Putting the Swiss Vote in Context: UK and Switzerland ready to take action on EU migrants - Germany in the middle?

The big news on immigration this week was a Swiss vote to curb migration:

Swiss Voters Narrowly Approve Curbs on Immigration 

The vote was immediately denounced by the EU and some member countries, and could threaten Switzerland's relationship with the EU.  Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU, the country has signed onto various treaties related to trade and the free movement of labor, that will be impacted by the new law. However, this vote needs to be put in a broader context.  In the past, the focus of most EU member states was on controlling immigrants from outside of the EU. The boatloads of refugees landing on the Italian island of Lampedusa was a symbol of illegal immigration and refugee flows that were a growing concern.  However, there has also been a growing concern about immigration from other EU member states, particular those with lower incomes and welfare benefits. 

Swiss immigration vote shows loss of trust in business elite: minister

The BBC looks at concerns raised by the vote:

EU neighbours regret Swiss vote for immigration quotas

On January 1, 2014, Romania and Bulgaria gained the right of free movement of labor within the EU.  In advance of this development, UK Prime Minister David Cameron laid out his concerns regarding immigration from those countries, and changes his government would make to the welfare system.  However, critics charged that the changes would have little practical effect, and even the government focused on the idea that they would "send a message"

EU migration: David Cameron says his welfare changes 'send a message' to Romania and Bulgaria. Is that enough?

More recently Cameron has modified his tone as an immigration bill works its way through Parliament:

David Cameron says EU immigration at 'reasonable level' 

Although there have been calls from conservative politicians in Germany to pursue similar measures, the German government has been critical of Cameron's attempts to pursue changes to free movement:

German foreign minister: Cameron 'damaging Europe' with call for immigration limits

German minister dismisses fears of immigration from eastern Europe

EU Employment Commissioner Laszlo Andor has also been critical of Cameron:

EU tells Britain: Don't pander to prejudice on immigration

One of the ironies of the current situation is that the unease of foreigners is not limited to Bulgarians and Romanians:

Germans in Switzerland uncertain of future

Meanwhile, Britain's Immigration Minister resigned after revealing that his housekeeper was an undocumented immigrant.

 

 

 

Euro Crisis disappears from the headlines, Ukraine Crisis continues, Benefits for migrants raises issues in Germany

From the BBC "Whatever happened to the eurozone crisis?"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26004585

"Merkel Warns of ‘Deceptive Calm’ as Euro Crisis Risk Remains"
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-29/merkel-cautions-against-deceptive-calm-as-crisis-risk-remains.html

Ukraine Rivals meet at Munich Summit:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26004585

Activists claims of torture put pressure on Ukrainian Government
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26004585

Protestors find ways to stay warm in the freezing cold


Immigration from Romania and Bulgaria leads to controversy in Germany over unemployment benefits: http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-commissioner-criticizes-tough-german-stance-on-immigrant-benefits-a-946373.html

Protests in Ukraine, Easing climate rules, Davos

Opposition leaders in Kiev agreed to a truce with policy while former boxing champ Vitali Klitschko met with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych:
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/23/world/europe/ukraine-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

From the Guardian : Ukraine crisis exposes Europe's policy vacuum: The EU's longstanding policy towards post-Soviet states has been shredded - and now needs a radical rethink
http://www.theguardian.com/global/2014/jan/23/ukraine-crisis-exposes-europe-policy-vacuum



In Brussels, EU leaders met and amid concerns about economic growth, proposed an end to binding national targets for renewable energy production after 2020: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/business/international/european-union-lowers-ambitions-on-renewable-energy.html?_r=0

Political and business leaders are meeting in Davos, Switzerland for the annual World Economic Forum: http://www.weforum.org/ 
At the forum, the European Commission announced a new think tank, Startup Europe: http://thenextweb.com/eu/2014/01/23/neelie-kroes-launches-startup-europe-partnership-accelerator-european-digitial-forum-think-tank/

And one last note from Britain on parents and their children in a time of recession: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/18a0d0f4-8283-11e3-9d7e-00144feab7de.html?siteedition=uk#axzz2r9BWRkLp

Latvia joins Euro Zone, and is the EU going from crisis to complacency?

Latvia becomes 18th state to join the Eurozone

The euro: from crisis to complacency

Euro-zone debt crisis is over but serious issues persist

Merkel says permanently fixing euro zone crisis vital for Germany

and finally, a somewhat technical opinion piece from the Financial Times:

What euro crisis watchers should look for in 2014

 

Germany, Ukraine and Immigration in Thanksgiving weekend headlines

German parties finalize coalition agreement
Looks like some interesting compromises have been made - including offering dual citizenship to Turks and others born and raised in Germany!

"Despite loud criticism from his party’s rank and file, Mr. Gabriel said he was confident that his members would back the agreement when the party vote concludes Dec. 14. Only then will the new cabinet ministers be named."

Commentary prior to this week's negotiations was rather pessimistic about the possibility of a coalition agreement being agreed to by the SPD rank and file:

Merkel’s Quest for Consensus

Ukraine's Battle for Europe

Summit Flop: EU Needs New Russia Policy after Ukraine Debacle

David Cameron's Commentary in the FT on Intra-EU Migration

 

Cameron's commentary comes in the context of frustration over immigration policy change

 

Influx of EU workers sparks surprise rise in net migration


From the NY Times: Dispute Over Immigration Widens Between Britain and E.U.

 

 

 

Nuclear Deal Reached with Iran, German Parties continue Coalition Negotiations

Iran nuclear deal tops the headlines on a cold and blustery Sunday in Austin, Texas:

Major Powers Reach Deal With Iran To Freeze Nuclear Program 

Catherine Ashton has played a key role in the negotiations

 

Iran nuclear deal takes Catherine Ashton from 'zero' to hero

 

France, Once Opposed to Deal, Sings Its Praises

Meanwhile, Germany moves closer to a coalition deal, after the Bundestag election last September

 

German parties edge warily towards 'grand coalition' deal

 

Eurozone recovery grinds to a halt - European headlines for mid-November

European leaders met at a recent summit, with the economic situation at the top of the agenda.

With France stalling, euro zone recovery comes to near halt

 

EU officials welcome end of aid for Ireland, Spain

Radical Right parties are on the rise and focusing on European Parliament elections in May 2014:

'A warning for Europe and Germany'

Monnet’s Europe needs reform to fit the 21st century