Letter from Finland

Millions of Europeans are carefully following what is about to happen in Ireland this autumn. For most citizens of the EU-countries, the contents of the Lisbon Treaty are unclear or unknown. However, many people feel that something very important is happening, something that concerns the future of the citizens in the entire EU-area.

We all keep our eyes focused on Ireland, because the Irish are the only citizens in the EU that are going to vote for or against the Lisbon Treaty. Whatever the result of the second vote, the fact that the citizens of Ireland have the right to vote on this treaty and thus have an impact on their own future remains an encouraging example of real democracy.

The Irish probably know more about the EU constitution/the Lisbon Treaty than any other citizens in the EU-countries. This is a very important fact. Binding referendums initiate public debate with regard to different models for society in order to meet the challenges of the future. Thus the basic democracy requirements are fulfilled.

Finding solutions to international crises requires broad co-operation. But we must earnestly consider the difference between real co-operation and international oppression. All over Europe citizens rightly ask themselves on whose terms and for the benefit of whom politics is exercised today. On top of many other present crises, Europe is affected by a democracy crisis.

In a real democracy, decisions on important matters that affect the future of its citizens are not made against the will of the majority of the people. In a real democracy citizens must be heard.

The so-called representative democracy however, has proved itself to be incapable of satisfying the will of the majority of the citizens. All over Europe people ask themselves why they were not given the opportunity to have their say on the Lisbon Treaty by way of referendum. The Irish example is an inspiration to all who fight for real democracy and binding referendums.

The Irish have given hope to millions of people. When you once again go to vote on the Treaty that was previously rejected we assure you that most Europeans support you with all their hearts. Millions of Europeans hope that your brave NO will be repeated but whatever the outcome, know that we will stand by your side and will not accept any manner of discrimination against the Irish because of the result of the referendum.

signed:

Antti Pesonen - chair of the Independence Party

Lea Launokari - TEAM Board member, vicehair of the Independence Party

Ulla Klötzer - chair of Alternative to EU, 1994-2004

Henrik Brors: Sweden among losers as new EP emerges

Henrik Bors, writing in Swedish newspaper DN, says that Sweden, along with Denmark and Finland emerged as the greatest losers as the new European Parliament power structures became clear. Swedish MEPs were unable to land any of the more important chairmanships in the new parliament as they all went to larger countries.

Surprise, surprise… the big ‘uns - Italy, Germany, France, Great Britain and Poland took all the spoils.

addition (on July 28th)

The French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has hailed France’s presence on European Parliament committees, saying “With 4 committee and sub-committee chairs, France has only one chair less than Italy, is equal to Germany and is ahead of the UK and Spain.” He added that France “is one of the leading European countries in terms of the number of vice presidents.”

sources: - European Voice - French Government, July 20th

In the first half of the year he was respected and acknowledged in the role of the President of the European Council, now he’s in the centre of arms-deal affair. Where is that possible? Only in Slovenia.

It just had to happen. Finnish, Estonian and Greek parliaments have today proved for the last time before the Irish spectacle that current European national political elites have flown far, far away from their electorates.

Shame on them, shame on us for having such representatives.

A large majority of Finnish deputies – 151 out of 200 – on Wednesday (11 June) voted in favour of the document, while 27 opposed it and 21 were absent, according to AFP news agency.

A little later on Wednesday afternoon, the Estonian parliament also approved the Lisbon treaty. Its vote was almost unanimous: 91 votes in favour and one against. Nine MPs abstained.

The Greek parliament ratified the Lisbon treaty with 250 to 42 votes late on Wednesday, just hours before Irish citizens vote on the document. With Greece, 2/3 of EU states have started or completed the treaty’s ratification.

More on that in EUobserver.

Dear friends all over Europe!

To this e-address kuuleminen@tem.fi yourself can send your comments to the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) program of Fennovoima (34% ownership by E.ON which also builds such beautiful projects as wind mills…) for building new nuclear reactors in Finland. If you would really like to help please do it before April 7th!