Robert Sturdy MEP reports from the latest EP sitting at Strasbourg:
Forget the Cold War. This month in Strasbourg the Vodka War reached its conclusion with casualties on both sides. After months of relentless debate and negotiation, and several vodka tasting sessions, MEPs voted this week on the definitions of spirit drinks. It was concluded that Vodka can be made only from grain or potatoes, but if other raw materials are used it must be clearly indicated on the label. In essence the EP has adopted what I like to call the Ronseal approach- a regulation that does exactly what it says on the tin!
While this report may appear to be yet another example of over-bureaucratic time wasting, it has actually raised serious concerns about consumer information, and the traditions and cultural heritage of many member states.
Let’s not be naive, the vodka market is worth a staggering
$12 billion a year. The decisions by the parliament in Strasbourg have even triggered controversy across the pond as the United States has threatened to take the EU to the World Trade Organisation if the definitions adopted prove too restrictive.
The battle may have been won but the war certainly isn’t over.
As European leaders meet in Brussels this week to deliberate the future of the European Constitution, the European Parliament called on them to ensure greater transparency, more democracy and a Europe that works for its people. A bit of a contraction when these so-called representatives led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel are pushing a treaty already rejected by 2 member states and clearly unpopular in many others.
We can only hope that the EU leaders will not be swayed by the Germans proposed cosmetic changes to the original treaty, but will stand their ground in representing the interests of the electorate. Knowing that Tony Blair holds our constitutional future in his hands doesn’t give me a particularly warm feeling inside. Now where did they put that grape vodka?…
“We can only hope that the EU leaders will not be swayed by the Germans proposed cosmetic changes to the original treaty, but will stand their ground in representing the interests of the electorate”.
Sorry Ellee, you know my views on the EU. “Cranmer” has done an excellent post on the comings and goings in Brussels. IMHO, what’s coming is a totalitarian superstate and what’s going is our heritage, democracy and 1000 years if history. Why don’t people wake up to the reality?
It will all be a lot simpler when we adopt the Euro. Haste ye the day.
Rather wistful to see the Blairs’ stuff being moved out of No. 10, don’t you think?
Jim, are you being serious on those 2 points?
For the love of God, even Ken Clarke has said that conditions had never been right for Britain to join the euro and predicted that it would remain the case for at least a decade.
As for Bliar’s departure, wistful is hardly the word. The British people have been overtaxed,overregulated,lied to and socially engineered to death for the last 10 years.
This is the worst government I can remember, in every way, and the painful irony is that it has been sustained for so long by the Tory economic inheritance.Labour has had its day.
As for vodka, it is just one of a long list of arguments where national sovereignty has clashed with EU demands on standardizing ingredients and labelling across national borders. Plus ca change….
Back to the U-Boot fuel then!!
Hi Elle, was away for a week, well almost two – out Seville (Spain) Way!.
I see you had a great time in Greece too.
PS – I was on the Bacardi
but I had a night or two on Jameson Whisky – clearly labelled (not scotch?) lol!
Gosh, I knew nothing about the vodka debate! As for the other one, I’m pro-EU but I can’t really see what they’re all congratulating themselves about – though Tone has reason to be happy, having secured himself a job for life. Isn’t having a President of the EU against its original tenets?
Jim, So your happy to lose your country then?
Jeremy, I think it would be disastrous if we sacrificed our influence in Europe. Whether we like it or not, that is surely the way forward now. Our “heritage” is also littered with wars with European countries.
I actually don’t care two hoots about the Euro, except I do hate having to pay commission on my currency exchange every time I go to Finland!
‘think Jeremy is right.
As Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski said in the Commons the other day “Millions of people in this country under the age of 40 have never had a say over changes to our relationship with Europe. Surely the time has come to consult the British people—people of my generation—on whether we are prepared to hand over any more powers to the European Union�
I happen to agree. And if the people rejected the EU I dare Britain would not spontaneously combust. Life would go on.
as for sacrificing influence, Britain, with its immense global experience, the fourth largest economy in the world and its status as a credible military power, would be able to retain a global presence after any divorce from Brussels. As the one and only Tony Blair himself once put it :
“Of course, Britain could survive outside the EU… We could probably get access to the single market as Norway and Switzerland do…â€?
(23rd February 2000)