Latest posts
Why the Commission’s proposal is nipping the citizen’s initiative in the bud
NEW
I’ve never been a great fan of the concept of the European citizen’s initiative. Having to mobilise 1.000.000 people to submit an idea for review by the Commission without the Commission having any obligation to actually act on it, I’ve...
An example of Belgian Kafkaism
NEW
After I got fined for not declaring that I had nothing to declare, I now have to pay taxes on revenue I never earned. Feeling confused? Welcome to Belgium! Let me try and explain… After I was made redundant because of the crisis a year ago I re...
Quote of the Week: Tom Foremski
NEW
Internet 1.0 was about being able to publish to anything with a computer screen. Now, anything with a screen can publish back. That’s what social media represents…the ‘me’ in media. Tom Foremski, SiliconValleyWatcher...
Quote of the Week: Margaret Mead
NEW
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead, American anthropologist (1901-1978)...
Quote of the Week: Madeleine Albright
NEW
“There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.” Madeleine Albright, Former US Secretary of State...
Dear Commissioners, stop broadcasting, and start engaging!
NEW
In the new European Commission set-up, there are two nominations that make me quite sceptical: that of Neelie Kroes at the Digital Agenda, and that of Viviane Reding at Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship. First the person who will be in char...
The Belgian government is asking for help. Please listen to its call
NEW
Found on Twitter thanks to @Maitea6 Fortunately, some good souls, such as @linotherhino, have already started to reply.
Quote of the Week: Marian Wright Edelman
NEW
“If you don’t like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time.” Marian Wright Edelman, found on Twitter thanks to Women on the Verge...
Happy Birthday to Bloggingportal.eu!
NEW
Today we are celebrating bloggingportal.eu’s first birthday. It’s hard to believe it is still so young. It now aggregates more than 500 euroblogs and blogs talking about the EU in all kinds of languages. The project is grassroots. We are not get...
Haven’t you watched The Story of Stuff yet?
NEW
What is The Story of Stuff? From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look...
2009 PES Congress – Video Summary
NEW
PES Congress 2009 Highlights from PES_Party of European Socialists on Vimeo.
So long 2009! Welcome 2010!
NEW
A couple of days ago, I took part in the recording of the podcast Chasing Brussels. We were asked what we thought the highlights of 2009 were and what those of 2010 may be. 2009 has been a year of great renewal for me. For the first time, I got very...
Quote of the Week: Margot Wallström
NEW
“Advice for anyone thinking about blogging on EU affairs – develop a thick skin, especially if you are writing positive things about the EU” Margot Wallström, Blogging, last blogpost as EU commissioner for communication. Nice testimony...
PES Congress 2009: all my Tweets in one place!
NEW
The 8th PES congress has just started! Follow it on Twitter with #pescongress or live on www.pes.org. Hello from Prague! 9:42 AM Dec 7th from web The #pescongress is carbon-neutral. http://www.pes.org/en/news/pes-hold-carbon-neutral-congress-prague 9...
Muppets sing for the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty
NEW
Lovely: the European anthem sung by the Muppets...
Spoof European commercials for condoms
NEW
On the occasion of World AIDS day, here is a little French humour: the legendary spoof European commercials for condoms by Les Inconnus. No subtitles, but they are not really necessary anyway.
It took us one week to get a gender-balanced Commission
NEW
When we launched the on-line campaign for a gender balanced Commission, there were only 4 female nominees to the European Commission. In just a week time, we got 5 more. Did we have an impact? I hope so. One thing is for sure, there was great enthus...
I attended PdF09 and I will attend PdF10
NEW
This weekend, I had a fantastic time at the Personal Democracy Forum in Barcelona, the conference where technology passionates and politics addicts meet. I have to admit I didn’t learn much during the workshops but on the other hand, that might be...
