Agrégateur de flux

Joint press release following the 3rd Association Council meeting between the European Union and Ukraine

The European Union and Ukraine held the third meeting of the Association Council on 19 December 2016 in Brussels, one month after a successful 18th EU-Ukraine Summit. The Association Council reaffirmed the close and comprehensive partnership between the EU and Ukraine, based on common values of democracy, rule of law and human rights. It reaffirmed the continuing commitment to political association and economic integration between the EU and Ukraine. The importance of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, was underlined in this regard. The Association Council took note of the decision by EU Heads of State and Government on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which opens the way towards its full entry into force. 

The Association Council welcomed the substantial progress achieved by Ukraine in the reform process since its last meeting, including approximation with EU norms and standards across the board. The EU welcomed the commitment and determined work of the Government of Ukraine on implementation of political and economic reforms during its first nine months, reaffirming resolute support for these efforts and encouraging their continuation in a swift and sustainable manner. The Association Council welcomed the work of the European Commission's Support Group for Ukraine in coordinating this support. The Association Council took stock of progress and discussed the way forward in the reform process as committed to jointly by the EU and Ukraine in the Association Agenda, notably regarding human rights, constitutional and electoral reforms, rule of law and judiciary, decentralisation and local self-governance, public administration, public procurement, energy sector, deregulation, trade related reforms and health sector reform. The recent launch of electronic-asset declarations, the ProZorro public procurement system and the establishment of new anti-corruption bodies are notable successes in this regard. The Association Council underlined that progress should be consolidated and continued notably in the field of anti-corruption by strengthening the capacities and independence of the anti-corruption institutions. 

The EU reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with efforts aimed at a sustainable and peaceful settlement in eastern Ukraine. The EU and Ukraine agreed that the complete implementation of the Minsk arrangements by all sides was crucial, underlining Russia's responsibility in this regard. The EU outlined its support for further efforts in the "Normandy" format and in the context of the OSCE, including for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission. The EU signalled its readiness to step up its support for the implementation of the Minsk agreements, including through a possible OSCE election security mission subject to discussion in the OSCE, as well as an important role in early recovery and future reconstruction efforts. The EU recalled that the duration of economic sanctions imposed against the Russian Federation was linked to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements. The EU recalled its policy of non-recognition of the illegal temporary occupation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and condemned the severe deterioration of the human rights situation on the peninsula and its militarisation by Russia. The EU reiterated its solidarity as regards the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine, calling on all sides to facilitate the freedom of movement of civilians, and for the effective provision of social benefits to all Ukrainian citizens. 

The Association Council acknowledged and welcomed the economic benefits of provisional application of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area since January 2016, which has already increased the trade volume between the EU and Ukraine by 7.5% in the period October 2015-September 2016 compared to the previous year. The Association Council acknowledged the need for improvement of the business and investment climate in Ukraine in order to restore the confidence of foreign investors. The EU also noted the prospects of possible additional trade opportunities for Ukrainian exports to the EU (beyond trade concessions included in the DCFTA) arising in the context of the European Commission legislative proposal for additional Autonomous Trade Measures. The Council also welcomed the preparations for the first session of the EU-Ukraine High-Level Industrial Dialogue to be held in Brussels in the first quarter of 2017. 

The Association Council welcomed Ukraine's ambitious agenda and progress to date in the area of the digital economy and society. Both sides noted considerable potential for EU-Ukraine cooperation in this area both at the bilateral level and in the framework of the Digital Community, opening good prospects for Ukraine's integration in the EU Digital Single Market. 

The EU commended the successful launch of the e-asset declaration system by Ukraine. The Association Council underlined the importance of processing and verifying the submitted data in an objective and transparent way. The Association Council also acknowledged and welcomed progress on visa liberalisation, on the basis of the legislative proposal by the Commission to the Council and to the European Parliament, taking into account ongoing process of approval of the suspension mechanism. The Association Council recalled the importance of a timely finalisation of the processes required for visa liberalisation, as underlined by the EU in the Council conclusions on Eastern Partnership in November 2016. 

The EU outlined the way forward in the implementation of its Macro-Financial Assistance programme, urging Ukraine to fulfil the outstanding conditions that could allow the EU to disburse the second tranche of EUR 600 million. 

The Association Council welcomed ongoing and future cooperation in the field of energy based on the principles of solidarity and trust. The EU reaffirmed Ukraine's role as a strategic transit country for gas. Both sides welcomed the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic energy partnership between the EU and Ukraine. The Association Council underlined the importance of uninterrupted gas delivery to Europe this winter and also took stock of trilateral talks on gas. 

The Ukrainian side expressed its concern over the revised European Commission's exemption decision on OPAL pipeline. Both sides agreed to further discussions on this matter. The Association Council confirmed the readiness of both sides to continue cooperation on the joint modernisation and operation of the Ukrainian gas transportation system and storage as well as on gas supplies from Europe to Ukraine. 

The Association Council reaffirmed the importance of closer bilateral and multilateral cooperation in justice and home affairs and welcomed in this context the recent signing of the Agreement between Ukraine and Europol on the Strategic and Operational Cooperation. 

The Association Council recalled that transport cooperation plays an essential role for safe and secure movement of people, development of business contacts, the tourism industry and reliable transportation of goods between Ukraine and the EU, fulfilling the needs and requirements of the Association Agreement. In this context the sides discussed the situation of the Common Aviation Area Agreement between Ukraine and the EU and underlined the importance of its signature at the earliest possible date. 

The Association Council stressed the importance of a continuous dialogue on the inclusion of inland waterways of Ukraine in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), based on progress to be made by Ukraine as regards compliance with international environmental conventions. 

The Council reaffirmed the readiness of both sides to continue the cooperation in order to preserve, protect, and improve the quality of the environment, the sustainable use of natural resources and promote measures at international level to address regional and global issues of the environment, particularly in the context of the Eastern Partnership. The sides agreed on the need for rapid adoption of pending legislation in Ukraine relating to good environmental governance. 

The EU recalled that its neighbourhood was a strategic priority and a fundamental interest as reaffirmed in the recent EU Global Strategy. The Association Council discussed a number of regional and foreign policy issues, taking stock of the developments in the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership, including preparations of the next Eastern Partnership Summit in 2017. Both sides stressed the importance of effective and strategic communication with citizens in the framework of EU-Ukraine relations and Eastern Partnership participation, agreeing to continue cooperation in this regard. 

The EU reaffirmed its strong commitment to support a comprehensive and sustainable reform of the civilian security sector in Ukraine, notably by continuing the implementation of the enhanced mandate of the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform (EUAM Ukraine), including hands-on support and based on good governance and human rights. The EU welcomed Ukraine's interest to continue its engagement with the EU on various Common Security and Defence Policy activities, including participation in EU-led missions and operations. 

The Association Council welcomed: 

• signing of the financing agreement for Public Administration Reform (PAR) programme, a 104 million euro contribution to support policy development, civil service and human resource management;
• announcement of the PRAVO programme of 52.5 million euro to support rule of law in Ukraine, namely judiciary and law enforcement;
• signing of financing agreements for four Cross Border Cooperation (CBC) programmes in which Ukraine participates;
• signing of five agreements between Ukraine and the European Investment Bank, underlining the importance of further successful cooperation in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Ukraine and the European Investment Bank.

The Council was chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Federica Mogherini. The First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mr Stepan Kubiv, led the Ukrainian delegation, accompanied by other members of the Government of Ukraine.

With the nomination of General James “Mad Dog” Mattis as the new U.S. Secretary of Defense, many are wondering how, if appointed, General Mattis will influence a Trump Administration concerning U.S. relations with China.

In August, General Mattis co-authored a report along with Kori Schake and Jim Ellis, all fellows at the Hoover Institution, entitled “A Blueprint for American Security.” In the report, the authors criticize the last three administrations for a perceived lack of national security vision, saying those leaders have largely ignored threats posed by Russia, China and terrorist groups worldwide. In the report, the coauthors refer to predatory states that prize their own sovereignty but destroy that of others—in particular, Russia, China and Iran:

“The priority challenges we would confront are: Russian belligerence, Chinese activities in the South China Sea, ISIS and Iranian aggressiveness, and drug-gang activity south of our border.”

“China chips away at others’ sovereignty in Asia.”

“China is doing the same, demanding veto authority over the rights of its neighbors in the South China Sea. This behavior follows a classical Chinese “tribute” model that demands deference from “lesser” nations in Beijing’s sphere of interest.”

“nuclear rearmament and proliferation, respectively, back in fashion for the saber-rattling Russians and expansive Chinese”

“America’s foreign policy objective should be to reassert an order conducive to our security and that of our allies.”

“Even long-term friends of our country are hedging their bets, questioning the reliability of our partnership.”

Finally, last year Mattis called for a “policy to build the counterbalance if China continues to expand its bullying role in the South China Sea.”

When President-elect Trump announced his selection of Mattis as secretary of defense, Trump referred to him as “Mad Dog Mattis,” which could be read as foreshadowing a more aggressive defense policy, including toward China.

In recent days we have seen Trump taking a more combative position toward China, asserting his right to take a call from Taiwan’s president and calling into question the U.S. adherence to the long-standing “One China” policy. 

While Trump may have calmed some nerves by appointing Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as the new U.S. ambassador to China, who is a “long time friend” of Chinese President Xi Jinping, we really won’t know what actions the new U.S. president will take until after his inauguration January 20.

Until then, we can expect more soundbites and tweets which disturb the international order (and more counter punches from Beijing) making for more interesting dinner conversations. 

The post Mad Dog Mattis on China appeared first on Foreign Policy Blogs.

Ziemlich spannend, was an den Credit Suisse Sports Awards hinter den Kulissen abgeht.

Im goldenen Kleidchen singt Schlagerstar Helene Fischer (32) «Hallelujah». Nicht nur die Herzen der TV-Zuschauer fliegen der schönen Helene zu. Handball-Superstar Andy Schmid (33) von den Rhein Neckar Löwen will die Deutsche schon vor dem Auftritt mitnehmen. Schmid: «Helene darf heute mit mir nach Deutschland fahren, wenn sie Interesse hat. Ich muss das aber noch mit meiner Frau besprechen.»

Da hat SRF-Moderator Rainer Maria Salzgeber (47) aber etwas dagegen. Er sagt: «Sorry Andy, aber Helene hat bereits mich gebeten, sie heimzufahren.» Und Helene? Die lächelt darüber nur müde.

Strahlen tut Fabian Cancellara («Ich würde mich selber wählen»). Seine Dankesrede will nicht mehr enden, der kommende Bierbauch bleibt sein grosses Thema. Cancellara (35): «Das SRF hat mir aber gesagt, dass meine maximale Redezeit nur zwei Minuten betrage. Ich habe doch so viel zu erzählen.» Fäbu spricht weit über drei Minuten. Als grosser Sieger des Abends darf er das.

Martina Hingis (36) erscheint in den TV-Studios am Leutschenbach in einem zauberhaften Kleid. Und unsere Tennis-Queen hat einen Begleiter mit auffallend roter Fliege dabei. Es ist Harald Leemann, ihr Team-Arzt beim Fedcup und bei den Spielen in Rio.

Skistar Lara Gut (25) ist nicht vor Ort, sie stellt bei den Frauen trotzdem alle in den Schatten. Frage an Lara: Wo steckt eigentlich die Kristallkugel für den Gesamtweltcup? Lara ehrlich und mit Witz: «In einer Kiste.»

Gut drauf ist auch Moderatorin Steffi Buchli (38). Sie begrüsst einen Freund im Publikum während einer kurzen Pause mit dem Victory-Zeichen. Einfach cool, diese Frau.

In Form ist auch SRF-Moderator Rainer Maria Salzgeber. Er gratuliert Nati-Coach Vladimir Petkovic (53) zu «vier Punkten aus 12 Spielen», bemerkt den Fehler umgehend. Seine Entschuldigung: «Rechnen war noch nie meine Stärke.»

Das gibts doch nicht! Beachvolleyball-Spielerin Joana Heidrich (190 cm) läuft in 10-Zentimeter-Highheels ein. Für ein gemeinsames Bild muss Töff-Star Dominique Aegerter (1,74 Meter) hinhalten. Er kennt Heidrich zuerst gar nicht, nimmts dann mit Humor.

Kurzfristig schlapp macht die Begleitung von Martina Kocher (31). Die Rodel-Weltmeisterin nimmt spontan ihre hübsche WG-Kollegin Ariane aus Bern mit. Das farblich abgestimmte Duo avanciert kurzerhand zum optischen Highlight.

Auch Kunstturn-Schätzchen Giulia Steingruber (22) fehlt gestern, sie verbringt ihre Ferien auf den Fidschi-Inseln. Dort ist aber das Wetter schlecht. Rainer Maria Salzgeber rät: «Reise umbuchen und in die Schweiz zurückkehren. Hier ist es schön.» Steingruber: «Ich gehe aus Trotz schnorcheln.»

Zu guter Letzt hat sich jemand einen kleinen Scherz erlaubt. Als der Gewinner des Wettbewerbs bekannt gegeben wird, erscheint am TV-Bildschirm «Guy Parmelin, Bern». Kann passieren.

Unser Sportminister ist nicht mehr dabei, als an der Bar zu später Stunde folgende Quizfrage gestellt wird: Wie heisst unser Sport-Traumpaar des Jahres? Antwort: «Cance-Lara».

Der Rat hat am 19. Dezember 2016 die auf bestimmte Sektoren der russischen Wirtschaft abzielenden Wirtschaftssanktionen bis zum 31. Juli 2017 verlängert.

Diese Maßnahmen wurden am 31. Juli 2014 angesichts der Handlungen Russlands, die die Lage in der Ukraine destabilisieren, für einen anfänglichen Zeitraum von einem Jahr eingeführt. Die Sanktionen wurden im September 2014 verschärft. Sie zielen auf den Finanz-, Energie- und Verteidigungssektor sowie auf den Bereich der Güter mit doppeltem Verwendungszweck ab.

Am 19. März 2015 hat der Europäische Rat vereinbart, die Geltungsdauer der Sanktionen an die vollständige Umsetzung der Minsker Vereinbarungen zu knüpfen, für die eine Frist bis zum 31. Dezember 2015 vorgesehen war.

Da diese Vereinbarungen am 31. Dezember 2015 noch nicht vollständig umgesetzt waren, hat der Rat die Sanktionen bis zum 31. Juli 2016 und am 1. Juli 2016 bis zum 31. Januar 2017 verlängert. Die Spitzenpolitiker der EU haben die Umsetzung der Minsker Vereinbarungen auf der Tagung des Europäischen Rates vom 15. Dezember überprüft und daraufhin den Weg für die Verlängerung der Sanktionen um weitere sechs Monate bis zum 31. Juli 2017 geebnet. Der Rat hat diesen Beschluss am 19. Dezember 2016 im schriftlichen Verfahren formalisiert und – wie dies bei allen Beschlüssen zur Verlängerung restriktiver Maßnahmen der Fall ist – einstimmig angenommen.

Mit den durch den Beschluss verlängerten Wirtschaftssanktionen wird insbesondere

• für fünf große mehrheitlich staatseigene russische Finanzinstitute und die mehrheitlich in ihrem Eigentum befindlichen Tochterunternehmen mit Sitz außerhalb der EU sowie für drei große russische Energieunternehmen und drei Rüstungsunternehmen der Zugang zu den Primär- und Sekundärkapitalmärkten der EU beschränkt;
• ein Aus- und Einfuhrverbot für Waffen verhängt;
• ein Verbot der Ausfuhr von Gütern mit doppeltem Verwendungszweck für militärische Zwecke oder an militärische Endnutzer in Russland verhängt;
• der Zugang Russlands zu bestimmten sensiblen Technologien und Dienstleistungen, die für die Erdölförderung und ‑exploration genutzt werden können, eingeschränkt.

Zusätzlich zu diesen Wirtschaftssanktionen hat die EU als Reaktion auf die Ukraine-Krise außerdem mehrere Maßnahmen erlassen, unter anderem

• individuelle restriktive Maßnahmen in Form eines Visumverbots und des Einfrierens von Vermögenswerten, die gezielt gegen 152 Personen und 37 Organisationen bis zum 15. März 2017 verhängt wurden;
• restriktive Maßnahmen als Reaktion auf die rechtswidrige Annexion der Krim und Sewastopols, die auf das Gebiet der Krim und Sewastopols beschränkt sind und derzeit bis zum 23. Juni 2017 gelten.

Ils ont laissé ateliers, garages et chantiers pour venir vivre ce moment agréable fait de convivialité et de partage. Ce sont les acteurs à divers niveaux du secteur de l'artisanat béninois. C'était à travers un somptueux diner de gala organisé ce vendredi 16 décembre 2016 à la salle des fêtes Le Majestic de Cadjèhoun. Cette soirée exclusivement dédiée en l'honneur des artisans est une initiative de Mr Brice HONDI, président directeur général du groupe ADECO pour marquer les 17 ans d'existence de son ONG Club Excellence ADECO. Placé sous le parrainage du président Léhady Vinagnon SOGLO et Maire de Cotonou qui s'est déplacé en compagnie de son épouse pour apporter son soutien personnel, cet évènement a réuni un parterre d'invités et de personnalités venus soutenir l'ONG. Cette soirée qui se trouve à sa 3ème édition vise à valoriser les artisans, récompenser les plus méritants et honorer les personnalités qui s'investissent pour la promotion du secteur. Il se veut un cadre de retrouvailles entre artisans, décideurs politiques, partenaires sociaux, opérateurs économiques et autres.
Défilé de mode, remise de trophées aux meilleurs artisans de l'année et aux personnalités, animation culturelle, coupure de gâteau, géant buffet,…Ce sont les temps forts de cette soirée riche en couleurs, en sons et en images.
Au nombre des distinctions offertes, on peut citer le trophée de la meilleure femme artisane de l'année, celui du meilleur jeune artisan, le trophée de la persévérance et de l'expérience, celui de la créativité et de l'innovation, le trophée de la reconnaissance et du mérite à des personnalités morales qui soutiennent le secteur. Le porte-parole des récipiendaires n'a pas manqué d'exprimer sa reconnaissance à l'ONG pour avoir réussi à rassembler tant d'artisans autour de sa vision.
Dans son allocution, le Maire de Cotonou qui a reçu le trophée de parrain officiel de la soirée, a félicité l'ONG Club Excellence ADECO pour son initiative et a réitéré sa disponibilité à accompagner les artisans qui constituent l'un des principaux acteurs de son élection à la tête de la ville de Cotonou. Après avoir rappelé l'importance de l'artisanat dans l'économie et dans nos vécus quotidiens, Léhady SOGLO a remercié les membres de cette ONG pour les séries de formations initiées pour le renforcement des capacités des artisans. Il les encourage à poursuivre cette noble entreprise en vue de la promotion de ce secteur stratégique du développement.
C'est au président du conseil d'administration de l'ONG Club Excellence ADECO Mr Brice HONDI de procéder à l'ouverture officielle du diner de Gala. Après avoir montré la place capitale de l'artisan dans le développement économique d'une nation, il a déploré l'inorganisation et le manque de considération réservée à ce secteur en dépit de sa contribution remarquable au produit intérieur brut (13% selon les statistiques officielles) du Bénin. « Il n'est de richesses que d'artisans », a-t-il déclaré comme pour paraphraser le philosophe Jean Bodin. C'est dire toute l'importance que l'ONG accorde au secteur de l'artisanat. Ce qui justifie l'engagement du groupe qui s'investit depuis trois ans pour la promotion du secteur à travers des séries de formations, sensibilisations et organisations des acteurs grace à sa plate-forme de communication. Pour finir, il les a rassurés de sa détermination à poursuivre le combat à leurs côtés quoiqu'il advienne. Un discours d'engagement qui a suscité des tonnerres d'applaudissements dans le rang des participants, signe de leur approbation.
Notons que la soirée a été agrémentée par les prestations des artistes de renom tels que Oluwa Kèmi, le groupe 3L Ifédé et l'international Dibi Dobo.

The third meeting of the EU−Ukraine Association Council took place on 19 December 2016 in Brussels. 

Following the meeting, the EU and Ukraine adopted a joint press release: 

Joint press release following the meeting of the Association Council

The Association Council discussed relations between the EU and Ukraine, specifically on: 

• Political dialogue and reform, political association;
• Justice, freedom and security;
• Economic and sectoral cooperation, as well as trade and trade-related matters,

Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Stepan Kubiv, First Vice Prime Minister who headed the Ukrainian delegation, also discussed developments related to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including efforts towards the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

At the beginning of the plenary meeting, the EU and Ukraine signed the following agreements:

• a financing agreement governing the European Commission support to Ukraine's public administration reform worth €104 million (as part of a larger package totalling € 300 million)
• four agreements confirming Ukraine's participation in EU-funded cross-border cooperation, in the shape of new programmes involving Romania-Ukraine, Poland-Belarus-Ukraine, Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine, and the Black Sea region.

More information on the agreements

The EU also continues to assist the reform process through the support group for Ukraine, as well as through the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine), which supports security sector reform. The EU increased its budget for the mission for the period from 1 December 2016 to 30 November 2017 by 17.7%, reaching €20.8 million. 

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on LinkedIn+var sbFBAPPID = '457641991045477';

The outgoing president of Poland’s highest constitutional court has warned that the country’s ruling rightwing Law and Justice party (PiS) is making a systematic attempt to destroy oversight of government activity. He described the country as being “on the road to autocracy”.

As reported by the Guardian, the departure of Andrzej Rzepliński, whose term expired on December 18, is expected to pave the way for PiS appointees to assume control of Poland’s most important institutional check on executive power.

The expiration of Rzepliński’s term comes amid signs of the most serious political crisis in Poland since PiS won presidential and parliamentary elections in 2015.

On December 16, a group of demonstrators attempted to barricade MPs in the parliament building after the government sought to restrict media access to parliamentary proceedings.

Opposition MPs accuse PiS deputies of holding illegal votes outside the parliamentary chamber after an opposition MP was expelled for protesting against the media restrictions and opposition leaders occupied the parliamentary podium in protest.

Speaking to the Guardian, Rzepliński defended his attempts to uphold the independence of the tribunal, which rules on the constitutionality of legislation and decisions taken by state authorities.

He said the government’s refusal to recognise the legitimacy of a number of the court’s rulings threatened to “create a double legal system, with some courts upholding our rulings, and others not. Judges really don’t know what the law is, and without that, in a continental system, courts cannot operate.”

Meanwhile, Julia Przyłębska is tipped by some observers to be appointed as Rzepliński’s successor.

The post Andrzej Rzepliński: Poland is ‘on road to autocracy’ appeared first on New Europe.

Très attendu, l’accord intergouvernemental entre la France et l’Australie permettant le développement, la construction puis la maintenance et la mise à niveau au cours de leur vie active des futurs sous-marins de la Royal Australian Navy sera signé mardi 20 décembre à Adelaide. Le document, paraphé par le premier ministre australien, Malcolm Turnbull, et le ministre français de la Défense, Jean-Yves Le Drian, concrétisera au travers d’un partenariat stratégique à long terme l’engagement technologique et opérationnel des deux pays.

• Lire la suite de Sous-marins : La France et l’Australie scellent leur partenariat stratégique

Le principal accusé des cadres de l'armée aurait utilisé munitions et infrastructures pour une association privée.

/ Région parisienne

Sur huit centres de fitness qui ont été dénoncés, six se trouvent dans le canton de Neuchâtel, et un sur Genève.

Sur huit centres de fitness qui ont été dénoncés, six se trouvent dans le canton de Neuchâtel, et un sur Genève.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on LinkedIn+var sbFBAPPID = '457641991045477';

The U.S. Electoral College is expected to officially confirm Donald Trump as the next President of the United States on Monday.

Electoral College System

The election of Donald Trump will be formalized when 538 electors cast their ballots in every state. In each state, voters elects a body of electors who are supposed to confirm their vote. Electors have never produced any surprises and the process is expected to be a mere formality, verifying the November 8 result.

Trump won 306 electors and 30 states, needing 270 to secure election. The mass defection of electors does not have a precedent.

However, as the CIA reports that Russia intervened to favour President-elect Trump, there is a last minute campaign asking electors not to vote for Trump, defying the popular vote. The Trump campaign dismisses the claim that Russian state-backed hackers had a bearing on Trump’s victory. But Clinton’s campaign chairman, John Podesta, said that the question of whether the Trump campaign cooperated with Russia is still open.

Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Republican Senator John McCain calls for a select committee that is “time-limited, cross-jurisdictional, and purpose-driven” to address the allegations and confirmed he is worried that Donald Trump has never been heard being critical of Russia.

“Wisdom” or “failure” of the founding fathers?

At this point, there are two ways of looking at the Electoral College system.

First, there are those who are looking at the election of Donald Trump as a failure of the electoral system. Since the election, the system of the Electoral College has come under criticism since Hillary Clinton has in fact won the popular vote but secured fewer electors. A CBS poll suggests 54% of Americans want their President to be directly elected.

Secondly, there are those why see in this specific electoral system an opportunity to prevent Trump’s election that is in line with the spirit of the Constitution. There is still a campaign to prevent Trump from being formally confirmed, trying to dissuade electors to go rogue. Among them, there are electors who believe their role in the Constitution is to ensure that a demagogue does not come to power. Apparently, some electors are considering a rogue vote, with one of them coming out openly.

29 out of 50 states have laws binding electors to vote in line with the electorate. But, if they don’t, they either pay a small fine or nothing happens. But, what is theoretically possible is not likely.

 

The post Campaign to convince the Electoral College not to vote Trump likely to fail appeared first on New Europe.

Fin stratège et discret communicant, le Grenoblois de 29 ans est un rouage essentiel dans la campagne du candidat à la présidentielle et leader d’En marche !.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on LinkedIn+var sbFBAPPID = '457641991045477';

Germany’s Justice Minister Heiko Maas has called on the country’s judges and prosecutors need to crack down on fake news disseminated through social media platforms like Facebook.

According to the Reuters news agency, Maas, who is a Social Democrat in conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel‘s coalition, has repeatedly warned the US technology company to respect laws against defamation in Germany that are more rigid than in the US.

In an interview with Germany’s Bild am Sonntag newspaper on December 18, he said the principle of free speech did not protect against slander.

“Defamation and malicious gossip are not covered under freedom of speech,” Maas said, just days after other top government officials called for legislation to tackle ‘hate speech’ and fake news on Facebook and other social media platforms,” he said. “Justice authorities must prosecute that, even on the internet,” he said, noting that offenders could face up to five years in jail. Anyone who tries to manipulate the political discussion with lies needs to be aware [of the consequences].”

Fears of fake news ahead of the election have increased after the head of Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, Hans-Georg Maassen, reported a rise in Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilising German society, reported Reuters.

In a separate report, Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, noted that European Union parliamentary leader Martin Schulz has called for hard, Europe-wide laws to stem the spread of harmful fake news stories. The German government is already looking to draft its own law.

Schulz proposed that Facebook set up a 24-hour hotline to report fake news and harmful bots, and face penalties if the problems were not dealt with in a timely manner. He slammed the idea put forward by some tech companies that they were merely conduits.

The post Germany to take on fake posts on Facebook ahead of election appeared first on New Europe.

https://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/uploads/council-images/thumbs/uploads/council-images/remote/http_7e18a1c646f5450b9d6d-a75424f262e53e74f9539145894f4378.r8.cf3.rackcdn.com/ukraine_thumb_169_1393002992_1392999386_129_97shar_c1.jpg

On 1 January 2016 entered into force the Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between Ukraine and the European Union. The EU is seeking an increasingly close relationship with Ukraine, going beyond co-operation, to gradual economic integration and a deepening of political co-operation. Ukraine is a priority partner country within the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

Download this video here.

La crise postélectorale est toujours dans l'esprit des Gabonais depuis les violences qui ont éclaté après l'annonce des résultats, et de la victoire du président sortant Ali Bongo face à Jean Ping, le 31 août dernier. Ce dimanche, l'opposant a organisé une messe en mémoire des victimes de ces violences.

Le président de la République, son excellence Patrice Talon sera au Parlement le 22 décembre 2016 pour délivrer son message annuel sur l'état de la nation. Une tradition constitutionnelle à laquelle s'exercera pour la toute première fois le Chef de l'État béninois arrivé au pouvoir il y a exactement 8 mois, 1 semaine et 6 jours. Ce message que doit prononcer le chef du gouvernement béninois devant les députés à la fin de chaque année civile sur l'Etat de la nation est un principe constitutionnel.
Que dira le Président Talon au peuple béninois devant les députés ?
De façon général, à travers ce message annuel, le Président de la république donne espoir au peuple la plupart du temps et rappelle les actions de son gouvernement, les réalisations et les projets à venir. Le jeudi 22 décembre prochain, il est évident que le Chef de l'Etat ne manquera pas de revenir sur ce qui est prévu dans le menu du programme d'action du gouvernement, il évoquera également l'état des lieux de sa gouvernance depuis sa prise de fonction. Les béninois qui attendent beaucoup du régime de la rupture s'impatientent de vivre ce moment important qui donnera une idée des grandes lignes de ceux à quoi ils peuvent s'attendre pour l'année prochaine du gouvernement. Déjà, les huit mois paraient déjà un calvaire pour les populations béninois qui espère une amélioration de leur condition de vie.

Nicaise AZOMAHOU

Pénteken, december 15-én tartotta utolsó idei, sorrendben huszonharmadik ülését a kormány mellett működő kisebbségi bizottság. Az évzáró tanácskozáson több olyan téma is felmerült, mely a következő időszakban komoly hatással lesz a kisebbségi ügyek képviseletére.

A tanácskozáson szó esett a kisebbségi jelentések sorsáról és jövőbeni kinézetéről, fontos, hogy az évente elkészülő dokumentumok olyan struktúrát kapjanak, mely hozzájárul a számonkérhetőséghez és ne csak a fennálló elmaradásokat összegezzék évről-évre.

A bizottsági ülésen hangsúlyosan merült fel a Kisebbségi Kulturális Alap sorsa. A civil szervezetek támogatásait 2018-tól igazgató alapról szóló törvény túljutott a szakmai egyeztetésen és jelenleg tárcaközi egyeztetés alatt áll. A magyar és a cseh kisebbség képviselői kifogásolták, hogy a bizottságon belüli egyeztetési eljárás során nem kaptak érdemi választ a kulturális tárcától több javaslatukra sem. Többek között a nyolcmilliós keretösszegből a magyar kisebbségi számára elkülönített tétel a teljes keretösszeg 59,6 százalékáról 53 százalékra csökkent, s az ellenőrző- és bíráló szervek összetétele is megváltozott. Az alap létrehozását szabályozó törvényt a tárcaközi eljárás keretén belül december 27-ig lehet véleményezni, a magyar javaslatokat ebben a szakaszban is benyújtják.

A Kulturális Alap létrehozásával párhuzamosan átgondolásra szorul a kisebbségi bizottság szerkezete és szerepe is, a következő hónapokban elkezdődik a bizottságon belüli egyeztetés arról, milyen szerkezettel és misszióval működik tovább a kisebbségi ügyek kapcsán konzultációs státusszal bíró bizottság.

Az ülés végén Bárdos Gyula javaslatára a bizottság kisebbségi tagjai közleményükben egyhangúlag elítélték Robert Fico miniszterelnök a Smer pártkongresszusán a roma kisebbség címére tett kijelentéseit. Fico az eseményen kijelentette, pártja leszámol a politikai korrektséggel és véget vet a toleranciának.

 

Üdvözlettel,

Tokár Géza

Most European citizens are fond of ‘Europe’: its values, culture and social model. When it comes to its leadership, citizens have more mixed feelings. 60% of citizens tend not to trust the EU institutions. They feel that European policy is disconnected from their daily reality.

As a tech entrepreneur who is active in big data, I too feel disconnected – in my case, from the digital agenda of the European Commission. The agenda and its priorities do not align with the tremendous potential of the digital revolution, something I have the immense privilege to experience every day.

From fighting Ebola to alleviating poverty – I am a member of a community of shapers who use technology to improve society. Every day I encounter yet more amazing digital visionaries who create robots, build networks and develop apps that affect every facet of our lives. From citizen to state to Union, we are witnessing the acceleration of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

“Ambition matters. It sets leaders apart. It allows them to inspire people through their vision of society, and to drive change”

But what are we doing about this revolution? At the EU level, we can summarise the strategy in three words: defragmentation, standards and infrastructure. All important, all relevant, but nothing near the level of ambition required.

And ambition matters. It sets leaders apart. It allows them to inspire people through their vision of society, and to drive change.

I would fight for an EU with ambitions to use digital to save the planet, or to connect citizens to their cities, or to give everyone meaning in their lives, whether through a job, a task or simply helping their peers.

In the absence of political ambition, tech entrepreneurs will set their own. But is this the road we want to take? Do policymakers want to shape the agenda or only to react?

The time has come to be ambitious. We need leaders who are willing to take up that role.

My call for a greater digital ambition comes from my entrepreneurial background. Without naming the problem you cannot correctly design a solution, but instead of simply pointing the finger at EU leaders I have three simple initiatives that could put Europe back on the global digital map.

The first solution is for the European Commission to practice what it preaches – or ‘eat its own dog food’. Is the Commission itself digital? How much paper does it produce? How much big data does it use to improve its effectiveness? How often do its politicians and officials use Amazon, Uber or Spotify?

These questions boil down to a simple task: show us that you are role models; show us that you are the champions of this revolution. I’m tired of naming American or Chinese companies as the most digital organisations. I want to name you. You can get there.

“It is time to bring back our digital visionaries. With these experts Europe can bridge the digital gap within a decade”

Second, make policies based on what people do, not on what people say. At some point in history, EU policymakers surely had reason to design a law requiring internet users to accept cookies before browsing. In 2016, I don’t get the point. Do you know a single person who refuses the cookie and declines to browse a website? Policymakers should observe our behaviour and test policies before making laws.

Third, bringing back our visionaries. Most of Europe’s most brilliant and disruptive minds have left Europe to go to the United States. It is time to find a way to bring them back. With these experts, and with their networks and ambitions, Europe can bridge the digital gap within a decade.

I’m aware that I’m biased: entrepreneurs see the world as an ocean of opportunities. Digital frontrunners believe in the positive nature of technology.

I know I am not paying attention to certain constraints. I know I don’t have the full context. And I’m not a politician. But I’m a believer in Europe, in the value of statesmanship, and in the immense potential of our citizens.

I will act to shape this European ambition. Will you join me?

IMAGE CREDIT: Believeinme/Bigstock.com

The post Europe needs ambition to make the most of the digital revolution appeared first on Europe’s World.