Europe
PARIS 2024 KICK-OFF EXTRAVAGANZA: A Snapshot »
1.5 billion global audiences ● Phryge, Olympic mascot: direct reference to French historic concept of liberté ● An artistic director who produced an unforgettable show of 3,500 performers. . .
THE OLYMPICS, THE SEINE, AND THE MAYOR: WHO WILL FINE HIDALGO FOR SWIMMING IN THE RIVER? »
The Seine River will take center-stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games. It is certified swimmable. And truly magnificent historical landmarks provide an irresistible backdrop. But the thing is: Since 1923, the river is off-limits to swimming. And the ban, as far as anybody could tell, has not been lifted. Will the Mayor of Paris be accountable for taking a dip to attest to the water's suitability?
The President of the European Parliament on the Results of the European Parliament Elections 2024 »
The election of the world's largest democratic parliament, the European Parliament, was held 6 - 9 June 2024. With the provisional results now in, the next agenda of the European Parliament is the election of the new President of the European Commission. In all likelihood incumbernt president Ursula von der Leyen will be RE-elected since her consrvative party, the European People's Party, won the largest number of parliamentary seats.
FOLLOWING IRAN’S ATTACKS, JOE BIDEN REAFFIRMS U.S. COMMITMENT TO THE SECURITY OF ISRAEL »
US President Biden: "I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.
THE EUROPEAN UNION CONDEMNS IRANIAN ATTACK ON ISRAEL; SPAIN IS “GREATLY CONCERNED” »
EC statement: "We the Leaders of the G7 condemn the massive Iranian attack against Israel, using drones and missiles, in the strongest terms. We express our solidarity and support to the people of Israel and reaffirm our unshakable commitment towards its security. Iran's actions risk provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation." Spain is following with "great concern" post-attack developments.
A HUMANE AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVE: HOW SPAIN LED FOUR EU COUNTRIES TOWARD THE RECOGNITION OF A PALESTINIAN STATE »
What transpired in the meeting of the European Council and in the margins of the meeting: Discussion of a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, with four countries emphatic about supporting the solution; humanitarian aid to the Palestinian civilian population; reforms in the EU to facilitate accession of new members with a view to geopolitical and humanitarian solutions; unwavering support for Ukraine and even upscaling of such a support.
SPAIN IS NUMBER 1 TOURIST DESTINATION! »
In 2023, Spain was visited by 85.1 million international tourists. This record smasher makes the legendary land of the Man of La Mancha the world’s top tourist destination. Moreover, Spain hold the highest score in Statista's Travel and Tourism Development Index. France, the perennial Number One, is expected to slide down to second place, attracting an estimated 79 million to 85 million foreign visitors. Sangria anyone?
EU SERIES: THE EUROPEAN UNION, STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH (2) »
A primer on the European Union (EU): membership in the EU; the Schengen Area; the Euro; the EU flag, anthem, and its languages; EU institutions and values. . .
EU SERIES: THE EUROPEAN UNION, STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH (1) »
EU basics: What the European Union is, its origins, its goals and values, gains and successes. Special mention: the EU as a Nobel Peace laureate. The EU and Brexit.
EU SERIES: WOMEN IN THE EU LIVE LONGER BUT WON’T BEAR MORE CHILDREN TO RESCUE THE POPULATION »
Eurostat numbers on hand, it is but logical to conclude that while the ability of women in the EU to choose the age at which they would be mothers is GOOD news, it is at once a mixed blessing. Apparently, women have chosen not only to put motherhood on hold but also to have an insufficient number of children when they finally decide to have them. (Spanish women top the list of those who postpone motherhood AND have the least number of children to boot.) In so doing, Europe is unable to keep its population constant unless boosted by immigrants.
