The European Parliament: now with balls!

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Gangerolf
Pekka, IIRC the UK gets a "discount" because they have a relatively small agricultaral sector compared to their relatively large economy or something like that. Thanks to Maggie Thatcher.

edit: Britain originally got the deal because it paid more into the EU budget than it got back, principally because it received less than other countries from the CAP.

well, if UK hadnt gotten a discount, they could have just downloaded the damn thing anyway. I mean its not like having the UK in adds to costs, which are mainly fixed. Paying such huge amounts, for what all admit is a buggy system still being patched sounds pretty unreasonable.

[Pekka]

UK is not the only country getting discounts. And you fail to remember that the ones already paying full membership have to pay that left over amount too.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Pekka
UK is not the only country getting discounts. And you fail to remember that the ones already paying full membership have to pay that left over amount too.

Well if they charged less to everyone, maybe more would sign up to buy it, and nations wouldnt HAVE to download it.

[Pekka]

You pay the bill you agreed to pay. That's it.

No if's but's or and's.

[lord of the mark]

who agrees to pay for something when downloading a supranational entity? The whole point is to get it for free.

[Spiffor]

That's deliciously nonsensical

[Pekka]

keep on laughing mr internationalist, of course your delusions are perfeclty realistic.

Now, I have some principles, clearly you don't share the same ones. But then again, you admitted to be communist. Talking about pipe dreams.

[Spiffor]

Pekka:

I laughed at LOTM's pun with downloading soemthing vs paying for it. To use these words in the context of a "supranational identity" (rather than music or software) was deliciosuly nonsensical, and made me laugh.

[Pekka]

Yes, well I called you a communist. How's the apples.



Well. I'm satisifed that we still agreed on few points, which were the most important for me. As for the rest, they're non-issues for me until that something is settled first, but at least we agree on it, so.. keep the faith I guess. I hope it works. I just don't want to write any blank cheques.

[Gangerolf]

Italian government sticks with Buttiglione

http://www.euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=17649

This could take a while

[Spiffor]

I think the following Consensus will be this:
Buttiglione remains in the Commission.
Buttiglione becomes Commissioner of Fishing, or something like that.

[alva]

Originally posted by Gangerolf
Italian government sticks with Buttiglione

http://www.euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=17649

This could take a while

I think we all know, it's not really Buttoglione we've got to get rid off ASAP.

[Harovan]

Barroso, Buttoglione, Berlusconi, Bush... seems every politician starting with B is an idiot. Even Bröder and Birac.

[alva]

Birac

Blair..

You're on to something Sir Ralph!

[Gangerolf]

Hey this mess isn't Barroso's fault. He's handling the situation pretty well all things considered.

José Manuel Durao Barroso may make several changes to his Commission team, he indicated on Thursday.

Speaking to French radio, the incoming Commission President said "I cannot accept a Commissioner, who will definitely have problems with the European Parliament".

http://www.euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=17664