balance in the EU with a president from the north and a president of the Commission, Mr. Barroso, from the south.
So LET’S MOBILISE ALL OF EUROPE to select a strong and experienced FINN as our first European president !!
www.action-europe-2014.blogspot.com and a special FACEBOOK GROUP
Europe is moving ahead. Before long the new and modernised Lisbon Treaty will in all likelihood come into force. Making the European Union more efficient, faster in taking decisions and a stronger voice in world affairs. All good stuff J
The new Treaty also means that Europe for the first time will have a President. A President elected by all 27 member states and who will serve for up to five years. He or she will lead the summits, the meetings of the European Council and their preparations. And also represent the EU to the outside world ( often together with the Commission’s president and the new foreign minister ).
Who should be the first president? I think it should be a FINN. Why ?
My first answer is: Why not ?
My second and more substantial reply is that we need at president, who has Europe-wide support. And who comes from a member state, which is a full and active partner of all EU policies. An able and experienced FINN will fulfill all these conditions. Finland is well regarded by everybody in the EU and beyond. Its politicians have a long experience in dealing with complex domestic and especially foreign policy questions. The country is a relatively new member state, but still with many years of active EU membership. And its hands-on experience in dealing with EU’s great neighbour Russia is definitely also a positive asset for Europe, which gives strong priority to working with its Eastern partners.
And my third argument for at FINN is that it would represent a fine balance in the EU with a president from the north and a president of the Commission, Mr. Barroso, from the south.
So LET’S MOBILISE ALL OF EUROPE to select a strong and experienced FINN as our first European president !!
www.action-europe-2014.blogspot.com and a special FACEBOOK GROUP
mandag den 5. oktober 2009
FRIENDS OF THE CZECHS
FRIENDS O F THE CZECHS
We are right now celebrating that it is 20 years ago that the Berlin Wall finally disappeared. So did the totalitarian communist regimes all over Central and Eastern Europe. Really, one of the most important and decisive events in Europe and in the world. We had again a fully democratic and soon unified Europe. To the benefit and joy of all of us.
Our Czech friends are an important part of our new and democratic Europe. It’s a pleasure to work actively with them and to develop Europe further together with them. Making Europe stronger, better, more efficient and more active in preserving and cultivating our common European values further.
We, true friends of the Czech people, from all over Europe want:
• more cooperation with the Czechs, not less
• more Czech involvement in Europe, not less
Therefore, we Welcome a soon and final Czech signature to the Lisbon Treaty modernising the European Union. The Treaty already agreed by the 26 other EU member states.
Join us. Be a full and active part also of the new and dynamic Europe.
N A M E S......
Niels Jørgen Thøgersen
We are right now celebrating that it is 20 years ago that the Berlin Wall finally disappeared. So did the totalitarian communist regimes all over Central and Eastern Europe. Really, one of the most important and decisive events in Europe and in the world. We had again a fully democratic and soon unified Europe. To the benefit and joy of all of us.
Our Czech friends are an important part of our new and democratic Europe. It’s a pleasure to work actively with them and to develop Europe further together with them. Making Europe stronger, better, more efficient and more active in preserving and cultivating our common European values further.
We, true friends of the Czech people, from all over Europe want:
• more cooperation with the Czechs, not less
• more Czech involvement in Europe, not less
Therefore, we Welcome a soon and final Czech signature to the Lisbon Treaty modernising the European Union. The Treaty already agreed by the 26 other EU member states.
Join us. Be a full and active part also of the new and dynamic Europe.
N A M E S......
Niels Jørgen Thøgersen
tirsdag den 16. juni 2009
EUROPE 2014 - how do you want it to be ?
One fight is over. The fight for a new European Parliament. Congratulations to all elected MEPs !
But the debate during the election campaign was not impressive. Where were the Visions? Where were the new and creative plans for
A NEW fight starts NOW. A fight to stimulate a real and forwardlooking debate on how we want
ACTION EUROPE 2014 has started.
Join in. Give your pro-active contributions and suggestions.
Working together is better than going alone - not least in politics. Let's show WHAT WE WANT WITH AND FROM EUROPE.
Six possible subjects to start the group:
1) How do we mobilise people in the fight for the climate?
2) How do we best learn from other countries how to handle the present crisis ? Concretely - untraditionally.
3) Suggestions on how to follow what citizens in other countries are interested in and worried about ? We can probably learn something - be inspired
4) Let's get cheaper mobile phone fees - all over
5) Let's work closer together in education, not least higher education. Why not stimulate super universities, where our very best students and researchers work together ?
6) Use Obama-like Communication 2.0 methods to involve us all in a pro-active debate on
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