Month: July 2023

Rod Dreher: Resisting the Zeitgeist

For decades, Rod Dreher’s writings have driven the cultural conversation in many important ways. Join us as he keeps the discussion going here.

Eurobarometer: Migration is Now Third Biggest Threat

Fewer people think that inflation and the war are the biggest challenges facing the EU, while considerably more pointed to migration than six months ago, according to the Commission’s latest EU-wide survey.

Rumors of Reshuffle Within the French Government

In the event of Élisabeth Borne’s departure, the question arises of the colour of the person who would replace her: would Emmanuel Macron then choose to lean more to the Right or more to the Left?

End of an Era: Dutch PM Leaves Politics

Known as ‘Teflon Mark’ for having led four consecutive governments, PM Rutte expressed no interest in trading national politics for an important role at an international institution.

Post-Brexit UK Struggles to Strike the Right Balance on Trade Regulation

Post-Brexit UK Struggles to Strike the Right Balance on Trade Regulation

It speaks well for the UK that it does not follow the EU’s very restrictive approach. Perhaps its recent modest successes will inspire the UK to focus more on the opportunities offered by Brexit.

July 6, 2023
Macron Threatens to Block Social Media Platforms Amid Continued Rioting

Macron Threatens to Block Social Media Platforms Amid Continued Rioting

As rioters use social media apps like Snapchat and TikTok to coordinate their violent activity, President Macron’s threat to block the sites has led to accusations of “authoritarianism.”

July 6, 2023
“This Is Not a Big Brother Project”: Digital Currency and Political Control

“This Is Not a Big Brother Project”: Digital Currency and Political Control

Christine Lagarde, ECB president, opined that even small transactions using the digital euro should be subject to control.

Romanian PM Turns to Germany for Troops and Schengen Support

Romanian PM Turns to Germany for Troops and Schengen Support

Chancellor Scholz did not officially reply to the request, but promised to keep lobbying on behalf of Romania’s Schengen accession by the end of the year.

July 6, 2023
Spanish Pro-Life Group Takes Country’s Constitutional Court to Court

Spanish Pro-Life Group Takes Country’s Constitutional Court to Court

The movement is filing a formal complaint with several EU institutions against Spain’s national judiciary.

July 6, 2023
Paraguay Athwart Liberalism

Paraguay Athwart Liberalism

How long can the South American nation withstand the onslaught from Washington and Brussels?

China Cancels Borrell Visit Over EU Alignment With America

China Cancels Borrell Visit Over EU Alignment With America

The diplomatic slap in the face is a blow to Europe’s hopes of carving a foreign policy path away from a more hawkish United States as relations increasingly sour with Beijing.

July 5, 2023
Fiscal Forecast: Sweden in the Euro? Part I

Fiscal Forecast: Sweden in the Euro? Part I

If Sweden were to join the euro, its economy would be less unstable, but more stagnant. The situation for Swedish households and domestic-oriented businesses would go from bad to worse.

July 5, 2023
European Court Undermines Meta’s Data Method

European Court Undermines Meta’s Data Method

To the applause of watchdog groups, Meta’s mass data collection in Europe may be over.

July 5, 2023
Beijing’s Boldness: Expat Hong Kong Dissidents Faced With Bounty

Beijing’s Boldness: Expat Hong Kong Dissidents Faced With Bounty

Police official Steve Li admitted that while the chances of prosecution were slim as long as the defendants remained abroad, Hong Kong authorities “won’t stop wanting them.”

Man Charged After Trans Double Rapist Lodges Hate Crime Complaint

Man Charged After Trans Double Rapist Lodges Hate Crime Complaint

The case has sparked debate, with some arguing that housing transgender inmates with male genitalia in women’s prisons impinges upon the rights of female prisoners, while others contend that having them serve sentences in all-male prisons amounts to a human rights violation.

July 5, 2023
Meloni in Warsaw: No Conflict Between Italian and Polish Positions on Migration

Meloni in Warsaw: No Conflict Between Italian and Polish Positions on Migration

“I could never complain about those who defend their national interests,” Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said in Warsaw, signaling support for Poland and Hungary’s sovereigntist position after vetoing the Migration Pact last week.

July 5, 2023