In a Biblical reference, Sir Mervyn King last night said that Britain may only be halfway through “even lean years” before seeing a return to easier economic times. At the London’s Mansion House last night, the Bank of England governor warned that shortcomings during the “seven years of plenty” prior to 2007 will now keep…
Author Archives: Derrik Brunner
Poland Positioning Itself Well in the EU
As one of the new kids on the block, Poland is hoping to get in with the popular kids. Poland was one of the biggest of the 8 post-Communist countries that joined the EU in 2004. Now, they have their sights on being an influential policy-maker alongside heavyweights like France, Germany and the UK. EU…
German Opinion on Greek Bailout
In a leaked letter, the EUObserver learned that German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble thinks that Greek bankruptcy is coming soon. He is arguing that more restructuring of their debt is necessary – and quickly. The Leaked Letter In the letter, which was addressed to European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet and then leaked to the…
Sammy Ofer Donates Enormous Sum to London Museum
Next month, the National Maritime Museum will be presenting the largest new development it has ever had the privilege of undertaking – the Sammy Ofer Wing. This state-of-the-art wing included a £35m capital project, of which Sammy Ofer, of the Ofer brothers, donated £21 million. As part of the Sammy Ofer Wing, the Voyagers gallery…
EU Budget Negotiations
Certainly, those in Brussels are not showing much love for Britain right now. That’s because MEPs voted overwhelmingly last night to get rid of the £3billion annual rebate that Margaret Thatcher originally secured for England. While completely ignoring the pleas for financial restraint from Britain and other countries, the European Parliament actually went ahead and…
Bailing Out Greece
A meeting was held in Athens on Friday by the troika (the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission and the European Central Bank) to discuss aid to Greece. They agreed in principle to offering a second €12 billion as part of the overall aid package to the country. This is a piece of the €110…
Who Wants to Own an Island?
Now, your dreams can come true, since a gorgeous Hebridean island is up for sale. Made famous on the reality T.V. series Castaway, the island is now up for grabs. Enjoy amazing white beaches, a private herd of deer, wild otters, trout and even seals. And it could all be yours! Island Owners The owners,…
No Inheritance For You, Say Brits
If you live in England and you are hoping to inherit money someday – you may want to think again. That’s because today’s retirees are finding themselves spending down all of their savings, and leaving virtually nothing behind when they die. Prudential Research Research by the Prudential shows that 26% of people in England retiring…
International Aid at the Expense of Domestic Needs
Is it honorable to give to those in need far away, while spending less on those in your own backyard? That’s the debate that’s circling around important locales in Britain at the moment. International Development Minister Alan Duncan explained recently that the Coalition has pledged an increase in foreign aid by 34% to more than…
Green Week 2011 Kicks Off
As Green Week 2011 began in Brussels, EU environment commissioner Janez Potocnik called on Euroepans to change their behavior to improve their resource efficiency. Potocnik’s speech served as the kick-off on Tuesday, May 24th, to four days of various events with the overarching theme: “Resource efficiency, Using Less, Living Better.” Using Our Resources Better As…
