Germany Hasn't given up yet.
‘A German general said to me at the end of the war, “You won two wars. You won’t win the third. And that’s the economic war.” I hope he’s wrong.’
Sir Patrick Moore - Astronomer
Germany hasn’t given up yet.
19 pages to this article. “Working Paper” . EU integration. “Solid starting block for the European Council President and High Representative”.
http://www.swp-berlin.org/fileadmin/contents/products/arbeitspapiere/Paper_Bergmueller_final_KS.pdf
This is a must read.
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Implementing the Lisbon Treaty:
The External Policy Dimension, by Antonio Missiroli
This too is worth a read although 33 pages-not as explicit as the previous document I thought.
To start with, the Treaty envisages a role in this domain for the newly created
President of the European Council. Such a role, however, is not spelt out in detail in the text (probably intentional, given the lack of consensus on the actual scope of the President's future mandate).
No e-mail. Google in title and name Antonio Missiroli
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Germany Hasn’t Given Up on a United States of Europe
March 22, 2012 | From theTrumpet.com
Led by Berlin, a select group of 10 states has formed to ‘revive the ideal of a united Europe.’
The name “Berlin Club” evokes images of a secretive organization, one in which wealthy old aristocrats gather together to drink scotch and plot to conquer the world.
Time will tell, but that impression might not be too far from reality.
Created and led by Germany, the “Berlin Club” met for the first time on March 20 in Berlin. There’s a lot we haven’t been told about Europe’s latest club of elitists. What we do know is that it’s the brainchild of German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, that it is comprised of Europe’s most pro-unification states, and that it exists to reinvigorate the unification of Europe.
Germany is joined in the club by Poland, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Luxembourg, Spain, Denmark and France. The select group is scheduled to meet at least four more times to discuss proposals for closer integration, and plans to publish its conclusions in a final report. The club’s agenda is long, and includes discussions about European security and border control, fiscal and economic government, and ways to stabilize growth.
Yesterday, Presseurop translated an article from the Spanish abc newspaper reporting that “10 countries have formed the ‘Berlin Club’ to revive the European project.” According to the abc article, Berlin’s goal is to “create a kind of ‘club’ committed to developing formulas that, in these times of crisis, will revive the ideal of a united Europe” (emphasis added throughout). Since Europe’s financial crisis began in 2008, the EU has been hit with one crisis after another, with each being reported by many as another nail in the coffin of a United States of Europe.
Clearly Germany hasn’t got the memo, and isn’t prepared to give up on unification just yet.
In a separate but apparently related development, Westerwelle stated in a March 9 meeting with EU foreign ministers that the EU needs a new constitution. “I think we have to reopen the debate about a European constitution again,” he said. “We have a good treaty, but we need a constitution … as there are new centers of power in the world.” Many EU states disagreed with the German foreign minister. But not all.
Following Westerwelle’s statement, Reuters reported March 10 that nine EU nations had agreed to gather in Berlin on March 20 to discuss creating a new EU constitution. While the leaders involved have been characteristically vague, it appears Tuesday’s (March 20) meeting in Berlin about a new constitution was in fact the same one the abc article identified as the first gathering of the “Berlin Club.”
If so, then it appears the first priority of the 10-member German-led Berlin Club is the creation of a new European constitution.
So much for the opinions of the EU’s other 17 member states.
So much for European integration being a collaborative process that involves consensus, compromise and transparency.
So much for democracy!
It seems Germany, together with nine or ten other states loyal to the supreme goal of unification, is determined to make the dream of a United States of Europe a reality. It won’t be easy; as Europe’s financial crisis is making clear, the process will be fraught with hurdles and challenges. But Germany and a few select allies are not yet ready to abandon European unification.
Bible prophecy demands we watch Germany, and especially the “Berlin Club,” closely. In Mystery of the Ages, the late Herbert Armstrong explained how the prophecies in Revelation 13 and 17 foretell the resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire. He wrote, “… Daniel 7, and Revelation 13 and 17, is referring to the new United States of Europe that is now forming, out of the European Common Market, before your very eyes!”
Notice what Mr. Armstrong forecast next: “Revelation 17:12 makes plain the detail that it shall be a union of 10 kings or kingdoms that (Revelation 17:8) shall resurrect the old Roman Empire.”
The Trumpet has continued Mr. Armstrong’s forecast and explained repeatedly that a closely integrated group of 10 nations, or groups of nations, would emerge out of the 27-member EU behemoth that exists today. We don’t know for certain if the Berlin Club constitutes this group, but it’s absolutely possible. The formation of the Berlin Club does, however, prove that certain European elites know that the only way to European unification is if select states unite behind Germany to form a devoted, streamlined core.
Among the many details given in Revelation 17 about the now-forming resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire, it identifies this core bloc as being comprised of “ten kings.” Mr. Armstrong believed it was possible that the 10 nations or kingdoms that would comprise this combine might even be ruled over by 10 literal kings, coming from the various monarchies of Europe. If this is the case, then we should expect to see a renaissance of royal leadership in Europe.
With this in mind, it’s interesting to consider recent remarks by Germany’s Prince Philip Kiril of Prussia, a great-great-grandson of Germany’s last kaiser. Speaking to Germany’s Die Zeit newspaper last Thursday, Prince Phillip called for the reinstatement of a king in Germany. Reinstituting the monarchy in Germany, he explained, would help unite the nation, boost confidence and pride and speak to people’s emotions.
It’s difficult to predict precisely how these developments will play out. But while there’s uncertainty surrounding the details, there’s little doubt about the broader trends in Europe. First, it’s now patently obvious that Europe’s financial crisis has thrust Germany forward as the unchecked financial and political authority in Europe. Second, it’s clear that every European country serious about unification has fallen in line behind German leadership.
Finally, despite Europe’s perilous financial state and the immense political uncertainty, the creation of ventures like the Berlin Club prove that Germany and a few select allies have not abandoned the dream of creating a United States of Europe! •
EU to Create New ‘Super-President’?
April 22, 2012 | From theTrumpet.com
Another idea from the ‘Berlin Club’
A group of EU foreign ministers discussed the idea of merging the European Union’s top jobs into one on April 19, the EU Observer reports, coining the term “super-president” to describe the new top job.
The jobs of European Council president, currently held by Herman Van Rompuy, and European Commission president, currently held by José Manuel Barroso, may be merged. “The new super-president would also chair General Affairs Councils (gacs)—monthly meetings of foreign ministers which discuss internal Union affairs,” writes the EU Observer. Its source reports that experts believe this can be done without a treaty change.
The idea emerged from a meeting of 10 EU foreign ministers organized by German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle to discuss closer European integration. Sometimes called the “Berlin Club,” the group usually has 11 members: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The French foreign minister, however, was not able to attend this last meeting.
These ministers see that for Europe to become better integrated it needs a strong central leader. As the euro crisis pushes those nations that are committed to remaining in the euro closer together, watch for this idea to become more popular. Europe knows it needs a strong central leader to respond to the dangers of today’s world.
For information on what the Bible prophesies about this soon-coming leader, see the chapter “Is a World Dictator About to Appear?” in our free booklet He Was Right. •
http://www.thetrumpet.com/9324.8166.0.0/economy/euro/eu-to-create-new-super-president
This Is Germany’s Moment!
May 3, 2012 | From theTrumpet.com
Pay attention. This weekend could be a major milestone in the prophesied emergence of the final resurrection of the German-led Holy Roman Empire.
It appears the current phase of Europe’s debt crisis is entering its last hour. We’ll know soon, but it’s possible the weekend of May 5, 2012, will be remembered as a transformative moment in the history of Europe.
Once again, the nation at the center of it all is Germany.
On Sunday, a noteworthy chain of events will culminate in France’s run-off presidential election. While many of the events in this chain appear unrelated, with each unfurling in its own distinct way in a city or within a government in a different country, they’re threaded through with a common theme: frustration with Germany, and specifically, Berlin’s unrelenting demand for Sparmaßnahmen (austerity).
On Tuesday, millions of Europeans hit the streets in May Day protests that centered on their governments’ efforts to follow Germany’s demand and impose austerity on Europe’s ailing economies. Spain, a nation dancing with default, had the largest turnout, with large demonstrations in 80 cities. Tens of thousands more hit the streets of Portugal. In France, over 300,000 demonstrated in 290 different rallies, more than four times the number that turned out last year. France’s largest union, the cgt, has even told its members not to vote for French President Nicolas Sarkozy, a key Merkel ally and supporter of Germany’s demand for austerity, in Sunday’s presidential election.
Europe’s southern states aren’t the only ones struggling to comply with the German-led quest for austerity. Last week, many were shocked when Mark Rutte, prime minister of the Netherlands—and another key German ally—resigned and announced the termination of his coalition government. Rutte’s resignation came as a result of the Party of Freedom, the right-wing party of Geert Wilders, withdrawing its support for the governing coalition due to disagreements over the imposition of austerity.
If Holland, a stalwart German ally in much better fiscal health than many others in Europe, can’t find a way to enact the austerity Germany is demanding, how in the world are states like Spain, Portugal and Italy ever going to manage it? Meanwhile, throughout Europe national political parties that oppose austerity and the German/EU demand for it are winning votes and gaining political power.
As unemployment lines grow, as revenue shrinks and riots and protests increase, Europe’s national governments are increasingly setting aside the interests of Berlin and Brussels and putting national interests first. European Parliament President Martin Schulz noted the trend toward “re-nationalization” in a speech before the European Commission Wednesday of last week. Facing intense domestic pressure, governments across Europe are turning inward, “arrogating more and more decisions to themselves,” and bypassing EU institutions, including the European Parliament and Commission. For the first time in its history, the collapse of the European Union is a “realistic scenario,” Schulz warned.
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy is also concerned, warning last week that the “winds of populism” are blowing through Europe.
Populist winds will undoubtedly be blowing in Greece this Sunday when people head to the polls to elect a new government. Greece has received two bailouts from Europe, both of which at Berlin’s request were given on the condition that Athens make major cutbacks, lay-offs and slashes to government spending. Frustrated by what they know to be German-imposed austerity, millions of Greeks are ready to rebel. After months of tapping into this widespread, anti-German spirit of rebellion, many of Greece’s marginal political parties—some of which promise to reverse austerity (as do some mainstream parties)—are poised to make historic gains in Sunday’s parliamentary election.
Depending on the outcome Sunday, Athens may have a tough time meeting the conditions necessary to continue receiving bailout money—thrusting Greece, yet again, to the precipice of financial default.
Finally, there’s the run-off presidential election in France, which could have enormous impact on Germany and Europe. From the moment the debt crisis began in 2008, the responsibility of fixing it has rested primarily on the German-French axis. Truth be told, President Sarkozy’s main responsibility has been to embrace the solutions coming from Berlin, giving them added legitimacy in the eyes of Europe and the rest of the world.
If Socialist candidate Francois Hollande is elected, Germany loses its French toady.
That’s not all. When it comes to solving Europe’s debt woes, Hollande’s view is the antithesis of that of Angela Merkel and German public opinion. He’s already stated that he won’t support the fiscal pact as it currently exists. When it comes to Europe’s finances, he said last week, “It’s not for Germany to decide for the rest of Europe.” He also believes that instead of austerity, the solution to Europe’s debt woes is printing and spending more money. “So many people in Europe are waiting for our victory,” he said recently, “I don’t want a Europe of austerity, where nations are forced on their knees.”
Read between the lines of that statement. This man isn’t merely campaigning for leadership of France, he’s making a play for leadership of Europe. In another recent address, Hollande told supporters that “the people of Europe expect that we, the people of France, will provide Europe with another perspective, another direction, another orientation.”
They say Hollande lacks personality and charisma. Well, he makes up for it in audacity. He sincerely believes the rest of Europe wants him elected so France can replace Germany at the helm of Europe!
That’s never going to happen. France lacks both the financial health and political muscle to replace Germany as the arbiter of this crisis. Nevertheless, France’s dissension under Hollande could throw Europe into financial and political turmoil. Spiegel Online reported recently that “for France’s neighbors and the fight against the sovereign debt crisis in Europe,” Hollande’s election “will set everything back to square one” (emphasis added).
As you can see, Europe’s financial crisis isn’t even close to being over—though it is likely entering a new, more exciting, more dramatic, more sobering chapter!
It’s possible, likely even, that the convergence of these events—the widespread resistance to German-imposed austerity, the renaissance of nationalism, Spain’s imminent default, the collapse of the Dutch government, and the inconveniently timed national elections in Greece and France—will produce a moment of historic importance. As this unfolds, don’t take your eyes off the nation at the center of it all.
As Ambrose Evans-Pritchard wrote, “The epicenter of Europe’s political crisis may soon be Germany itself.”
We must watch for Germany’s response. It will have a colossal impact on Europe, and on the rest of the world.
From the moment Europe’s debt crisis began, Berlin has managed to maintain the precarious balance between rescuing drowning eurozone states with bailouts, while not abandoning its Teutonic principles of wise financial stewardship. Until now, Berlin’s solution has been to give bailouts, but with strict conditions. But the ferocious backlash against austerity, both on the street and within national governments, is not only making Germany unpopular, it’s threatening to catapult Europe much deeper into crisis.
Soon, it will be impossible for Germany to sit on the fence.
Conditions will force it to make a momentous decision.
It has two basic options. First, it can stick to its guns. This means refraining from giving bailouts, or confining its support to rare, insufficient, halfhearted bailouts that come saddled with strict conditions. This will continue to arouse the ire of its counterparts and isolate Berlin further. More importantly, given the level of debt and the pervasiveness of Europe’s debt woes—not even Germany has near enough money to bail everyone out—the decision by Berlin to remain tight will mean that it has accepted the inevitable financial collapse of one or more eurozone states. Maybe Greece, Portugal or Spain—perhaps all three?
If Germany allows states to default, we can expect the eurozone, the euro, and possibly even the EU as it is constituted today, to fracture and crumble too. This would come with many painful consequences for Berlin. But it would also come with an enormous opportunity. As Europe’s largest, healthiest economy, Germany would be left with the responsibility of rebuilding Europe!
Second, Berlin can compromise, or at least give the appearance of compromise. As events converge and the possibility of an all-out meltdown grows, Germany could choose to throw its weight behind the far-reaching solution that many believe will rescue the likes of Spain, Greece and Portugal, soothe the financial markets and bolster global confidence in the long-term viability of the EU and its institutions. The essence of this solution is further fiscal integration and more centralized control, and it will only work if Germany is on board and leading. Even now, many experts believe the current situation could soon result in a German-backed euro bond.
If Germany decides to double down and throw its full weight behind the EU by agreeing to such far-reaching measures as a stronger central fiscal authority, a debt union, and a euro bond, you can be sure it won’t come cheap to the rest of Europe. Berlin will never underpin the EU, putting its own financial well-being at stake, without first extracting major political and financial concessions from those it is rescuing.
The moment it extracts these concessions, Germany will become the unchecked and absolute power in Europe!
It’s hard to exaggerate how important it is that we watch events in Europe, especially in Germany, in the time ahead. In particular, events seem to be converging this weekend, when the French and Greeks head to the polls. Europe’s debt crisis is likely to intensify after this weekend. As it does, Germany will find itself under extreme pressure to act decisively and with dramatic, far-reaching measures.
It’s hard to know precisely what Berlin will do. What we do know, however, is that conditions are about to bring out a side to Germany that we haven’t seen in a long time. Stay tuned! Only time will tell, but the weekend of May 5, 2012, could be a major milestone in the prophesied emergence of the final resurrection of the German-led Holy Roman Empire!
http://www.thetrumpet.com/9366.8213.0.0/economy/this-is-germanys-moment
Ministers ponder creation of EU super-president
20.04.12 @ 09:16
Related
- Van Rompuy: EU could avoid full treaty change via legal trick
- Van Rompuy's 'egg' goes down badly at EU summit
- Barroso outlines 'comprehensive' roadmap to tackle eurozone crisis
BRUSSELS - Ideas kicking around in a reflection group of select EU foreign ministers include merging the roles of the EU Council and European Commission presidents.
A senior EU source told this website following a meeting of the club in the Val Duchesse stately home in Brussels on Thursday (19 April) that the new supremo would have more power than either Herman Van Rompuy or Jose Manuel Barroso do today but also more "democratic legitimacy" because he or she would be elected by MEPs.
In other reforms, the new figure would "streamline" the European Commission into a two-tier structure.
Every EU country would still have its own commissioner with their own vote in the college of 27 top officials. But as in some national set-ups, some commissioners would have more than one dossier while others would be the equivalent of ministers without portfolio.
The new super-president would also chair General Affairs Councils (GACs) - monthly meetings of foreign ministers which discuss internal Union affairs.
The EU Council President post was created by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. But the Lisbon architecture is messy, with Van Rompuy, for instance, overseeing recent debate on EU fiscal reform, while Barroso's commission puts forward its own ideas and implements final decisions.
Van Rompuy and Barroso also represent the Union at international summits. But Van Rompuy is top dog in terms of protocol, while another post-Lisbon creature, the EU "high representative" - a job currently filled by Catherine Ashton - does day-to-day foreign relations.
Meanwhile, the GAC - an increasingly important policy-making body - is still chaired by a national minister from the rotating EU presidency.
"I have heard experts who say that it [the Van-Rompuy-Barroso merger] could be done without changing the [Lisbon] Treaty ... there is no appetite for a new Treaty," the EU source said.
The reflection group was formed by German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle in Berlin in March. It plans to meet two more times before the summer recess and to circulate a discussion paper at EU27-level in September.
The other countries in the club are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The French minister did not attend Thursday's session, however.
The Val Duchesse event also covered debate on "eurobonds" - the idea of mutualising EU government debt, a controversial one in Germany, where voters are hostile to paying more to borrow money so that weaker economies in the south can pay less.
"It could be acceptable for new projects but not to guarantee bad ones from the past, or old bad debt," the EU source said.
http://euobserver.com/18/115965
President of the European Council
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