Stanley Johnson Becomes French to Keep Link with EU

BBC/TWOFOUR/AMY BROWNING
BBC: Boris Johnson's father Stanley says he has become a French national, telling a Belgium news website he wanted to keep "a link" with the EU after Brexit.

Mr Johnson, whose mother was French, told BFMTV getting citizenship was "something precious" and allowed him to "claim part of my identity".

Unlike his son, who led the campaign to leave the EU, Mr Johnson voted Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

However, he later changed his mind saying "the time has come to bail".

Between 1979 and 1984, Mr Johnson was as a member of the European Parliament representing Wight and Hampshire East.

Downing Street said his decision to accept French citizenship was "a personal matter for the prime minister's father".

Mr Johnson announced he would be seeking French citizenship in December 2020 - a month before the UK fully left the EU.

Speaking on Friday, he said he was "very happy", adding: "I count myself once again as a European Union member, that's very good." » | BBC | Friday, May 20, 2022

PM’s father Stanley Johnson ‘secures French citizenship’: Johnson campaigned for UK to remain in EU in 2016 but has since expressed support for Brexit »

Le père de Boris Johnson, Stanley, obtient la nationalité française : Le père du premier ministre britannique Boris Johnson, Stanley, 81 ans, a obtenu mercredi la nationalité française, a-t-on appris jeudi 19 mai auprès du ministère français de la Justice. »

Such hypocrisy! These entitled dudes want all the privileges themselves, but have been absolutely determined to strip such privileges away from the ‘little people’! Fie on them; and fie on this hypocritical dude, too! This is truly sickening. He’s got a face of brass, that’s all I can say. – © Mark

UK, EU Risk Trade War as Brexit Tensions Rise

May 16, 2022 • A Possible decision by the UK government to override parts of its Brexit deal's conditions for Northern Ireland is sparking concerns of a trade war with the European Union. University of Cambridge Professor of EU Law Catherine Barnard examines how the Northern Ireland protocol plays into the Brexit deal and trade on "Bloomberg Markets."

Hungary Opposes EU's Russian Oil Ban Plan 'In This Form' • France 24 English

May 4, 2022 • Hungary warned on Wednesday that it cannot support the proposed EU ban on Russian oil in its current form as it would "completely destroy" its energy supply security. FRANCE 24's Florence La Bruyère reports from Budapest, Hungary.

Ursula von der Leyen Says Putin Must Pay ‘High Price’ as She Proposes Oil Ban

THE GUARDIAN: European Commission chief says Russian supply of crude would be prohibited in EU within six months

Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the demands from countries such as Slovakia and Hungary for additional flexibility. Photograph: Patrick Hertzog/AFP/Getty Images
Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a total ban on Russian oil imports to the EU, , saying Vladimir Putin had to pay a “high price for his brutal aggression” in Ukraine.

Member states in Brussels are scrutinising a proposed sixth package of sanctions, but in a speech on Wednesday the European Commission president said Russian oil flows had to stop.

Von der Leyen said Russian supply of crude oil would be prohibited within six months and refined products would be banned by the end of the year, while she acknowledged the demands from countries such as Slovakia and Hungary for additional flexibility.

“Let us be clear: it will not be easy,” Von der Leyen said in a speech to the European parliament. “Some member states are strongly dependent on Russian oil. But we simply have to work on it. We now propose a ban on Russian oil. This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Twitter Takeover: EU and UK Warn Elon Musk Must Comply or Face Sanctions

THE GUARDIAN: EU commissioner raises hate speech concerns as UK draws attention to penalties in online safety bill

The UK and EU have warned that Twitter must comply with new content rules or face sanctions that range from fines to a total ban, as concerns were raised that hate speech will increase on the platform under the ownership of Elon Musk.

The world’s richest man has agreed a $44bn (£34bn) deal to buy the social media network, which will hand control of a platform with 217 million users to a self-confessed “free speech absolutist”.

A UK government spokesperson said companies must adhere to the forthcoming online safety bill, which requires platforms to protect users from harmful content, or face the threat of large fines and, for repeat offenders, a total ban.

“Twitter and all social media platforms must protect their users from harm on their sites. We are introducing new online safety laws to safeguard children, prevent abusive behaviour and protect free speech. All tech firms with users in the UK will need to comply with the new laws or face hefty fines and having their sites blocked.”

Thierry Breton, the EU’s commissioner for the internal market, reminded the Tesla chief executive on Tuesday that he would have to comply with the newly agreed Digital Services Act, which requires online platforms to tackle illegal content such as hate speech. » | Dan Milmo and Mark Sweney | Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Strained Relations at EU-China Summit: Europe Urges China Not to Side with Russia | DW News

Apr 1, 2022 • Top diplomats from the EU are meeting via videoconference Friday with China's leaders to discuss urgent matters including the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the afternoon session with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and the EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell. He called on the EU and China "to prevent spillovers of the crisis." Earlier they spoke with Li Keqiang, premier of China's state council. Li told his European counterparts China "opposes division of blocs and taking sides," a Chinese diplomat told German press agency DPA. State broadcaster CCTV said Li added China is pushing for peace in "its own way." Von der Leyen said after, "We made very clear China should not interfere with our sanctions."

EU to Cut Off Some Russian Banks from SWIFT

'Among the Darkest Hours for Europe': EU Reacts as Russia Launches Invasion in Ukraine

Feb 24, 2022 • The EU's foreign policy head, Josep Borrell, said as Russia launched an invasion in Ukraine on Thursday that it was 'among the darkest hours for Europe since the end of world war two'.

Russian forces have unleashed the attack on the orders of Vladimir Putin, who announced a 'special military operation' at dawn, as world leaders warned it could spark the biggest war in Europe since 1945.

The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said there would be 'massive and targeted sanctions' against Russia

Im epischen Rechtsstaat-Streit mit der EU erleiden Polen und Ungarn eine Schlappe

NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Das oberste Gericht der EU hat entschieden: Brüssel darf Mitgliedsstaaten Haushaltsgelder kürzen, wenn bei deren Verwendung rechtsstaatliche Grundsätze verletzt werden. Ob und wann das entsprechende Verfahren angewendet wird, ist aber noch fraglich.

Die Begeisterungsstürme liessen nicht lange auf sich warten. Von einem «historischen Erfolg» wollte die konservative Europaabgeordnete Monika Hohlmeier sprechen, als der Europäische Gerichtshof (EuGH) sein Urteil in den Rechtssachen C-156/21 und C-157/21 verkündete. Hier habe das oberste Gericht der EU ein «starkes Signal für Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit» gesetzt, freute sich die grüne Abgeordnete Terry Reintke.

Die Freude im EU-Parlament ist gross, dass die Luxemburger Richter am Mittwoch ein Verfahren für rechtens erklärt haben, mit dem zum ersten Mal Verstösse gegen die Rechtsstaatlichkeit finanziell geahndet werden können. Gemeint ist die sogenannte «Verordnung über die Konditionalität der Rechtsstaatlichkeit» – auch Rechtsstaatsmechanismus genannt –, die seit gut einem Jahr in Kraft ist. » | Daniel Steinvorth, Brüssel | Mittwoch, 16. Februar 2022

Dem Brüssel-Korrespondenten Daniel Steinvorth auf Twitter folgen.

Is the EU about to Build Its Own Army? | DW News

Jan 5, 2022 • France took over the EU's rotating presidency on Saturday, ringing in the new year by taking the reins of the 27-member bloc

. French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe's new model for growth must include innovation, job creation and job security for the continent to remain competitive globally and be in line with climate harm reduction initiatives on the other side of the pandemic.

"This agenda for a sovereign Europe will be accelerated with the French Presidency. Europe must rise to the major economic, educational, migration and military challenges," Macron said in a statement.

Concretely, France hopes to promote an EU-wide minimum wage, a carbon tax and greater regulation of big tech

. The EU's presidency rotates every six months among the member states of the 27-nation bloc.

This will be France's 13th time at the helm of the rotating presidency.

Brexit Leaves EU-bound Christmas Presents Out in the Cold

THE OBSERVER: An increase in red tape and charges means headaches for those sending gifts to Europe

People preparing to send Christmas parcels to family and friends in Europe face being caught out by post-Brexit red tape and charges that threaten to take some of the joy out of gift-giving.

A warning has also been sounded that some of those who have sent gifts to the EU this year have encountered problems ranging from delays and unexpected charges to items going missing.

This will be the first time most people have encountered rules that came in this year relating to VAT and customs charges applying to items being posted to the EU.

The consumer organisation Which? told the Observer that its research indicates the vast majority of people know little or nothing about the new rules. “The changes brought about by Brexit have created a greater burden of customs paperwork for consumers and couriers alike,” said Adam French, Which? consumer rights expert. “You now have to attach customs declaration forms to anything you send, very clearly describing what it is and where it has originated from.” » | Rupert Jones | Sunday, November 28, 2021

Migrants on EU's Borders Risk Life and Limb for a Better Life | DW News

Nov 26, 2021 • As temperatures across Europe plummet, thousands of migrants are still stranded in Belarus. Many have spent weeks outside in freezing forests near Poland. They're still hoping to find a route into the European Union - though Brussels insists the bloc will not accept them. DW’s Nick Connolly met some of those migrants in the Belarusian capital Minsk. He spoke to people torn between hope and resignation.

Meanwhile, the exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has told the European Union it must live up to its values and actively oppose the authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko. DW's Barbara Wesel caught up with her in Brussels.

And the deaths of 27 people in the English Channel are deepening tensions between Britain and France. The French interior minister has cancelled weekend talks with his UK counterpart after suggestions by the British Prime Minister France wasn't doing enough to stop migrants trying to reach England by boat. DW correspondent Jack Parrock visited the French port of Calais. And spoke to people hoping to make the same journey.

„Europa ist in Gefahr“

MIGRATIONSSTREIT MIT BELARUS
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Polen hat die Abschottung seiner Grenze zu Belarus mit der „Verteidigung Europas“ begründet. Estland und Großbritannien haben Warschau nun die Entsendung von Truppen zur Unterstützung im Migrationsstreit zugesagt.

Polen hat die Abschottung seiner Grenze zu Belarus mit der „Verteidigung Europas“ begründet. Polens Ministerpräsident warnte in einem englischsprachigen Youtube-Video am Sonntag: „Europa, unser gemeinsames Haus, ist in Gefahr.“ Über eine künstlich ausgelöste Migrationskrise und über hohe Erdgaspreise wollten die „Diktatoren“ in Belarus und Russland Europa destabilisieren – „zum ersten Mal seit 1989“. Ministerpräsident Mateusz Morawiecki sagte bei einem Besuch in Estland am Sonntag, die EU sei mit „anschwellenden, miteinander synchronisierten Krisen“ konfrontiert, und erwähnte auch die Mobilisierung russischer Truppen in der Nähe der Ukraine. » | Von Jochen Buchsteiner, Gerhard Gnauck | Sonntag, 21. November 2021

Brexit Latest News: A Majority Now Want to Rejoin the EU. Truth To Power

Šefčovič: EU Accuses Lord Frost of 'Political Posturing'

Read the BBC article here.

UK ‘Tough Guy’ Act on Northern Ireland Will End in Disaster, Says Irish minister

THE GUARDIAN: European Affairs minister says UK government is out of step with preserving peace with protocol threats

A hijacked and burnt-out bus is removed from the loyalist Rathcoole estate in Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty
Ireland’s minister for European Affairs has said that a “tough guy approach” when it comes to Northern Ireland will lead to disaster, adding that threats to suspend the Northern Ireland protocol represented the first time the UK government has been out of step with the international consensus on preserving peace and stability in Northern Ireland in 25 years.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Thomas Byrne said there was “a serious danger of complete instability in Northern Ireland” if the UK government continues its “tough guy approach” through threats to trigger article 16, which would suspend post-Brexit trade arrangements.

He said: “We have a situation where we have the US putting pressure on the British government, the EU united in one voice with concern about Northern Ireland, Ireland concerned about Northern Ireland. We’ve never had a situation in the last 25 years where the British government is out of the loop on that.

“We want very close relations with the British government and good cooperation, we want to be singing off the same hymn sheet.” » | Rachel Hall | Friday, November 12, 2021

EU to tell Frost Brexit talks will fail unless he ditches ECJ demand »

More on Boris Johnson’s government:

The Guardian view on Boris Johnson’s Britain: cry, the corrupt country »

Johnson: „Großbritannien ist kein korruptes Land“: Das hässliche Bild vom Tory, der in die Politik geht, um Geld zu verdienen: In Großbritannien lebt die Debatte um Fehlverhalten konservativer Abgeordneter wieder auf. Die Opposition wittert Morgenluft und empört sich nach Kräften. »

Die bloße Tatsache, daß Johnson sagen muß, daß Großbritannien kein korruptes Land ist, spricht Bände! – © Mark

Brexit: EU Warns of 'Serious Consequences' If UK Triggers Article 16

Nov 5, 2021 • Brussels could impose tariffs on UK imports or even tear up the EU-UK Brexit trade deal altogether.

Verwandt

EU to tell Frost Brexit talks will fail unless he ditches ECJ demand: Concerns grow that Boris Johnson has already decided to trigger article 16 of Northern Ireland protocol »

EU und Belarus: Streit über Migration im Grenzgebiet

Tausende Menschen sitzen im Grenzgebiet zwischen Belarus und Polen fest. Die EU wirft dem belarusischen Machthaber Lukaschenko vor, Menschen gezielt aus Krisenregionen einzufliegen, um sie dann an die Grenze zur EU zu bringen. Damit wolle er die Mitgliedsstaaten unter Druck setzen, aus Rache für bereits verhängte Sanktionen.

Außenminister Maas drohte Belarus mit weiteren Sanktionen. Alle, die sich an der Schleusung von Migrant:innen beteiligten, würden sanktioniert. Die Europäische Union sei nicht erpressbar.

Am Montag hatten größere Gruppen von Migrant:innen in der Nähe von Kuznica vergeblich versucht, die EU-Außengrenze von belarusischer Seite aus zu durchbrechen. Nach Erkenntnissen der polnischen Behörden halten sich gegenwärtig zwischen 3000 und 4000 Menschen im belarusisch-polnischen Grenzgebiet auf - viele kommen aus Krisengebieten wie Afghanistan und dem Irak.


Merkel appeals to Putin to intervene in Belarus border crisis: Call comes after Polish PM said Russia was behind flow of people from Middle East to EU borders »

Poland-Belarus Border Tensions Intensify | DW News

Nov 9, 2021 • Polish officials closed the crossing with Belarus at the border town of Kuznica on Tuesday morning, a day after thousands of migrants arrived in the area. Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki described the incident as a "hybrid attack" conducted by the regime of Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko. "Sealing the Polish border is our national interest. But today the stability and security of the entire EU is at stake," Morawiecki wrote on Twitter. "We will not be intimidated and will defend peace in Europe with our partners from NATO and EU." Belarus denied the Polish accusations, labeling them as "unfounded and unsubstantiated," and claimed Warsaw was deliberately escalating tensions.

Hundreds of migrants are believed to still be near the border on Tuesday, with videos showing tents and fireplaces on the Belarusian side. The Polish Interior Ministry said the night was quiet, save for a rock being thrown at a police car. Videos from the scene on Monday showed a large group of migrants attempting to breach the border. Polish border guards and military claim Belarus troops were controlling and directing the group. Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller told reporters that another 3,000 to 4,000 migrants were massing in the area. "We expect that there may be an escalation of this type of action on the Polish border in the near future, which will be of an armed nature," he added.



Related.

Weissrussland: Lukaschenko schickt Migranten-Gruppe zur EU-Aussengrenze, Polen reagiert mit einer Schliessung der Grenze: Als Reaktion auf Sanktionen der EU ermuntert Lukaschenko Migranten, über Weissrussland die EU-Aussengrenze zu passieren. EU-Staaten mit einer Grenze zu Weissrussland regieren mit dem Ausnahmezustand und Grenzschliessungen. »

Migrants à la frontière Biélorussie-Pologne : Poutine et Loukachenko se sont téléphoné »

Poland Warns of ‘Armed’ Attempts on Its Border as Germany Urges EU to Act

THE GUARDIAN: Poland says thousands more migrants are waiting near Belarusian border, and German minister says Warsaw and Berlin ‘can’t handle this alone’

Migrants gather on the Belarusian-Polish border Photograph: Leonid Shcheglov/BelTA/TASS
Poland has warned of an “armed” escalation of conflict involving migrants massed near the border with Belarus, as the global community reacted to the latest grim chapter in Europe’s migrant crisis.

Having blocked hundreds of people from entering the country, Polish government spokesperson Piotr Muller said a further 3,000 to 4,000 migrants were gathering near the border. “We expect that there may be an escalation of this type of action on the Polish border in the near future, which will be of an armed nature,” he said.

Poland and other EU countries have accused Belarus of trying to provoke a new refugee crisis in Europe in revenge for their criticism of Alexander Lukashenko’s brutal crackdown on opposition. The situation has been simmering for months and worsened on Monday when Belarus authorities escorted an estimated 1,000 people to the Polish border. With video » | Andrew Roth in Moscow with agencies | Tuesday, November 9, 2021

„Lasst uns unseren Blick nicht von der Tragödie abwenden!“ »

„Das können Polen oder Deutschland nicht allein bewältigen“: Bundesinnenminister Horst Seehofer fordert die EU-Kommission auf, Polen bei der Sicherung der Außengrenze zu unterstützen. Die Regierung in Warschau hatte zuvor die Ankunft tausender Migranten gemeldet. »