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See stories since Dec. 31, 2003
The 'new' anti-semitism:
Is Europe in grip of worst bout of hatred since the Holocaust?
Nov. 25, 2003 - High-profile Europeans have expressed very strong anti-semitic views in recent months. An opinion pool of EU citizens indicated that Europeans consider Israel to be the greatest danger to world peace.
- Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon warned European leaders that they need to do more to combat a revival of old anti-semitic hatreds. He said that the rapidly-growing Muslim population in Europe posed a threat to Jews.
- "Anti-semitism has become politically correct in Europe," said Natan Sharansky, the former Soviet dissident and minister in Ariel Sharon's government.
- Source: Guardian UK
EU Viewed by China as World Power to Rival US
Oct. 14, 2003 - A strategic policy paper published in China yesterday acknowledged the European Union as the world's rising superpower.
- The Chinese government said the EU was transforming the global landscape with its successful currency launch and strides towards a joint foreign policy, defence, and judicial union.
Other aspects of the EU's greatness were listed:
- Europe's 25-35 per cent share of the global economy
- Projected population of 450 million after expanding into the former communist bloc next year
- The Galileo global satellite system, described as a direct challenge to the American GPS monopoly in space
- Cooperation with China on nuclear research
- Source: Telegraph - UK
European super-region plan touted
Sept. 24, 2003 - There is a proposal to create a super-region of closer integration within the European Union. It would basically be a reworking of the Austro-Hungarian empire, regions spanning four countries - Austria, Italy, Croatia and Slovenia.
- If it were to go ahead, the plan would pose significant problems for those countries in Europe who have traditionally sought to limit the powers of the regions, such as France and the UK.
- Source: EU Observer (Story no longer online)
Giscard hailed as the Socrates of new Europe
June 14, 2003 - Former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing is being compared to Socrates for his work on the draft constitution for the European Union. The draft has broad support from European countries, but will be thoroughly debated before it is approved next year.
- Beethoven's Ode to Joy - Europe's anthem - rang out as the former French president was showered with accolades for producing a landmark document compared by some to the treaty of Rome that founded the EEC 44 years ago.
- Source: The Guardian (UK)
Atheist premier attacks lack of Christianity in EU constitution
June 4, 2003 - From a surprise source, the European Union has been criticized for leaving all reference to Christianity out of it's new constitution. The complaint was lodged by Poland's President Aleksander Kwasniewski. He said:
- "I am an atheist and everybody knows it, but there are no excuses for making references to ancient Greece and Rome, and the Enlightenment, without making references to the Christian values which are so important to the development of Europe."
To illustrate his position, he added that in every European city and town, the most significant feature is either a cathedral or a church.
- Source: Telegraph (UK)
Europe Launches Plans for Military to Rival U.S.
May 28, 2003 - France and Germany led the opposition to the U.S. attack of Iraq, and since then have been pushing for a EU military that will rival the U.S. Leading members of the EU agreed to sign a $23 billion contract to buy a fleet of 180 Airbus A400 military transport jumbo jets, with the capacity to deploy up to 20,000 troops far beyond Europe's shores in a single airlift.
- Source: NewsMax
Euro hits all-time high
May 27, 2003 - The euro has reached a record high against the the dollar of $1.1932. The ratio signals confidence in the euro, but actually helps trade of U.S. exports
- The European single currency was worth $1.1665 when it was launched on 1 January 1999 and soared to $1.1889 by 4 January, before beginning a long slide to a low of $0.8230 on 26 October 2000.
- Source: BBC
EU constitution unveiled
May 27, 2003 - A proposed constitution for the European Union has been drafted by a 105-member committee, led by former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing. The proposal will be considered by EU leaders next month. It calls for a EU President, replacing the current six-month rotating presidency, and a foreign minister to represent the union internationally. It would have a binding bill of rights, and would be a union of sovereign nation states. It would retain the name "European Union" instead of "United Europe," or "United States of Europe."
- Source: UPI (Story no longer online)
Solana's 'Theory of Relativity'
- Jan. 9, 2003 - Hal Lindsey reports that Javier Solana, Europe's foreign policy chief, believes that the shared values of America and Europe are really little more than a political myth.
- Specifically, he feels, America has "far too much religion." And the American view of religion is just too rigid.
He is not opposed to all religion, just the American brand of Christianity and the Zionist Jews. Lindsey concludes that, "Europe is perfectly prepared for the Antichrist to come and take them over."
- Source: WorldNetDaily
EU clinches expansion deal
- Dec. 12, 2002 - The European Union will absorb 10 more countries of into its organization in 2004, bringing an end to the divisions in Europe.
- "For the first time in history Europe will become one because unification is the free will of its people," said Romano Prodi, the President of the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.
- Source: BBC
Unveiled: the blueprint for United States of Europe
- Oct. 30, 2002 - A bluprint for a new constitution for Europe, published by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the former French president, has grand visions for the future of the European Union. One suggestion in the proposal is to rename the organization the "United States of Europe".
- Source: Independent.co.uk (Story no longer online)
EU glows after Ireland ‘yes’ vote
- Oct. 21, 2002 - In a second national vote, Irish voters surprised the European Union by endorsing the enlargement of the EU by admitting 12 more countries. This will expand the union form the Atlantic to the Black Sea.
- With the Irish now on board, EU leaders are expected during a summit in December to issue formal invitations to 10 countries — Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Estonia, Malta and Cyprus — to join the EU in 2004.
Bulgaria and Romania are expected to enter the Union three years later, assuming they complete economic and political reforms.
- Source: MSNBC (Story no longer online)
The Prince of the People
- Oct. 21, 2002 - John Kinsella shows that the Book of Daniel is so incredibly accurate that some believe it must have been written after some of its earlier prophecies were fulfilled. Yet the evidence for its authenticity is greater than any other Old Testament Book.
- The prophecies concerning a ten-nation final form of world government still applies best to the European Union even though it now has 15 members and plans to add another twelve or so.
- The subsequent and proposed new members of the EU are offered associate membership, but only the original ten are full members of the Brussels Treaty of 17 March, 1948.
- Source: Omega Letter
Euro Reaches Parity Against Dollar
- July 15, 2002 - The Euro, common currency of participating EU nations has reached parity with the dollar, giving it a boost in popularity, and making it a serious contender with the dollar as the favored currency of investors and central bankers.
- Source: Yahoo (Story no longer online)
Court for crimes against mankind opens in Holland
- June 27, 2002 - The International Criminal Court will open in The Hague on July 1. The United States has not ratified it, but 69 other nations have (only 60 were required).
- Fifty years after the United Nations called for "an international judicial organ for the trial of persons charged with genocide", the Rome Treaty establishing the ICC was signed by 120 countries in July 1998.
- Source: The Telegraph - UK (Story no longer online)
France and Britain demand powerful EU president
- May 18, 2002 - French and European officials are calling for the establishment of a permanent, more powerful EU president. If other Europeans could be persuaded, the post would be created in 2005 or 2006.
- Source: euobserver.com (Story no longer online)
Solana proposes three types of EU summits
- May 16, 2002 - Javier Solana, the secretary general of the European Union Council suggested three types of summits: official decisionn-making meetings, symbolic meetings on one political aspect at a time, and "fireplace" talks to discuss ideas for the future.
- He also pleaded for changing the system of 6 months rotating EU presidency, which will become unsustainable after enlargement.
- Source: Euobserver.com (Story no longer online)
Historical Convention on EU future to kick off
- Feb. 28, 2002 - Today the Convention on the EU Future begins to design a European constitution.
- The Convention, agreed upon by the EU leaders at the Laeken summit in December 2001, has the task of reconciling the EU with the citizens and making the European Union work with 28 or more states
The convention has 105 delegates from the EU and from candidate states. They hope to present reform proposals before the end of 2003.
- Source: Euobserver (Story no longer online)
Final day for euro changeover
- Feb. 28, 2002 - This is the last day that old national currencies will be honored in the 12 countries of the Eurozone. The switch to the euro has gone very well, and no major problems are anticipated.
- Source: BBC
UK wants EU 'super council'
- Jan. 21, 2002 - Britain may propose a three-nation super council at the head of the European Union. The three nations, The UK, Germany and France, would function in a similar way to the Security Council of the United Nations. The proposal addresses the fear that when the EU expands from 15 to 25 members in 2004, decision making will be close to unworkable.
- Source:Financial Times (Story no longer online)
Spain takes over the EU flag, pledges more Europe
- Jan 1, 2002 - Spain begins its turn to have the presidency of the European Union. In a symbolic ceremony, the EU flag was passed from Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt and king Albert II, to the Spanish premier Jose Maria Aznar and the king Juan Carlos
- The priorities of the Spanish presidency of the EU, between January 1 and June 31, are the fight against terrorism, the modernisation of the EU economy, a successful changeover to the Euro, and enlargement.
- Source: EUobserver (Story no longer online)
Prodi predicts a united Europe
- Jan. 1, 2002 - The launch of euro currency and coins in Europe kindles hopes for a European superpower. European Commission President, Romano Prodi says that the successful transition to a unified currency among the 12 participating countries of the European Union foreshadows a United States of Europe. Three EU nations - Britain, Sweden and Denmark - are not yet participating in the common currency.
- Source: The Scotsman (Story no longer online)
- Also: From Europe's leap into unknown - news.telegraph.co:
- "It will be the first time since the Roman Empire that bread, wine and salt can be bought with the same coin throughout western Europe. "
Europe rings in the euro
- Dec. 31, 2001 - On New Year's Day twelve European Union countries will begin use of the euro as common currency. They started using a non-cash version of the euro in January of 1999. Wim Duisenberg, president of the European Central Bank said that the use of the currency brings the dawn of the new era.
- Citizens of the 12 nations "will benefit from having the same and stable currency conducive to growth and prosperity ...By using the euro notes and coins we give a clear signal of the confidence and hope we have in tomorrow's Europe."
- Source:BBC
- Euro Full Coverage - BBC
New laws will turn EU into a superpower, says Prodi
- Oct. 13, 2001 - Romano Prodi plans to introduce new laws while he is president of the European Commission. These laws will strengthen the EU in the areas of government spending, foreign policy, defence and police. The aim is to transform the European Union into a global superpower.
- Mr Prodi called for sweeping changes in defence and internal security, saying the terrorist attacks on September 11 had changed the political landscape and made it imperative to accelerate the pace of European integration.
- Source:Telegraph.com.uk
France and Italy prepare for euro distribution
- Aug. 27, 2001 - Millions of coins, weighing more than 100 tons are being shipped to distribution points in France and Italy, as European countries prepare for the use of Euro currency on January 1, 2002. The Euro has already been in use for some time, but only in transactions that do not involve paper money or coins.
- On Thursday, as part of an overall strategy for introducing the single currency, the ECB will announce the final design and security features of the euro notes.
- Source: euobserver.com (Story no longer online)
Greater Mid-East role urged for Europe
- June 25, 2001 - Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria are all pushing toward greater European Union involvement in brokering peace in Israel. They are concerned that the U.S. is biased toward Israel.
- Source: BBC
The European Union: A Superpower in the Making
- June 22, 2001 - Since its founding in 1951, the idea of a combined economic and political force has grown gradually in Europe. The EU presently has 11 members, and is considering increasing to 15. Beyond that there are bold plans for the future, and increased talk of "superpower" status for the Union.
- The U.S. supports the growth of the European Union, but there is some concern that some EU foreign policies may show hostility toward America.
- Source: CBN (Story no longer online)
New Russia-Europe alliance developing
- Apr. 10, 2001 - Russia and Europe are actually considering military cooperation.
- Dr. Javier Solana, high representative of the
European Union for common foreign and
security policy, and former secretary general of
NATO, exhibited "visible interest" in a close
working relationship between the Russian
military and the planned EU rapid reaction
force during his recent meeting with top
Russian officials in Moscow.
- Source: WorldNetDaily
Treaty Signing Paves Way For European Union Growth
- Feb. 23, 2001 - Next Monday, foreign ministers of the European Union will sign the treaty hammered out in Nice, France last December. It provides for the possible doubling of the number of nations in the union through 2004. Beyond that, some countries, such as Germany and Italy hope there will be movement toward a "United States of Europe."
- Source: Fox News (Story no longer online)
European Union backs PA on starting point for negotiations
- Feb. 13, 2001 - See the summary in the Mideast War section.
Germany emerges champion of three countries; prepares to give ultimatum on alliance to France
- Jan. 25, 2001 - There is a rift between Germany and France over last month's European Union summit in Nice, France. France is less inclined than Germany to see the European Union develop into a strong federal government. Three smaller nations (Finland, Belgium and Portugal) are very much in favor of it, and are looking to Germany to champion their cause.
- Source: Weekend News (Story no longer online)
Schröder launches Brussels offensive
- Jan. 23, 2001 - Germany is flexing its political muscle, pushing for definition of a federalist Europe at the upcoming Strasbourg summit . Their plan would strip EU members of sovereign decision-making.
- Source: WorldNetDaily (Story no longer online)
Europe In 2001
- Dec. 30, 2000 - The movement for a united Europe will grow during the new year, strengthening the Euro, fomenting trade wars, deploying a new military force, and possibly alienating the United States. Member states will continue to debate the nature of the union- whether it should be a superpower or a super state.
- Source: BBC
Prince Charles 'concerned' over Euro army
- Dec. 23, 2000 - Prince Charles reportedly told friends in private that he was concerned that the emerging European Army may harm relations between Great Britain and the United States. The royal family does not comment on political issues in public.
- If the report is accurate, Charles was risking crossing swords with Blair,
who has strongly endorsed the 60,000-strong European reaction force and
Britain's role in it. The force was approved by the European Union at its
summit in Nice, France, earlier this month.
- Source: Virtual News (Story no longer online)
EU leaders strike defence deal
- Dec.8, 2000 - A declaration adopted by the summit of European Union leaders meeting in Nice, says that the EU Rapid Deployment Force is not a separate European army. It links the force to NATO, but some member nations want to persue greater military co-operation among European nations and independence from NATO.
- Source: BBC
How the EU was built
- A timeline of development from Winston Churchill to the present - BBC
Protests greet EU leaders
- Dec. 7, 2000 - Protests have become violent in the city of Nice, France, where EU leaders have begun a crucial summit to pave the way for EU enlargement. Many of the protesters are critical of the EU's plans for a Charter of Fundamental Rights.
- Source: BBC
- BBC In-Depth Coverage
Secret plan for EU ‘superstate’
- Dec. 6, 2000 - Italy and Germany have prepared a confidential joint paper calling for an inter-governmental conference (IGC) in 2004 “with a view to the further development of European integration”.
- It immediately refuelled Eurosceptic claims that the EU is on the
road to becoming a “superstate”. Francis Maude, the Shadow
Foreign Secretary, called the document a “bombshell that shows
the true agenda at the heart of Europe”. He claimed that the
Government was “privately happy with this agenda, but publicly
denies it is happening”.
- Source:The Times, UK - Martin Fletcher and Philip Webster (Story no longer online)
EU draws up a draft 'constitution'
- Nov. 29, 2000 - There is news from The European Union that it is working on a a draft treaty setting out its fundamental purposes. Some have accused them of secretly drawing up a Euro-constitution, taking the next step toward a federal superstate. Proponents of the document say that the document is intended to rationalize the principles already set out in the Maastricht Treaty and the Treaty of Rome, putting in plain language the fundamental aims of the EU.
- Source: BBC
Euro rapid force may have HQ up by March
- Sept. 19, 2000 - An official of the European Union rapid reaction force said that they would have their headquarters functioning by March of next year, and would probably be fully operational later in the year.
- He
also said up to 15 non-EU states, including some former
Warsaw Bloc members, were expected to offer troops
beyond the rapid reaction force"s target goal of a
60,000-strong expeditionary unit at a later meeting in
Brussels in November. The headquarters staff will be the
first operational unit of the full rapid reaction force which
the EU has decided must be ready by 2003 to undertake
operations in which the United States does not wish to
participate.
- Source: Reuters (Story no longer on line)
EU Prepares Financing For M.E. Peace
- Sept. 16, 2000 - The European Union is discussing a multi-billion dollar peace plan, modeled after the U.S.'s Marshall Plan which was adopted after WWII to ensure that Central and South American countries could maintain democracy in the face of communism.
- The aim of the EU plan is to extend Europe's values of democracy, human rights and economic liberalization into the Middle East and eventually make the whole area a free trade region with the EU.
- Source: Middle East Newsline (Story no longer on line)
Sweeping Changes Coming To The EU
- Oct. 18, 1999 - Romano Prodi, the European Union's new President has initiated plans which may result in the enlargement of the EU by adding a dozen new countries to the union, increasing the president's powers, and limiting the veto powers of member states! Read these articles:
- 'Wise men' unveil controversial EU plans - BBC
- Radical plan to reshape EU - BBC
Cook warms to the euro
- Sept. 6, 1999 - In a speech in Japan, UK Foreign Minister Robin Cook, who has been openly skeptical of the Euro, the new monetary unit of the EU, praised it's early successes in a bid for continued Japanese trade with Britain.
- Mr Cook stressed that "If the euro brings benefits to its
members, we will not let Britain lose out by staying out".
Source:BBC News
EU In Crisis
- Mar. 16, 1999 - All 20 Commissioners of the European Economic Union have resigned because of scandals. The action leaves grave questions about the EU and about it's newly-launched currency, the Euro.
Source: BBC
- See Also: EU struggles to repair image
Europe launches single currency: the euro
- 11 nations create economic giant
- Dec. 31, 1998 - Eleven European nations make the very bold step of operating on a single currency, the Euro on Friday, Jan. 1. This economic partnership becomes the second largest economy in the world, second only to the United States. The eleven nations are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The four European Union nations which decided not to join at this time are: Britain, Denmark, Greece and Sweden. Actual bills and coins will not be issued until 2002, but electronic monetary transactions among the 11 nations will be conducted using the Euro. Bank cards and travellers checks will also be based on the Euro. Source: CNN
- See also: CNN - Enter The Euro
- Commentary: This is the biggest event since the founding of the European Union to demonstrate the possible fulfillment of the prophecy from Daniel 2:27-45 of the formation of one last form of human world government, (iron mixed with clay) starting in the very geographical area of the old Roman Empire (iron). Further study from The Blue Letter Bible on Daniel 2:27-45
Euro 'To spark political integration'
- Dec. 29, 1998 - On January 1, 1999, eleven of the European Union's fifteen member nations will adopt a single currency, the Euro. According to Hans Tietmeyer,The president of Germany's Bundesbank, the event should be accompanied by more political unity. The eleven countries are being called "Euroland," or "the Eurozone."
Source: BBC.
- See also: BBC Euro Home
Europe: Charter Aims To Protect Minority Languages
- Dec. 28, 1998 - This article considers the fact that Europeans use as many as 225 different tongues to communicate with each other. To protect Europe's linguistic diversity, the 40-state Council of Europe several years ago crafted the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, but there is a trend toward use of fewer languages. The article asks, "Is this Tower of Babel teetering?"
- Source: Radio Free Europe (Story no longer online)
Euro Up
- Europe's central banks surprise everybody and make their last act a generous one
- Dec. 4, 1998 - Top banks of Europe's 11 countries prepared for the launch of the Euro currency and the new European Central Bank on January 1 by slashing interest rates to three percent! Source: Time Daily (Story no longer on line)
A Place for The Church In The Millennium Dome
- April 2, 1998 - There has been a considerable debate about the evident neglect of the importance of Christianity in the planned Millennium Dome in Greenwich, England. Assurances have now been given to the Archbishop of Canterbury that there will be a significant role for the Church after all. The original plans did include a "spirit zone" in which there will be a huge pyramid-shaped tent to provide "a haven of peace and tranquility." The plans reportedly did not include the symbol of the Cross. (Source: Electronic Telegraph) (Story no longer online)
11 Countries Ready to Launch the Euro
- Mar. 25, 1998 - Eleven of the fifteen EU countries are approved for the initial launch of a single currency for Europe on Jan. 1, 1999. Participating countries will be: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,
Portugal and Spain. The EU countries which are not committed to the concept at this time are:Britain, Denmark, Sweden and Greece. (Source: Yahoo / Reuters - Story no longer on line)
Arafat calls for stronger EU role in peace process
- Feb. 4, 1998 - During a stopover in Madrid, Yasser Arafat told reporters ``We want more European Union action and more initiative to advance the peace process.'' According to the article, the Palestinian President said that the United States was focused solely on Iraq's failure to comply with U.N. resolutions and was not concerned that Israel had ignored U.N. demands in the past. (- Story no longer on line)
The Euro: Are You Ready?
- Jan 26, 1998 - Less than one year from now European countries and many American institutions which do business with Europe will need to be ready for the institution of the Euro, a common currency for all member nations of the EU. Many are working feverishly on the project. Many will not be ready. (Source: C/Net -- Story no longer on line)
Ministers Sign Accord to Build Eurofighter
- Dec. 22, 1997 - Highlighting their plans to move on, past economic union to a military union, heads of four EU countries (Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain) agree to an expensive and controversial joint project. According to Volker Ruehe, Germany's Defense Minister, this agreement will help Europe's air and space industry compete with the United States. (Source: Yahoo -- Story no longer on line)
Turkey Threatens To End EU Bid
- December 17, 1997 - Turkey, after taking a pro-Israeli stand against other Islamic nations, was disappointed by refusal of the European Union to consider it's long-standing request for membership. This could have serious implications for political alliances in the future. (Source: Washington Post -- Story no longer on line)
Agenda 2000
- July 16, 1997 - European President Jacques Santer presented a detailed strategy for strengthening and widening the Union in the early years of the 21st century. He said Europe faced "an historic opportunity."
- Source: European Union (Story no longer online)
EMU Would End Nationhood
- The proposal for a European common currency by the end of the decade will have the effect of destroying the independence of member nations.
- (Basic Training Bible Ministries, March 5, 1997) (Story no longer online)
The 15 European Union Nations
- Europa's web site lists the 15 member nations, aims, and basic structure of the union.
Three Tiers for Europe?- This older article (1994) from "This Week In Bible Prophecy" shows the alignment of the 12 nations which then composed the European Union or "Common Market."
- (Story no longer online)
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