EU watch

[kabbes]

US-Germany rift as Berlin opposes plan to ditch Covid vaccine patents

Germany says waiver would inhibit private sector research as opposition to Biden plan threatens to deadlock WTO talks

www.theguardian.com

So it seems that for the time being at least, the EU are proving harder-core neoliberal capitalist bastards even than the US when it comes to the right to profiteer from COVID.

 

[Yossarian]

US-Germany rift as Berlin opposes plan to ditch Covid vaccine patents

Germany says waiver would inhibit private sector research as opposition to Biden plan threatens to deadlock WTO talks

www.theguardian.com

So it seems that for the time being at least, the EU are proving harder-core neoliberal capitalist bastards even than the US when it comes to the right to profiteer from COVID.

At least the EU and the UK appear to have found something they agree on.

 

[bimble]

US-Germany rift as Berlin opposes plan to ditch Covid vaccine patents

Germany says waiver would inhibit private sector research as opposition to Biden plan threatens to deadlock WTO talks

www.theguardian.com

So it seems that for the time being at least, the EU are proving harder-core neoliberal capitalist bastards even than the US when it comes to the right to profiteer from COVID.

UK is opposed as well, isnt it?

 

[kabbes]

I'm not sure what the point is of, "but the UK are no better". Yes, we know what this government is like.

 

[bimble]

I think the only surprising bit is the US coming out with this, but how much it (patent waiver alone) will really help vaccinate the world idk.

 

[kabbes]

I think it just underlines the idea that the EU are not some benevolent agency protecting the people. It's hardly an original point, but they exist to protect capital.

 

[Spymaster]

Not just our molluscs but our food colourings are not good enough for them now, the hoity toity bastards.

E171: EU watchdog says food colouring widely used in UK is unsafe

European Commission to propose ban after finding that carcinogenic effects cannot be ruled out

www.theguardian.com

Well that’s a complete non-story isn’t it?

‘EC proposes ban on product used in all EU states (except France) and the UK. The UK says they’ll take a look at it too’.

Stop the press!

By Christ, The Guardian is a shitrag.

 

[bimble]

Well that’s a complete non-story is it?

‘EC proposes ban on product used in all EU states (except France) and the UK. The UK says they’ll take a look at it too’.

Stop the press!

By Christ, The Guardian is a shitrag.

It is a shite story yes. Maybe if i stopped ignoring their increasingly big and yellow begging for money their journalism would improve .

 

[bimble]

I think it just underlines the idea that the EU are not some benevolent agency protecting the people. It's hardly an original point, but they exist to protect capital.

I mean, maybe. If anyone needed that pointing out to them. But by that logic is the US all of a sudden a benevolent anti-capitalist entity seems a bit of a stretch.

 

[Shechemite]

It is a shite story yes. Maybe if i stopped ignoring their increasingly big and yellow begging for money their journalism would improve .

You give the guardian money?

 

[bimble]

You give the guardian money?

no.

 

[Shechemite]

Phew

 

[kabbes]

I mean, maybe. If anyone needed that pointing out to them. But by that logic is the US all of a sudden a benevolent anti-capitalist entity seems a bit of a stretch.

Where is that the logic? The point is that the US are horrendous disaster capitalists and yet the EU (and UK, if you must) are even further to the right on this issue than this.

 

[bimble]

Where is that the logic? The point is that the US are horrendous disaster capitalists and yet the EU (and UK, if you must) are even further to the right then this.

Ok. Let’s see what happens, just don’t know if it’s as simple as what you’re suggesting. If all the vaccine patents were waived tomorrow idk how much difference that would make anyway to the immediacy problem.

EU supports COVID vaccine patent waiver talks, but critics say won’t solve scarcity

The European Union on Thursday backed a U.S. proposal to discuss waiving patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines, but drugmakers and some other governments opposed the idea, saying it would not solve global inoculation shortages.

www.reuters.com

 

[ska invita]

the EU (and UK, if you must)

what do you mean If you must? We're talking about the UK and Germany here, not "The EU".

 

[kabbes]

what do you mean If you must? We're talking about the UK and Germany here, not "The EU".

I’m sure EU decision making will be entirely independent to German concerns.

 

[bimble]

what do you mean If you must? We're talking about the UK and Germany here, not "The EU".

I reckon the Swiss will be the last to hold out.

 

[ska invita]

I’m sure EU decision making will be entirely independent to German concerns.

I hadn't thought of that! Thanks.

Talking of which did people see this?

Everyone loves Germany’s Greens (for now)

The party is flying high in the polls and beloved by the media, but not all of its policies will likely prove popular.

www.politico.eu

How Germany's Greens could fill a political vacuum left by Merkel

New political trends have emerged in Germany, with the Green Party becoming a possible contender to lead Germany's next government.

www.cnbc.com

Currently Greens ahead in some polls with 5 months to an election
Could be interesting.
yes i know the voting record of the greens in germany

 

[Riklet]

Oh Van De Layden doesnt look too keen on the old patent-waver idea. (fair enough this wouldnt solve the problem by itself but it's very telling the response from Brussels/Berlin)

We now have the situation that in some ways the US administration is to the left, of the EU.

 

[The39thStep]

Michel Barnier now arguing for France to stop all immigration for 3 to 5 years. A case of insisting during Brexit that the EU doors were always open and then when eyeing up elections in France proposing that they be shut . Ce la vie as they say .

 

[magneze]

Why? Covid?

 

[Artaxerxes]

I think it just underlines the idea that the EU are not some benevolent agency protecting the people. It's hardly an original point, but they exist to protect capital.

Oh Van De Layden doesnt look too keen on the old patent-waver idea. (fair enough this wouldnt solve the problem by itself but it's very telling the response from Brussels/Berlin)



We now have the situation that in some ways the US administration is to the left, of the EU.

The US move is pretty much entirely motivated by China sending out sino-vac like candy.

 

[Badgers]

This 'EU Watch' is the same as a 'UK or US Watch'

Look over there

 

[TopCat]

This 'EU Watch' is the same as a 'UK or US Watch'

Look over there

See what we are missing Supra State wise.

 

[Pickman's model]

See what we are missing Supra State wise.

it's a pity exports of our politicians to the EU have so totally collapsed

 

[Pickman's model]

One of the great unsung successes of the EU was that it kept our politicians busy and seeing what they do when they don't have meetings or briefings with EU colleagues or on eu business we see that the devil truly does find work for idle hands

 

[gosub]

One of the great unsung successes of the EU was that it kept our politicians busy and seeing what they do when they don't have meetings or briefings with EU colleagues or on eu business we see that the devil truly does find work for idle hands

Is that what the D in DWP stands for

 

[Pickman's model]

Is that what the D in DWP stands for

Dunces wankers and perverts

 

[TopCat]

EU states cooperating informally to deny refugees asylum rights – report

Beatings, thefts and dog attacks are just some of the border police practices migrants say they face when pushed back from Europe’s frontiers

www.theguardian.com

 

[Yossarian]

After Viktor Orban chatted to Xi Jinping, Hungary blocked an EU statement condemning the crushing of democracy in Hong Kong.

Germany slams Hungary for blocking EU criticism of China on Hong Kong

Heiko Maas hits out after foreign ministers fail once again to adopt text.

www.politico.eu