Thank you, Slovenia!

I know, the vote was tight (see Reuters), but big thanks to all Slovenians for the vote in favour of European unity instead of insisting to continue a border conflict that is contrary to the idea of a European continent where the old borders aren't dividing lines anymore!

Slovenia is embarrassing

Reading that Slovenia continues to block the accession talks of Croatia due to nationalistic considerations is totally embarrassing.

I thought that with the agreement between both countries earlier this year this kind of things would have ended...

Council of Europe chairman criticises Moscow Gay Pride abatement / Moldova under scrutiny

Slovenia has taken over the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, which has celebrated its 60th anniversary on the 5th of May, from Spain last week.

And the new Chairman has already reacted in his function, criticising the abatement of the Gay Pride in Moscow last weekend.

But for those of you who might think that this is a good sign: Not really!

Since this statement is put out only in the name of the Chairman and not in the name of the whole Committee of Ministers, this means that the 47 member states of the Council of Europe (including Russia) have not agreed on this.

Only if in today's weekly meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (= the ambassadors representing the member states) the 47 member states agreed on a joint declaration put out in the name of the whole Committee, this would be a strong sign.

But I suppose that at least Russia will have something against this...

Yesterday and today, there is also a Council of Europe delegation in Moldova, investigating the post-electoral incidents that stroke the country in early April.

This coincides with the first attempt to elect a new president taking place today. There are two candidates, the former Prime Minister and an unknown doctor. The presidential majority is 61 of 101 seats, but the ruling Communists only have 60.

The question is: Will they be able to get one or several oppositional votes (some commentators have said: "buy the votes"), or will the opposition, for once, be strong enough to stick together, if only for the negative?

If there is no president elected, there will be a second round within 15 days. And then maybe a third one. If there is no president elected after the third round, there will have to be new elections.

Moldova, where are you going?

European Parliament elections 2009 (95): Campaign and party communication in Slovenia

After a very good and concise analysis on Th!nk09, Tanja summarises the communication activities of political parties in Slovenia like this:

The parties mostly use their web sites for basic announcements about the EP elections, but only in 2 cases directly address the voters with a special EP section. And what I have not mentioned regarding the campaigning? Yes, you are right: they do not have direct links to the common European campaigns which reassures a well known, bitter national taste….

I think this fits into the picture that we see all over the European Union.

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Under the category "European parliament elections 2009" I am following up national and European activities on the path to the European Parliament elections 2009.

For an overview over all articles in this category have a look at the overview article.

For the five newest post see also the sidebar.

European Parliament elections 2009 (57): Slovenia's candidates

Tanja Kovacic portrays some of the Slovenian candidates from those parties that have already presented their EP lists.

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Under the category "European parliament elections 2009" I am following up national and European activities on the path to the European Parliament elections 2009.

For an overview over all articles in this category have a look at the overview article.

For the five newest post see also the sidebar.