European Union

Drove back from Germany with enough Dylan CDs to cover the ten-hour drive. And had a revelation! This unequalled expert in messy break-ups sounded like he was commenting Brexit in every second song! It’s even possible to put together a full heart-breaking post-referendum dialogue only using Dylan quotes:

UK:

I’ll make my stand and remain as I am
And bid farewell and not give a damn.[1]

EU:

What was it you wanted? Tell me again so I’ll know.
We can start it all over, get it back on the track… [2]

UK:

Every nerve in my body is so vacant and numb,
I can’t even remember what it was I came here to get away from.[3]

EU:

I know you haven’t made your mind up yet, but I would never do you wrong,
I’ve known it from the moment that we met, no doubt in my mind where you belong![4]

UK:

The walls of pride are high and wide, can’t see over to the other side.[5]
I’m gonna have to put up a barrier to keep myself away from everyone.[6]

EU:

That’s how it is when things disintegrate.[7]
One more cup of coffee for the road?[8]

UK:

Still I wish there was somethin’ you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay…[9]

EU:

You must leave now, take what you need you think will last.
But whatever you wish to keep, you better grab it fast.[10]

Conclusion to the whole drama:

We live in a political world, where courage is a thing of the past.[11]

Albrecht Sonntag,
@albrechtsonntag

[1]              Restless farewell (from The Times They Are A-Changin’, 1964)

[2]              What Was It You Wanted? (from Oh Mercy, 1989)

[3]              Not Dark Yet (from Time Out of Mind, 1997)

[4]              Make You Feel My Love (from Time Out of Mind, 1997)

[5]              Cold Irons Bound (from Time Out of Mind, 1997)

[6]              Dirt Road Blues (from Time Out of Mind, 1997)

[7]              Can’t Wait (from Time Out of Mind, 1997)

[8]              One More Cup of Coffee (from Desire, 1975)

[9]              Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (from The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1962)

[10]             It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue ( from Bringing It All Back Home, 1965)

[11]             Political World (from Oh Mercy, 1989)

The post A slow train coming up around the bend appeared first on Ideas on Europe.

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On Thursday, 7 July, EU interior ministers discuss in Bratislava the issues related to the protection of borders and the Schengen area. The informal meeting will take place in the presence of the Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos. On Friday, 8 July, there will be an informal meeting of the Ministers of Justice of all 28 EU Member states. The meeting will be chaired by the Minister of Justice of the Slovak Republic, Ms Lucia Žitňanská. The topics for discussion are: the proposal for the European Prosecutor´s Office, e-Justice with special regard to the use of electronic communication in cross-border cases and cybercrime. 

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EU Finance Ministers of the eurozone meet in Brussels on 11 July 2016 to exchange views on the economic and financial situation in the euro area. Ministers are also briefed on the developments in financial markets following the outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership on 23 June.

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On 13 July, the Subcommittee will exchange of views with Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on the findings of the European High Level Task Force on Conflict Zones. This Task force was created upon the tragic event of the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over the Ukraine to respond effectively to risks associated with overflight of zones of conflict or armed insurgency.
Further information
draft agenda and meeting documents
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

On 13 July, the Subcommittee will hold an exchange of views on the security challenges in Iraq with Rosamaria Gili, Deputy Head of Division for GCC countries, Iraq and Yemen, EEAS and Kawa Hassan, Director, Middle East and North Africa Program, EastWest Institute.
Further information
draft agenda and meeting documents
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Plenary sessions : An EU army is not on the cards for the time being, however closer cooperation on security and defence is becoming more important. During the Nato summit starting in Warsaw today, the EU and Nato will sign a declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation, while setting out an effective division of responsibilities. We asked Estonian liberal MEP Urmas Paet, who is drafting a report on the European Defence Union, whether EU countries are ready for working more closely together on security.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Plenary sessions : An EU army is not on the cards for the time being, however closer cooperation on security and defence is becoming more important. During the Nato summit starting in Warsaw today, the EU and Nato will sign a declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation, while setting out an effective division of responsibilities. We asked Estonian liberal MEP Urmas Paet, who is drafting a report on the European Defence Union, whether EU countries are ready for working more closely together on security.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Plenary sessions : Brexit and its consequences were discussed during a plenary debate on last week's EU summit with MEPs saying it is now time for Europe's leaders to speak up for the EU. During July's plenary session in Strasbourg MEPs also insisted on the need to protect whistle-blowers exposing scandals such as the Panama papers and approved a proposal to help better protect the EU's external borders.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP