C'Mon Cameron, If Only The UK Was As Efficient As The EU

It's own worst ambassador, as always, the European Union failed to make the case for asking for more money. Instead, it feeds the right-wing intent on demolishing the very many positives the UK gains from the EU.

Not a single spokesperson could be heard advocating the merits of the EU, or the massive achievements enacted from the European civil service, a service which remains tiny, effective and efficient by comparison with the lumbering mammoths found in many of Europe's capitals.

The problem with talking to yourself is that nobody else listens. The European Union must stop talking about democratic deficits and consider the consequences of its own public relations deficiencies.

Score Card: 3 / 10. Could do better Snr Barroso.

Europe's Trade Deficit Widens

The first estimate for the euro area (EA16) trade balance with the rest of the world in August 2010 gave a 4.3 bn euro deficit, compared with -2.8 bn in August 2009. The July 20102 balance was +6.2 bn, compared with +11.9 bn in July 2009. 


In August 2010 compared with July 2010, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 1.0% and imports by 1.8%.


The first estimate for the August 2010 extra-EU271 trade balance was a 17.3 bn euro deficit, compared with -12.4 bn in August 2009. In July 20102 the balance was -6.2 bn, compared with +0.5 bn in July 2009. In August 2010 compared with July 2010, seasonally adjusted exports fell by 0.1%, while imports rose by 1.3%.


Source: Eurostat