Terence Kealey Ryszard Legutko MEP Geopolitics of Brexit OUR VISION WHAT DOES FOR THE BRITAIN EUROPEAN WANT? ACRE Liberty Summit in Sofia, Bulgaria p.23 UNION p.17 p.15

Issue #4 | April 2019

A fortnightly Newspaper by the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE) | theconservative.online

Steven Harper THE Forum for Democracy (FvD) CENTRE-RIGHT stunned the Dutch political IN THE AGE OF establishment in provincial election GLOBALIZATION held on the 20th of March by Membership of the IDU comes winning the largest number of votes. through our various regional unions, of which the Alliance Forum for Democracy has long been of Conservatives and Reform- doing well in the polls, but the size ists in Europe is among the most dynamic. p.7 of the outcome – 14,4 per cent –

surprise many observers. The party, Profile which was founded only three years IVÁN ESPINOSA ago, and only has two seats in the A wealthier Spain is a stronger House of Representatives, will now Spain. p.10 have 13 of the 75-seat in the Senate. The magnitude of the victory is Pieter Cleppe historic. It has never happened THE ROAD before that a new party has become TO BREXIT the largest party in their first The referendum took place against the backdrop of the financial cri- provincial election. sis, the eurocrisis and the chaos of the migration crisis all which bol- CONTINUED ON p.5 stered Eurosceptic sentiment. These developments were not part of Cameron’s equation when he announced the referendum. p.12

Jan Zahradil CAMPAIGN DIARY Part III. Prague, Brussels, Sofia p.18

Conservative Music COMPOSING UNDER THE GUN by Jay Nordlinger Listen to the Shostakovich string quartets, for example. They tell you something about life under the Bolsheviks, something deep and terrible. p.21

VOICE OF REGIONAL Conservative Books BODIES HAS TO BE HEARD J.R.R. Tolkien’s by Władysław Ortyl municipalities, network organisations of THE LORD OF different types of local and regional author- THE RINGS he European Commission’s pro- ities, and economic and non-governmental posals for the Multiannual Finan- organisations. TRILOGY by James Delingpole T cial Framework (MFF) and draft In the ongoing discussion, the voice of SPECIAL FEATURE legal documents for the European cohe- representatives of regional bodies, which What this does is to give Tolk- sion policy, which it published in May have a key role to play in implement- ien’s work the most extraordinary BREXIT 2018, established a new framework for ing cohesion policy, has be clearly heard. depth and resonance: his creation A DEFINING MOMENT debate on the future of this policy. It has As marshal of the Podkarpackie voivod- is rooted in more than 2000 years’ formed the basis for the Member States’ ship, one of the sixteen regions of Poland, worth of invented history; his vari- negotiating positions, as well as the opin- I would like to point out a number of fun- ous races speak in exotic, philolog- ions of the main stakeholders: the Euro- damental issues concerning the Euro- ically plausible tongues. p.22 pean Parliament, the Committee of pean cohesion policy which are relevant to CONTINUED ON p.16 the Regions, regions, towns/cities and regional authorities. 2 EDITORIAL theconservative.online theconservative.online EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 3

Ashley Fox MEP Ryszard Legutko MEP THE SUMMIT SEASON Regulation of the EU crowdfunding MACRON’S NEW EU sector backed by MEPs DAWN SOUNDS MORE

ew rules providing the first LIKE ITS TWILIGHT Ballot EU-wide regulation of the N crowdfunding sector have is stronger than been approved by MEPs. Led through the European Parliament by ECR MEP THE Ashley Fox, the legislation introduces common regulations and standards that crowdfunding service providers (CSPs) can opt into. Currently, sepa- rate national rules limit cross-border activity. It also creates a European passport Bulletby Richard Milsom for CSPs, providing protection for both clear information about the risks of – a type of crowdfunding which often investors and those seeking to raise their investments and there are provi- involves cryptocurrencies. n this 4th edition of The Conservative we Terence Kealey, former Vice-Chancellor of The finance. sions to address conflicts of interest and Mr Fox said: “Approval means that features a special edition on Brexit, but University of Buckingham, writes on the geopol- Mr Fox said: “Crowdfunding is complaints. negotiations with European Coun- I really focuses on the topic of democracy itics of Brexit. In his view the proper question for becoming an important source of fund- National authorities remain respon- cil and Commission can begin after the more generally. In the news sections, we see the the British to ask themselves over their member- ing for small businesses and micro-en- sible for authorising and supervising European elections in May, with the aim effects in the form of terrorism and atrocities ship of the EU is if the British want to be part of a terprises across the EU. CSPs, with the European Securities and of the legislative process being com- brought about by undemocratic – or, even, anti- United States of Europe, or if the country wants This legislation is big step towards Markets Authority assuming a medi- pleted by the end of the year.” democratic – to be the geopolitical equivalent of Canada. helping achieve its full potential.” Dif- ation role. Although not included in The crowdfunding regulation is the he EU must start listening to renaissance. It sounds more like a ideologies. As destructive as these ideolo- Władysław Ortyl, Marshal of the Podkar- ferent levels of regulation will apply to today’s report, MEPs have asked the first to emerge from the European Com- voters’ genuine concerns and European twilight.” gies are, essentially there are several good news packie voivodship, takes a closer look at how platforms depending on the complex- European Commission to come for- mission’s Action Plan, aimed at harness- T undertake a thorough self-­ Specifically on Brexit, Legutko stories. the democratic elected regional authorities can ity of their operations. Service pro- ward with new legislative proposals on ing technological innovation in financial appraisal, particularly given recent called on the EU side to be prepared to The fact that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s implementing cohesion policy to improve the viders will be required to give clients the regulation of initial coin offerings services. ■ ­crises such as Brexit, said ECR co-chair offer any help it can. final report on the investigation concludes that wellbeing of the citizens. He gives several exam- Ryszard Legutko. He said: members of the Trump Campaign didn’t conspired ples from the success story of his own Podkar- He was speaking during a debate “Of course the Brexit clock is tick- or coordinated with the Russian government in its packie voivodship. In the overarching discussions he Alliance of Conservatives and Reform- of all individuals by rejecting and speaking out with other Group leaders at the ing. We await progress in London, and election interference activities – that there wasn’t of democracy, we must never forget that all policy ists in Europe (ACRE) organized the Lib- against bigotry, discrimination, harassment and ­European Council summit, and said: I hope they can find a way through the any collusion – with the Russians must be a reason must, in the end, benefit the citizens of the enti- T erty Summit in Sofia on 22nd March. violence; and so build a more equitable society “Brexit is not the time for self-­ current situation. We should be pre- to rejoice. The sad fact that U.S. Attorney General ties in which they live. Ministers, members of both the national and for all.” The pledge is inter alia supported by Mr congratulation. It is the time for a pared for any outcome and offer any William Barr’s finds that the Russian government It is clear that Brexit has been a challenge for european parliaments, academics, think tankers Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur for self-appraisal. This has been the help we can. It is our problem too.” tried to interfere in the Presidential election, is no the UK political class. It is also likely to be a defin- and activists – in total 80 delegates from 36 coun- Freedom of Religion or Belief. ­biggest period of crisis since the start Legutko concluded: real blow to this good news because no one should ing moment for the European Union. The Pieter tries – participated in the very successful event The Alliance of Conservatives and Reform- of EU integration. “The clock is also ticking on the have held out high hopes for the democratic mind- Cleppe of Open Europe has written about the his- hosted by Nikolay Barekov MEP. ists in Europe (ACRE) will be organizing a one- “Mr. Macron recently wrote the future of the EU. We should be listen- set of the Russian leaders. torical road that ultimately lead to Brexit giving a As with some other Central European coun- day seminar entitled the Blue-Green Summit whole of Europe a letter – it called ing to voters across the EU. More and Another good news story to celebrate is that more fine-grained picture of the process than we tries that emerged from totalitarian rule, Bulgaria in Brussels on 3rd April. The Summit will bring for more centralisation and more more voters are desperate for change the last stronghold of so-called Islamic State in normally see and also debunks numerous Brexit at first struggled to become a fully constitutional together politicians, academics, activists, busi- regulation. He called it a European and change will happen very soon.” ■ Syria has fallen. While this may not be the end myths. and democratic state. But, at the same time, Bul- nesses and others to explore how conservatives of the civil war, it puts and end the vicious cru- Richard Byfält, the former Secretary General garia, like many other countries emerging from truly make the best conservationists. The par- elty this terrorist organization has been prac- of the EUDemocrats Party, takes apart the With- Soviet rule, were primed for the development of ticipants will discuss how we can best improve Mark Demesmaeker MEP ticing, and while there still are sleeper cells that drawal Agreement and Political Declaration to free-market ideas, true democracy, and the rule of the environment using market mechanisms; may inflict new terror atrocities in is the end of highlights core of the 599-page treaty and the law and capitalism. The aim of this Summit was to the innovation that comes from capitalism; and, this horrible Islamist caliphate and a great blow 36-page declaration discussing the agreements take the changes further and inspire the creation the natural sense of trusteeship that is part of MEPs approve to their ideology. imperfections and discusses the options. of a deeper democratic culture and the institutions Burkean conservatism. The horrendous terror attack in New Zealand Diego Sánchez de la Cruz takes a more prac- necessary to generate more prosperity in Bulgaria. This year the Blue-Green Summit will explore ambitious new package and the terrible attack in Utrecht, two of the most tical approach and writes about the post-Brexit Democracy is the best and fairest system of two key themes: peaceful places on earth, both are appalling and reality for the hundreds of thousands of British government that man has so far devised; its prin- The panel on water and waste management to cut plastic waste must be condemned in the harshest possible way. citizens that have settle in Spain and those Span- ciples allowing citizens to flourish and fulfil their will discuss the need for breakthroughs in green In the case of the assault on the two mosques in iards living in the United Kingdom and finds the own potentials. It is one of the most fundamen- technology, and the regulatory structures that Christ Church the terrorist published a 74-page situation better than many would have hoped. tal and important principles of the centre-right best allow these to take place. Significant inno- manifesto showing that it was an act of terrorism David John Wilkinson provides us with an and as a result, it is of vital importance that the vation breakthroughs will make the green option motivated by ideological militant white ethnona- analysis of the United Kingdom Independence centre-right movement encourages and supports the cost-effective one; such that economic devel- tionalism which is virtually indistinguishable to Party’s role in Brexit and surprisingly finds that nations that are still making the shift. opment and environmental improvement will national socialism. But, if there is something pos- the party the party may have delayed Brexit and Looking forward, the Alliance of Conserva- not be in conflict. itive to draw from these violent acts; it is, that it is that their failure strategy also has affected the tives and Reformists in Europe, will be hosting The panel on clean energy will discuss how clear from the reaction, that the terrorists will not ongoing negotiations. two important conferences. The Faith and Free- private and corporate ownership can inspire the affect our democratic societies in any fundamen- Finally, Jonathan Werran, looks at the oppor- dom Summit II, “Practicing what we Preach in sustainable management of natural resources tal way. And, as with all previous tests of democ- tunity Brexit creates within the United Kingdom Europe”, will take place on April 2 at the Euro- in the energy sphere. This panel will discuss the racy, these ideologies will also fail. His conclusion is that the United Kingdom’s exit pean Parliament in Brussels. power in the market processes; particularly the In the opinion section Tomasz Grzegorz from the European Union is a unique opportunity The roundtable will bring together Members ways in which new technology is encouraging The European Parliament has that by 2029, member states will have Grosse, PhD writes on how the democracy that to return power to local government and re-es- of the European Parliament, the OSCE Office sustainable stewardship. Particular focus will be adopted a new set of rules to help to collect 90 percent of the plastic sin- constitutes the core of our political culture, is tablish a system of self-government built upon for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on Carbon Capture Schemes and the use of nat- keep litter out of our seas and gle-use drink bottles. Demesmaeker endangered by the ongoing processes of Euro- the ancient tradition of local self-reliance. (OSCE), the European Commission, as well as ural resources. Other trusteeship-based market oceans. Under the laws a number continued: pean integration. Essentially, the European I’m happy to see The Conservative make an several human rights activists and scholars from concepts such as natural capital, carbon trading of products will be banned where “This measure will have a major Union lacks legitimacy for the radical reforms impact and take its place in the forefront of the civil society. The roundtable aims to drive an schemes and catch-shares will also be discussed there are more sustainable and impact. Also towards CO2 reduction. needed to ensure more effective governance. European debate and champion conservative open discussion on the topic and the need to rein- here. affordable alternatives already For every tone of plastic that we recy- Janet Daley, columnist for The Sunday Tele- thought. As conservatives we know that the real force the existing mechanisms protecting free- Both the Faith and Freedom Summit and available, such as plastic cutlery cle, we take a car off the road. Plas- graph, discuss why young people and students improvements to society don’t come through rev- dom of religion or belief in the European Union. the Blue-Green Summit build on our success- and plates. Member States will tic beverage bottles are the most keep falling for Trotskyism. In this article there olutions, ideological zeal or utopian dreaming, At the Summit a pledge will be launched that ful events on similar themes held last year. We also have to do more to reduce the commonly found disposable plastic on are many parallels for the reader to draw from the but in improving our towns, communities and all MEP candidates are asked to sign, that reads have already seen an impact of those events and use of plastic food containers and our beaches. In addition, the European reason why young persons are drawn to Islamism countries gradually through the democratic pro- as following: “I pledge that I will uphold and believe that the events held this year will be even plastic drink cups for single use. Parliament was able to convince the or white ethnonationalism. cess. ■ defend the freedom of conscience and religion great impact. ■ Member States that by 2030 all bever- rovisions are included to age bottles should consist of 30% recy- improve product design, label- cled plastic.” P ing and awareness campaigns There are also incentives in the leg- that aim to contribute to Member islation to encourage tobacco compa- DISCLAIMER EDITORIAL BOARD HOW TO CONTACT US States’ litter prevention strategies. nies to remove the plastic contained in Alliance of Conservatives & EDITOR There will also be new mechanisms cigarette butts, and introduce new pro- Reformists in Europe (ACRE) is a ADDRESS Alliance of Conservatives & introduced to ensure that from now on ducer responsibility measures which Belgian EUPP No: 0820.208.739, Richard Milsom Reformists in Europe (ACRE) producers have to pay for cleaning up will ensure they contribute towards the recognised and partially funded by Rue du Trone 4, B-1000, The Conservative is a fortnightly newspaper available in print MANAGING EDITOR their littered products. clean-up of discarded stubs. Demes- the European Parliament. Themistoklis Asthenidis Brussels, Belgium and online, owned by the Alliance of the Conservatives and ECR MEP Mark Demesmaeker, who maeker concluded: Reformists in Europe (ACRE). ADVISORY BOARD The views and opinions expressed WEB theconservative.online negotiated these measures on behalf of “A plastic cigarette butt does not Jan Zahradil MEP in the publication are solely those EMAIL [email protected] the Group said: break down and one cigarette can con- The Conservative can be read online at theconservative.online Anna Fotyga MEP of individual authors and should not “More than 80 percent of the lit- taminate up to 500 liters of water. Pro- Raffaele Fitto MEP be regarded as reflecting any official INFORMATION FOR AUTHORS ter found on our beaches consists of ducers of tobacco filters with plastic REPRODUCTION RIGHTS Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP opinion or position of the Alliance plastic. About half of this comes from will have to pay for the clean-up costs All content and materials of The Conservative are copyrighted, Prof Ryszard Legutko MEP of Conservatives and Reformists Please address submissions and disposable products. Without action, and for the necessary public infrastruc- unless otherwise stated. For permission to republish articles Daniel Hannan MEP appearing in The Conservative, please contact the Managing in Europe (ACRE), its leadership, letters to the editor to: more plastic than fish will swim in our ture to collect these stubs. In addition Editor at [email protected]. members or staff, or of the DESIGN Managing Editor / The Conservative seas by 2050. We must change course to the existing health warnings, there European Parliament. VIDEOR o.d. (videor.ba) EMAIL [email protected] twitter.com/ facebook.com/ instagram.com/ and these ambitious measures are a will also be an environmental warning ZahradilJan jzahradil jan.zahradil step in the right direction.” on the packaging of tobacco products Another eye-catching new clause is that contain plastic.” ■ 4 EUROPEAN NEWS theconservative.online theconservative.online EUROPEAN NEWS 5

Poland Healthiest Country Index Monetary Policy The Netherlands Council of Europe SPAIN MAY SOON BE FvD STORMS TO VICTORY! ECB doubles down on expansion Secretary-General THE HEALTHIEST Largest party in Senate n 7 March, the ECB decided visits Warsaw COUNTRY IN THE to embark on a new round of O liquidity support for banks. Banks will be able to obtain ECB issues he chief of Polish diplomacy was democracy, human rights, and the rule of and the Holy See have observer status WORLD loans with a maturity of two years joined in Warsaw by the Coun- law on our continent. It is therefore very in the organization. The Council’s head- through the so-called TLTRO III - pro- T cil of Europe Secretary General, important to look for ways of making it quarters are in Strasbourg. pain has risen to the top of the gramme, starting in September 2019 Vice-Rector of the University of Warsaw more effective, and of deepening coop- The Council of Europe’s mission is to Bloomberg Healthiest Country and ending in March 2021. The ECB Maciej Duszczyk, and Finland’s Deputy eration with civil society. “In Poland’s protect human rights, democracy and S Index, a report that ranks more claims this is “to preserve favourable Foreign Minister Anne Sipiläinen at the opinion, active contribution of the civil the rule of law, to harmonize social and than 150 economies according to dif- bank lending conditions and the smooth opening of a conference on the role and society can provide significant support legal practices of the member states, to ferent factors that contribute to over- transmission of monetary policy”. position of non-governmental organiza- for the organization and its monitoring promote a European awareness based on all health and wellbeing. Among the The first two “Targeted Long-Term tions in the Council of Europe. “On its 70th bodies in crucially important and diffi- common values, and to fight intolerance. variables and indicators considered by Refinancing Operations”, imple- anniversary, Poland decided to provide a cult work on ensuring respect for human The adoption of the European Con- Bloomberg are life expectancy, preva- mented in 2014 and 2016, resulted in a platform for open discussion about the role rights, democracy and rule of law,” said vention on Human Rights in 1950 and the lence of disease, obesity, environmen- total 770 billion euro in liquidity sup- out of QE because it already owns 25% “Deutsche Bank should focus on getting and participation of non-governmental the Polish foreign minister. The bilateral establishment of the European Court of tal quality. port to the European banking sector. of “eligible” eurozone government debt. better, not bigger,” with leading CDU organizations in the Human Rights as the The results of the Healthiest Coun- hours are on par with the European The main beneficiaries were banks in Going beyond that is politically virtually MP Joachim Pfeiffer adding he’s against activities of the Coun- Convention’s guard- try Index are not surprising. Spain will average, indicating a rather high pro- Italy (250 billion euro), Spain (167 bil- impossible”. a permanent government stake in any cil of Europe,” Minis- ian are generally con- soon overtake Japan to become the ductivity per hour worked. Simply lion euro), France (90 billion euro) and Clemens Fuest, another prominent new entity. ter Jacek Czaputowicz “Poland is devoted to holding continuous, active sidered as the major world leader on life expectancy rank- put, Spaniards are not lazy, as the ste- Germany (80 billion euro). Italy’s bank- economist, who directs the IFO eco- In another announcement from ECB said in his opening dialogue and cooperation with the Council of achievements of the ings. Also, the Southern European reotype could portray, but they rather ing sector is still struggling with a high nomic research institute, pointed out that day, that the central bank “expects remarks. “The impor- Europe, in order to strengthen its efficiency, Council of Europe. country is known for the efficiency of organize themselves in a different way level of “bad loans”, even if the situa- that “it’s very hard to design long term the key ECB interest rates to remain at tance of the civil soci- Moreover, the Coun- its healthcare system, second only to than other European nations do. Spain tion has improved. German banks have loans in such a way to really stimulate their present levels at least through the ety and enhancement authority and respect among all the member states,” cil is active in areas Hong Kong and Singapore in terms of now has the numbers to prove it is a complained that the low interest rates extra lending”. end of 2019, and in any case for as long as of NGO participa- Minister Czaputowicz said after his meeting with which are not directly costs and benefits. healthy way to live. are making it hard for them to remain Gregorio De Felice, chief economist of necessary”, drove down the value of the tion in the Council of Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. linked with human But Spain’s success in this field can- Spain’s Mediterranean Diet is also profitable. Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo, disagreed euro, hitting savers further. Europe was one of the rights, such as legal not be reduced to numbers. In fact, credited with the country’s good per- Friedrich Heinemann, an economist with the criticism, saying “there are These ECB policies and the ongo- key elements of the Declaration and Action meeting also reviewed political develop- cooperation, social affairs, and cultural most experts argue that culture plays a formance. A study led by the University CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE Until recently, Henk Otten, at leading German research institute European banks who’re doing well, also ing struggles of European banks appear Plan adopted at the Third Summit of Heads ments across our continent. and scientific collaboration. The func- key role. Take the case of the world-fa- of Navarra’s Medical School acknowl- In the provincial elections’ members co-founder of Forum for Democracy, ZEW criticised the ECB’s moves, saying in Italy, but also banks, in Italy and else- to be linked. Recent ECB research con- of State and Government of the Council of While in Warsaw, the Secretary Gen- tioning of local governments has become mous siesta, a short nap taken by edges that the Mediterranean diet has of the 12 provincial parliaments are was in the shade of Thierry Baudet, it had become “vulnerable to blackmail” where, that are struggling”. cluded that eurozone labour productiv- Europe which took place here in Warsaw, in eral of the Council of Europe held a another field of its competence. Over 200 millions of Spaniards after their mid- substantial benefits for the country’s elected. Its these provincial parlia- but during these elections he stepped as “banks base in a country threatened One example of a struggling German ity growth is badly lagging that in the US May 2005,” he added. number of meetings with Polish offi- international agreements have been con- day meal. Experts credit this habit population. It consists on eating pri- ments that select the members for into the limelight as the official lead- by bankruptcy, like Italy, could other- bank is Deutsche Bank, which may now and the UK. Research by Claudio Borio, The Secretary General’s visit to War- cials, including Sejm Speaker Marek cluded under the auspices of the Council with reducing work stress and lower- marily plant-based foods, such as fruits the national Senate. The ruling VVD ing candidate for the Senate elec- wise only refinance themselves on the merge with Commerzbank. The Ger- chief economist of the Bank for Inter- saw was an opportunity to discuss the Kuchciński and Deputy Prime Minister of Europe. ing the impact of cardiovascular dis- and vegetables, whole grains, legumes didn’t suffer a large loss of votes and tions. According to Dutch political markets at penalty levels”. He thinks the man government’s preferred option is to national Settlements (BIS), has demon- Council of Europe’s achievements 70 Jarosław Gowin. The talks focused on key Poland joined the Council of Europe ease among the Iberian country’s and nuts. It is also rich in olive oil and got 20,5 per cent but will still lose commentator Joost Vullings, Otten ECB “is turning ever more into the per- convert the state’s 15.6% stake in Com- strated how low interest rates and loose years after it was established. During his elements of the Polish presence in the on 26 November 1991, and has been a population. often includes more herbs and spices one seat. The Christian Democratic has played a highly significant role in manent long-term capital supplier of merzbank into shares in the combined monetary policies have been responsible talks with Poland’s top diplomat, Thor- Council of Europe, including the Polish party to the European Convention on Think also of Spain’s surprisingly and cooked with less salt. Appeal (CDA) will lose three seats, the big win for FvD. Otten, who has a fragile banks with irresponsible invest- bank. That would avoid the politically for the creation of zombie companies, bjørn Jagland explored possible ave- delegation’s involvement with the Coun- Human Rights since 19 January 1993. late-hours. Bureaucrats in Brussels Drinking wine is also a typical habit and D66 will lose four seats. As a slightly more moderated tone than ment practices in Southern Europe”, unpopular move of German taxpayers which are no longer competitive but nues for reforming and strengthening cil of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly. On 1 May 1993, Poland recognized the have often criticized this habit, a mes- for many Spaniards. Meat is served with result of the election the coalition in Baudet has been able to explain the referring to Italian banks having lent having to suffer a likely loss, as the gov- manage to stay in business due to indi- the Council of Europe in the face of cur- Established in 1949, the Council of Court’s jurisdiction and the right to apply sage that has recently been echoed by red wine and fish and seafood paired the House between VVD, CDA, D66 policies of the FvD to the public. In a considerably to the Italian government. ernment shares were acquired during a rect state support. The same mechan- rent political and financial challenges. Europe brings together 47 European to the organs provided for by the Conven- some Spanish politicians. Yet few peo- with white wine. Spain is seventh in and ChristenUnie will lose its major- very professional manner he has illu- Princeton Professor Ashoka Mody 2009 bailout. That plans has met with ics appear at work for some European The officials agreed that the Council of countries, with the exception of Belarus. tion. Furthermore, Poland is a party to 94 ple seem to care, as work days still begin the worldwide that ranks countries ity in the Senate. minated how a victory for FvD would commented that the policies were substantial opposition. Lothar Binding, banks, but the ECB doesn’t seem to be Europe is generally seen as a guardian of Japan, Canada, Mexico, the United States other Council of Europe conventions. ■ around 10 AM and social commitments according to their annual consumption Two days before the ballots the give the voters a chance to block the decided because “the ECB rushed to get a senior social democratic MP, remarked willing to change course just yet. ■ often last until well after midnight. It of wine, just below the United King- Netherlands suffered what now proposed climate law. certainly is a slower approach to life, dom and above Russia. However, the seems to have been a terrorist-attack The other winner of these Senate Spanish elections yet many argue it is also a more satisfy- incidence of binge drinking, and other on a tram. Initially, some journalists elections is the GreenLeft (Groen- The Netherlands Muslim who spoke to locals about faith ing way to managing time. alcohol-related problems is reasonably claimed that Forum for Democracy Links) which will increase from 4 to and how they were not devout enough, The country’s vacation calendar is low. Also, Spain is one of Europe’s saf- had ‘’benefitted’’ from the terror- 9 seats in May. In Amsterdam city the however, the next day he was drink- Can overregulation be a topic in an election? yet another advantage of the Spanish est countries, so the wine-drinking cul- ist-attack because their advocacy of GreenLeft the largest party with 26 What happened in Utrecht? ing and under the influence of drugs. lifestyle that has also been blasted by ture has certainly not created a change a stricter immigration policy, but per cent of the votes and also in the Mad-man, fringe character and border- he problem of overregulation EU officials. Workers are entitled to for the worse in terms of social order. according to the exit polls the attack province of Utrecht the GreenLeft ust before lunchtime on March prosecutor’s office later stated that Tanis line were other descriptions of Tanis by is present in practically all of 22 working days of annual leave. They Social engineers often criticize all didn’t impact voting behaviour. came out the winner. 18th three people were killed and had admitted three charges: murder neighbours who said “this shooting has T Europe, but it is especially seri- can be combined with weekends, so the of the above habits and look to rede- It seems Forum’s common-sense In the new Senate the Rutte’s cab- J seven wounded in a shooting on a or manslaughter with terrorist intent, nothing to do with Islam, this boy is just ous in Spain. Vox may try to raise this total figure is as high as 30 natural days. sign Spanish society according to their style, critical views on migration, cli- inet will have 31 seats and will need tram in Utrecht, Netherlands. The vic- attempted murder or manslaughter crazy.” issue in the upcoming elections. The In addition, Spain has 14 paid public vision. Yet, despite this effort to curtail mate and the EU, have appealed to the support of at least seven seats from tims were two men from Utrecht, age 49 with terrorist intent, and making threats According to documents obtained by party has been very critical of the con- holidays, some of them are held either individual liberties, most of these cul- votes. The FvD seem to have taken a other parties. Forum could assist the and 28, and a 19-year old woman from a with terrorist intent. Initially three RTL Nieuws from a March 5th trial for tinued accumulation of regulations and on Friday or Monday, to create what tural traditions remain strong, mainly substantial number of PVV-voters, but coalition to form a majority, and Bau- nearby city. The shooting led to a city- other males were arrested, but prosecu- burglary of a bicycle shop in Utrecht, divergence of regulation at the regional locals call puentes (long weekends). because their consequences have been also inspired large numbers of people det has already expressed his will- wide manhunt, with residents asked to tors now believe Tanis had no help. Tanis’ lawyer had told the court her cli- level. Its manifesto calls on the Exec- Spain’s GDP also ranks among the proven to be positive in terms of health who didn’t vote last time to go out and ingness to negotiate. But Baudet has stay indoors for over a day while police Neighbours and people who knew ent “was doing better than previously” utive and Legislative branches at the world’s highest and the total working and wellbeing. ■ vote. The election turnout this year made it clear that he will not let his sought to apprehend the suspect, 37-year Tanis described him as a drug-addict and that “he is engaged and will get mar- national and regional level to eliminate was 56 per cent, which is almost 10 per electorate down and if the coalition old Turkish-born Gokmen Tanis. loser, alcoholic and petty criminal, ried soon.” He was, however, in debt at least 5 laws, rules and regulations in cent higher than four years ago. want his support radical changes According to Dutch media reports rather than a terrorist. Some neighbours and faced eviction if convicted and sen- order to pass 1 new piece of each kind. European Parliament Election It seems that Forum for Democ- will have to be made in the fields of Tanis had previously been arrested described him as an increasingly pious tenced to prison. ■ In 2016, despite the fact that there racy has filled the gap in the political immigration, climate and direct-de- for rape, shoplifting, burglary and ille- was no government until the final quar- spectrum left by the Dutch politician mocracy (i.e. referendums). The best gal possession of firearms. He had been ter of the year, the Iberian Kingdom saw Weber pulls out of Pim Fortuyn who was shot by a left- guess is that Liberal VVD will once released while still considered a sus- the approval of 440 laws, rules and regu- winged extremist in 2002. The PVV, again try find an accommodation with pect in a rape case from 2017. In his car lations passed at the national level. One Maastricht Debate Geert Wilders’ party, has attempted to the GreenLeft. The main reasons is a letter was found indicating a terrorist year later, in 2017, this figure increased change the political debate on Islam that the VVD is in favour of the cli- motive had driven him to carry out the by 19 percent, to reach 520 new obliga- t a meeting on 27th March it Manfred Weber by his own team is and Migration, but has been margin- mate law that aims to cut CO2 emis- attack. Prosecutors have not disclosed tions. In total, both Government and was announced that Manfred regarded as weak in the debate format alised by the other parties. The PVV sions drastically, which will cost the the contents of the letter. Initial theo- Congress have passed almost 42,000 A Weber, the Spitzenkandidat relative the other lead candidates, and has lost support, because a lack of Dutch hundreds of billions of Euro’s. ries that there was a personal motive rules since the 1970s. the regulatory complexity developed the key aspects of the Single Market of the EPP and the head of their group that it is to avoid the embarrassment of concrete victories, and because voters For now, it seems that the VVD would behind the attack have been dismissed Another way to measure the regula- by regional governments is worse. At initiative. in the European Parliament, was pull- losing the debate that he is pulling out. see Forum as a more Salonfähig alter- rather work with the left, than with by investigators who claim none of the tory complexity that Spain is creating the sub-national level, governors and European institutions are making mat- ing out of the Maastricht debate. The The other theory called “three-card native that will be able to govern. Forum for Democracy. ■ victims knew Tanis. A spokesman for the is to analyse the number of pages of the regional assemblies are passing an aver- ter worse. Surely, the Single Market seems Maastricht debate between the differ- Monte” around the tables at Place du official bulletin in which all these rules age of 255 new laws, rules and regula- like a good project, yet continued approval ent Spitzenkandidaten, scheduled for Luxembourg, after the three-card confi- are made official. In the last decade, the tions per year. of new regulations, directives and deci- the 29 April, was widely expected to be dence game in which a victim is tricked the situation in one short sentence. All Sweden have been prosecuted or con- He recalls the two men who travelled year with the lowest regulatory output To make matters worse, regional rules sions is creating more problems. In 2017, one of the main debates between can- into betting that they can find the IS-supporters IS-sympathisers – women as well as victed for their participation in IS. from Sweden, Mohamed Belkaid and was 2012, yet all provisions and man- are lengthier. The total number of pages EU bodies passed 1,920 documents of this didates to be the next president of the “money card” among three face-down men – in Norway, or returning to Nor- – None of the IS-supporters who Osama Krayem, and later took part in dates introduced at the national level covered by the sub-national official bul- kind, bringing total legislation in place to European Commission. playing cards, is that the EPP intention- sentenced in way from the IS-caliphate, will face return to Sweden will be held account- the bloody terrorist attacks in Paris and in that year covered more than 150,000 letins was as high as 732,000 in 2017. more than 46,000 rules. It should also be Within the relatively small commu- ally is preparing to downgrade the Spit- criminal liability, while not one IS-sym- able for their participation in the Cala- Brussels. pages. Numbers are even worse for Looking back one decade, we find that noted that Brussels has created more than nity in the Brussels that actually care zenkandidat process in order to pave Norway, while pathises in Sweden has been forced to fat, since there are no laws in Sweden The paper also observes that it is not 2017, the final year for which we have the average size of the region’s regula- 65,000 standards, so the true reach of EU about the minutia of the Spitzenkan- the way for a non-Spitzenkandidat to face criminal liability. prohibiting participation in a terror- until August 2019 that Sweden will have a official data. In that case, the accumu- tory output was as high as 762,000 pages regulation is even deeper. didat process, the question as to why replace Jean-Claude Juncker. roaming free In the latest Norwegian verdict, a ist organisation, says Swedish expert ban on participation in terrorist organisa- lated length of the official bulletin was per year. The reduction of paperwork and Weber would pull out of one of the In the 90-minute event, which is to Somalian woman was sentenced to on terrorism Magnus Ranstorp to the tions. That is six years after Norway, where as high as 223,000 pages. Assuming two Aware of the problem, the govern- restrictions has fuelled growth in the major events of the campaign calendar, be broadcast live, the different candi- in Sweden imprisonment for 10 years and 9 months newspaper. there have been 11 verdicts for IS-partici- minutes of reading per page, it would ment of the Popular Party headed US. If Europe wants to see growth the and one that he already had accepted, dates were supposed to outlined what for supporting the Islamic State, even Ranstorp is quoted in Norway, stating pation and where everything from partic- take 310 days of non-stop reading to go by Mariano Rajoy announced an European Union as a whole and coun- is a hot topic. No one believes the offi- they would do if elected and defend n Sweden and in Norway, common though she has not been in Syria. that both women and men who return ipation, material and financial support, to through all the different dispositions Annual Assessment on Regulatory and tries like Spain, where overregulation is cial reason given for pulling out of one their vision for Europe. Whatever practice and legislation on those – Norway is the Nordic country with from the IS-regime can pose a great recruitment has been penalised. passed in 2017 by either the Executive or launched a Single Market initiative. effectively stopping firms from creating of the main debates – a scheduling con- the truth is, the largest party in the I returning from the IS-regime are the harshest penalties for participation threat to the Swedish society. Even with In Sweden a proposed law against the Legislative branch. There was however very little progress as much as 45 billion euros of additional flict – and there are numerous theories European Parliament will not be rep- as different as night and day. The Nor- in IS, says Ranstorp. the so-called IS-caliphate in ruins, many participation in a terror organisation is The chaotic scenario of national on these issues. The Socialist govern- output per year, should follow suit. The and rumours as to the real reason. resented in the main debate of the elec- wegian newspaper Aftenposten, report- Norwegian newspapers tend to report of the women are still loyal to IS. still highly disputed, because it is seen as regulation is probably the most vis- ment that came into power in mid-2018 question that remains to be answered There are two especially popular tion campaign. And some still wonder ing on the difference in treatment of the naked truth about Sweden and – Many of those who return can be potentially being conflict with the con- ible expression of the problem, but had little interest and the Constitu- is if this issue can become an election theories. The first theory, called the why the voters aren’t eager to vote in the advocates of the Islamic State (IS) none of the 150 IS-terrorists and sym- dangerous. They pose a substantial stitutional right of freedom of associa- many observers and experts believe tional Court struck down some of topic. ■ “coward rumour”, is that the German the elections. ■ in Norway and Sweden, summarised pathisers who have already returned to threat to society, says Ranstorp. tion. ■ 6 EUROPEAN NEWS theconservative.online theconservative.online WORLD NEWS 7

Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly Poland Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly Paweł Grzybowski, Mayor of Rypin, PRIME MINISTER Latin-American forum THE CENTRE-RIGHT IN becomes a Member of the ARLEM Bureau MORAWIECKI SPEAKS for democracy gathers THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION

Mayor of Rypin, Paweł Grzybowski, has become a member of the AT THE EUROPEAN center-right parties in Chile am delighted to contribute to The economy, Venezuela and others are 16-person Bureau of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Conservative on behalf of the orga- trapped in a spiral of political tyranny Assembly. He was elected by acclamation during the 10th ARLEM AGRICULTURAL FORUM The first “Foro por la Democracia” took place in Santiago, Chile. It I nization of which I am Chairman – and socialist failure. While most of us Plenary that took place in Seville, Spain. was a meeting of politicians of right and central-right parties of Latin- the International Democrat Union, the are grateful to live in countries where American. Besides many party leaders, the president of Chile, Sebastian global alliance of centre-right political freedom and democracy became reali- uring the meeting of the sub-regional agreements not only in Piñera, the first lady of Venezuela, Fabiana Rosales and the Unión de parties. In this age of globalization, I ties decades, or even centuries, ago, we Euro-Mediterranean Regional the European Union but in the entire Partidos Latinoamericanos (UPLA) were present. firmly believe that it is vital to maintain are pained to still witness the suffering D and Local Assembly (ARLEM) Mediterranean. such an international network. Today of nations where citizens do not have Stephen Harper in Seville, Spain, ECR Member Paweł He also said that “it is important to he forum was organized by “Chile Vamos”, a center-right to right coalition of especially, with the resurgence of rad- the same rights and opportunities. By IDU Chairman Grzybowski, was elected a member of me that we can talk about human rights, four Chilean parties. It took place in the former Congress Building in Santi- ical political forces, it is critical that assembling a high-level delegation the Assembly’s Bureau. about corruption – which is at a higher T ago, Chile. The topic “democracy” was discussed by Fabiana Rosales, Cuban conservatives work together to advance in South America, we are strength- ARLEM was established by the Euro- level in African countries or the Middle opposition leader Rosa María Payá UPLA Chairman Óscar Ortiz and Guatema- public policy, based not on ideological ening connnections with the forces pean Committee of the Regions to East than in the EU, but we must remem- lan Congress Chairman Alvaro Arzú. Rosales spoke about the violations of human blueprints or rhetorical appeals, but on of centre-right progress in countries strengthen cooperation between repre- ber that it affects all countries, including rights in Venezuela, the work of her husband Juan Guaidó as well as criticizing the the tried and true values of good gover- like President Piñera’s Chile, draw- sentatives of cities and regions on both EU Member States – and about youth arrest of Roberto Marrero by the Maduro regime. Payá in contrast, spoke about dic- nance and economics. ing attention and condemnation to coasts of the Mediterranean. It is the exchanges and current problems such as Paweł Grzybowski, the Mayor of tatorship in general and that it has nothing to do with right or left politics. She said The IDU dedicates itself to champi- the brutal realities of Maduro’s dicta- of Africa, and the European People’s EU’s territorial dimension for the Med- migration”. Rypin (Kujawsko-Pomorskie region it is just organized crime. Arzú spoke about his country because he sees a poten- oning such a principled and pragmatic torship, and rallying support for those Party – we work to help centre-right iterranean, an EU initiative which aims He believes that local and regional in Poland) has been a Member of the tial threat of an undemocratic revolution from the left. Moreover, UPLA Chairman brand of politics. It was in London in fighting for freedom, democracy and legislators, staff members, activists, to strengthen relationships between elected representatives from the EU can European Committee of the Regions, an Oscar Ortiz turned to the topic of populism, which he views as a mayor threat for 1983 that George H. W. Bush, Marga- prosperity in Venezuela. and thought leaders network globally Europe and its neighbouring countries bring a lot of experience to the stabilisa- EU advisory body that brings together democracy. ret Thatcher, Helmut Kohl, and oth- The IDU is made up of almost eighty in support of a freer and more prosper- on the Mediterranean Sea. tion process of neighbouring countries, local and regional elected representa- ers gathered from around the world political parties from every conti- ous world. It consists of representatives of local but they can also learn from partners tives from the 28 Member States, since “to create a working association in nent. This is our greatest strength, giv- and regional authorities from the EU from outside Europe. 2015, and as a Member has taken part in pursuance of their common beliefs, ing the centre-right representation in The IDU in South America and local and regional authorities from “In ARLEM I represent the position work concerning youth and sport. He is hereinafter referred to as the Interna- much of the world, including in many the 15 partner countries of the Medi- of our political group, the European the rapporteur of a European Commit- tional Democrat Union.” The princi- countries where it is badly needed. The IDU has member-parties in terranean region, including Egypt, Tur- Conservatives and Reformists, but also tee of the Regions opinion on Invest- ples that were adopted in the London most South American nations. In fact, key and Israel. Its managing body, the local views. I am a teacher and a politi- ing in Europe’s youth and the European Declaration remain central to the IDU in spite of the image of the region as Bureau, consists of 16 members – eight cal scientist by trade, and therefore edu- Solidarity Corps. He also represented and our member-parties today: repre- one of political turbulence, the cen- from EU countries and eight from the cation, sports and culture are issues that the CoR at the United Nations Climate sentative democracy, political liberty, Membership of the tre-right is on the ascendency in most partner countries. are important to me. Education is a very Change Conference (COP22) in Mar- personal freedom, equality of oppor- IDU comes through of the continent. The parties advanc- As Mr Grzybowski said in his inter- substantial part of expenditure for every rakech, Morocco. He is in his third term tunity, economic development under ing conservatism and opposing social- view with the Polish Press Agency, local authority, but of course it is crucial as Mayor of Rypin. ■ Later on, the consolidation of democracy in Latin-American, social policies of the the rule of law, and, of course, a rejec- our various regional ism include Propuesta Republicana ARLEM is a chance to discuss for our future” he underlined. The article was originally published on PAP Samorzad. right, inclusive development and the State at the service of the population were dis- tion of all forms of totalitarianism and unions, of which of Argentina, Movimiento Demócrata cussed in smaller commissions. dictatorship. Social of Bolivia, Democratas of Brazil, We are fortunate to have a top-notch the Alliance of Unión Democrata Independiente and Arnold Hatch team of public figures from all around Conservatives and Partido Renovacion Nacional of Chile, the world on the board of the IDU. I Partido Conservador of Colombia, Par- Bringing local and regional he two-day European Agricul- asset as it favours the development of serve as Chairman alongside our Assis- Reformists in Europe tido Social Cristiano of Ecuador, Par- tural Forum took place at the ecological agriculture. He also pointed tant Chairmen Brian Loughnane of the is among the most tido Colorado of Paraguay, Partido politicians into the Brexit debate T G2A Arena in Jasionka in Pod- out that Podkarpackie is a leader in Liberal Party of Australia, the Right dynamic. Popular Cristiano of Peru, and Proyecto karpackie, Poland on 1st and 2nd of land consolidation and in the number Honourable Dame Cheryl Gillan of the Venezuala. This network allows us to March. Alongside ECR Group Member of traditional products registered on Conservative Party of the United King- Where democracy is practiced, we give follow South American political devel- The EU’s political assembly of and Marshal of Podkarpackie region the ministry’s list, which is already 230. dom, Marco Solores of Partido Union- electorates the choice of principled opments closely and to offer support local and regional authorities has Władysław Ortyl, those participat- “This is our brand, our showpiece”, ista of Guatemala, and José Ramón and pragmatic conservative policies. where necessary. For example, as IDU been providing input and support ing in the Forum included the Prime Marshal Ortyl said and he also read a García Hernández of Partido Popular of Where it is not, we press for reforms Chairman, I joined other world leaders to the EU’s Chief negotiator Minister of Poland, Mateusz Moraw- letter from the Head of the Law & Jus- Finally, President Piñera spoke about the importance of liberty and democracy. Spain. Our headquarters are in Munich based on the rule of law and politi- in supporting the legitimate President Michel Barnier on the impact of iecki, Poland’s Minister of Agriculture tice (PiS) party Mr Jarosław Kaczyński. However, he said that liberty also needs justice and progress to endure. Further, under Secretary-General Christian cal liberty. At all times we oppose the of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, and com- the United Kingdom’s withdrawal and Rural Development Jan Krzysztof The President of Poland Andrzej Piñera views education as central for the development of Latin-American nations. Kattner of the Christian Social Union forces of social engineering and polit- mending the actions he has taken to from the EU. In addition to the Ardanowski and the EU Commissioner Duda and the Marshal of the Polish At the meeting representatives of more than 40 parties, foundations, think tanks of Germany. ical demagoguery. replace Maduro’s cruel regime in Ven- fact-finding missions conducted for Agriculture and Rural Develop- Sejm Marek Kuchciński also sent let- and associations were present. It was concluded that the forum shall be the first of This April, the IDU’s semi-annual Membership of the IDU comes ezuela. Such support to those fighting by the political leadership of ment, Phil Hogan. ters to the participants of the forum. many in order to unite Latin-American right and central-right parties. ■ Executive Meeting is taking place in through our various regional unions, inequality and totalitarianism, whether the European Committee of the The European Agriculture Forum, Phil Hogan, the EU Commissioner Santiago, Chile. It is for good reason of which the Alliance of Conservatives or not they belong to a member-party, Regions through its Conference a two-day event organised the Euro- for Agriculture, who led the attendees that we looked to South America to and Reformists in Europe is among the allow the IDU to continue to advance of President’s consisting of the pean Fund for the Development of Pol- in a debate on the EU Common Agri- convene the delegates of our global most dynamic. ACRE constitutes an the values we hold dear. Presidents of the political groups ish Villages, is an annual event bringing cultural Policy, was also a prominent federation. Few parts of the world important force in the European Par- The meeting in Santiago, Chile, on and the President and First Vice- together EU, national and local and voice in the forum. The Commissioner have recently combined both the rise liament, helping to advance our values April 11-13, will allow the centre-right President of the Committee of the regional politicians. The Forum is a said that it was one of the oldest and of political liberty and economic free- on the continent. Alongside ACRE and network to further advance our prin- Regions, EU’s local and regional new, extended form of agricultural most successful EU instruments. He dom with the turmoil of dictator- our other affiliate groups – the Union ciples in South America and around politicians have been holding conference which began in 2011. This devoted a lot of attention to the issue of ship and deterioration. While nations of Latin American Parties, the Asia-Pa- the world. We hope to see you there. public debates. year’s Forum was organised in part- Brexit, which would mean less budget- such as Chile, Colombia, and Bra- cific Democrat Union, the Caribbean For more information please visit us at nership with the Podkarpackie region. ary revenue for the European Union. zil are moving forward in the global Democrat Union, the Democrat Union www.IDU.org. ■ he consequences of the United Participants in the forum included the But he stressed that he believed that Kingdom’s withdrawal from the ECR Member Władysław Ortyl, who a solution that is good for everyone EU for local and regional author- is the Marshal (President) of the Pod- could be found: Tities were debated by local and regional karpackie as well as the Prime Minis- “We want solutions that will be IDU MEMBER PARTIES AROUND THE WORLD politicians during the 132nd and 133rd ter and the Minister of Agriculture and good for all parties. We must remem- plenary sessions of the European Com- Rural Development of Poland and the ber that we are stronger when we work ALBANIA CHILE GHANA MALDIVES SAINT LUCIA mittee of the Regions. The main speaker preparing a report summarising their in a back-stop that creates a regulatory EU Commissioner responsible for agri- together, when we are together, when • Partia Demokratike • Unión Democrata Independiente - UDI • New Patriotic Party – NPP • Maldivian Democratic Party • United Workers Party for local and regional politicians was findings. The impact of the United King- barrier between us and the rest of the culture. Representatives of ministries we don’t stand alone”, the Commis- ARGENTINA • Partido Renovacion Nacional - RN GREECE MOLDOVA, REPUBLIC OF SERBIA Michel Barnier, the European Chief dom’s withdrawal was also analysed in United Kingdom from which we can in Slovakia, Hungary, Spain and the sioner explained. • Propuesta Republicana COLOMBIA • Nea Demokratia - ND • Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova - PLDM • Serbian Progressive Party - SNS the Commission meetings of the Euro- only be released if the EU unilaterally Czech Republic also came to Jasionka Phil Hogan also talked about the new Negotiator for the United Kingdom AUSTRALIA • Partido Conservador Colombiano GRENADA MONGOLIA SLOVENIA Exiting the EU. ECR Group Members pean Committee of the Regions, where agrees. We would be virtual prisoners in as did parliamentarians, representa- perspective and what the EU will place • Liberal Party of Australia CROATIA • New National Party • Democratic Party • Slovenian Democratic Party - SDS emphasis on in agriculture, which will from the Netherlands, Slovakia and the specific policy angles were explored in this system”, said ECR Member Arnold tives of agricultural institutions, pol- AUSTRIA • Hrvatska Demokratska Zajednica - HDZ GUATEMALA MONTENEGRO SPAIN United Kingdom (England and North- depth. Hatch (Alderman on Armagh City, Ban- iticians, researchers from Poland and be innovation and research. • Österreichische Volkspartei CYPRUS • Partido Unionista - PU • Movement for Changes - PzP • Partido Popular - PP ern Ireland), were among the most During the recent plenary ses- bridge, Craigavon Borough Council, abroad, and the clergy, represented by According to Hogan, “we want this AZERBAIJAN • Dimokratikos Synagermos - DISY HONDURAS MOROCCO SRI LANKA active in expressing their expectations sion of the European Committee of Northern Ireland, UK). Archbishop Andrzej Dzięga. In total, money to benefit farmers, particularly • National Independence Party of Azerbaijan CZECH REPUBLIC • National Party • Istiqlal Party • United National Party - UNP and concerns. the Regions, public debates were held Brexit was also one of the high- around two thousand people attended small and medium-sized farms.” BOLIVIA • Obcanska Demokraticka Strana - ODS HUNGARY NICARAGUA SWEDEN The withdrawal of the United King- on the United Kingdom’s withdrawal lights of the 133rd CoR plenary session. the event. Further debates took place on the • Movimiento Demócrata Social - Democratas DENMARK • Fidesz – Hungarian Civic Alliance • Partido Conservador • Moderata Samlingspartiet dom from the European Union has and its impact on local and regional During the session, the EU’s assembly Marshal Władysław Ortyl spoke second day of the forum. Participants BOSNIA AND HERZEGOWINA • Det Konservative Folkeparti - KFP ICELAND NORWAY TAIWAN REPUBLIC OF CHINA stirred up many reactions since the authorities. The terms of the United for local and regional politicians heard about the advantages of Podkarpackie discussed opportunities and threats • HDZ BiH DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn • Høyres Hovedorganisasjon • Kuomintang 2016 referendum, in which the major- Kingdom’s withdrawal, as well as their from Kevin Bentley, the chairman of and its agriculture as well as the EU aid to Polish agriculture, at the same time • HDZ 1990 • Fuerza Nacional Progresista INDIA NEW ZEALAND TANZANIA, UNITED REPUBLIC OF ity of voters decided that the United future relationship with the EU, were the Brexit task-force of the Local Gov- enjoyed by farmers: they highlighted that agricultural pol- • Party of Democratic Progress - PDP ECUADOR • Bharatiya Janata Party - BJP • National Party • Chama Cha Demokrasia Na Maendeleo - CHADEMA • Party of Democratic Action - SDA Kingdom should leave the EU. After the the main points of their exchange of ernment Association for England and “The Common Agricultural Policy icy in Poland was heading in the right • Partido Social Cristiano ISRAEL PANAMA UGANDA referendum and the subsequent trigger- views with Mr Barnier. Wales. He noted that local authorities is a very important topic for us as the direction thanks to measures taken in BRAZIL EL SALVADOR • Likud • Cambio Democrático • Forum for Democratic Change • Democratas ing of the process for the United King- “As someone who has lived through are working “very hard” and “in a calm Rural Development Programme is fun- favour of agri-food production. In the • Alianza Republicana Nacionalista - ARENA KOREA, REPUBLIC OF PERU UKRAINE dom’s departure from the EU, local and the unrest if Northern Ireland, I under- manner” with the UK government at damental to Podkarpackie villages and discussions, Prime Minister Mateusz BELARUS ESTONIA • Liberty Korea Party • Partido Popular Cristiano • Batkivshchyna regional politicians started engaging stand the sensitives on both sides of the the impact of Brexit “on real people”. the living conditions of the population. Morawiecki pointed out that Pol- • The BPF Party • Pro Patria and Res Publica Union • United Civil Party - UCP KENYA PORTUGAL UNITED KINGDOM in fact-finding activities looking at the argument in our island of Ireland. The The “vast majority” of EU law in the Improvement is taking place thanks to ish food has an excellent reputation FINLAND • Democratic Party of Kenya • CDS - Partido Popular • Conservative Party BULGARIA local and regional impact of the United EU needs to understand the dangers United Kingdom is enacted by local and EU funds which allow for investment abroad, which is why it is an important • Kansallinen Kokoomus - KOK LEBANON PARAGUAY UNITED STATES and valued export product. However, it • Union of Democratic Forces - UDF Kingdom’s withdrawal. The Committee of not respecting the fact that North- regional authorities, he noted under- in infrastructure and in agricultural • GERB GEORGIA • Kataeb • MDR - Partido Colorado • Republican Party of the Regions Conference of Presidents ern Ireland is part of the United King- lining the continued desire of United holdings”, Marshal Ortyl emphasised. is important to ensure the high quality • United National Movement - UNM CANADA LITHUANIA RUSSIAN FEDERATION VENEZUELA, BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF met representatives of English, North- dom and creating a border between us Kingdom local government to share He also spoke about the agricultural of exported products, because it is high • Conservative Party of Canada GERMANY • Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats • Union of Right Forces • Proyecto Venezuela ern Irish, Scottish and Welsh local gov- and the rest of the United Kingdom. best-practices with their European fragmentation of the region which, quality products that build the Polish • Christlich Demokratische Union - CDU MACEDONIA, NORTH ernment and devolved administrations Northern Ireland cannot be trapped counterparts. ■ contrary to expectations, could be an brand around the world. ■ • CSU • VMRO-DPMNE 8 WORLD NEWS theconservative.online theconservative.online WORLD NEWS 9

2020 US Election Mueller report finds no collusion The Syrian Civil War News analysis: New Zealand terrorist AN EMERGING LIBERAL MINORITY Republicans rejoice NOT THE END, BUT An ideology of hate directed at

he president election in the US van Dyk, a longtime Democratic policy and Democrats despair MAYBE THE BEGINNING Muslims, Jews, and Western Civilisation is one and a half years away, but adviser, in Wall Street Journal. T already more than a dozen hope- OF THE END ew Zealand is normally one of The ideological purpose for the mas- ful Democrats have announced that they Fresh republican victory in the most peaceful places on sacre, he argues, is both to scare away are running in 2020. Each one trying to California N earth. It therefore raises ques- immigrants, and also the collectivistic outflank the others on the left, and each tions, when the country, on March 15, to “take revenge” for old conflicts. one of them professing to believe that it In March the Republicans won a con- experience a terrible terrorist attack. The manifesto is racially collectivis- will be easy for them to oust President tested special election to an important A gunman attacked two mosques in the tic. But, the terrorist doesn’t only hate Donald Trump. local political seat on the Orange County capital and murdered fifty innocent non-white immigrants and Muslims in There are a growing number of voices Board of Supervisors. This was signifi- Muslims and seriously injured some particular; also, Jews are described as who warns against any assumption that cant because the Democrats were sure thirty more. non-European “invaders.” The world it will be easy to defeat President Trump they would win because of their spec- The terrorist published a 74-page view of the New Zealand terrorist is not and that in their fever to dispense with tacular success in the autumn midterm manifesto, entitled “The Great unlike that of the militant white eth- him, Democrats are losing sight of elections ousting five longtime republi- Replacement,” on the internet. Read- nonationalist that attacked the Tree of what’s important in politics. The most can members of the United States House ing the document, it is clear that the Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh last Octo- central consideration for most voters is of Representatives. And, in another sig- massacre wasn’t the work of some ber, murdering eleven. The hatred of how they view the overall direction of nificant race, the Republican mayor of he United States Attorney Gen- (D-NY) the Senate Minority Leader unhinged individual with mental non-whites, Muslims and Jews is only bastards” decried in the manifesto as the country, and the states of the econ- Irvine, Don Wagner, defeated Loretta eral William Barr, in a letter sent and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) the House issues. This was an act of terrorism the icing. The ideology revealed in the “traitors” to the white race, guilty of omy and national security. uproot, reveal, and punish is in constant Sanchez, a well-known former congress- T to US lawmakers on Sunday Speaker released a statement demand- motivated by ideological militant terrorist manifesto is, basically, a form “replacing our people with a race of paroxysms of righteousness, is becom- woman, with 42 per cent of the votes in a March 24th, summarized the findings of ing ”the full report and underlying white ethnonationalism. of national socialism. low intellect,” only to buy “their second Democratic left-wing ing louder and faster and more absurdly race with seven candidates. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s inves- documentation be made public with- The document is built on a fixation Like the Nazis, the terrorist is anti- yachts and their fifth properties!” This radicalization overwrought by the day. “I am certainly more optimistic today tigation into the Russian government’s out any further delay.” Citing Attor- with the declining birthrates of white democratic and glorifies violence and is followed by the call to “KILL YOUR The attacks against the president than I was after the election last Novem- efforts to interfere in the 2016 Presiden- ney General Barr’s ”public record he last stronghold of so-called young woman held as slaves for sexual people – white people defined as those direct action. His manifesto condemns LOCAL ANTI-WHITE CEO.” There is a growing public disenchant- through judiciary investigations and ber, and significantly more so,” said tial election. In his final report Muel- of bias against the Special counsel’s Islamic State (IS) in Baghouz in purposes – in their areas under their who are “ethnically and culturally democracy as “mob rule,” and since he Like the Nazis, the terrorist shows ment with political, media and cultural desire to impeach the president didn’t Stephen Puetz, a republican campaign ler concludes that the investigation inquiry” they claimed he ”is not in a T Syria, on the Iraqi border, has control. European” – compared to the higher views the mob as “ruled by our ene- a strong tendency for socialism. if the establishments in America. This is what work against Bill Clinton in the 90’s and consultant to RealClearPolitics. “Some ”did not establish that members of the position to make objective determina- fallen. This will not be the end of the IS-inspired radicals also committed birthrates of non-white immigrants mies,” he concludes: “force is the only “means of production” were owned by brought Donald Trump to the White it will work against Donald Trump now. California Republicans might have Trump Campaign conspired or coordi- tions about the report.” The detailed civil war, but maybe the beginning of the acts of terror outside of Syria. They took and Muslims immigrants in particular. path to power and the only path to a state controlled by the right people – House in the first place. Many voters Former party chairman in the Demo- been concerned about the direction of nated with the Russian government in report remains confidential but Attor- end. It is time to take stock of the situa- down a Russian passenger plane leav- The terrorist in his document projects true victory.” In one place the terror- white ethnonationalists – then, the ter- that thought he was a narcissistic wom- cratic National Committee, Ed Rendell, the party under Trump, but now they its election interference activities.” ney General Barr in his letter stated tion and look back at the horrors of the ing Egypt in 2015 with a bomb and other that by the year 2100, whites in Europe ist writes that he planned the mosque rorist says, he would be a socialist. anizing loudmouth and a business free- urge the Democratic presidential candi- have seen the alternative and this push The investigation did find ”that that his ”goal and intent is to release as Syrian Civil War that shocked observers radicals inspired by IS online-propa- will become a minority, claiming this attacks, “to show the effect of direct The terrorist understands that cap- wheeler largely ignorant of public policy dates to look toward the center and not toward socialism – and it scares them, as there were two main Russian efforts much of the Special Counsel’s report as across the world. The estimated number ganda launched terror attacks on civil- to be “racial replacement” and even action, lighting a path forward for those italism is non-racist and values each voted for him out of disillusion with the to the far left. it should.” to influence the 2016 election.” The I can.” of deaths in the Syrian Civil War to date ians in Europe, in Nice, London, Paris, “WHITE GENOCIDE.” that wish to follow.” individuals talents and hard work alternatives. The fact that Trump was “I think all of a sudden, the 2020 elec- Also, in the rust belt, where Trump’s now famous Russian troll farm known Indicating that Democrats have no vary between 371,222 and 570,000; with Brussels and in the US. The ideological conclusion he infers Like the Nazis, the terrorist, also regardless of his or her religion, race elected without ever seeking or hold- tion went from a slam dunk for Democrats economic agenda of reducing federal as the Internet Research Agency (IRA) intention to drop the issue Adam Schiff an additional untold number of injured President Trump who as a candidate from his analysis is a duty to combat condemns “the myth of the individual,” and color. This is why militant white ing any public office before, has been to something where we’re going to have regulations have yielded clear positive attempted” to conduct disinforma- (D-CA), Chairman of the House Intel- and displaced. had promised to defeat ISIS, argued that “the invaders within our lands,” pri- and “the cult of the individual.” The ethnonationalists in general are against incorrectly interpreted by many would trouble beating this guy because he’s going economic effects, the voters haven’t turn tion and social media operations in the ligence Committee, on Sunday follow- The end of the so-called Caliphate President Obama had been too lenient, marily Muslims, and the cold-blooded manifesto describes modern Western the core of the political and economic be presidential candidates – especially to make Democratic socialism swing to to the Democrats who ask them to for- United States designed to sow social ing the release of the Barr letter, stated came as a Kurdish-Arab coalition backed declared victory on Saturday while vow- method he prefers is to kill as many culture as a “hell,” where “the individ- system – democracy, individual free- on the left – to indicate that anyone can the left, which I don’t think is real, but he’s sake these economic gains in exchange discord [...] with the aim of interfering that the ”report needs to be made pub- by U.S., British and French special forces ing that the U.S. “will remain vigilant.” possible. Also “the children of the ual is all and the race is worthless.” dom, and free markets – that built be elected president. As a result the field going to make it into the issue,” the former for a radical environmentalism and New with the election.” As was previously lic as soon as possible so we can eval- and air support raised a yellow flag of Since he became President, Trump invaders” are seen as legitimate targets, Like the Nazis, the terrorist Western civilization. of possible Democratic candidates has governor told CNN in March. Green Deal. known the Special Counsel charged a uate the body of evidence on the issue the Syrian Defence Forces (SDF) on top transferred power from the White because “they become adults and repro- denounces “capitalism” and the “glo- This new version of Nazism is no become absurdly crowded with absolute According to a recent opinion sur- number of Russian citizens and enti- of conspiracy and look at why Muel- of a Baghouz building Saturday 23rd House to the Pentagon, giving com- duce.” He continues “Any invader you balized capitalist markets.” The “cap- less totalitarian and homicidal than the poltroons. Writer and columnist Conrad “It’s the economy, stupid!” vey from The Wall Street Journal, the ties in connection with these activities, ler decided not to indict.” Echoing his of March thereby ending the medieval manders on the ground more autonomy; kill, of any age, […] is one less enemy.” italists” and CEOs are “greed filled original. ■ Black has, in National Republic, com- president “cumulatively leads a generic however, the investigation ”did not find colleague Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), barbarism it has been practicing in the however, the core strategy remained the pared the Democratic candidates to “a Then there is the reality most voters Democratic opponent, 46 percent to that any U.S. person or Trump cam- Chairman of the House Oversight region since 2014. Formal victory, or as same as under President Obama. In June New York City Marathon for the unfit.” inhabit. And in that reality the objective 40 percent” in Pennsylvania, Indiana, paign official or associate conspired Committee, said that Mueller could be it was expressed “the physical defeat of 2017, IS lost control over Mosul, its larg- New Direction report As the Democrats keep going further conditions, such as the economy, matter. Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. or knowingly coordinated with the asked to testify to the House Judiciary ISIS”, was declared by the SDF after five est city, which was liberated by the Iraqi to the left to win the primary, they going Bill Clinton’s campaign in 1991 advanta- “The Democratic Party is moving fur- IRA.” The second element of the inves- Committee in order to ”understand years of fighting at the ceremony cele- army. In October 2017 Raqqa, the capital to have problems defeating Mr. Trump. geously used the then-prevailing reces- ther and further to the left, touting and tigation found that ”Russian govern- his theories and why he declined to do brating the end of this chapter of the civil of the so-called caliphate was lost. Since AN ANTIFEDERALIST EU “Intelligent members of the center-Left sion in the United States as one of the even more radical brand of the social- ment actors successfully hacked into things like file charges.” war and grieved for the 11.000 “martyrs of then IS continuously lost territory, until write to me every week with new con- campaign’s means to successfully beat ist policies that strangled America’s computers and obtained emails from Describing the scope of the Mueller our forces, leaders and fighters, as well as its final territory was liberated in the he history of western political The most insightful historians of cerns about where the Left is going”, the sitting president George HW Bush. prosperity under president Obama”, persons affiliated with the Clinton investigation, Barr writes that Mueller civilian victims” the SDF says it had lost end of March 2019. IS remaining alive thought is a magnificent tapes- political thought have studied the tap- columnist Conrad Black recently wrote But now the situation is different. writes David Urban in Pittsburgh campaign and Democratic party organ- ”employed 19 lawyers and was assisted in the fighting. Additionally, it is thought leaders are still not apprehended and T try of multiple threads, which, estry to recover what Hannah Arendt in National Republic. “The economy remains strong and Tribune-Review. isations” and publicized these through by approximately 40 FBI agents, intel- that more than 21.000 SDF fighters were are thought to be holding out in desert over the ages, have been woven and called “lost treasure”—modes of poli- The process of atomizing society into unemployment at record lows, includ- Because the left in Europe often fol- intermediaries such as WikiLeaks. ligence analysts, forensic accountants injured in combat against IS. In a sober- camps on the Syria-Iraq border. unpicked in countless fashions. New pat- tics, once influential, that later schools smaller and smaller bearers of less and ing for minorities. This growth will not low the left in the US, it’s not wrong for Despite ”multiple offers from Rus- and other staff.” According to Barr’s ing end-note the SDF declared that a Looking forward, President Trump terns have been added, obscuring older of thought dominated and obscured. less widespread grievances, on each of last forever but may continue through European conservatives to keep an eye sian-affiliated individuals to assist the letter the Special Counsel ”issued more “secret military presence of ISIS…sleeper has confirmed that 200 U.S. troops will material that was once central to the Thus, Isaiah Berlin made us think which the whole movement of protest, the 2020 electoral cycle”, writes Ted on the development over there. ■ Trump campaign” the Special Coun- than 2800 subpoenas, executed nearly cells” remain a “great threat to our region remain in Syria signaling to Turkey picture. From time to time restoration afresh about pluralism, as JGA Pocock sel ”did not find that the campaign or 500 search warrants, obtained more and the whole world.” that the U.S. is serious about protecting work has brought back to life fabric that rescued Machiavelli and Quentin Skin- anyone associated with it conspired or than 230 orders for communication During its peak IS controlled an area Turkish interests, including restraining earlier ages had allowed to fade away. ner resurrected civic republicanism. Trump’s Wall coordinated with the Russian govern- records, issued almost 50 orders autho- roughly the size of Great Britain with a the SDF from allying with the PKK while Some themes have endured through This New Direction report argues ment in these efforts.” rizing use of pen registers (devices that population of over ten million people. In signaling to the Kurdish fighters that the centuries: sovereignty prime among that there is another lost treasure that Barr quoting the Mueller report in record all numbers called from a tele- these areas it enforced a strict interpre- they will not be abandoned, U.S. troops them. Others are mere eccentricities, we in Europe need now to recover: Pentagon funding for border barrier his letter to Congress stated that while phone or monitor Internet communi- tation of Islamic Sharia law. The group will restrain Turks from attacking them. deviations whose stitches have torn our the noble tradition of antifederal- the report ”does not conclude that the cations), made 13 requests to foreign originated from a local Al-Qaeda affili- European allies of the U.S. have politics rather than refreshing it: in the ism. The argument is that the federal n Monday 25th of March the President committed a crime, it also governments for evidence and inter- ate that participated in the Iraqi insur- rejected Trump’s repeated calls for future, socialism will surely come to be vision of Europe has failed and that, if thrive, it is only anti-federalism that U.S. Department of Defense does not exonerate him. ” The Attor- viewed approximately 500 witnesses.” gency following the U.S. invasion. European boots on the ground to pre- seen as the great aberration of our time. the European Union is to survive and can rescue it. ■ O announced that up to 1 billion ney General disclosed that the report In total Mueller brought 199 charges IS gained world-wide infamy follow- serve the peace in Syria. European USD from the Pentagon budget will ”does not recommend any further against 34 people and three companies, ing the publication of numerous videos nations have been reluctant to agree be used to construct 57 miles of fenc- indictments, nor did the Special Coun- among these six of Trump’s former of beheadings, drownings and execu- to put on trial in their home country You can download report at ing, roads, lighting and other measures sel obtain any sealed indictments that advisers. Mueller has not filed expense tions of its prisoners. The group utilized the over 800 IS prisoners that the U.S. www.newdirection.online at eleven project sites on the southern have yet to be made public.” reports for the last six months but the digital means of distributing its pro- have asked their European allies to take border in support of the February 15 The report provided no closure to the total reported cost of the investigation paganda to potential western recruits back from U.S. control. Some of these national emergency declaration issued often repeated allegations of obstruc- from May 2017 to September 2018 is much more efficiently than previ- prisoners, like Brit Shamima Begum, by President Trump. Previous media tion-of-justice by President Trump. over 25 million USD. The investigation ous terror groups such as Al-Qaeda. who expresses no regrets about join- reports indicated that Trump will use over 5 billion USD for the construction and El Paso, Texas sections of the bor- Instead the report ”sets out evidence into President Clinton cost taxpayers In August 2014 an Australian that had ing IS, have demanded to be permitted the declaration to redirect 3,6 billion of border barriers, but Congress only der. Bloomberg reports that the billion on both sides of the question” that lead approximately 69 million USD. joined IS let his 7-year-old son pose to return “to have my child,” something USD from the Defense Department’s appropriated 1,375 billion USD. President in funding “was taken from military per- Barr and Deputy Attorney General Rod For now Trump can rejoice while with the severed head of a Syrian sol- U.K. authorities have rejected. construction budget, 2,5 billion from the Trump indicated in tweets that his emer- sonnel funds and shifted to the Defense Rosenstein, the person that appointed supporters and detractors read what dier. Four days later “Jihadi John”, a German authorities estimate that drug interdiction programme and 600 gency was declared so that construction Department’s account to combat illegal Mueller, to conclude ”that the evidence they want into Barr’s letter and fight it British Arab recruit, beheaded Amer- over one third of the 1050 people million from the Treasury’s drug forfei- of the border barriers could begin ear- drugs.” The Defense Department previ- developed during the Special Counsel’s out in the media. The Mueller investi- ican journalist James Foley causing known to have joined IS since 2013 have ture program. lier. Following his veto of the Congres- ously sent Congress a list of more than investigation is not sufficient to estab- gation and its surrounding media hys- international outrage. One month later returned. The question is whether Euro- On Tuesday 26th of March the Demo- sional attempt to override his emergency 10 billion USD worth of military con- lish that the President committed an teria has no-doubt reinforced political Steven Sotloff an American journalist pean countries will coddle the return- crat controlled House of Representatives declaration Trump tweeted “This will struction projects that could be shifted obstruction-of-justice offense.” Barr partisanship and contributed to a loss was beheaded as well as David Haines ees with free housing, welfare and other failed to reach the two-thirds majority help stop Crime, Human Trafficking, and in order to pay for the President’s bor- writes that ”the report identifies no of confidence in government. Demo- a British aid worker. IS would continue support measures, instead of punish- needed to override a Trump veto on his Drugs entering our Country.” In Febru- der barrier. actions that [...] constitute obstructive crats perceive Attorney General Barr to publish gruesome videos depicting ment for their complicity in the atroci- national emergency declaration on the ary Trump claimed he had the support of Democrats in Congress acknowl- conduct.” as a recently appointed loyal Trump the beheading, crucifixion, immolation, ties carried out under IS banner. southern border. Only fourteen House “some of the generals” in redirecting the edge they don’t have power to stop the President Trump declared victory lap-dog while Republicans confirm shooting and drowning alive of West- What to do with the battle-hardened Republicans voted in favour of the mea- funds to build a border barrier. reprogramming of Defence Depart- shortly after the release of the Attor- their suspicion that the establishment ern, Syrian, Kurdish, Japanese, Chinese jihadists that return and will attempt sure and it will now be six months until Acting Defense Secretary Patrick ment funds but indicated they will ney General’s summary stating that media is in the tank for the Democrats. and other captives until its retreat began to blend into western society remains another vote can be held to overturn the Shanahan on Monday authorized the push for legislation to block these types the report was a ”complete and total Meanwhile investigations into Trump in 2016. IS also committed genocide an unsolved problem. When foreign declaration. President Trump’s emer- commander of the Army Corps of Engi- of shifts of funds in the future. Presi- exoneration.” Trump later tweeted and his businesses have been launched against Yazidis and Shias whose land fighters left Afghanistan in the end of gency declaration allows his administra- neers to begin planning and execution dent Trump has requested 8.6 billion that ”this was an illegal takedown that by the U.S. Attorney for the South- they had taken control over as well as a the 80’s, they formed loose networks of tion to divert money already approved by to support a Department of Homeland USD for border wall construction in failed and, hopefully, somebody’s going ern District of New York and the New coordinated persecution of Christians. jihadists that had connections to among Congress for the construction of his bor- Security and Customs and Border Pro- his 2020 budget, setting the stage for to be looking at the other side.” York state Attorney General guaran- The organization also became notorious others Al-Qaeda, who ended up attack- der barrier. During budget negotiations tection request. The main construction future standoffs with Democrats over Congressional Democrats reacted to teeing this is not the last discussion of for taking, selling and permitting the ing the U.S on 9/11 and the U.K. on 7 July with Congress President Trump sought will take place in the Yuma, Arizona the border wall. ■ the news with outrage. Chuck Schumer Trump-related legal woes. ■ exploitation of slaves – and, especially, 2005. ■ 10 PROFILE theconservative.online theconservative.online BREXIT 11

A WEALTHIER SPAIN IS A STRONGER SPAIN Iván Espinosa or a team to achieve any- by economists such as Milton Friedman Espinosa was born in 1971 is mar- thing it needs a combination or Friedrich Hayek. In fact, Espinosa ried to Rocío Monasterio and together of leadership, dedication and has always insisted that modern liberal they have four children. Monasterio, an preparation. Politics is a team ideas were born in 16th century Spain, architect, is also part of Vox since the Fsport and the emergence of Vox in Span- thanks to the work of the School of Sala- party’s origins, and currently serves ish politics demonstrates the strength of manca and its leading thinkers: Diego de as the president of the conservative this combination. The Conservative has Covarrubias, Francisco de Vitoria, Juan organization in the region of Madrid. already profiled the charismatic Santi- de Mariana, Domingo de Soto, Martín de Espinosa studied Economics at the ago Abascal. But he would be of little use Azpilicueta, Tomás de Mercado, Luis de prestigious ICADE and later completed to anyone if he wasn’t surrounded by a Molina or Francisco Suárez. an MBA degree in Finance at North- strong team. In order to coordinate a coherent western University’s Kellogg School of A key member of the Vox-team is the manifesto that can be implemented Management. soccer enthusiast Iván Espinosa de los in practice, Espinosa has assembled a In the 1990s Espinosa worked for Monteros, responsible for coordinating group of experts; mainly consultants, multinational firms such as Arthur the economic manifesto and the man- businessmen, investors and economic Andersen, Schroders, McKinsey. But ager of the party’s external relations. In analysts. Among the recommendations felling constrained in the corporate 2013, Espinosa joined Santiago Abascal that he has put forward, perhaps the world he eventually chose to pursue his and launched Vox as the new conserva- most remarkable one is a radical sim- dream of becoming an entrepreneur tive party. Espinosa has remained com- plification of Spain’s Income Tax, which focused on real estate projects. Espi- mitted to the project and, over time, has would be simplified to two brackets of nosa has openly commented on the dif- grown to become one of its most recog- 20 and 30 percent. ficulties he faced as an entrepreneur, nizable faces of the party. He has a pres- In conversation with The Conser- but how he over time, with perseverance ence in traditional but above all has built vative, Espinosa explains that “Vox is and hard work, made it a success. Espi- a following on social media. looking to create a stronger Spain. That nosa managed firms in other European Espinosa has played a fundamental is why we need to embrace free market countries, such as Poland, as well as in role in developing Vox’s economic pro- ideas. Those are the principles that favor the United States. It is this experience as gram. He defines himself as a follower of the creation of wealth and a wealthier a businessman that informs his actions the liberal school of thought popularized country is indeed a stronger country”. in politics. ■

FROM THE X-FILES TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Ruža Tomašić uža Tomašić is a Croatian pol- Croatian Conservative Party (Hrvatska in 1981. As a police officer in Toronto itician and Member of the Konzervativna Stranka), a conserva- and Vancouver, she primarily dealt with European Parliament. At the tive and economically liberal party, juvenile delinquency and illegal drug European Parliament she sits which is an active member of the Alli- trade, which included undercover work. Rat the Committee on Regional Devel- ance of Conservatives and Reformists During a state visit of then-president of opment, the Committee on Fisheries in Europe. Croatia, Franjo Tudjman to Vancouver, and at the Delegation for relations with Ruža Tomašić has certainly one of the Ruža Tomašić was assigned to his per- ­Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. most interesting profiles at the Euro- sonal detail. This is when she decided She has previously served as a Mem- pean Parliament. it was time for her to return home in BREXIT ber of Parliament from 2003 to 2008, She was born in Bosnia and Herzegov- ­Croatia; during the visit, President A DEFINING MOMENT and again and from December 2011 to ina, where she spent her early years, but Tuđman, impressed by her dynamism July 2013. In July 2013, when Croatia later moved to Canada, where her sister and professionalism, invited her to Banski rexit is clearly the predom- on major policy proposals and distri- would have hoped even if there still are joined the European Union, she was lived. After her sister helped her settle Dvori to work directly with him. That was inant challenge for the UK bution of power between the Euro- areas of disagreement. elected as Member of the European in her new life in Canada, Ruža joined the start of a new career for her, that found political class, but it will also pean Institutions and the Member In an analysis of the United Kingdom Parliament, and was re-elected in 2014. the Ontario Police College, from which her returning to Croatia and eventually be a defining moment for States and he also reminds of the fact Independence Party role with regards to On 20 November 2014 she founded the she graduated near the top of her class entering national and European politics. ■ Bthe European Union and many mem- that the referendum took place against Brexit David John Wilkinson finds that ber states. Britain’s exit from the EU the backdrop of the financial crisis, the the party failed to take advantage of the will undoubtedly generate a period eurocrisis and the chaos of the migra- British voters natural Eurosceptic incli- of uncertainty as the new relationship tion crisis and the European leaders nation and that UKIP influence on suc- between the UK and with the rest of failure to understand the importance of cessive governments and on national Europe is renegotiated. But the uncer- compromise during Cameron’s renego- thinking was less than is commonly tainty will not last for ever since it is tiation. Cleppe also dispenses with sev- thought. He also finds that the funda- in the interest of both parties to cre- eral persistent Brexit myths. mental failure of the UKIP strategy has ate the closest possible trading rela- Richard Byfält takes apart the With- affected the ongoing negotiations. tionship. As the uncertainty dissipates drawal Agreement and Political Decla- Finally, Jonathan Werran, looks at – and the more flexibility both sides ration and highlights the real crux of the opportunity Brexit creates in the show the faster the new situation will the problem for those of us that do not United Kingdom return power to emerge – new challenges and oppor- have the time or inclination to read the local government and re-establish a She was formerly a police officer in Canada, and also In 1985, Ruža Tomašić became the first motorcycle tunities will need to be faced in both 599-page treaty and the 36-page dec- system of self-government built upon known to have served as close protection officer to former policewoman, and later appeared as a stunt in the popular Britain and across Europe. laration. He reviews the imperfections the ancient tradition of local self-re- Croatian Presidents Franjo Tuđman and Stipe Mesić. series “Millenium” and “X-Files”. The main article is written by Pieter and discusses the options. liance. He makes a strong case for a Cleppe and about the historical road Looking at the situation for the citi- fundamental rethink of the relations that ultimately lead to Brexit. It gives zens in one country Diego Sánchez de between central-local in the aftermath a more nuanced picture of the process la Cruz writes about the post-Brexit of the United Kingdom’s exit from the and a different assignment of blame reality for the hundreds of thousands European Union. than customarily seen in the news. of British citizens that have settle in The articles you will find in this sec- Cleppe doesn’t believe that Brexit can Andalucía, Valencia, or on the Canary tion have been written by specialists easily be laid at David Cameron’s feet and the Balearic Islands and the Span- and will – whatever your political belief and reminds us of the many times the iards that live in the United Kingdom. regarding Brexit – give you reasons to UK and EU have had conflicting views He finds the situation better than many rethink what you think you know. ■ 12 BREXIT theconservative.online theconservative.onlineDEBUNKING THE BREXIT BREXIT 13 LOCALISM IN THE UK THE ROAD TO BREXIT MYTHSby Pieter Cleppe he United Kingdom remains any crocodile tears have the voice of the German Bundesbank The decision to create the euro was for Sterling”, an influential group of firmly entrenched as the most been shed after the UK is key. When expansionist monetary ultimately taken at the Madrid Sum- British business people led by Rod- The description of Brexit, and the referendum that preceded it, has been centralised of all developed coun- mit on 16 December 1995, when Span- ney Leach, the late Chairman of Open T public voted to leave, but policies are needed for the same pur- Pieter Cleppe pretty one-sided in the media and among analysts. Several myths persistent tries in the OECD. When it comes to politicians across Europe pose, the tacit support of the German ish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez Europe. As a businessman he was one represents the independent think tank despite not having any real foundation. Here I debunk some of these myths: national political parties, the history Mand the bureaucracy in Brussels should Chancellor to debase German savings managed to dismiss French President of the most influential figures from the Open Europe in Brussels of localism can be reduced to a tragi- realise they also carry a heavy responsi- is needed. The French establishment Jacques Chirac’s demand for national City of London. With his exceptional @pietercleppe comic oscillation. When courting votes bility for the divorce. There have been was correct to assume that the creation referendums on the euro. Even doubts experience in finance, he understood in opposition, the loud demand is that several junctions along the road when of the euro would enable looser mone- coming from the French President him- the profound implications of Britain of UKIP, Cameron offered a referendum “If only David Cameron hadn’t called a the heavy hand of the central state must the EU has taken a road that the UK did tary policies, which would help to avoid self couldn’t stop it. Kohl had been sold giving up its own currency. The group on EU-membership in January 2013. be restrained. When in power, the exact not want to travel. And that has made all reforms to the welfare state, but it was on it. German officials warned him in managed to convince the Confedera- The referendum took place against referendum, everything would be fine now” reverse is seen in practice. the difference. wrong to assume it would weaken Ger- 1997, 1998 and 1999 that Italy posed “a tion of British Industry (CBI) to aban- the backdrop of the financial crisis, the Localism in the UK brings to mind In 1988, British Prime Minister many politically. special risk” to the euro because of its don their support for the euro, taking a eurocrisis and the chaos of the migra- This assertion is often combined really only was a concern for the Gandhi’s famously impish response to Margaret Thatcher was invited to the German unification provided an refusal to reduce its huge debts and its neutral stance instead. It was a great vic- tion crisis all which bolstered Euroscep- with a negative assessment of direct fringes of the Conservative Party, what he thought about Western civilisa- West-Flemish city of Bruges to deliver opportunity for France to further its accounting tricks. Joachim Bitterlich, tory in preventing British accession to tic sentiment. These developments were democracy in general, as “compli- until a majority of the UK voted in tion, that, “It might be a good idea”. a speech for the College of Europe. Bru- pursuit for a common currency. A Mr Kohl’s former foreign policy adviser, the euro, which would have made Brexit not part of Cameron’s equation when he cated matters shouldn’t be left to favour of Brexit. In the same vain, From the centre, localism might well ges was home to the world’s first stock few years ago, Der Spiegel unearthed wrote in a memo in January 1998 that much more complicated, but also enor- announced the referendum. The increase popular judgement”, which over- they have been arguing that Cam- be a good and universal idea whose time exchange, which emerged to facilitate secret papers showing that Germany Italy’s deficit reduction was based mously more painful, as it would have in Eurosceptic sentiment was not unique looks that this argument can be eron really was a weak leader who has come. However, domestically it is not trade between England and the Euro- was strong-armed by France into swap- mainly on a dubious “tax for Europe” entailed the break-up of a monetary to the UK but took place across Europe. used against democracy itself. While was responding to what people vot- something seen as desirable in practice. pean mainland, and the College of ping its Deutschmark for the euro as and on unusually low market interest union, something that is hard to do in an Neither was the political effect unique. At it’s totally fine to only support indi- ing for his party thought. How could It is more or less squashed in England Europe is a university which has trained the price of reunification. French Pres- rates. In 2012, Bitterlich revealed that orderly fashion. British discontent with about the same time referendums went rect representation, in my view the he? There is something very authori- by an overmighty central state whose many of the European Union’s top offi- ident “Mitterrand did not want a reuni- everyone knew Italy would be included EU membership would have been much against the EU’s preferred outcome in Swiss have demonstrated that direct tarian about this reasoning. relationship with localities is charac- cials. It was the perfect setting for a fication without harder to channel. Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands and democracy can work, as only work- The fundamental problem was that terised as that of parent and child, and speech about the relations between the progress with Euro- Few in the EU real- Hungary. But the Brexit referendum was able proposals tend to enjoy majority the EU had been going in a direc- whose psychological mindset has whis- UK and the European Union. In that pean integration and ise the service done called, and the rest is history. support. Proposals to grant every- tion undesired by the UK public for pers of a quasi-imperial era. speech, Thatcher warned: “We have not the acceptance of the to the EU by Britain Those that criticizing Cameron for one a living wage of not less than decades, with ever more power and If you want to understand the causes the emphasis was to modernise local once-in-a-generation opportunity to successfully rolled back the frontiers euro,” former Mit- The referendum took place against declining to join the submitting such an important decision 2200 euro or a complete experimen- money transferred to the EU level. made in the past, we are told to look at the government. But this would not trans- reconfigure the political economy and of the state in Britain, only to see them terrand adviser and euro. But, it didn’t to a referendum should understand that tal overhaul of the monetary system Even if Cameron wouldn’t have been results as they are manifest in the pres- late into popular assent to regional overturn the predominant centralist re-imposed at a European level with a later minister of for- the backdrop of the financial stop with the Euro. it is probable that Brexit sooner or later were firmly rejected. so responsible to listen to his elector- ent. History casts a long shadow over our assemblies to tackle the English ques- mindset. European super-state exercising a new eign affairs Hubert The next fork in would have emerged as official Conser- David Cameron deserves credit ate, you can be sure the discontent attempts as a nation to harness localism. tion. New Labour lacked the political Indeed, it would be a betrayal of those dominance from Brussels.” Védrine has con- crisis, the eurocrisis and the chaos the road was the vative policy. It’s fair to be against direct for having had the courage to sub- about EU membership would have In the early modern era, English local nerve to undertake necessary reform who voted to leave the EU were con- She praised the “Treaty of Rome” as firmed. Also, Karl of the migration crisis all which three consecutive democracy – Thatcher was opposed mit tricky questions that go beyond been channelled in a different manner, government and its system of self-gov- of local public finances. Instead it trols and responsibilities vested in Brus- “intended as a Charter for Economic Otto Pöhl, who was EU Treaties, signed – but without a referendum Brexit at partisan politics – such as Scottish by UKIP making gains in the domestic ernment was built upon a strong and obsessed with a closer micro-manage- sels to be simply transferred wholesale Liberty”, however adding: “but that it is Bundesbank Pres- bolstered Eurosceptic sentiment. in Amsterdam, Nice some point would have made it in to the independence, the voting system or political arena or by a Brexiteer politi- ancient tradition of local self-reliance. ment of council performance until the to the equally remote Whitehall empire. not how it has always been read, still less ident at the time, and Lisbon involved Conservatives election manifesto. Many indeed EU membership – to the peo- cian rising to the Conservative leader- This carried over into the industrial rev- next twist. Returning to a failed centralist command applied.”, explaining that “the lesson of has said the story is These developments were not part ever greater trans- in British society simply had enough of ple. Before 2016, many political hacks ship and including a pledge for Brexit olution and beyond, and control sys- the economic history of Europe in the accurate. of Cameron’s equation when he fers of power and the ever-greater concentration of power were arguing that EU membership in the Conservative manifesto. helping usher in the tem that stifles the 70’s and 80’s is that central planning and Ironically, Mar- money to the EU and money in Brussels and Cameron mid-Victorian expan- promise of fiscal and detailed control do not work and that garet Thatcher her- announced the referendum. level, either in the was simply listening to voters. As politi- sion of municipal gov- In the uncertainty of the post-Brexit era, economic devolu- personal endeavour and initiative do.” self was an opponent form of scrapping cians should in a democracy. In a similar ernment to deliver the failure to heed the localist opportunity tion is by no means This British warning was ignored. EU of German unification, which should be from the start, for political reasons, as vetoes or in the form of the develop- way, he managed to become Conserva- “The UK is leaving, so the EU doesn’t need sanitation, utilities and what leave voters Commission President Jacques Delors considered a strategic error, as it gave he described the mood at the time: “Not ment of new supranational bureaucra- tive leader by promising to pull the Con- education so desper- risks dooming large parts of England to understood by tak- simply continued his efforts for the cre- the French more leverage to force Ger- without the Italians, please. That was cies, such as an “EU Foreign Ministry” servatives out of the European People’s to make any changes to facilitate that” ately needed in bur- ing back control. ation of a common European currency. many into accepting the euro. A stronger the political motto.” or “EU Council Presidency”. Party, where the likes of Angela Merkel geoning urban centres entrenched economic failure, stripping As a place-based Its creation would be the first big junc- Anglo-German bond could have been a The desire of Helmut Kohl alone to Referendums were held on the Nice were firmly sold on EU-federalism. Just as in any divorce, it may not be To deal with Brexit, the EU there- with rapidly expanding localities of purpose and power. think-tank, Loca- tion that separated the UK from the EU force for good. continue with it wasn’t sufficient. After Treaty, rejected by the Irish in 2001, the The last fork in the road was Cam- fair that one of the partners needs to fore will need to be flexible. It populations. lis is trying to keep project, so this deserves to be studied in Despite the fact that Britain and other the fateful decision in December 1995 to “European Constitution”, rejected by eron’s attempt to reform the EU or at make changes in his or her life to deal won’t be able to dictate, as with However, the turn- The stakes couldn’t be higher. a step above the more detail. countries were forced to leave the euro’s actually introduce the euro, Italy saw its the French and the Dutch in 2005, and least renegotiate Britain’s relationship with it all, but it is a reality neverthe- Norway, that trade can only remain ing point seems to immediate polit- The policies of the Bundesbank, the predecessor, the “European Exchange 10 year borrowing rates drop under 12% its reworked version, the Lisbon Treaty, with the union. Cameron should have less. In this particular divorce, the EU open if one of the oldest democra- be Great Britain’s wartime experience, This came in 2010 Cameron-led Coa- ical fray to look at how the localist German central bank, had their orig- Rate Mechanism (ERM)”, in the autumn again. Markets had rationally concluded rejected again by the Irish in 2008, who been more ambitious in his attempts to is hardly blameless in the first place, cies in the world, Britain, takes over where state control and intrusion into lition whose Localism Act ushered the agenda can be restarted in the specifi- inating in Germany’s hyperinflation of 1992, the common currency was cre- that despite Italy’s massive debt burden, were asked to vote a second time on both reform the EU. As former Open Europe as it has enthusiastically obstructed all of the EU’s rules without being many aspects of life that had until then destruction of the previous top-heavy cally English context. Our project Hit- trauma earlier in the 20th century and ated anyway. The Treaty of Maastricht, the country would be more sustainable Nice and Lisbon. Director Mats Persson wrote about his Cameron’s attempts to reform the EU. able to vote on it. When EU rules been locally managed began to be wel- audit regime. The deficit-reduction pro- ting Reset is framed around three main the Bundesbank were pretty hawkish which had been signed in February 1992, as a member of the Eurozone, despite All of these Treaties had been agreed experience as advisor to Cameron on The British economy equals 19 of on financial services do not allow comed by the general public. gramme oversaw a massive cut in funding areas of focus: even by central banking standards. The provided the legal basis for this. During the so-called “no bailout” pledge. by consecutive British – Labour – gov- the failed renegotiation of EU member- the smallest economies of the EU27. for companies from outside of the The experiment in command central- to local authorities in exchange for their • strong local leadership; euro’s creation was mainly the result of the negotiations, the UK had secured This truly was the first European ernments. Tony Blair had first been ship, ahead of the 2016 referendum: “We Therefore, Brexit isn’t only about one EU to offer their services in the ism succeeded beyond all measure. It assuming a greater share of responsibil- • the reinvigoration of local economies longstanding French frustration with an “opt-out”, which can be considered bailout of Italy, which was headed for forced to promised a referendum on the under-bid. (…) Cameron’s brilliant 2013 member leaving the club. Brexit really EU27, the EU will need to change fed on a golden wartime memory of sol- ities and the promise of ambitious local and political structures; the supremacy of the Bundesbank, and the first big British deviation from the a default. The political decision to cre- “European Constitution”, but then when Bloomberg speech – envisioning sweep- signifies a split-up of the club – irre- these particular rules, if it wants to idarity, common purpose and aspiration public service reform. • a more locally responsive welfare state. its way of conducting monetary poli- EU-project. The same year, the Dan- ate the common currency also rapidly this project had been killed by French ing EU reform […] was incrementally spective of the fact that the UK has a keep financial ties with the world’s for equality. And once Clement Atlee’s By the time the Conservatives finally In seeking a place-based response, we cies. During the 1980s, France, Belgium ish population rejected the Maastricht reduced the borrowing costs of Belgium, and Dutch voters, his successor Gordon distilled down to a less ambitious open- much bigger part of its trade with the leading financial centre, London, Labour government replaced the Chur- attained their surprise majority govern- will seek to make a strong case for a fun- and other European countries could Treaty in a referendum, resulting in a Portugal and Spain from 1996 on until Brown didn’t submit the Lisbon Treaty ing bid in the renegotiation. Even some EU than vice versa. unharmed. chill led wartime coalition, this centralist ment in 2015, the agenda was directed to damental rethink of central-local rela- not – because of fixed exchange rates – Danish euro opt-out, and in France only 1999, when the euro was formally intro- to a popular vote (but he did made up an European leaders suggested more ambi- revolution was permanently embedded national economic growth. This trans- tions in the immediate aftermath of the adjust monetary conditions or interest 51.1 percent of the public voted in favour. duced. The motivation for European excuse to miss the signing ceremony in tion. As one diplomat put it, “In Europe, in the early welfare state and a top-down lated as bidding to earn greater devo- United Kingdom’s exit from the Euro- rates to the needs of their own economy. In the early 1990s, Delors and his com- governments to create a common cur- December 2007.) As Conservative oppo- we ask for 10 things in order to get 6, you National Health Service. lution over how local economies are pean Union. These countries were forced to adapt to panions wouldn’t listen to the many prom- rency was to temporarily finance their sition leader, David Cameron told Czech ask for 4 things to get 4. Why?” “The EU is ready for “no deal” In the memorable phrase of US Secre- managed through a series of individual In researching this project, we are the monetary policy of the Bundesbank. inent economists that warned against welfare states, by increasing their capac- President Klaus, the last leader needed But European leaders also deserve tary of State Dean Acheson, Britain had deals with the centre. very proud to be working with the ECR The Bundesbank and D-Mark provided creating the common currency. The proj- ity for unsustainable debt creation. to sign the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, to hold much of the blame for the failure Germany, Belgium, the Nether- has warned the port of Calais could lost an empire but not found a role. But In this game the major English cities to learn from strong examples best prac- investors with a stable alternative to the ect had to be realised at any cost. EU Com- In short, Britain’s first schism from off signing the treaty. But, by the time of Cameron’s renegotiation. Ger- lands, France and Ireland are all hir- grind to a standstill, because ‘even the UK civil service readily found a new and city regions had a clear advantage tice in European localism – taking valu- French franc. The French central bank mission itself has documented the many the European project was due to the Cameron entered office as British PM in man Chancellor Angela Merkel ruling ing extra customs staff to deal with at the moment you can see queues role – replacing Calcutta with Cardiff, over rural areas in advance preparations. able lessons in local empowerment and knew that the investors would aban- warnings in a report released at the end of German concession to France to give May 2010, Klaus had already been forced out Treaty change early on made big a possible “no deal” - Brexit but in of more than half a mile to the tun- Carlisle and Canterbury as the seat of its The stipulation that powers would only autonomy. don the French bond market and cur- 2009, just before the start of euro-crisis, in up its D-Mark. A final attempt to embed to surrender. Britain’s eurosceptics had reforms impossible. She also largely left none of these countries will there be nel and that is where there are no ambitions. be passed down in exchange for a gover- We will examine how EU funding rency if it did not set competive interest a bid to mock those that warned about the Britain into the euro was prevented, long been craving for a referendum on the initiative to the European Commis- a sufficient number of them deployed checks. Imagine what it will be like So, while continental Europe basked nance system involving directly-elected streams should be directed in the new rates. The French establishment, which consequences of the project. partly thanks to the efforts of “Business anything EU-related, so to stem the rise sion knowing full well that this would if necessary soon. The situation is with checks.’ in a sustained post-war economic mayors proved an insuperable stumbling Shared Prosperity Fund to provide new included Jean-Claude Trichet, a future make real progress hart near impossi- even worse with veterinarians, which There are also problems with medical renewal, ‘les trentes glorieuses’ and the block to rural areas. opportunities to direct investment in a ECB President, were perturbed that ble. And other countries – countries that are hard to find in any case. Ongo- supplies and then we haven’t even dis- Wirtschaftswunder, in Britain the “man Which more or less leads us up to the way that meets local needs and not cen- currency competition in Europe limited have a great interest in trade with Brit- ing strikes by French customs staff cussed the many agreements that are in Whitehall knew best” when it came present time, where analysis of the Brexit tral government diktat. The project will the room for artificially boosting the ain, like Belgium and the Netherlands – against the lack of preparedness, with necessary to prevent disruption of vari- to deciding what localities needed for vote is typified as a revolt of the ‘some- also look at the case for England’s regions French economy through artificially low did not either go out of their way to help traffic misery as a result, fail to wake ous economic sectors, from air travel to economic and social improvement. And wheres’ who have singularly not ben- assuming a greater role in international interest rates and devaluations of the Cameron. Perhaps the biggest effort was up politicians. manufacturing. Companies are poorly when in the mid-1970s industrial fail- efitted from the benefits of globalism trade and representation on the global national currency. made by Central and Eastern European In February, Xavier Bertrand, chair- prepared as well. That’s of course not ure and decline took hold, the message or national economic growth centred stage and how localised reform of the French strategic thinking, then, was countries, as they did concede to mod- man of the Hauts-de-France region to say the UK would be ready. to local government was that “the party around London and the South East. centralised welfare state could help our to create a common European cur- est restrictions on EU migrants’ access is over”. For champions of localism here, the localities adapt to demographic change rency to eliminate Germany’s mone- to welfare. Seeking to end the period of decline, UK’s rather torturous departure from and churn in an era of ever more rapid. tary sovereignty. It is easy to make a We also shouldn’t forget how in June Lady Thatcher’s distrust of hostile the European Union presents a priceless global change. comparison with today’s complaints in 2014, the UK was outvoted, together ‘loony left’ Labour run councils, which The UK civil service has a cynical Southern Europe how the euro has sup- with Hungary, during the decision to “The EU is holding all the cards tried to set illegal budgets, left in mark in phrase that the most politically import- posedly benefited Germany. In my view, appoint Jean-Claude Juncker to EU in this negotiation” severe constraints on council finances. ant projects are “doomed to success”. it hasn’t. Instead, it has impoverished Commission President. Juncker, an avid Ironically, local taxation ultimately This translates that centrally-set targets German savers, at the expense of export- federalist then pledged his Commis- If in the case of “no deal”, German the EU27 – one estimate has it at became the Iron Lady’s political neme- will always be universally met or seen to ers who have been lacking incentives sion would be “political”, thereby going Chancellor Angela Merkel would be 500.000 jobs losses in the UK and sis in the form of the self-defeating and be met by departments of state regardless to innovate (for example, the Germa- directly against the UK’s preference faced with major job losses in Germa- 1.2 million in the EU27 – the EU would controversial poll tax – a legacy whose of their worth or expense. ny’s car industry). It’s true that the euro of the Commission as an administra- ny’s car manufacturing industry, it’s simply be able to dictate the terms. impact on local fiscal strangulation is In the uncertainty of the post-Brexit has strengthened Germany politically. tive body responsible to open up trade. unlikely that she would say: “it’s all While the UK has been making most felt to this day. era, failure to heed the localist opportu- The German economy is the bedrock Juncker did start a “better regulation” very sad, but here’s the good news: of the concessions, so far, the EU has Post-Thatcher, Tony Blair’s New nity risks dooming large parts of England upon which the credibility of the com- imitative but that didn’t deliver much. job losses in the UK are twice the level also moved, for example by conced- Labour gave Scotland and Wales sepa- Jonathan Werran to entrenched economic failure, strip- mon currency rests. When bailouts are So, now, the UK is on a road less trav- of here in Germany”. People would be ing that the whole of the UK and not rate assemblies as part of an asymmetric is chief executive of Localis ping localities of purpose and power. The needed to kick the can down the road, elled. ■ rightly angered. Yet, you can hear all just Northern Ireland could enjoy tar- devolutionary settlement. In England localis.org.uk stakes couldn’t be higher. ■ the time that because the UK would iff-free imports after the transition be hit worse in relative terms than period. 14 BREXIT theconservative.online theconservative.online OPINION 15 SPAIN’S UKIP WRONGLY post-Brexit CREDITED WITH BREXIT OUR VISION FOR PLAN he United Kingdom Indepen- Successful modern pressure groups Cameron could ignore the Euro- dence Party (UKIP) did not do not form parties. Their campaigns sceptic vote without much conse- T create British Euroscepticism, instead organise interest groups to affect quence but could not safely ignore David John Wilkinson nor was it particularly influential on the swing vote. These groups essentially the fragmentation of his own party. THE EUROPEAN UNION EU commentator national thinking or government policy. give the main party’s candidates an offer: But, blaming UKIP was a better than The phenomenon of Euroscepticism give us what we want, and we will vote admitting that his own worst enemy The fundamental failure of the UKIP share these thoughts with you happens naturally. Maybe two thirds for you, do not give us what we want, and were within his own ranks. The man- strategy becomes clear when we analyse as the leader of the third largest of people in Britain are some shade we will vote for the other party. agement of the Conservative Party how it affects the ongoing negotiations. Group in the European Parlia- of Eurosceptic and, as we now know, UKIP, precisely by forming a party, were not the only ones with a motive The UK parliament contains a major- ment. A group that is very much just over half were so Eurosceptic they parked the anti-EU vote safely in a to adopt the narrative of UKIP as a ity of remain MPs selected without any Ipart of the future. A group that is con- would vote to leave the EU. In light of cul-de-sac. UKIP said, no matter what major influence. The EU, the BBC and regard to the Brexit vote. If UKIP had fidently looking ahead to how our num- this natural advantage the failure of Eurosceptic policies you offer, we will Nigel Farage himself promoted UKIP used its potential as an interest group bers and influence could grow, while pain is one of the UK’s closest allies. UKIP to influence successive govern- not vote for you, we will vote UKIP. as leaders of anti-EU sentiment. In promoting a swing between the parties those around us look over their shoul- As Brexit is about to become a real- ments is noteworthy. This was something of a disincentive the case of the two first, it was because in favour of the most Eurosceptic can- Ryszard Legutko MEP ders as they lose election after election S ity, the Madrid has started to pre- When Alan Sked established UKIP to Conservative Party to develop real UKIP was an enemy they believed they didate, it could potentially have moved is the Co-Chairman of the Parliamentary in Europe. pare for the new situation once London the underlying strategy had the logic an Eurosceptic policy or select authen- could defeat, and it starved the more the entire parliament in their direction Group of European Conservatives We believe that we need new leader- formally says goodbye to Brussels. How historian – an understanding that you tic Eurosceptic candidates. Mean- effective opposition of the oxygen of and put more Brexiteers in parliament. and Reformists and a member of the ship in Europe to tackle the problems will Brexit affect the many thousands need a mechanism to take power and not while, all main parties were falling over publicity. It also enabled them to keep That would have had a real impact and Foreign Affairs Committee. He is a we face. In March 2009, our founding of British citizens, mostly seniors, who just protest. Therefore, when he formed themselves competing for other inter- the discussion on what was wrong with affected real change. ■ professor of philosophy at Jagellonian ECR Group parties signed the Prague University in Krakow, Poland and opted to settle in the Iberian country. UKIP from the Anti-Federalist League, est group voters with the consequent the mental health of those who railed has served as Minister of Education, Declaration. The declaration com- Migration from the United King- he moved from an Anti-Corn Law very rapid changes in modern society. against the EU rather than analyse Secretary of State in the Chancellery mitted us to the establishment of a dom to Spain grew rapidly in the second League model to a Sinn Fein model. But, The more numerical UKIP became the what was wrong with the EU that it is of the late President Lech Kaczynski, new force for change, based on values half of the 1990s. British citizens, typi- there was a fundamental strategic flaw more votes they neutralised. And, when rejected by the electorate. Sadly, many and Deputy Speaker of the Senate. His such as free enterprise, lower taxation, cally pensioners, settle in coastal regions in the model – UKIP never came close to UKIP credibly could claim to attract as observers on the continent still believe most recent English language book is small government, greater democratic such as Andalucía or Valencia and on the seizing power. Therefore, UKIP must be many labour votes as Tory voters, they that Nigel Farage was the leader Brit- “The Demon in Democracy: Totalitarian accountability, the sovereign integrity Temptations in Free Societies” Canary and the Balearic Islands. In spite judged in terms of pressure politics. further neutralised their effectiveness. ish Eurosceptic movement. (Encounter Books, 2016). of the nation state, effectively controlled of the Great Recession that drove Spain’s immigration, an end to waste and exces- economy to the ground, the flow of Brit- sive bureaucracy, and gave a commit- ish citizens moving to Spain has contin- vehemently oppose any imposition of ment to greater transparency in the EU ued. According to the Municipal Register, new regulatory and customs barriers institutions. I know these are values and which is managed by local governments, WHAT IS IN THE between Northern Ireland and the rest ideas that as Conservatives we all share, close to 250,000 UK citizens currently live of the UK. What the Irish protocol does both the ECR Group and my own party in Spain. But, the real number is thought is to avoid a hard border between North- the Law and Justice Party of Poland. to be even higher. Government estimates WITHDRAWAL ern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland So what needs to change? Well to start indicate that almost 400,000 additional while risking to create one between with, we believe that in our democracies Brits regularly travel to Spain for extended Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. backstop. The parties also introduced a it is ok to have differences of opinions. stays. Conversely, more than 115,000 AGREEMENT? Elsewhere the Irish Protocol’s article 9, legal instrument interpreting the Irish Most EU Member States seem to under- has to be more respectful of its Mem- While we support efforts to put in The current Commission has Spaniards live in the United Kingdom, of “diplomatic piece of art” was obligations undertaken while the UK 10, 11 and 12 requires Northern Ireland protocol and the UK indicated it would stand this. They have elections. Power ber States. All its Member States. Large place a number of important interna- embarked on the most aggressive pur- which 60 percent are young professionals. how German Chancellor Angela was a member state, citizens’ rights to to align legislation and taxation to EU make a unilateral declaration that if the changes hands. Some people don’t like and small. New and old. Then we have tional agreements to remove barriers suit of democratically elected Mem- How will the situation be managed? Merkel described the Brexit deal live, work or study in their host country, legislation and taxation including in the backstop came into force and negotia- the result. But they accept it. That’s how to respect the EU’s treaties. They have to trade, to help our companies trade ber States that we have ever seen. Is the A tions on the future relationship had bro- across the world, we are of course aware Commission neutral in their decisions? Brexit forces Madrid and London to rede- agreed to on November 25th last year. transition related issues including con- future (article 15 (4)-(5)). The EU will elections work. been agreed and ratified by Member fine the status of these citizens. But both The agreement was negotiated under the tinued application of EU law in the UK retain the power to impose updates to ken down completely the UK would take But at the EU level it is different. States and their voters. Using the term that free trade and globalisation must By their own admission, they certainly countries seem to be of the opinion that Article 50 withdrawal procedure in the during the transition and governance EU legislation and tax Northern Ireland the position that “there would be noth- Especially, if you have a different view “ever closer union” to reinterpret the benefit everyone. That, in any interna- are not. their interest is to have a constructive EU treaties by the former French For- provisions establishing dispute settle- while leaving the nation without any ing to prevent the UK instigating mea- over how the EU works. You’re not in treaties and pave the way for integration tional trading agreements reached, we They have changed their own code agreement that will protect their respec- eign Minister Michael Barnier, appointed ment mechanisms for the agreement. In representation. sures that would ultimately dis-apply opposition, as you would be at home. You beyond what was intended when the have to be mindful of their effects on of conduct to allow Commissioners to tive expatriates. The Spanish government Chief Negotiator by the European Com- addition, three protocols are attached to The Irish Protocol also contains pro- the backstop.” Following the publication are labelled a populist. That is, if you’re treaties were signed has to stop. wages, jobs, local industry and the future campaign in European elections. And has already announced Brexit contin- mission, and the British government the agreement; the Protocol on the Sov- visions establishing; that the Common of the joint statement the UK Attorney lucky. Or maybe as an anti-European. Or Next, there has to be a focus on doing of the EU’s economy. what is happening? They are cam- gency plan that would grant residency under Theresa May. The draft Agreement ereign Base Areas in Cyprus, the Proto- Travel Area between Ireland and the UK General made statements to the House as the far-right or even xenophobic. less and doing it better. Focussing on Finally, let me share a few thoughts paigning in European elections. And permits to almost 700,000 British citizens. on the Withdrawal of the United King- col on Ireland and Northern Ireland and will continue to apply, that the UK will of Commons indicating that the legal Recently, a much-lauded report from areas where there is a genuine need to about the next European Commission. In they are campaigning on the portfo- For those who currently hold a proper dom from the European Union, as the the Protocol on Gibraltar. ensure there will be no diminution of risks in a situation where both the UK the European Council on Foreign Rela- work together. Helping us to put in place Jan Zahradil I am sure we have endorsed lios they are supposed to be working permit, the process will almost be auto- 599-page piece of art is officially known, The agreement establishes a tran- rights and safeguards established under and EU have demonstrated good faith in tions was specifically titled: “The 2019 a migration system that genuinely works the right candidate to promote these on objectively. matic. In addition, those British individu- sets out the terms and mechanisms for sitional period which lasts, if it is not the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, negotiations but cannot reach agreement European Election: How anti-Europe- When the European Ombudsman als who are not formally registered but do the UK’s exit from the European Union. extended, until December 31st, 2020. that the Single Electricity Market will due to “intractable differences” remains ans plan to wreck Europe and what can found in their appointment of their Sec- live in Spain for extended periods of time Closely linked to the withdrawal agree- unchanged. According to the Attorney be done to stop it.” The paper highlights retary General (Juncker’s own chief of will follow a different path, yet authorities ment is the Political Declaration setting General’s statement on the backstop of that “anti-Europeans” are on course to staff) that the Commission were guilty have already clarified that this protocol out the Framework for the Future Rela- November 13th the Irish Protocol would win a third of seats in the next parlia- of four counts of maladministration will both be “reasonable” and “simple”. It tionship between the EU and the UK. “endure indefinitely until a supersed- ment. They included most of our par- That is our vision for the EU: and had deliberately misinterpreted the should be noted that all safeguards offered This thirty-six-page declaration of intent The British government, MP’s and the EU ing agreement took its place in whole or ties within this term: “anti-Europeans”. spirit and the letter, what were the con- by the Spanish government will be made establishes the terms and scope for the could look for inspiration to the French part.” While the Prime Minister seeks And, if “Eurosceptics” retain and gain An EU that does less but does sequences? There were none. Govern- on condition that London will reciprocate future relationship between the EU and to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement by It was Germany power in Member States, we are told ments have fallen for less. with similar measures for Spaniards living UK. Basically, a wish-list of agreements to impressionist painter Claude Monet who swaying some 75 MP’s, the EU 27 have they would not only be able to obstruct it better. That gives more value When citizens see this, it makes them in the British islands. be concluded after the withdrawal agree- disappointed by their quality destroyed only to ratify it by signature of its Mem- that had more the EU’s work; but Rome, Warsaw, and trust the EU even less, at a time when While negotiations keep advancing, the ment is ratified. ber States after which the consent of the EU infringement Budapest would also be “empowered” to for money. That asks what it can we should be doing more than ever to UK government has launched an informa- In November last year Prime Min- a group of his famed and cherished water European Parliament is sought. break EU rules with impunity. rebuild that trust. And that is why the tion campaign that looks to bring more ister May promised to “campaign with lily paintings. The British government, MP’s and proceedings against Not that you need reminding, but do for its members, not what its EU has to reform. We truly hope, and clarity to British nationals based in Spain. [...] heart and soul” to win the parlia- the EU could look for inspiration to the it than any other which country has had more EU members can do for it. An EU believe, that it can reform. We believe The Embassy is doing so with a combina- mentary vote on what she described as The UK will de-facto remain a mem- be maintained on the island of Ireland French impressionist painter Claude country. infringement proceedings against it last that it does have a role to play in sup- tion of e-mail briefings, social media cam- “a deal for a brighter future”. By Decem- ber of the European Economic Area, the and that North-South cooperation will Monet who disappointed by their qual- year than any other country? It was Ger- that respects its Member States. porting our economies. And that it can paigns and public events organized in key ber the Prime Minister had deferred single market and the customs union continue in areas such as environment, ity destroyed a group of his famed and many. It was also Germany that decided become a way of supporting our sover- cities of the Iberian Peninsula. the vote because she thought it “would during this period and EU law will con- health, agriculture, transport, education, cherished water lily paintings. It is said they no longer wanted to abide by the And, an EU that respects its eign nation states, not an anchor drag- Authorities in Madrid and London are be rejected by a significant margin”. EU tinue to apply to the UK. The transition tourism, energy, telecommunications, that Monet was concerned with how EU’s migration rules, disregarding our ging them down. also focused on finding common ground leaders refused to renegotiate the agree- is supposed to give both sides time to broadcasting, fisheries, justice and secu- future generations would view his works. internal security and inviting refugees people and doesn’t ignore them. That is our vision for the EU. An EU in other areas. The never-ending debate ment but promised to help the Prime negotiate a future relationship on trade rity and higher education and sport. According to former French Prime Min- and economic migrants to cross borders that does less but does it better. That about Gibraltar’s sovereignty is on the Minister “facilitate UK ratification”. On and other issues. Another sticking point is that under ister Georges Clemenceau, a close friend unchecked. A policy that divided politics gives more value for money. That asks table, as expected. Controversy will also January 15th the withdrawal agreement The main concern among UK Mem- the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement of Monet, the painter had said “when I am in and between our countries. Can you and is acceptable to everyone. Italy has views during the election campaign and what it can do for its members, not what sure arise with regards to air traffic, mainly was finally put to a vote in the House of bers of Parliament is over the Northern the UK would not be able to leave the cus- dead I shall find their imperfections more imagine the outcry if the same things been at the forefront of a debate that has we all certainly support him in his efforts its members can do for it. An EU that because Spanish carrier Iberia is part of Commons and rejected by a vote of 432 Ireland ‘backstop’, a proposal for a cus- toms arrangement without EU approval. bearable.” Likewise, someday, the imper- were to happen in Italy? Or in Poland? shown the EU system currently in place and wish him well. I know Jan Zahradil respects its Member States. And, an IAG, a British holding that also controls to 202. Following another two months toms arrangement with the EU which Some UK politicians such as the former fections of the Withdrawal Agreement Or even in the United Kingdom? The is not effective in dealing with the chal- agrees with me that we have to respect EU that respects its people and doesn’t British Airways. Also, there is substantial of political theatre the agreement was would enter into force if the two sides Department for Exiting the European might one day be more bearable. On the reaction would be very different. But lenges of regional conflicts, poverty and the treaties. That means it is the Euro- ignore them. bi-lateral trade in both goods and services, again rejected by the House of Com- cannot agree a future relationship which Union Minister David Jones have said other hand, the same could of course be apparently, we are the “anti-Europe- mass migration. Since the formation of pean Council’s role to select their candi- So, what does the future hold for the so leaders in Madrid and London have mons on March 12th by 391 votes to 242. avoids the return of a so called ‘hard bor- that what the EU proposes amounts to an said about the imperfections of a WTO- ans”, set to disrupt the system. the ECR Group, we have pointed out the date to be the Commission’s president. ECR Group? Well after the elections in focused on limiting the potential effect of Though the House of Commons Speaker der’ between Northern Ireland and the ‘annexation’ of Northern Ireland. Brexit.. ■ This idea and this argument must flaws in the system and been the voice So, what do we want from the next 2009 they said we would never survive. protectionist measures. ■ has indicated a third vote is not possi- Republic of Ireland. The Irish Protocol Following two defeats of the With- change. We are not here to work against the of reform and change for the Common European Commission? Headed by We did. Five years later, in 2014, they ble without “demonstrable change” to to the Withdrawal Agreement in Article drawal Agreement in the House of system. Or to bring it down from within. European Asylum System. As one of the Jean-Claude Juncker, the current Com- said we would collapse. Then, we ended the agreement, it is likely to be voted on 6(1) states that “a single customs terri- Commons, the Prime Minister sought We simply believe the test that we should ECR Group’s founding principles, this is mission has openly boasted about being 2014 as the third largest group in the again by MP’s. If the Prime Minister fails tory between the Union and the United clarifications from the EU with regards apply to all proposals from the Commis- a key priority. a “political commission”. This has to European Parliament. Ten years later to win backing for the withdrawal agree- Kingdom shall be established.” The Pro- to the so-called Irish backstop. On March sion ought to be, “will this make our voters’ We also need to better connect our end. Under the Treaties the European and still, in 2019, they are saying that the ment the UK will have until April 12th to tocol establishes a UK - EU customs 11th the EU and UK agreed to a joint lives better?” Not, “does this advance the businesses and our citizens. Helping Commission has a number of roles that ECR will collapse. Well, I am not say- propose a new plan of action. union and EU customs legislation would statement supplementing the political cause of European federalism?” The Euro- business to trade across borders without are expected to be carried out objec- ing I can predict the future. But let me What is in the agreement and why are apply to Northern Ireland. Under arti- declaration. The statement mainly con- This article is an extract from Professor Ryszard pean Union needs to start working for the unnecessary obstacles and bureaucracy. tively and impartially. But how as pol- tell you one thing, they are wrong. Very MP’s opposing it? cle 15(1) of the Protocol Northern Ire- tained assurances relating to the applica- Legutko’s keynote speech to La Convenzione people again, instead of the people working And providing a platform for our citizens iticians, and more importantly as the wrong indeed. The Withdrawal Agreement consists land is defined as part of the customs tion of the backstop. Both sides affirmed Blue, ACRE’s largest convention ever, held in for the European Union. to move freely to live and work. This is general public, are we supposed to trust Together we will strive to deliver our Richard Byfält Rome. The convention brought together leaders Diego Sánchez de la Cruz of six sections covering; the operation territory of the Union and the Union’s that they seek to negotiate a free trade Public affairs consultant, EU analyst from across the continent, to shape the debate on I am sure everyone who reads this something national Governments acting the Commission’s objectivity when they agenda and help the EU and its Mem- is one of the most influential economic of the withdrawal agreement, separa- Customs Code will continue to apply to agreement quickly and work towards and former Secretary General of the Europe’s shared future and insights into the ideas agrees that the EU has to reform. So alone are unlikely to achieve and where are openly claiming to be political, and ber States face up to today’s major chal- analysts in Spain. tion issues, the financial settlement of Northern Ireland. British unionist MP’s alternative arrangements to replace the EUDemocrats party. that are shaping our time. where should we start? Firstly, the EU we see the EU has a role to play. are campaigning in elections? lenges. ■ 16 OPINION theconservative.online theconservative.online OPINION 17 VOICE OF REGIONAL BETTER Geopolitics of Brexit REGULATION WHAT DOES BODIES HAS TO BE HEARD BRITAIN WANT? CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE AGENDA DIDN’T First of all, it is worth referencing Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which sets SIGNIFICANTLY out the basic meaning and purpose of the cohesion policy. The article stipulates that in order to promote its overall harmonious development, the Union shall develop and DECREASE Władysław Ortyl pursue actions leading to the strengthen- Marshal of the Podkarpackie ing of its economic, social and territorial voivodship cohesion. In particular, the Union shall REGULATION aim to reduce disparities between the lev- els of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the most disad- vantaged regions. This makes it clear that the cohesion policy firmly enshrines the principle of solidarity, meaning that only by helping less developed regions will we economic innovation, creating jobs, This led to an increase in the financial particular conditions of a specific area. be able to ensure the cohesive develop- promoting social inclusion, combating resources available to regional author- Of course, this must take place in accor- ment of the entire area. This is not about social exclusion as well as improving the ities which enabled them to implement dance with the rules laid down by the providing “grants for the weakest regions” conditions for economic development, development policies. European Union and the Member State. just because they are the weakest, but environmental protection and people’s The process of developing mecha- An excellent example of a joint part- rather creating mechanisms to strengthen quality of life through infrastructure nisms to implement the cohesion pol- nership between the European, national or tap into their development potential so development. This clearly shows that icy in Poland, particularly the process of and regional levels is the European that they can set out on a path of sustain- cohesion policy is closely interlinked its “regionalisation”, is consistent with Commission’s Catching-up Regions ini- he proper question for the British over able development. with other Community policies (sci- European trends. It is very much in line tiative. The basic idea behind the ini- their membership of the EU must be Poland and its regions became mem- entific, industrial, social, labour mar- with the subsidiarity principle – one of tiative is to promote direct cooperation geopolitical: do the British want to bers of the European Union in May 2004 ket, environmental, etc.) and also has the fundamental principles on which with under-performing EU regions in be part of a United States of Europe and, since then, we have been partici- an impact in areas where those policies European integration is based. Under order to overcome clearly identified bar- T(USE), or do they want to be the equivalent of pants in, and some of the main benefi- play a role. It therefore helps to build the this principle, the level of intervention riers to regional development. The Pod- Canada? ciaries of, European cohesion policy. It EU’s long-term competitive advantages must be chosen bearing in mind not only karpackie region was the first to respond The Americans faced this question in 1787, in should be noted here that Poland’s expe- in the face of global challenges. the expected results, but also the goal of positively to the European Commis- Philadelphia, when George Washington and Alex- rience clearly underlines the positive The regional level is clearly singled increasing participation among commu- sion’s proposal and participated suc- ander Hamilton persuaded the 13 former colo- Terence Kealey It is worth impact of this policy and its important out in the Treaty definition of cohesion nities and citizens. This is particularly cessfully in the first two rounds of the nies to surrender their new-found sovereignties Former Vice-Chancellor of The role in stepping up the rate of economic policy. It is at regional level that dif- important with regard to the impact of initiative. Together with partners from and join a united USA. Though there have since University of Buckingham underlining that growth and improving the living con- ferences are measured and an impact cohesion policy instruments, which, the European Commission, the Min- been alarums and scarums (the Nullification cri- regional authorities ditions of local people. Since Poland istry of Investment and Development, sis of 1832-33; the Civil War of 1861-65) the USA goodwill of the USE, and the relationship with have, and should joined the EU, all Polish regions have and with the support of World Bank s the end of the Juncker-Commission has since held together, to great consequence, for Brussels will need careful nurture. clearly improved their standing rela- experts, we managed to come up with approaches, it’s worth looking at its there will shortly be only five countries of geo- Yet instead of grounding the EU debate in geo- maintain, a specific tive to Europe’s other regions. As one of new mechanisms and instruments to track record in terms of delivering the political importance, namely the USA, the USE, politics, the British have grounded it in trade. role especially the least developed in Poland, the Pod- support the innovation of the regional so-called “better regulation” agenda. China, India and Russia. Which is maddening. For three reasons. First, karpackie region is currently growing The experience of economy, which started to be imple- AmbitiousA targets were set, with promises of “less A post-Brexit Britain will take its unimport- they’re currently part of the greatest trading bloc with regard to the at a faster rate than the national aver- mented in the current financial per- EU interference in [citizen’s] daily lives” and it ant place amongst the other second-tier nations in the history of world, yet they’re going to leave it implementation age. This is to a large extent the result of implementing the European spective. These tools enable regional was very welcome for the Commission to finally of Japan, Indonesia or indeed Canada, but it for better trade elsewhere? cohesion policy instruments. It is worth authorities to promote economic devel- take this issue serious. Previously, many were might be happy. The happiest countries seem to But second, trade’s not directly central to long- of cohesion policy stressing that Poland has a good under- cohesion policy also opment more actively and help prepare denying that there even was a problem of EU reg- Pieter Cleppe be the smaller ones, with perhaps 5 million being term economic growth. Trade will provide com- instruments. A standing of the cohesion policy’s sol- the instruments for the next financial ulatory overreach. represents the independent think tank the optimal population (Scotland take note), but modities a country can’t produce for itself (oil, idarity dimension. This was reflected demonstrates the important perspective. Through our participation In 2014, at the start of the mandate, Junck- Open Europe in Brussels small countries have a horrible geopolitical habit bananas, rare earths), and it will enlarge the mar- region is, by nature, in the launch of additional operational in the Catching-up Regions initiative, er’s Commissioner responsible for “better regu- @pietercleppe of being invaded, occupied and humiliated. The ket, but economic growth—the sort of sustain- an indirect link programmes at national level in the role played by regional we have also carried out a unique proj- lation” - the Dutchman Frans Timmermans was Brexiteers trust this time will be different and able, transformative economic growth humanity 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 financial ect on spatial planning integration for labelled as ‘Dr. No’ by a Dutch newspaper, for just whopping 66% or two thirds of the impact of reg- that 1066 will not be repeated, but this time is has enjoyed since the Industrial Revolution and between global perspectives, which were aimed at the authorities in implementing the the functional area of the region’s cap- having vetoed not less than 62 out of 64 propos- ulation in the EU comes from the EU level, indi- never different and, in the perspective of history, which Silicon Valley is currently powering— processes on a five most economically disadvantaged partnership principle. ital. I am convinced that our national als submitted by Energy Commissioner Miguel cating how crucial it is to stem the EU’s regulatory the British are taking a risk. is achieved by innovation, and trade is largely regions of Eastern Poland. Under these and European partners will be able to Arias Cañete. This led to a lot of grumbling both drive. Churchill may not necessarily have approved: important only inasmuch as it stimulates R&D, macro-scale, where programmes, action has been stepped up make use of our experience in this field in the European Commission and the European Ideally, the EU should investigate the impact in his 2016 book Continental Drift, Benjamin and there’s no evidence that leaving the EU will the main actors are in areas identified as development barri- should be achieved in terms of social, given their horizontal role as men- to develop instruments for the manage- Parliament. of every single regulation before it comes up with Grobb-Fitzgibbon showed how, postwar, Chur- stimulate British R&D. ers across the whole of Eastern Poland. economic and spatial cohesion. This tioned above, specifically require the ment of functional areas. Despite this promising start, however, the a proposal. However, that often doesn’t happen. chill believed Britain should be part of a USE: on How should Britain leave Europe? Deal or no the European Union The support provided has helped to fill points to the very important role of involvement of a range of stakeholders, The experience of implementing the overall track record isn’t very good. According to Having investigated the EU Commission’s “Bet- page 16 of The Gathering Storm (1948), for exam- deal? In the long-term it won’t matter because, and the Member infrastructure gaps (transport and com- regions and regional authorities in including national authorities, local and European cohesion policy also demon- data obtained by Politico, the Juncker Commis- ter Regulation Agenda”, the Impact Assessment ple, Churchill wrote how “democratic states, thanks to the WTO, Britain’s integration within munications infrastructure), develop implementing the mechanisms of cohe- regional authorities, academics, eco- strates the important role played by sion issued 370 legislative proposals in its first Institute complains that “despite improvement unless they are welded into larger organisms, global trading networks will keep its R&D fit for States, and local the metropolitan functions of major sion policy. The European experience nomic partners and civil society repre- regional authorities in implementing four years, between 2014 and 2018. That’s indeed in 2016, many legislative proposals are adopted lack those elements of persistence and conviction purpose. But in the short-term, Britain needs communities on a urban centres, improve the scientific clearly demonstrates that regional and sentatives. These instruments also play the partnership principle. This involves quite a bit less than the 500 proposals issued in without an Impact Assessment, in many cases which alone can give security.” the softest possible exit. Maynard Keynes, one and R&D capacities of universities and local authorities are playing an increas- a role in bringing the European Union forming a horizontal network of cooper- the first four years of the second José Manuel with no explanation or reference to evidence.” of the greatest economists of the 20th century, micro-scale. boost entrepreneurship. The clearly ingly important role in the process of and its institutions closer to citizens, as ation between different groups of stake- Barroso Commission, between 2010-2014, but it It points that out in about half of the cases, no might have had Brexit in mind when he wrote that positive effects of this instrument jus- European law-making and developing called for in a number of declarations. It holders (NGOs, economic partners) and isn’t vastly different to the 431 issued in the first impact assessment was carried out in 2016. “those who seek to disembarrass a country of its tify the need to continue the Opera- and implementing Community policy is therefore to be expected that the expe- a vertical network between local and four full years of the first Barroso Commission, Should we simply blame Timmermans and It was always about entanglements, should be very slow and wary. It tional Programme for Eastern Poland mechanisms (relating to the regional rience of implementing instruments regional authorities, the government between 2005-2009. Juncker for this? Of course not. The problem should not be a matter of tearing up roots but of into the next financial perspective from and local dimension). This is reflected in such as Integrated Territorial Invest- of the Member State and the European goes much deeper than lack of ambition or abil- geopolitics, and it’s odd slowly training a plant to grow in a different direc- 2021 to 2027. the creation of the European Committee ments (ITI) and Community-led Local Union institutions. Existing activities ity to change things. At the EU level, a lot of reg- to see Britain choose to tion.” Many Brexiteers seem keen on no-deal, but During the course of the discus- of the Regions and the successive steps Development (CLLD) will continue to relating to the development and imple- ulations can be decided by qualified majority Maynard Keynes said (with a capital S) that of the sions on the new Multiannual Financial taken to consolidate its position among develop. mentation of regional development The problem goes much voting. This makes it much easier to pass legisla- be marginal. Post-Brexit threats a nation faces, “the first is Silliness—the Framework, it has been suggested that the bodies of the European Union. It is worth underlining that regional strategies, the choice of smart economic deeper than lack of tion than if every EU member state would have a Britain will be prosperous silliness of the doctrinaire.” the framework is ineffective and that its Poland has adopted a decentralised authorities have, and should maintain, specialisations and the coordination ambition or ability to veto. Therefore, restoring veto powers for mem- People always fight the last war. For continen- funding should therefore be cut (even model of implementing the cohesion a specific role especially with regard to of the activities of local and regional ber states is the ideal way to reign in the EU’s reg- but vulnerable, like the tal Europeans, the last war led to defeat and occu- drastically). Some of the reasons for such policy. This has taken the form of oper- the implementation of cohesion pol- authorities all lead to the conclusion change things. At the EU ulatory machine. Of course, when all 28 – or soon, Netherlands in 1940. pation, so in the spirit of Churchill 1945-51, or in views could be the problem of communi- ational programmes at national level icy instruments. A region is, by nature, that regional authorities are the appro- level, a lot of regulations 27 – member states are convinced a certain reg- the Washingtonian spirit of the 13 former colo- cating the MFF’s positive effects to the and regional programmes. It is import- an indirect link between global pro- priate and responsible administrators ulation is a good idea, it can still happen. Often, Only after 1951, in defence of his personal nies, they aspire to be welded into a larger organ- wider European public and the fact that ant to underline that the participation cesses on a macro-scale, where the main of their own regions. At the same time, can be decided by qualified though, that won’t be the case h. In that scenario, prime ministerial latitude, did Churchill become a ism. But for the British, the last war was won by it is more supportive of regions and coun- of Polish regions has increased gradu- actors are the European Union and the knowing the specific way in which local majority voting. the EU would be forced to revert to its old method proto-Brexiteer: for Churchill, the personal really standing alone, so in the spirit of Churchill 1951- tries from the so-called “new Member ally, and this has been accompanied by Member States, and local communities communities work, they are the natu- of opening up trade: identify protectionist ele- was political, and everything he did or articulated 54 they are trusting the trends of history will be States”. However, it must be made clear growing experience and stronger insti- on a micro-scale. This enables regional ral representatives of local and regional Politico also highlights how Timmermans & ments in national legislation and drag unwilling was always about Churchill. Yet at some level he’d suspended specially for them and that Spitfires that it has a positive impact on the EU tutional capacity. In the initial period authorities to have an appropriate over- government in relations with national co applied some tricks to reduce the EU Com- member states before the European Court of Jus- have understood he was risking Britain’s future will always protect the white cliffs of Dover. as a whole, and its benefits in terms of of membership between 2004 and view of how problems and tasks should authorities and the European Union mission’s legislative output, for example by bun- tice. Candidates are, for example, Germany, which for his own immediate freedom of action. Britain’s best friends in the world today lie regulating single market and freedom of 2006, the regions helped implement the be perceived and which courses of institutions. dling legislative proposals together and labelling refuses to open up its pharmacy market, or Bel- I trust a Brexit Britain will get away with the across the Channel, and those friends have done competition mechanisms apply to more Integrated Regional Operational Pro- action should be taken, without being I take the view that regions have a them as a single package. When we investigated gium, which insists on keeping a majority stake in risk to its future, just as I trust Canada will, and Britain proud—consider how its economy has developed countries and regions too. gramme – a national programme with influenced by specific local circum- crucial role to play in implementing the EU’s regulatory burden with Open Europe, a telecom operator, as the only member state to do just as I trust the Ukraine, Georgia and the other recovered since 1973—but fundamentally the EU It should be stressed that cohesion funds for regions – and thereafter in stances and without making over-gener- the European cohesion policy and that, we therefore looked at the actual impact of reg- so. Another way to avoid harmonizing EU legisla- currently-imperilled small jurisdictions will, was never about economics, it was always about policy is a horizontal policy. Its instru- 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 they assumed alisations. Hence the crucial importance on the basis of their current activities, ulation, rather than counting the number of tion is for member states to simply recognize each but—just as Canada’s happiness and security geopolitics, and it’s odd to see Britain choose to ments cover different areas, such as the role of “managing authorities” for of the territorial dimension principle, regional authorities should be viewed as legislative acts. Having gone through many reg- other’s regulations as equivalent. After all, free depend on the goodwill of the USA—so Britain’s be marginal. Post-Brexit Britain will be prosper- supporting entrepreneurship, boosting the Regional Operational Programmes. which allows tools to be adapted to the reliable and responsible partners. ■ ulatory impact assessments, we concluded that a trade is about trust. ■ future happiness and security will depend on the ous but vulnerable, like the Netherlands in 1940. ■ 18 SPITZENKANDIDAT theconservative.online theconservative.online SPITZENKANDIDAT 19 IN THE NEWS Building a grassroots Campaign Team? How it all works - or, Jan Zahradil at least, should do! ast time around we examined vol- voting intention identification; a key And with that massive advantage in unteer grassroots activism and fund raiser; a business liaison manager; hand, there are other fundamentals how it is becoming the new “Big someone willing to organise regular which should be examined in order to L obtain the “biggest bang for your buck”. Thing” in campaigning. No longer do house meetings and street stalls; an indi- you need to be some sort of campaign- vidual who is competent dealing with It is an obvious statement of fact for CAMPAIGN ing visionary to recognise that a strong local press and media; an outdoor pub- example, but one that is perhaps too volunteer led grassroots organisation is licity supervisor; somebody able to mas- often overlooked, that the more local- now almost an absolute prerequisite to termind the Get out the Vote (“GOTV”) ised and more personalised a communi- electoral success. Last time out, there- end of an electoral campaign; the list can cation, the more resonance it will have fore, it was promised that more spe- almost be endless. with the recipient. A national leaflet cific details on campaigning top tips for One essential word of warning, how- will, probably, not be as compelling to DIARY grassroots Campaigns’ Teams would be ever. It is better to have a smaller team a resident as a regional one. A regional given in this edition. that is relatively effective, than attempt piece of literature will not work as well And with this in mind, where bet- to “fill” vacant volunteer roles for the as one about a person’s local town. A bul- Part III. ter to start than to remind ourselves sake of it. Recruiting someone to the letin about a voter’s village will be read that whilst electioneering is campaign- team who does not have either the with more interest than one about that ing, campaigning is not necessarily elec- time, the energy, or the wherewithal is person’s nearest town. A newsletter Prague, Brussels, Sofia tioneering. Manifestly, within the latter unhelpful. It does not get the specific about a family’s home street, or apart- part of this statement, there is often a job done whilst it also, at the same time, ment block, will have greater influence well-defined distinction and one that disheartens the remainder of a hitherto than one concerning the entire neigh- needs to be clearly understood by activ- hardworking and cohesive team. Better bourhood. And an individual and per- ists everywhere. And this is, of course, to leave “gaps” and wait for the right per- sonalised letter, focussing on a targeted where the importance of the saying son than try and force “square pegs into topic, is worth so much more than a EVENTS “campaigning all year round, not just at round holes”. generic and impersonal letter to the election time” comes to the fore. whole community. For many readers, elections are cur- And in terms of “targeted topics” be rently looming and the pressure is on. careful not to undervalue seemingly Do not be misled, however. Whatever small issues. However trivial, or osten- Jan Zahradil delivered a key Business Briefing with ACRE Liberty Summit the result, once election day has come sibly unimportant, an issue may seem to note speech at the ODS Idea Jan Zahradil in Sofia, Bulgaria and gone, it is time to re-double your you, if it is the most pressing issue to a efforts to build your grassroots organ- particular voter - it must be the most vital Conference in Prague isation. Harness the goodwill, and the subject to you too. enthusiasm, amongst your activists and All of these things involve time and strengthen every conceivable area of Richard Murphy thought. They are all about accurate your volunteer networks. For too many Managing Director of Communication and successful messaging. And you need people, post polling day is the excuse to Strategy and Management (CSM), somebody on your Campaign Team who down tools and take a well-earned rest. ACRE’s Campaigns’ Consultant will examine all these areas, produce the This attitude is so, so wrong! Your next [email protected] relevant literature and ensure that there campaign should always, always, start is a distribution mechanism in place to the day after your last one finishes. Clearly, it is not the objective of each actually physically deliver the message As with any successful campaign, it is member of the Campaign Team to per- directly to the people. That is one big, essential to plan your work - and work form all the tasks themselves. That would big role. It must not be underestimated. your plan. So whether you are heading not be practical. No. It is their job to co-or- Neither can you afford to dismiss the into the long slog and fog of an elector- dinate activists and to recruit new activ- importance of the manner in which your ally regulated period, or instead merely ists to ensure that all the relevant tasks literature is designed and drafted. If ever starting to plan for the next one, you are attempted and completed successfully. there were a time to deploy the maxim of should continually be implementing That is their role and it is a vital role. “Less is more”, this is it. your grassroots strategy plan. Notwith- As discussed last time, your Campaign When drafting newspapers or other standing whether you are embarking on Team(s) should meet each month and literature, always ensure that the fin- the short, medium or long term section co-ordinate its plans with each other. ished product is visually appealing. of that plan, you are always campaign- The meeting should be short and to the Cramming the very last possible detail As well as being ACRE President and lead candidate for the Commis- “It’s not politicians who create jobs and growth. It’s businesses. Our The ACRE’s Liberty Summit organised in Sofia, Bulgaria on 22nd ing and always capacity building. Con- point. In essence, the purpose of the of your policy into your draft copy, may sion Presidency, Jan Zahradil also leads the Czech Civic Democratic role as politicians is to create the right regulatory and economic con- March, discussed Bulgaria’s political and economic reforms and tinuous, and intense, community based gathering is to ascertain exactly what tick the box for political messaging pur- Party in the May European elections. ditions which means keeping rules simple, fair and stable,” said ACRE developing a truer democracy where the rule of law could replace campaigning via the mass mobilisation each volunteer has achieved, within ism but it also probably means that it On Saturday 16th March, he delivered a keynote speech at the par- lead candidate Jan Zahradil to industry representatives during his crony capitalism, corruption and poverty, and in their place pro- of liked minded volunteers must be the their respective remit during the previ- will not get read by anyone. ty’s Idea Conference in Prague outlining his Spitzenkandidat priori- Business Briefing on 20th March in the Brussels’ Residence Palace. vide the structures for the stability and prosperity of the Bulgar- very essence of all your endeavours. ous month, and what their key objectives There is a saying that you have, on aver- ties but also stressing that the ODS strongly opposes any idea of the He also revealed to the audience his plan to conduct ‘The Great ian people. Ultimately the long term goal is, of are until the team meets again. Many of age, three to four seconds from the time Czech Republic leaving the EU: “We do not support any referendum Review’ if elected President of the European Commission. The ACRE ‘It’s been 30 years since the fall of communism and the west- course, to create a robust and reliable the tasks will require crossover between someone picks up your newsletter to the about the Czech Republic leaving the EU. But we do not support the lead candidate believes that the biggest self-assessment since the ern societies are still not able to fully understand our very unique grassroots network in every village, the directing volunteers and they will time it goes into the recycling bin. That EU turning into a federal superstate. We want a flexible and multi- foundation of the EU is necessary and long overdue. The regulations historical experience and the complexity of our societies,” ACRE town and city. Whatever the reality of need to work cohesively together on is perhaps unfair and extreme but the speed EU.” and directives that are no longer needed and inefficient need to be President and lead candidate Jan Zahradil told the audience in the immediate scenario, however, your positive outcomes. Ideally, these meet- psychology behind the saying is almost “It is my honour to represent the Czech Republic and Central and removed and the next European Commission must focus instead on Sofia. MUSIC WHAT I AM LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW ground campaign must have disciplined, ings should take no more than an hour certainly true. You have to make an imme- Eastern Europe in the Spitzenkandidat race,” concluded Jan Zah- becoming less bureaucratic and more efficient. On Saturday he also met the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko but achievable, objectives and dead- before, perhaps, all attendees go out as diate impact in order to influence people. radil, who is the first ever candidate for the Commission Presidency The ECR’s Vice-Chair Roberts Zile and the UK Minister of State for Borissov with whom he had a chance to discuss the economic line dates. And to help accomplish this, a team to do some practical neighbour- And that means a strong visual impact. coming from Central and Eastern Europe. Exiting the European Union, Lord Callanan, also spoke at the event. growth of Bulgaria, the protection of borders and future of Europe. you must establish clearly understood hood campaigning together. The old adage that “a picture is worth in-house communications structures. So, as promised, let us now begin to a thousand words” is worthy of more Your active supporters have to know examine some of these voluntary roles than passing consideration when pub- what is expected of them, and when. in further detail. And let us commence lishing campaigns’ materials. A striking Think about it. If you cannot commu- with the concept of door to door litera- photo can induce far greater influence nicate internally, you cannot expect to ture design, creation and distribution. It than any egocentric verbiage ever could. Macron’s idea of renaissance promises only ever communicate effectively with the public! is after all an indisputable fact that if you So, combine good action photographs Everyone in your team, at all levels, cannot physically deliver your message with large, bold, headlines as well as one greater centralisation, stifled trade, rampant needs to understand who has respon- to every household, effectively, you have sentence paragraphs wherever possible. over-regulation and restricted national and sibility for each aspect of your ground no message. Digital campaigning reaches And always include the key five “W’s” in campaign. This should also encom- many people, often your own supporters your opening sentences. “Who, What, individual freedoms. Even Germany’s pass who reports to whom, who decides who enjoy engaging with messaging with Where, When, Why”. But however much and, crucially, who is accountable. Vol- which they agree unequivocally - the you decide to write, remember what we arch-federalists in the CDU have warned Macron Motörhead Iron Maiden unteers and paid team members alike - increasingly infamous political commu- considered previously - “Less is more”. about his over-fondness for centralisation. nobody should be in any doubt. nications “echo chamber”. Independent And that, it seems, is perhaps a highly Heroes Run To The The building block elements of a press and media coverage of your mes- prescient moment to end this particu- TWEETS grassroots Campaign Team at any level, saging reaches many voters too, though lar article. Next time we will continue by (David Bowie Cover) Hills will always differ from country to coun- you have no control over the “spin” they reflecting on other roles within the core try as well as because of sometimes attach to what you are trying to say. No. Campaign Team. Until then, do start tak- 10:15 am - 21 Mar 2019 8:21 am - 20 Mar 2019 2:03 pm - 14 Mar 2019 12:19 am - 12 Mar 2019 rather unique local circumstances. Only literature that you write yourself, ing some poignant and attractive action No wonder I disagree with @EmmanuelMacron ‘The EU is a trading block not a social security On #Brexit: as I predicted, extending Article On this day, 20 yrs ago, #CzechRepublic, However, some of the most widely and of which you retain 100% undiluted photographs for your upcoming voter and his vision of #EU. It’s in many ways scheme. It has already achieved a lot in this 50 was the only option. Now #EU should #Poland, #Hungary joined @NATO. We value acknowledged and accepted required editorial management, and the deliv- communications. Oh, and don’t forget to contrary to what I pursue as @ACREurope respect but it can do better. We should sign react positively, no new requirements. “No it, not only as security alliance, but also as ZAHRABEER components will require senior volun- ery points over which you have ultimate also oil your scissors well. They should #Spitzenkandidat. I believe his plan would at least 10 more Free #Trade Agreements deal” is of no benefit for anyone, just the symbol of transatlantic link Europe/America. It teers such as an overall campaign co-or- control, can reach your entire target be in prime condition for some exacting not do any good for Europe. More in my with Asia, Africa & Latin America by 2024,’ contrary. Crucial question: would or wouldn’t cannot be undermined by ambitions of some Czech beer: “Dude - Beer that is dinator; a literature distribution chief; a audience when you want to and as often overtime on your voter communication @euobs article. said @ZahradilJan to #businesses today. #UK parties run in #EP elections? Depends in #EU - like @EmmanuelMacron - to create changing the world.” person in charge of voter surveying and as you want to… “word counts” in the coming weeks! ■ #RetuneTheEU on the deadline. “Euroarmy”. 20 CULTURE theconservative.online theconservative.online CULTURE 21 COMPOSING UNDER THE GUN

n the old days, you sometimes seated in a box with Lazar Kaganovich, read about “Soviet” musicians. the Old Bolshevik. David Oistrakh, Kirill Kondrashin, for example, Odessa-born, and Yehudi Menuhin, New was a “Soviet conductor.” But was York-born, were playing Bach’s Double Ihe? He was Russian, right? Nobody was Violin Concerto. Svetlana, along with “Soviet.” others, was entranced. In the middle of Well, Stalin was. A Georgian, he could the performance, Kaganovich turned to Next weekend in by Barnaby Whiteman not be Russian, though he found it con- her with glee and said, “Do you see how venient to talk a lot about Russia after our boy is beating their boy?” Hitler broke his pact with him. Dmi- What was true of the Soviet Union was tri Kabalevsky, I would say, was a Soviet true, to a large degree, of its bloc. About composer. He was Russian, to be sure ten years ago, I interviewed René Pape, – Petersburg-born – but he was a loyal the German bass. He grew up in Dres- Party member and a faithful apparat- den (East Germany). I said, “Did you chik, earning his three Stalin Prizes, his always want to be a singer? Or did you four Orders of Lenin, and so on. He also want to be an athlete or something else? wrote some lovely music, particularly What were your hopes and dreams?” for children. He looked at me like I was the stupid- The Soviet Union lived from 1917 to est, most pathetic person on earth. “It 1991. Some people in Soviet lands had was a Communist country,” he said. “We unlucky birth dates. They never had a didn’t have hopes and dreams. We were chance to do much living, or any, before thinking about surviving until the next or after the Bolsheviks. Take Shostakov- week.” When he first came to the West, ich, who was born in September 1906. his eyes bulged at the food. He was 11 when the Bolsheviks came Several years later, I recounted my When to go? Where to go? Where to stay? to power. When he died in 1975, they exchange with Pape to Angela Gheo- had more than 15 years to go. Yevgeny rghiu, the Romanian soprano. Bristling, Prague attracts tourists all year With increased demand for the Mravinsky, the great conductor, lived she said, “The shops in Romania – not long. Whether you are looking city in the summer, hotel prices from 1903 to 1988. He was music direc- like in Germany, excuse me – were com- for a beautiful city covered in increase sharply. tor of the Leningrad Philharmonic for pletely empty. Just white. Just white.” snow, or a summer city break in If you do not want to pay for a 50 years. He was barely known in the You can learn about the Soviet Union nice but not unbearable heat, it hotel, Prague has a large number West. The Leningrad première of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7, while the city of Leningrad was under siege by Nazi German forces. Most of the musicians were starving, and its satellites through books, mov- never loses its charm or appeal. of homes and apartments avail- Consider, now, Rodion Shchedrin, the with musicians frequently collapsing during rehearsals, and three dying. Despite this, the concert was highly successful, prompting an hour-long ovation. The symphony ies, conversations, etc. You can also If you are looking for a holiday able on Airbnb. Prague homes composer. He was born in 1932. He says was broadcast to the German lines by loudspeaker as a form of psychological warfare. learn a bit about them, as I have sug- near Christmas, Prague gets a have been rated 4.7 stars out of 5 that he was fairly lucky in the following gested, through music. Listen to the reasonable amount of snow, and so you can expect a good rapport respect: he was but 20 when Stalin died. Composers in the Soviet Union had and Khachaturian, among others. But the regime, and her mother was sent to Shostakovich string quartets, for exam- the city’s festivities are in full The character and history of Prague come to life as you walk with your host and an enjoyable That gave him some breathing room, no such handicap. Shchedrin points out that he had better the Gulag. In 1964, Plisetskaya accepted ple. They tell you something about life flow with their annual Christmas markets in the Old Town Square around, and you are never too far from a building hiding a truly stay in a nice property. I would highly recommend having a look on but still the air was not free. In 1991, Many of them made compromises, moments – as in 1968, when he refused the Lenin Prize. under the Bolsheviks, something deep and Wenceslas Square. unique story. I would recommend you start at possibly the most Airbnb as a starting point as you may be surprised at how many places when the Bolsheviks left, he could really and some were ashamed. Shostakov- to sign a letter supporting the invasion It was a strange place, the Soviet and terrible. ■ If you want fewer crowds, I would suggest visiting in spring and significant building in the city: Prague Castle. are situated in the city centre. breathe. The music poured out of him. ich was a good man. He was deeply of Czechoslovakia. Union, as well as a brutal one. autumn as you can still expect pleasant temperatures and clear This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the ninth cen- If you want a relaxing stay in a luxury hotel with fantastic views He composed more than ever. At age 60 ashamed by some Twenty years skies. If you visit near Easter, you benefit from being able to visit the tury. Previously serving as the seat of power for kings of Bohemia, of the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square, the or so, he was virtually reborn. of his actions. For after his wife, Shche- Easter markets. Like the Christ- Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia, it is now Four Seasons Hotel Prague is the Prokofiev was a weird case. He was instance, he allowed drin accepted his mas markets, the Easter mar- the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. With ideal place to stay. Whether you out – free – in the West. And he returned himself to denounce own Lenin Prize. He kets can be found in the larger an area of almost 70,000m², it features in the Guinness Book of prefer a traditional European to the Soviet Union, in 1936, just in time Stravinsky as “dec- Listen to the Shostakovich string also wrote Lenin Is squares of the city. Their stalls World Records as the largest coherent castle complex in the world. style room or modern décor, for the Great Terror. Famously, he died adent” (though he Among Us, an ora- sell traditional Czech items such The castle is a must-see if you visit Prague. Not only is the build- you will be able to find a room the same day as Stalin: March 5 1953. admired Stravinsky’s quartets, for example. They tell torio. He did that in as Easter eggs, wooden toys, ing phenomenal, the Great South Tower gives you a fantastic view that matches your taste. Which- There were no flowers available for his music). Shchedrin 1970 for the found- puppets and laces. All around of the city. If you want to visit St Vitus Cathedral and the museums, ever you choose, you do not lose funeral. has said, “In a total- you something about life under the er’s centenary. A lot the markets there are plenty you need to make sure you have the right ticket. The Bohemian the views of the city as all rooms Often, composers in the Soviet Union itarian system, rela- Bolsheviks, something deep and of composers did that Jay Nordlinger of street entertainers and per- Crown Jewels are stored in the cathedral and are the fourth oldest overlook the Vltava. The hotel wrote under great pressure, and, often, tions between the sort of thing. In 1939, is a senior editor of National Review formers to further enhance your crown jewels in Europe. You are not allowed to bring large bags into has a spa which, like the rooms, you can hear this in their music. I think artist and the regime terrible. Prokofiev wrote Hail and the music critic of The New experience of the city. Do not the castle, so make sure you pack lightly for your visit. offers both traditional and mod- of Mendelssohn, of whom it is some- are always extremely to Stalin, a cantata. Criterion. He is the author of Peace, miss your opportunity to watch Once you have finished the castle, you will most likely walk ern treatments depending on times said that he was handicapped by complex and contradictory. If the artist He was married to Maya Plisetskaya, It was in honour of the dictator’s 60th They Say: ­A History of the Nobel Peace Prize (Encounter Books). His a traditional art show where you can see Easter eggs and candles across Charles Bridge. This iconic 14th century feature was his- your preference. The hotel does sometimes offer reduced rates so, if happiness. His life was not carefree, sets himself against the system, he is put the prima ballerina, who died in 2015. birthday. One lyric goes, “He hears all, latest book is a study of the sons and being decorated with a traditional Czech design. torically important to the development of Prague as, until 1841, you are able to go off-season, you may be able to find a good price. needless to say (and it was also relatively behind bars or simply killed.” (They were arguably the most talented he sees all” – which, in a way, was true. daughters of dictators: Children of it remained the only way of crossing the Vltava River, connect- brief: 38 years long). But it was appar- Shchedrin signed a letter against couple on earth, rivaled by the tennis Cold War competition did odd things Monsters (also Encounter). He lives in ing the Old Town to Prague Castle. Named after King Charles IV, ently basically happy. And his music is Andrei Sakharov, the great physicist players Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.) to people. Svetlana Stalin tells a story in New York. it remains a popular tourist attraction. Because of this, there are not marked by struggle. and great dissident. So did Shostakovich Plisetskaya’s father was murdered by one of her memoirs. At a concert, she was @JayNordlinger likely to be many tourists gathered on the bridge so be wary that crossing it may take you some time. If you are thinking of vis- iting Prague in 2020, please consider that repairs to the bridge, due to age and wear, are scheduled to start in late 2019, which could render the bridge closed to pedestrians. These repairs are estimated to take 20 years so book your trip soon! What to do? 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dine in style on a river Climb to the top of Eat a meal at the top See the Prague See the art on Explore the cruise on the Vltava Petřín for amazing views of the Dancing House Astronomical Clock the Lennon Wall Strahov Monastery The city is beautiful at night If you want panoramic views of The Dancing House Hotel’s This clock is the third-oldest I cannot imagine why you This stunning monastery was www.newdirection.online and you will not get a better the city, Petřín Hill gives you the architecture stands out in a astronomical clock in the would miss this opportunity founded in 1143 and is well experience of seeing it than by best view you could possibly ask city filled with such historical world and the oldest one still to indulge in some of John worth a visit. The museums doing an evening river cruise – for. Do not miss the 19th century buildings. Originally built on operating. You will find it in the Lennon’s greatest lyrics, have some fantastic objects you can be sure to tick off the Petřín Tower at the top. an empty waterfront and heart of the Old Town. which have been graffitied on display, including Jan of sights while enjoying traditional completed in 1996, the Ginger onto this iconic wall. Šelmberk’s 1440 Bible. Poster’s adapted from those used by the UK’s Conservative Party c1877-2007. New Direction is a not-for- Czech food and drink. and Fred Restaurant at the profit organisation and is partly funded by the European Parliament. The European Parliament assumes no top of the hotel gives fantastic responsibility for the opinions expressed in this publication. Sole liability rests with the author. views of the city. 22 CULTURE theconservative.online theconservative.online EVENTS 23 J.R.R. Tolkien ACRE’s third Liberty Summit examined the future of THE LORD OF Liberty and Freedom with guests from across Europe t is now over 100 years since the Bolshevik Revolution and 30 years since the collapse of ­communism. ­Yet much of the evil done in the name of Marxist-Leninism has been forgotten. I As demonstrably failed and anachronistic as communist ideology is, it remains a powerful influence in the modern world, particularly in those societies on which it inflicted the most dam- THE RINGS Trilogy age. Communism must be reckoned in crude mathematical terms as the most widely oppressive and murderous system ever devised by human intelligence. But we cannot take the popular acceptance rodo is, of course, speaking It’s not by any means of this reckoning for granted. Liberty must be won in every generation. for his creator JRR Tolkien – perfect, though. Fans will In Europe, mainstream parties have neglected ideology in favour of political pragmatism, creat- a very reluctant hero. When tell you that they love it, ing an intellectual and emotional void, which is being hijacked by the populist left and extreme right. the First World War broke out, warts and all – even the Conservatives understand that open societies rest upon the dignity and autonomy of the individual, FTolkien was happily reading English Lit- lengthy section at the end who should be as free as possible from state coercion. ACRE’s Liberty Summit was the occasion for erature at Exeter College, Oxford. He had when the quest is long over Conservatives to gather, recall and boldly pronounce this ideological foundation of our convictions. ■ started out in 1911 reading Classics but and Tolkien will insist on then changed course – one of the various laboriously putting every James Delingpole accidents of fate that probably saved his last detail of the charac- is a conservative columnist and novelist life. What it meant was that his entry into ters’ afterlife to bed. Also, who has written for publications the army was deferred till after his grad- nary a chapter can pass including the Daily Mail, Daily Express, uation, thus enabling him to miss out on without some cheery soul The Times, The Daily Telegraph, and the first two years of combat. or other breaking into The Spectator. He is also the executive Perversely, this was quite a brave often-lengthy song or editor of Breitbart London. His latest book is Watermelons. decision. As Tolkien later told his son, verse. Unless you’re very “In those days chaps joined up, or were patient, you’ll either skip @jamesdelingpole scorned publicly. It was a nasty cleft to these or do what I did be in for a young man with too much and listen to the excellent imagination and little physical cour- audiobook version (nar- age”. But he endured the disapproval rated by Rob Inglis) where the literary scholar of his friends and family, collected his the songs allow you to drift would have been first class degree, and finally, very reluc- off for a few moments till well familiar. As tantly, bid farewell to his beloved wife the action begins anew. Christopher Booker Edith and set off for war in June 1916, The trilogy’s flaws – has noted, the Ring as a second lieutenant in the Lancashire charming mannerisms if trilogy collects all Fusiliers. you prefer – are, of course, seven of the basic Ghastly it may have been for all con- a reflection of its author’s plots: Overcoming cerned – “junior officers were being preoccupations with lan- the Monster; Rags to Riches; the Quest; killed off, a dozen a minute. Parting from guage and literature, most Voyage and Return; Comedy; Tragedy; my wife then ... it was like a death” – but notably Old English and Rebirth. In other words, it’s like all the it was the making of the man and the Old Norse. His archaic greatest stories in history rolled into one. author. It turned what could have been diction and sentence WAt its heart are Frodo Baggins a slightly twee, overlong, fusty children’s structure have about them and his faithful companion Samwise Gamgee (a stoical, dutiful, good-hu- moured, earthy sort created as a tribute to the ordinary soldiers Tolkien got to spoken by the elves, is a mixture of Finn- know in the trenches) on their quest to What this does is to give Tolkien’s work ish, Latin, Greek and ancient German) save Middle Earth – i.e. Western Civil- and elaborate histories, like the one isation – from the darkest threat it has the most extraordinary depth and preceding the novels’ events, involving ever known and then return to their Isildur, Sauron and the lost ring. bucolic idyll in The Shire. This “little resonance: his creation is rooted in more What this does is to give Tolkien’s work guy saves the world” is a hugely satisfy- than 2000 years’ worth of invented the most extraordinary depth and reso- ing theme; hence the subsequent pop- nance: his creation is rooted in more than ularity of Star Wars, The Matrix and, of history; his various races speak in exotic, 2000 years’ worth of invented history; his course, the Harry Potter series. various races speak in exotic, philologi- Frodo is Tolkien’s Everyman: the chap philologically plausible tongues. cally plausible tongues. Not least among who doesn’t want to do his bit but has to Tolkien’s many achievements, then, is to because, as Gandalf so wisely observes, In each issue, James book into an epic trilogy about good the whiff of Beowulf; so too, do his char- have set the bar almost impossibly high we have to make the moral choices Delingpole reviews a and evil, about the clash of civilisations, acters’ fondness for feasting and speech- for all subsequent fantasy fiction. Would appropriate to the times in which we live. book that may not be about man (and hobbit, elf and dwarf) ifying, and their acute consciousness of Game of Thrones have been anywhere Isn’t it just marvellous that so fine recent in its publication, in extremis, about doing the right thing history and tradition and lore. near as good if it hadn’t been for Tolkien’s and noble and unimpeachably conser- but that conservatives even if it kills you. War was the Mount What really rocked Professor Tolkien’s pioneering brilliance? vative a message happens to be buried should read. Doom furnace that forged The Lord of boat, you sense, was the excuse to con- The story itself borrows from fictive in one of the biggest and most gripping the Rings into a modern classic. struct entirely new languages (Quenya, archetypes with which, again, Tolkien bestsellers ever written? ■

ACROSS DOWN 1. Cheese with a moldy rind 1. Ran in the washer 55. Old Italian currency 5. “The Cabinet ____ Caligari” 2. Vatican’s home 56. Scorch 9. Allow entry to 3. Mischievous kids 58. “Where ____ 14. Casa ____, Toronto castle 4. Cattle identifier Go From Here?” 15. De ____ 5. A.M. drinks (abbr.) (Chicago song) 16. Slender freshwater fish 6. Dynamite wick 59. Comparative word 17. Powerful women 7. Scott who sued for 60. Gemsbok 19. Inept, in slang his freedom 61. English channel 20. Villa ___ (Italian site) 8. Job-hunter’s offering 62. Singer Charles 21. Bring forth 9. Spaghetti specification 63. IATA code for Will 23. Tunisia neighbor (abbr.) 10. “Camptown Races” syllable Rogers Airport 25. South African leader 11. Damage 64. Starter for come and fare 30. Dinosaurs’ era 12. “Eww!” 66. Old records 33. Unsure utterances 13. Old-fashioned “your” 35. Surfing fellow 18. Went congering 36. Blue planet 22. Yarmulke 37. “Caught in a ____” 24. Rise (Anthrax song) 26. The voice of Princess Fiona in “Shrek” 39. Groom fastidiously 27. Jetson of cartoons and namesakes 42. Distinct region 28. “___ man’s heart fail” (Bible) 43. Twelve grain, e.g. 29. Ghostly pale 45. Fountain choice 30. Great traits 47. In the distance 31. WWII leader 48. Installations 32. Shirer’s “Rise and Fall of 52. Quiet the Third ___” 53. Classic Jaguar series 33. Yellowish-brown color 54. Ludwig and Jannings 34. Chanteuse Lena 57. Was compelled 38. Rodgers’ collaborator 61. Common eye color 40. May honoree 65. Pioneer in quantum theory 41. Common movie 67. Prepares spuds house name ending 68. Baloney 44. Cabinet department 69. Out of town 46. Egyptian symbols 70. Bike 49. Integer, for short 71. His and ____ 50. Settle decisively 72. Baby Boom follower 51. Little sack of leaves crossword & sudoku crossword EUROPE’S FASTEST GROWING POLITICAL MOVEMENT

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