DOCSLIB.ORG

TTIP – the New World Trade Order? a New Issue of the ”Genera- Svetlana Yordanova in the EU–US Trade Convergence Nego- Tion Europe“ Newspaper Brings Tiation Process

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
TTIP – the New World Trade Order? a New Issue of the ”Genera- Svetlana Yordanova in the EU–US Trade Convergence Nego- Tion Europe“ Newspaper Brings Tiation Process Saturday, May 9, 2015 Year Four GENERATION EUROPEFREE DISTRIBUTION Our Europe #TTIP – the New World Trade Order? A new issue of the ”Genera- Svetlana Yordanova in the EU–US trade convergence nego- tion Europe“ newspaper brings tiation process. On that date, European new luck, as they say, or rather Ideas to facilitate trade on both sides – a new European Parliament, of the Atlantic have existed before. A Commission President Jose Barroso an- a new European Commission, nounced the launch of real negotiations new priorities for the EU... These free trade area was initiated back in the are only part of the things that 1990ies but fi zzled out without any tangi- on a trade pact, a day after US President happened since our last issue ble results. The idea was relaunched after Barack Obama did so. Today, two years in May 2014 and which found the collapse of the Doha World Trade Or- later, the Transatlantic Trade and Invest- their rightful place in the new ment Partnership (TTIP) is a major topic, one. What hasn‘t changed is ganization (WTO) talks. It was rekindled the interest toward the com- by German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed by the USA, the EU and other petition for the publishing of and resulted in an operational Transat- world economic powers. the newspaper you are holding lantic Economic Council. February 13, EU and USA – on the way to the largest in your hands: this year more 2013 marked a completely new phase 2 free trade area in the world than 190 students from various universities in Bulgaria and Eu- rope submitted their essays. It is among them that we chose our 15 authors whose materials you will have the pleasure of read- ing. They will o er you a unique point of view toward the Euro- pean Union as the authors see it today and we will be expecting your comments in Twitter or on our Facebook page (EPIOSo a). Enjoy! In this issue: Challenges for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia .................... 3 Ukraine – this is Europe ................................ 3 Immigration in the EU - an invisible threat ...... 4 Three, two, one – Euro start ................................ 5 The new leading persons in the European Parliament ............................. 6 European Investment policy: who is the man with the plan? .......................... 8 Looking into the future: The EU budget for 2015 Financial diet for Economic Growth ............... 8 Your generation has a unique chance ..... 9 European Year for Development A tête à tête about Internet, Svetlana Kirova changes. Topics, which in recent years interest mainly for its own citizens but unemployment and something else ....... 10 Since 1983, the European Union have been the focus of EU, include beyond the borders of the Union, on focuses on a specifi c theme during the citizenship in 2013 and 2014, and the poorest countries and the European The phenomenon of Euro scepticism - year in order to attract public attention before that – active aging in 2012 and efforts in support of their development. how, when and why? ................................... 11 to a particular issue. In many cases volunteering in 2011. For the fi rst time initiatives precede important legislative in 2015 the EU focuses not on issues of 2 European Social Fund - investment in the future of young people ...................... 12 What Europe young people want to live in? ..................................................... 13 Only one click away ............................................. 14 Feeling the heart of Europe. From So a to Strasbourg and back again ..................................................... 15 The current publication has been realized by the European The six plusses of Erasmus + ...................... 16 Parliament Information O ce in Bulgaria. The information and views set out herein are those of the authors and do Euro Horoscope ................................................ 16 not necessarily re ect the o cial opinion of the European Parliament or the Information O ce. GENERATION 2 EUROPE #TTIP – the New World Trade Order? From page 1 a series of questions about the trade between the US and the by the national parliaments of impact of a possible agreement. EU. Whether travel restrictions the Member States – TTIP will The most controversial measure are such a barrier is not yet clear need to get the approval of the WHAT IS TTIP? TTIP foresees is the creation of an according to the Commission. European Parliament. That is In short, TTIP is the agreement, investor-state dispute settlement It seeks to make negotiations why in the recent months the which would create the largest (ISDS) mechanism in the form for trade agreements consistent EP has been an extremely active free trade area in the world. In of a supranational arbitration with the overall effort both at party in the talks which, as a essence this is a contract that that will allow large international European level and at the level rule, are only going on between will affect two of the largest corporations to sue individual of the Member States in order to the EC and the US Government. economies in the world, the total countries. Furthermore, there are achieve visa reciprocity with the 15 parliamentary committees GDP of which is over 50% of concerns that the US will impose US as soon as possible. have drawn up their positions to the world GDP. The agreement is its more liberal food standards help come up with a fi nal single (the issue of genetically modifi ed LOADING... aimed at the elimination of many position on the negotiation process trade barriers and liberalization organisms (GMOs)). After a possible successful and the individual chapters which TTIP in numbers of the transatlantic market. This THE TRANSPARENT outcome of the negotiations is expected to be formulated by includes reduction or elimination NEGOTIATIONS between the EU and the United the Committee on International of customs duties, non-tariff three – the EU, Member States OXYMORON States, the proposal prepared is Trade in May 2015. The EP barriers on trade with various and the US, which means that to be adopted unanimously at wants to be sure that the voice goods, creating a favourable In response to public criticism the contract will be subject to the meeting of the EU Council of the EU citizens will be heard environment for overseas advocating for greater discussion by many legal systems. in the composition of heads of investment by companies on both transparency in the negotiation and that the democratic principles Therefore, at this stage there are a sides of the Atlantic. process, the European state and government. To proceed will be respected. The parties lot of uncertainties about its fi nal Commission published a set to the third step – ratifi cation to the agreement are ultimately adoption and entry into force. PROS AND CONS of documents setting out EU’s SOON IN YOUR TTIP has provoked a colourful proposals for legal texts on HOME TOO palette of political and civil various topics in the context of positions. The biggest hopes negotiations on TTIP. This is the ”A day will come when we shall are that the removal of barriers fi rst trade agreement for which see those two immense groups, to trade and investment will the negotiating mandate will be the United States of America create new market opportunities published and made available and the United States of Europe, and stimulate economic growth for the general public before it facing one another, stretching in Europe and the US. An has been signed. In addition, out their hands across the sea, independent study by the Centre the European Commission has exchanging their products, their for Economic Policy Research, also published explanations in arts, their works of genius”. These London, showed that the annual a plainer language about the visionary words were pronounced positive effect of this agreement meaning of these texts, as well by Victor Hugo in 1849. We are to will be about EUR 119 billion as detailed reports with facts see soon whether Hugo’s dream for the EU’s GDP and about EUR clarifying the European positions. will come true. 95 billion for the US economy. NO VISA REQUIRED? However, each of the two Send us your opinion on the topic on countries is trying to fully protect EC defi nes TTIP as an opportunity Twitter @EP_Bulgaria with the hashtag their own interests, which raises to eliminate the barriers limiting #GenerationEurope! With the support of the European Looking into the future: Union, the NGO ALIMA (Alliance for International Medical Action) built a treatment European Year centre. Sâa Yawo Koumassadouno is one of the few for Development Ebola survivors. «Sustainable Development Goals», is expected to be adopted EU support promotes women’s political participation across in September 2015, again at a UN forum, while now the global the Paci c region. civil society has the fl oor to make proposals and comments. From page 1 On the other hand, the offi cially kicked off with a conference in March and individual institutions and MEPs encourage young people to spend some The Union is undoubtedly a global example in this area. It is EUROPEAN YEAR FOR DEVELOPMENT time thinking about the subject in essay competitions. the largest donor to developing countries, providing about 60% of is intended exactly for the EU citizens. It aims to inform all aid to them. The motto of the European Year for Development, BULGARIA AND THE YEAR FOR them, make them empathetic, but also to ask for their opinion on DEVELOPMENT however, does not focus on money but on values: «Our world, our what the collaborative global effort should look like in the com- dignity, our future». This is an idea of the European Parliament ing decades. A special website europa.eu/eyd2015/bg has been Overall, the European development policy is little known and the message – unambiguously – is that we have to stop think- developed for the purpose, available also in Bulgarian language.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • European Parliament Mid-Term Election: What Impact on Migration Policy?
    www.epc.eu 16 March 2017 01/12/2009 European Parliament mid-term election: what impact on migration policy? Marco Funk As the dust settles from the European Parliament’s (EP) mid-term election held on 17 January 2017, migration continues to top the EU’s agenda. The election of Antonio Tajani to replace Martin Schulz as president of the EP brought the institution under the leadership of the European People’s Party (EPP) after a power-sharing agreement with the socialist S&D was cancelled and replaced by a last-minute deal with the liberal ALDE group. A closer look at Tajani’s election and associated reshuffle of key internal positions suggests little change in the EP’s course on migration in the short term. However, upcoming developments may significantly change Parliament dynamics in the longer term. New president, different style Antonio Tajani is considered by many to be a less political, less activist president compared to Martin Schulz. The former is also apparently less willing to insist on a prominent role for the EP than the latter. Furthermore, Tajani shares the same conservative political affiliation as the heads of the European Commission and European Council, which makes ideological confrontations with Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk even less likely than under Schulz, who had few disagreements with either. While Schulz already maintained good relations with Juncker and closely coordinated responses to the large influx of refugees in 2015/2016, Tajani is even better placed to cooperate effectively due to his previous Commission experience and ideological alignment. Despite Tajani’s association with Italy’s populist conservative leader Silvio Berlusconi, he has adopted a more mainstream conservative political identity, which ultimately won him the EPP’s support.
    [Show full text]
  • European Parliament Made Simple
    THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MADE SIMPLE 2014-2019 The European Parliament Made Simple is produced by the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) as a introduction to the workings of the European Parliament for amateurs and experts alike. Production Team Editor and project manager Giovanni Mastrobuono Senior Communications Officer Editorial assistance Alexandrine Gauvin Communications Officer Eli Corso-Phinney Communications Intern The information contained in this publication has been compiled in good faith and is accurate according to the most recent sources available at the time of going to press. Photographs used with the kind permission of the Audiovisual Libraries of the European Commission, Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. First edition, 2014 ISBN: 978-2-9146856-7-2 Printed in Belgium American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) Avenue des Arts 53, B-1000 Brussels Telephone: +32 (0)2 513 68 92 Fax: +32 (0)2 513 79 28 [email protected] www.amchameu.eu Foreword Susan Danger Managing Director American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union t is with great pleasure that I present AmCham EU’s newest guide, The European Parliament Made Simple. The Lisbon Treaty, signed in 2009, gave the European Parliament greater power in EU Idecision-making and an increased role in selecting and approving the European Commission. As a result, this year’s European election has a greater democratic influence than ever before. With this in mind, AmCham EU has published The European Parliament Made Simple to explain the Parliament’s expanded powers and roles, for both the Brussels policy community and public affairs professionals in the EU and US.
    [Show full text]
  • MEETING of the COSAC CHAIRPERSONS 21-22 January 2018, Sofia, Bulgaria DRAFT PROGRAMME As of 10.01.2018 Sunday, 21 January 2018 1
    MEETING OF THE COSAC CHAIRPERSONS 21-22 January 2018, Sofia, Bulgaria DRAFT PROGRAMME as of 10.01.2018 Sunday, 21 January 2018 14:00 – 19:00 Arrival of delegations and registration for the meeting at the hotels Meeting of the Presidential Troika of COSAC 17:30 Departure by bus from the hotels 18:00 – 19:00 Meeting of the Presidential Troika Venue: National Assembly, “Zapad” Hall, 2 Narodno Sabranie sq. 1169 Sofia, Bulgaria 19:00 Departure for the dinner 17:30 Departure by bus from the hotels to the National History Museum 18:00 – 19:00 Visit of National History Museum Venue: 16 Vitoshko Lale Str., 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria 19:00 Departure by bus from the National History Museum to the dinner venue 19:30 Dinner at Boyana Residence hosted by Mr. Kristian VIGENIN, Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds, National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Venue: Boyana Residence, 16 Vitoshko Lale Str., 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria 22:30 Return to the hotels by bus 1 Monday, 22 January 2018 8:00 Departure by bus from the hotels to the conference venue Venue: NDK Congress Centre Sofia, Hall “3”, “Bulgaria" Square 1 1463 Sofia, Bulgaria 8:30 – 8:45 Opening of the meeting Welcome address by Ms. Tsveta KARAYANCHEVA, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Introductory remarks by Mr. Kristian VIGENIN, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds, National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Adoption of the agenda 8:45 – 9:15 Procedural issues and miscellaneous matters - Briefing on the results of the Presidential Troika of COSAC - Draft agenda of the LIX COSAC - Outline of the 29th Bi-Annual Report of COSAC - Letters received by the Presidency - Procedural issues Debate 9:15 – 10:15 Session 1: Priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU Keynote speaker: Mrs.
    [Show full text]
  • Visit Under Eu Presidency Bulgarian Visit for the European Presidency
    FMA BULLETIN - 64 19 VISIT UNDER EU PRESIDENCY BULGARIAN VISIT FOR THE EUROPEAN PRESIDENCY This trip was for the former members combined with imposing communist politics until’ now. of the EP led by our Brigitte (not architecture make up the grand I mustn’t forget between all the Macron or Bardot) but Langenhagen. Parliament Buildings, with spacious debates and culture Bulgaria is The group consisted of 19 former extra wide corridors. All the buildings famous for its cooking and wines. members from the UK, France, are hung with interesting paintings We were spoilt throughout. Germany, Bulgaria, Netherlands, of high quality from different The final day we visited the Military Spain, Czech Republic, Finland, periods and are well worth a visit Academy, founded in 1912. and Poland from 5 different in themselves. We should not The surrounding park with political parties. forget that the EP has a very fine magnificent trees a hallmark of It was a particularly moving visit international collection of art too, Tsar Ferdinand as in Exinograd and for me. I first went to Bulgaria well worth a visit. Varna. He loved nature. Prince campaigning for the first free Enlivened debate ensued the Ferdinand of Coburg came to the elections after the Berlin Wall came Bulgarian Foreign and European throne in 1886 following Prince down, then as an official observer Affairs committees, with the Chairs Alexander of Battenberg, with the in my role as Vice-President of the Ms Dzhema Grozdanova and influence of his mother, the daughter Bulgarian Delegation in the EP. I Mr Kristian Vigenin, as well as with of the last King of France he ruled was guided by Stefan Tavrov, future the Bulgarian Vice-President Ms Iliana Bulgaria for over 30 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Advanced Therapies – Ethics Vs Politics
    Issue 248 18 June 2007 INSIDE: Europabio’s Stephanie Pingitzer The Big Donor show: Frédérique Ries on organ donation Making life healthier: The Joint Research Centre in action Medical Research ADVANCED THERAPIES – ETHICS VS POLITICS NANOTECHNOLOGY PLUS: UNDER THE MICROSCOPE Profile: Helmuth Markov Expert comment Wolfgang Heusel, Diana and analysis from: Wallis & Klaus-Heiner Mark Morrison Lehne on ERA’s birthday Mihail Roco Bulgarian MEPs, Romanian Markus Pridoehl PM visit, Ukraine Issue 248 18 June 2007 Editor’s comment not only want one permanent After the “no” vote in France, he could seat for the European parliament show that he was pro-reform of the EU and Strasbourg is a beautiful Alsatian but that 81 per cent want the was willing to take the practical step of town but the monthly commute seat to be in Brussels and to end allowing the EU to work more effectively blights the lives of MEPs and the monthly trips to Strasbourg. and efficiently by having one site for the their staff. Some deputies have to 84 per cent also believed that parliament. He could send a clear message leave as early as Sunday in order parliament should be able to on climate change and carbon foot prints by to arrive for meetings. Which decide on its own location. To date ending the Strasbourg sojourn. member state would allow their this poll marks the most extensive The timing could not be better as national parliaments to work survey of MEPs on the one-seat discussions over the demise of the constitution from two sites? The European question.
    [Show full text]
  • MEETING of the COSAC CHAIRPERSONS 21-22 January 2018, Sofia, Bulgaria DRAFT PROGRAMME As of 05.12.2017 Sunday, 21 January 2018 1
    MEETING OF THE COSAC CHAIRPERSONS 21-22 January 2018, Sofia, Bulgaria DRAFT PROGRAMME as of 05.12.2017 Sunday, 21 January 2018 14:00 – 19:00 Arrival of delegations and registration for the meeting at the hotels Meeting of the Presidential Troika of COSAC 17:30 Departure by bus from the hotels 18:00 – 19:00 Meeting of the Presidential Troika Venue: National Assembly, “Zapad” Hall, 2 Narodno Sabranie sq. 1169 Sofia, Bulgaria 19:00 Departure for the dinner 17:30 Departure by bus from the hotels for a cultural visit (tbc) 18:00 – 19:00 Cultural visit (tbc) 19:00 Departure by bus to the dinner venue 19:30 Dinner at Boyana Residence hosted by Mr. Kristian VIGENIN, Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds, National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Venue: Boyana Residence, 16 Vitoshko Lale Str., 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria 22:30 Return to the hotels by bus 1 Monday, 22 January 2018 8:00 Departure by bus from the hotels to the conference venue Venue: NDK Congress Centre Sofia, Hall “3”, “Bulgaria" Square 1 1463 Sofia, Bulgaria 8:30 – 8:45 Opening of the meeting Welcome address by Ms. Tsveta KARAYANCHEVA, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Introductory remarks by Mr. Kristian VIGENIN, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of the European Funds, National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Adoption of the agenda 8:45 – 9:15 Procedural issues and miscellaneous matters - Briefing on the results of the Presidential Troika of COSAC - Draft agenda of the LIX COSAC - Outline of the 29th Bi-Annual Report of COSAC - Letters received by the Presidency - Procedural issues Debate 9:15 – 10:15 Session 1: Priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU Keynote speaker: Mrs.
    [Show full text]
  • Brief on India - Bulgaria Relations
    Brief on India - Bulgaria Relations Bilateral Political Relations Relations between India and Bulgaria are longstanding, warm and friendly. The two countries, which happen to be ancient civilizations, are proud of their glorious cultural heritage. People to people contacts and cultural links between the two countries pre-date the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1954 and there are traces of contacts between the peoples of the two countries as early as the 8th Century AD. Despite political changes witnessed by the two countries in the last six decades, India and Bulgaria, as two independent nation-States have developed a close, cordial and multi-dimensional relationship. The multi-faceted relationship has flourished based on continuity and mutual understanding and has progressively evolved into a binding friendship. High-level bilateral visits include that by President Ram Nath Kovind (2018), Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2003), Vice President Krishan Kant (2000), President S. D. Sharma (1994), Vice President R. Venkataraman (1985), PM Indira Gandhi (1981), President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1980), President V.V. Giri (1976), PM Indira Gandhi (1967) and Vice-President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1954); and From the Bulgarian side, their Presidents - Mr. Petar Stoyanov in 1998 and Mr. Todor Zhivkov (1976 & 1983); and Prime Ministers – Mr. Sergei Stanishev in 2007 and Mr. Stanko Todorov (1974, & 1980). Honourable President of India H.E. Mr. Ram Nath Kovind, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Savita Kovind, paid a State Visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev from 4- 6 September 2018. This was the first high level visit from India to Bulgaria after 15 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Daily News 25 / 10 / 2017
    European Commission - Daily News Daily News 25 / 10 / 2017 Brussels, 25 October 2017 Président Juncker en Guyane: le partenariat renforcé avec les régions ultrapériphériques et l'Europe de l'espace au cœur de la visite Deux jours après la présentation de la nouvelle stratégie européenne pour les régions ultrapériphériques, le président Juncker, accompagné de la commissaire à la politique régionale Corina Creţu, sera en Guyane jeudi 26 et vendredi 27 octobre, où il assistera à la Conférence des Présidents des Régions Ultrapériphériques aux côtés du président de la République française Emmanuel Macron. Jeudi après-midi, à Cayenne, le président Juncker visitera le campus universitaire de Troubiran, qui a bénéficié de la politique de cohésion de l'UE. Vendredi, le président Juncker, aux côtés de la commissaire Creţu, visitera des projets financés par des fonds européens et devrait échanger avec des représentants du secteur du bois et de la pêche, secteurs clefs pour l'économie locale. Vendredi également, le président Juncker et le président Macron visiteront le Centre Spatial Guyanais à Kourou et rencontreront des jeunes en insertion sur le chantier du lanceur européen Ariane 6.Suivez la visite du président Juncker en Guyane sur le portail audiovisuel de la Commission européenne.(Pour plus d'informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Lucía Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169; Victoria von Hammerstein – Tel.: +32 229 55040) Italy receives €1.2 billion from the EU Solidarity Fund - advance payments to Greece following recent earthquakes In the coming days, Italy will receive the €1.2 billion from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) which the Commission had proposed in June, following the severe earthquakes that struck the country in 2016 and 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • Information As of 1 June 2020 Has Been Used in Preparation of This Directory. PREFACE Key to Abbreviations
    Information as of 1 June 2020 has been used in preparation of this directory. PREFACE Key To Abbreviations Adm. Admiral Admin. Administrative, Administration Asst. Assistant Brig. Brigadier Capt. Captain Cdr. Commander Cdte. Comandante Chmn. Chairman, Chairwoman Col. Colonel Ctte. Committee Del. Delegate Dep. Deputy Dept. Department Dir. Director Div. Division Dr. Doctor Eng. Engineer Fd. Mar. Field Marshal Fed. Federal Gen. General Govt. Government Intl. International Lt. Lieutenant Maj. Major Mar. Marshal Mbr. Member Min. Minister, Ministry NDE No Diplomatic Exchange Org. Organization Pres. President Prof. Professor RAdm. Rear Admiral Ret. Retired Rev. Reverend Sec. Secretary VAdm. Vice Admiral VMar. Vice Marshal Afghanistan Last Updated: 24 Jun 2019 Pres. Ashraf GHANI CEO Abdullah ABDULLAH, Dr. First Vice Pres. Abdul Rashid DOSTAM Second Vice Pres. Sarwar DANESH First Deputy CEO Khyal Mohammad KHAN Min. of Agriculture, Irrigation, & Livestock Nasir Ahmad DURRANI Min. of Border & Tribal Affairs Gul Agha SHERZAI Min. of Commerce & Industry Ajmal AHMADY (Acting) Min. of Counternarcotics Salamat AZIMI Min. of Defense Asadullah KHALID (Acting) Min. of Economy Mohammad Mustafa MASTOOR Min. of Education Mohammad Mirwais BALKHI (Acting) Min. of Energy & Water Tahir SHARAN (Acting) Min. of Finance Mohammad Humayun QAYOUMI (Acting) Min. of Foreign Affairs Salahuddin RABBANI Min. of Hajj & Islamic Affairs Faiz Mohammad OSMANI Min. of Higher Education Abdul Tawab BALAKARZAI (Acting) Min. of Information & Culture Hasina SAFI (Acting) Min. of Interior Mohammad Masood ANDARABI (Acting) Min. of Justice Abdul Basir ANWAR Min. of Martyred, Disabled, Labor, & Social Affairs Sayed Anwar SADAT (Acting) Min. of Mines & Petroleum Nargis NEHAN (Acting) Min. of Parliamentary Affairs Faruq WARDAK Min.
    [Show full text]
  • Report of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council Of
    Country Report COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE DUNJA MIJATOVIĆ REPORT FOLLOWING HER VISIT TO BULGARIA FROM 25 TO 29 NOVEMBER 2019 Strasbourg, 31 March 2020 CommDH(2020)8 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY........................................................................................................................................................ 4 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 6 1 RACISM, INTOLERANCE AND DISCRIMINATION ......................................................................................... 6 1.1 Intolerance and hate speech towards minorities ................................................................................... 6 1.2 Societal hostility and institutional discrimination against Roma, with a focus on the right to housing .. 8 1.3 The right to freedom of association of persons identifying as ethnic Macedonians ............................. 11 1.4 The authorities’ response to racism, intolerance and discrimination ................................................... 11 1.4.1 Institutional, legal and policy framework ...........................................................................................11 1.4.2 The authorities’ response to hate crime and hate speech .................................................................13 1.4.3 The Equality Body (Commission for Protection against Discrimination) and the Ombudsman..........13 1.5 Conclusions and recommendations
    [Show full text]
  • World Leaders December 2017
    Information as of 4 December 2017 has been used in preparation of this directory. PREFACE The Central Intelligence Agency publishes and updates the online directory of Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments weekly. The directory is intended to be used primarily as a reference aid and includes as many governments of the world as is considered practical, some of them not officially recognized by the United States. Regimes with which the United States has no diplomatic exchanges are indicated by the initials NDE. Governments are listed in alphabetical order according to the most commonly used version of each country's name. The spelling of the personal names in this directory follows transliteration systems generally agreed upon by US Government agencies, except in the cases in which officials have stated a preference for alternate spellings of their names. NOTE: Although the head of the central bank is listed for each country, in most cases he or she is not a Cabinet member. Ambassadors to the United States and Permanent Representatives to the UN, New York, have also been included. Key To Abbreviations Adm. Admiral Admin. Administrative, Administration Asst. Assistant Brig. Brigadier Capt. Captain Cdr. Commander Cdte. Comandante Chmn. Chairman, Chairwoman Col. Colonel Ctte. Committee Del. Delegate Dep. Deputy Dept. Department Dir. Director Div. Division Dr. Doctor Eng. Engineer Fd. Mar. Field Marshal Fed. Federal Gen. General Govt. Government Intl. International Lt. Lieutenant Maj. Major Mar. Marshal Mbr. Member Min. Minister, Ministry NDE No Diplomatic Exchange Org. Organization Pres. President Prof. Professor RAdm. Rear Admiral Ret. Retired Sec. Secretary VAdm.
    [Show full text]
  • Observation of the Presidential Election in Bulgaria (6 and 13 November 2016)
    http://assembly.coe.int Doc. 14237 23 January 2017 Observation of the presidential election in Bulgaria (6 and 13 November 2016) Election observation report Ad hoc Committee of the Bureau Rapporteur: Mr Joseph O'REILLY, Ireland, Group of the European People's Party Contents Page 1. Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 1 2. Political background..................................................................................................................................2 3. Legal framework........................................................................................................................................2 4. Electoral administration, voters lists and the registration of candidates.....................................................3 5. Election campaign and finance and media environment........................................................................... 5 6. Polling day................................................................................................................................................ 6 7. Conclusions.............................................................................................................................................. 6 Appendix 1 – Composition of the ad hoc committee..................................................................................... 7 Appendix 2 – Programme of the ad hoc committee (4-7 November 2016)....................................................8
    [Show full text]