European Politics Thread.

[denoir 0]

So is this almost common amongst asylum seeking children in any other European country? Because if it isn't, something is weird. And if it is, why is it happening now? It's almost never happened before 3-4 years ago.

The problem it's not unique to Sweden, but the exact symptoms are, according to the Red Cross ((Aftonbladet, Swedish).

And it's a good question why this is happening now, why it is happening only to children from Eastern Europe (almost exclusively from Russia, Kazakhstan and Serbia).

It became a political question because the immigration agency thought they were faking it to be allowed to stay.

When medical diagnoses were made however, the doctors and psychiatrists all agreed that there was no way in hell the children could fake their condition.

Also there seems to be a serious problem with the data. As this was handled as a political question until recently, medical staff were seldom involved, so we don't have a clear picture.

Anyway, it seems that this has come to focus now on the government level, so I really hope there will be a more serious attempt at helping these kids. The King made a few very strong statements about how Sweden took in 70,000 Finnish child-refugees during WW2, and that of course we shouldn't do anything less today - that the children must be allowed to stay and be given proper medical treatment (Aftonbladet, again). So that is bound to have some impact on the government's decision. Especially since Persson's popularity has been in free-fall the last few months. The King on the other hand has become much more popular since around the Tsunami disaster.

It's sad that it has to come down to politics, rather than just helping the kids, but that's life for you.

[denoir 0]

Analysis: EU enlargement one year on [uPI]

Quote[/b] ]

By Gareth Harding

UPI Chief European Correspondent

Brussels, Belgium, Apr. 29 (UPI) -- A year after the European Union's biggest enlargement, the 25-state bloc remains torn between hope and fear. While the 10 new members are growing fast and are optimistic about the future, many of the 15 old European states are mired in self-doubt, lumbered with sluggish growth rates and resentful toward the plucky newcomers from the east.

Anxieties about the EU's eastern expansion are not new. Ahead of last May 1, the date Malta, Cyprus and the former communist states of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia joined the Brussels-based club, there were widespread concerns the addition of 10 new members would empty the EU's coffers, seize up decision-making and result in a tidal wave of eastern migrants.

"Enlargement raised questions about whether the EU could maintain its capacity to act, whether the Union would go bankrupt and whether there would be a huge influx of workers," says the European Commissioner for Enlargement Ollie Rehn. "It is clear to say that these fears have not materialized."

EU decision-making has not suffered from having 25 states around the negotiating table instead of 15. In the year since the big-bang enlargement, which added 75 million new citizens to the EU and extended the bloc's borders to the edges of Belarus and Ukraine, the Union has taken key decisions. A new constitution was agreed in June -- though it now faces the rocky path of ratification. Membership talks were closed with Bulgaria and Romania in December and a decision was taken to open accession negotiations with Turkey and Croatia. Finally, the fiscal rules underpinning the euro were relaxed in March after years of deadlock on the issue.

The EU's foreign policy clout has also increased. Relations with the United States are rosier, largely because most of the 10 new member states are staunchly pro-Atlanticist. The leaders of Poland and Lithuania, two new members, played a crucial role in defusing the tense stand-off in Ukraine last fall after elections, which the international community said were rigged, led to mass street protests. And during the past 12 months, the EU has taken over peacekeeping duties in Bosnia and agreed to set up rapid-reaction battle groups. So much for paralysis.

Fears of a "flood" of eastern migrants stealing Western European jobs and sponging off the welfare state have also proved unfounded. The three countries that opened their borders to workers from the new member states -- Britain, Ireland and Sweden -- have seen a sizeable, but manageable, inflow of workers. In Britain, the Home Office estimates 133,000 people from the eight former communist countries have signed on to its worker-registration scheme. However 40 percent were already in the country last May and all almost all have found work. Only 21 people from Eastern European countries receive benefit in Britain and Swedish authorities have paid out a mere $23,400 in social security to new member state families.

"Twelve months on, slowly but surely, even the biggest doubters have to accept that far from a threat, enlargement represents for both sides and opportunity," says Luxembourg premier and current EU president Jean-Claude Juncker.

Try telling that to the French and Germans.

According to a recent opinion poll, 75 percent of Germans are "worried" about the effects of enlargement -- largely due to fears about immigration, off-shoring and unemployment. And in France, hostility toward the EU's eastern expansion is fueling opposition to the European constitution, which voters seem likely to reject in a referendum next month.

The new member states are loath to listen to lectures from countries with anemic growth rates, high unemployment and a phobia to reform.

"The problems we are facing in Europe have nothing to do with enlargement, they have to do with a lack of willingness to carry out reforms in the old member states," former Czech commissioner Pavel Telicka told United Press International.

The old 15 EU members were not the only ones fretting about the possible side-effects of eastern expansion in the run-up to last year's historic enlargement. Many in the 10 new states worried about price increases, rising unemployment and loss of sovereignty. By and large, these fears have also proved groundless.

Far from being second-class members, the new states have proved to be model EU pupils. Their pace of economic growth is two to four times faster than in Western Europe, with the three Baltic states registering annual rates of 6-8 percent. Part of the reason is low taxation. The flat-tax revolution started in Estonia a decade ago and has since spread across the eastern half of the continent. EU countries that once cried foul about fiscal dumping, like Germany and Austria, have been forced to slash their rates.

Strong economic growth, subsidies from Brussels and rising exports and foreign investment and have helped create a climate of confidence across Central Europe. Opinion polls show support for the Union rising in most new member states. Even Polish farmers, once the most implacable opponents of EU entry, became fans of Brussels once the subsidy checks started arriving.

Taking in 10 poorer countries, often with shallow democratic roots, porous borders and ethnic tensions, was a huge gamble for the European Union. But one year after the historic unification of the continent, it appears to have paid off handsomely.

Pretty much spot on. Although I think the new 10 and going to hit a wall pretty soon. They can have fairly strong economic growth, because they have catching up to do. It is however getting equalized very fast. I would guess they have at most five more years before they have as good pay as the old 15 and as unpleasant tax levels.

Right now they are getting an export boost because of the difference in the levels of economy, but that gap is getting reduced very fast.

I think fairly few people realize just how strong Eastern Europe can become. The problem is that those countries were wrecked by communism for 50 years and we think of them as 'poor'. Looking a bit longer back in history, we can see that these countries used to be very strong politically and economically.

[iNeo 0]

Quote[/b] ]I Sverige finns det, enligt undersökningen, 410 fall. I länder som Tyskland och Holland – som tar emot mycket flyktingar – finns inte liknande problem. I vĺra grannländer Norge och Finland har det förekommit sju respektive fyra fall. Nio av dessa barn har kommit dit frĺn Sverige.

410 apathetic children in Sweden; Norway 7; Finland 4. Of the last two nations, 9 of the children had been transfered from Sweden. 0 in Germany and Holland.

Quote[/b] ]- Jag vill pĺpeka att apatiska barn inte är unikt för Sverige. De finns massor av fall av apatiska barn i krigssituationer.

Men det förklarar inte varför de finns i Sverige och inte pĺ samma sätt i exempelvis Holland.

- Det är väldigt svĺrt att svara pĺ. Det har med sammanhanget att göra. Psykisk sjukdom handlar om att kommunicera med sin omvärld. Pĺ ett omedvetet sätt.

"Not unique for Sweden... lots of apathetic children in war situations"

"That doesn't explain why this only exists in Sweden and not in the same way in eg Holland"

"That is hard to answer... mental illness is about communicating with your surroundings..."

So it seems it's pretty much unique for Sweden. And no one here seems to have heard of anything like it in their countries.

I like that the king is making political statements, and that people like that. I don't really agree with him this time though.

[denoir 0]

I like that the king is making political statements, and that people like that. I don't really agree with him this time though.

Of course you don't. How could anybody sane want to help sick kids?

[llauma 0]

So what exactly is your point? That these are all faking it or that we should send them back 'cause other countries don't have the same problem so it can't be for real?

[iNeo 0]

Nah let's send them back anyway.

[red oct 2]

not even at least help their illness before you boot them out? pretty harsh. if they are orphans just deport them to North America. there's this trend going on about people wanting to adopt children from foriegn nations. kids in the hundreds (hell maybe in the thousands) from mostly China, Vietnam, and Russia are adopted each year in the U.S. and Canada.

[denoir 0]

Don't worry, they won't get kicked out. Unlike iNeo, most Swedes feel a basic human responsibility to help those kids.

This was a case of inaction from the incompetent immigration agency combined with the politicians ignoring it. Now it is out in the open, so the problem will be taken seriously.

As it is they would probably be in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, if they tried to deport them - at least without securing that they would get proper medical treatment in their countries of origin.

[iNeo 0]

Can't find an article in English, but...

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/nyheter/story/0,2789,638722,00.html

"Swedes will die"

Some radical muslim site(s)/organisation(s) are encouraging muslims to attack Sweden because a Christian preacher said Muhammed or whatever the name of the muslim prophet was, was a confused pedophile.

At first muslims in Sweden raged against him and while some, especially leaders, said he shouldn't be physically punished, some threatened to kill. The muslim rage against him has now spread world wide and Sweden as a country has become a target. They write about bombing railroad stations like in Madrid.

But the article doesn't name the site(s) where this has been written though it shows screenshots of it/them.

According to the article the site has blooded maps of Sweden etc.

Bring it on..

[denoir 0]

Meh, what somebody writes on the internet hadrly qualifies as a credible threat.

Quote[/b] ]Bring it on..

LOL. Those are the words Bush directed to the Iraqi insurgents directly after the invasion.

Anyway, Sweden has of course no readiness for a terrorist attack, but fortunately it's not something we don't have to worry about.

To quote bin Laden ( [bBC] )

Quote[/b] ]

Security is an important pillar of human life. Free people do not relinquish their security. This is contrary to Bush's claim that we hate freedom.

Let him tell us why we did not strike Sweden, for example.

There are plenty of much 'better', high-profile targets.

Of course, you can't rule out a nutcase or two. But with lack of any form of organization to provide logistics, it's difficult to get explosives etc

So I wouldn't say that Sweden is at any great risk.

[llauma 0]

Perhaps Bin Laden likes Sweden.. He and his family were visiting Falun several times in the early 70's. There's even a rumour that Bin Laden's favourite team is IK Brage from Borlänge

The article in Aftonbladet is just about selling single copies. Serious newspapers like DN doesn't even mention it. These terrorists don't attack random targets and Sweden is propably the last western country on their list of possible targets.

[Bordoy 0]

Perhaps Bin Laden likes Sweden.. He and his family were visiting Falun several times in the early 70's. There's even a rumour that Bin Laden's favourite team is IK Brage from Borlänge

The article in Aftonbladet is just about selling single copies. Serious newspapers like DN doesn't even mention it. These terrorists don't attack random targets and Sweden is propably the last western country on their list of possible targets.

Actually Bin Ladin is a fan of Arsenal, well thats the rumour. The thing is, why support Arsenal?

[iNeo 0]

I don't think these are the bin Ladin guys, more like more normal muslims but still radical. They'd have to be careful when aiming or bombing, considering the high presence of people of their own kind here.

[Nemesis6 0]

Well, Bin Laden can't really be a fan of anything: Sports, at least he couldn't be in his former oh-so-beloved-country Afghanistan.

[Bordoy 0]

Well, Bin Laden can't really be a fan of anything: Sports, at least he couldn't be in his former oh-so-beloved-country Afghanistan.

Maybe he was a supporter and not a fan ;)

[GoOB 0]

I don't think these are the bin Ladin guys, more like more normal muslims but still radical. They'd have to be careful when aiming or bombing, considering the high presence of people of their own kind here.

A very intelligent comment...

[llauma 0]

I don't think these are the bin Ladin guys, more like more normal muslims but still radical. They'd have to be careful when aiming or bombing, considering the high presence of people of their own kind here.

A very intelligent comment...  

Did you expect to get wine from a cow?

[iNeo 0]

Meh.. dra ĺt helvete

[theavonlady 2]

Can't find an article in English, but...

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/nyheter/story/0,2789,638722,00.html

"Swedes will die"

You'll find more information and links about this on the Fjordman blog.

UPDATE: Request for calm at Islam Online.

[iNeo 0]

You'll find more information and links about this on the Fjordman blog.

I like his way to compare Israeli withdrawals to the civilian Swedish withdrawal from Malmö.

Quote[/b] ]UPDATE: Request for calm at Islam Online.

"Islam has become the second official religion in Sweden after Christianity" - wtf, is this true?

[denoir 0]

Meh.. dra ĺt helvete

But since I don't seem to have any friends

Gee, I wonder why...

[iNeo 0]

Cause I don't take shit? Sounds like you have some good friends.

[GoOB 0]

You'll find more information and links about this on the Fjordman blog.

I like his way to compare Israeli withdrawals to the civilian Swedish withdrawal from Malmö.

Quote[/b] ]UPDATE: Request for calm at Islam Online.

"Islam has become the second official religion in Sweden after Christianity" - wtf, is this true?

I had trouble understanding why many of my friends let their boots do the talking whilst trying to communicate with people that hold similar opinions to those you do... But I think I am begining to see why

And I was oblivious to the fact that Sweden even has any "official" religion (only recognized ones, AFAIK). And even if we did, what is wrong with Islam being one of them? After all it is the second largest religion in Sweden!

[iNeo 0]

I had trouble understanding why many of my friends let their boots do the talking whilst trying to communicate with people that hold similar opinions to those you do... But I think I am begining to see why

ok

[miles teg 1]

You'll find more information and links about this on the Fjordman blog.

I like his way to compare Israeli withdrawals to the civilian Swedish withdrawal from Malmö.

Quote[/b] ]UPDATE: Request for calm at Islam Online.

"Islam has become the second official religion in Sweden after Christianity" - wtf, is this true?

I had trouble understanding why many of my friends let their boots do the talking whilst trying to communicate with people that hold  similar opinions to those you do... But I think I am begining to see why

And I was oblivious to the fact that Sweden even has any "official" religion (only recognized ones, AFAIK). And even if we did, what is wrong with Islam being one of them? After all it is the second largest religion in Sweden!

Because then they'll take over politically and start demanding Shariat Law on everyone and forcing your women to cover their heads...  and you'll be forced to quit eating pork and will only eat rice, kabab, shwarmas, and anything with goat in it.

...and if you don't agree they'll cut off your heads.

That's why you crush them into the ground like bugs so they never get a chance.

Ok... maybe thats a bit extreme.  But, eventually as in any immigrant movement, after a few decades descendants of those immigrants will start demanding more and more political rights.... and the culture of the country will change somewhat.  This is normal with all major immigrations.  

This does not mean that the history of a country or all of its culture is thrown out.  It just means that some new things in the culture will start to emerge and that representation in government for a growing immigrant population will need to be taken into account.

The problem is when immigrants refuse to blend in with their host culture.  This always creates tension.  But we've had this in America for a long time, and slowly but surely, we have learned to cope with distinctly seperate ethnic groups here in this country including some groups who try to keep to themselves and don't integrate very much with Americans (like the Indian and Pakistani communities).   Slowly however I see even the Indian and Pakistani communities (who are relatively new comers to America) slowly starting to adopt American customs to some degree.  So anyways, if you don't want too many Muslims, I suggest ya'all encourage immigration from China and other non-Islamic countries to balance thigns out.  Or encourage Swedes to have alot more unprotected sex and have bigger families.  I'm sure any politician that promotes more sex for Swedes would be very popular!

Chris G.

aka-Miles Teg<GD>