Category: Media

Though I am thousands of miles away from Athens, I have been following political events there very closely. Tonight was the crucial vote needed to approve the necessary measures for the bailout package. It was passed with 199 votes out of 300. In the last few days, many parliamentarians have resigned so as to not… Continue reading New Plan approved by Parliament under the flames burning Athens →

The Minister of Economics and Finance Evangelos Venizelos used a very appropriate metaphor to describe the ongoing Greek negotiation for the second bailout package. He described it as facing the Lernaean Hydra. The Hydra was  an ancient serpent - like a chtonic water beast, with reptilian traits, that possessed many heads  and for each head cut off it grew… Continue reading Faced with the Lernaean Hydra, the Greek government should learn from Hercules →

The latest EU summit seemed to reach a new consensus on amending the treaties to secure the future of the euro. In the end, Britain vetoed the path forward and now stands in isolation, facing criticism at home and throughout the continent. According to Spiegel International, Sarkozy was quoted as telling Le Monde newspaper on Monday:"There are… Continue reading How does it feel to just be Britain? →

As Durban wrapped up,  an agreement was reached to cut emissions.  The 'Durban Platform' will commit all countries to a global deal on cutting carbon emissions by 2015 . It will come into force, however, in 2020. The EU agreed to a second commitment of the Kyoto Protocol from 2013 as part of the deal… Continue reading Is climate change still on the international agenda? →

If one follows the headlines closely, the talk is all about the debt crisis in the Eurozone. Meanwhile, climate talks in Durban are largely overlooked. I doubt if most people even know anything is going on down there. Despite the economic fix that Europe is finding itself in, the Union is still the world's best hope… Continue reading Though the debt crisis dominates world headlines, the EU continues to press climate agenda in Durban →

Breaking news in Greece: Antonis Samaras sent a letter to Lagarde,  Barroso, Draghi and Juncker outlining his general agreement to the bailout plan but including a paragraph about how he will be changing the policy mix to stimulate the economy if elected in February. Is this letter an agreement  when so much is still in doubt?  Germany went ahead… Continue reading Breaking news: A letter is on its way →

Politicians are famous for their ability to maneuver with agility through uncharted waters. Their self-preservation mechanism is known to kick in,  allowing them to reach a compromise in order to stay in the game of politics. Taking a rigid stance on an issue that is not only unwinnable but in fact sabotages the end game… Continue reading To sign or not to sign? Is that even the right question? →

In a CNN op/ed, Global Distinguished Professor Sophia Kalantzakos asks if  an "EU Winter" is upon us given the recent shake-up in European  leadership:http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/18/opinion/kalantzakos-europe/index.html

There are no words that can accurately describe my reaction to haughty political talk. "I will not sign such statements!" These words uttered today in Athens by the head of New Democracy's Antonis Samaras  is further proof that apart from the serious fiscal problems facing Greece, some politicians still have a serious attitude problem. The head… Continue reading I will not sign such statements! →

Chronicle of a death foretold? My heart sank when I read the first words uttered by the current New Democracy leader, Antonis Samaras shortly after the swearing-in ceremony. He immediately claimed victory over the process and the fact that Papandreou was forced to resign two years into his term. In a very populist tone he claimed not to change… Continue reading New government barely sworn in before party rhetoric begins anew →