Spain to test EU’s Lisbon treaty rules

When Spain took over the European Union’s six-month presidency from Sweden on January 1, it inherited much more than the usual catalogue of economic and foreign policy challenges.

For Spain is the first country to hold the reins under the EU’s Lisbon treaty, a set of institutional reforms designed to strengthen the bloc’s decision-making procedures and, in certain respects, to downgrade the role of the rotating presidency.

The EU now has its first full-time president, Belgium’s Herman Van Rompuy, and a new foreign policy supremo, the UK’s Lady Ashton. Under the Lisbon treaty, it is this pair – plus José Manuel Barroso, the European Commission president – that are intended to be the EU’s public face.

Yet Spain’s ruling socialists would be less than human if, unlike all national leaders who have held the rotating presidency before them, they resisted the temptation to extract some political capital from their moment in the sun.

As a result, Spain is expected to tread a careful path over the next six months, working energetically with other countries to make a success of the EU’s new rules, but injecting enough distinctively Spanish elements into its presidency to win favour with domestic public opinion.

“National governments are not ready to give up the opportunity to demonstrate to their own public and to the outside world that they are [co-]leading the EU – even if this opportunity only arises once every 14 or more years in a EU of 27-plus members,” Antonio Missiroli and Janis Emmanouilidis of the European Policy Centre think-tank wrote in a report last month.

For example, Spain will host a summit in May with Latin American countries in Madrid. It is also planning the European Union’s first ever summit with Morocco. The two events illustrate Spain’s emphasis on EU relations with its Mediterranean neighbours and its former Latin American empire.

On the other hand, Spain is keen to help Lady Ashton rapidly build up the EU’s external action service, a type of pan-European diplomatic corps intended to project the EU’s global influence more effectively.

“Today [the EU is] not a global player. We have some expressions of foreign policy. We have approved some important (security and peacekeeping) missions. We have adopted some common political positions. But we do have not have a real external policy in Europe,” says Diego López Garrido, Spain’s EU affairs minister.

The downgrading of the rotating presidency is reflected in the fact that Mr Van Rompuy, rather than José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Spain’s prime minister, will chair EU summits of heads of state and government. Lady Ashton will chair meetings of EU foreign ministers – but in her absence Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Spain’s foreign minister, will replace her.

As far as the eurozone is concerned, the key figure will not be Elena Salgado, Spain’s finance minister, but Luxembourg’s Jean-Claude Juncker, who has the formal title of president of the eurogroup, which brings together the area’s 16 countries.

Behind the scenes, however, Spain will by no means lose influence over EU policymaking. EU leaders have agreed that the country holding the six-month presidency should continue to chair the weekly meetings of EU ambassadors where many of the policy compromises essential to the bloc’s operations are forged.

Moreover, except for those related to foreign policy, Spain will chair all the numerous working groups and committees that prepare EU initiatives in fields ranging from environment and transport and health.

Spain expects to play a prominent role in pushing forward a new 10-year EU plan for jobs, economic growth and innovation, dubbed the “2020 strategy” and likely to be adopted in March.

The final summit of Spain’s presidency in June will see the presentation of a report on the EU’s long-term future – as far ahead as 2030 – that is being prepared by a group of experts led by Felipe González, Spain’s former prime minister.

“Spain will not abandon its responsibilities,” says Mr Moratinos. “But we will do it with modesty, with discretion.”

Source:ft.com

Number of illegal migrants arriving in Spain falls

MADRID -- The number of illegal immigrants risking their lives in rickety boats to reach Spain's Canary Islands from northwest Africa has descended to levels last seen a decade ago, officials said Saturday.

In 2009, a total of 2,041 adults - and 201 children - arrived in the islands or were rescued as they sailed toward them, an Interior Ministry spokeswoman said.

Levels this low were last recorded a decade ago, when 2,165 people made landfall on the archipelago, made up of seven main islands - and two tiny ones - 1,380 kilometers (858 miles) off Spain's southwestern tip.

The number of immigrants began to shoot up in 2002, when 9,929 arrived, and peaked in 2006 when 31,859 had to be housed, the spokeswoman said on condition of anonymity in keeping with government rules.


More than 96,116 people have sought shelter and a chance of a better, European-style life on the islands since 1994.

The recession, which has caused unemployment in Spain to ascend to nearly 18 percent, along with coastal patrols, have helped slow immigration.

The European Union agreed in 2006 to beef up Frontex, the bloc's external borders agency, after Spain lobbied for years for more funding. In May of that year, it agreed to deploy planes, boats and rapid reaction aid teams from its member states to deal with the flood of African illegal migrants trying to reach the Canary Islands.

It is not known how many people have died trying to make the perilous ocean crossing against prevailing trade winds. However, 45 died in 2008 compared to 32 in 2009.

In February a ramshackle boat with 32 migrants aboard overturned just 20 meters (22 yards) from the northeast coast of Lanzarote and 25 of its dazed and exhausted passengers, including four children, drowned.

Source:washingtonpost.com/

Spain’s Nadal Wins Aussie Open Tune-Up

MADRID – Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Robin Soderling 7-6 (7-2), 7-5 on Saturday to win an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi, a tune-up for this month’s Australian Open.

With the victory at the Abu Dhabi World Challenge, the world No. 2 got a small measure of revenge for his losses to the Swede at last year’s French Open – his only defeat at that Grand Slam event in five appearances – and at the year-end championships in London in November.

Both players walked a tightrope at the end of the first set, with Soderling saving two break points in the eleventh game before Nadal staved off two set points in the following game to force a tiebreaker, which the Spaniard won comfortably.

In the second set, Nadal kept up his high level of play while Soderling started making more unforced errors and began having problems with his serve.

The Spaniard took control of the match by breaking serve in the sixth game for a 4-2 lead, but then gave Soderling new life by dropping his own serve in the very next game.

Two games later, with Soderling serving at 4-5, the Swede had to fight off three match points after running into problems with double faults.

Soderling managed to get out of trouble and hold serve but in his very next service game, at 5-6, he went down to defeat when he netted a volley.

“It’s been very difficult for me to win singles tournaments over the last six months. It’s always very tough to play against the best but I’m going to try to do it another year. Right now it’s important to begin (the season with a win),” Nadal said during the trophy ceremony.

The 23-year-old lefthander was referring to his struggles in the second half of 2009, when, after losing at the French Open, he was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon with knee tendonitis and then did not win a singles event for the remainder of the season.

He did end the year on a positive note, however, by helping Spain defeat the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup final.

Nadal was complimentary of Soderling, whose ranking has climbed to a career-high No. 8.

“I congratulate him for what he did last season. He’s got great potential and it’s only right that he’s among the world’s top 10.”

Soderling, who defeated world No. 1 Roger Federer in the semifinals, praised the Spaniard’s strong play: “I played three good matches in this tournament, but today Nadal played very well and deserved to win.”

The 23-year-old Spaniard is the defending champion at the Australian Open, which gets underway on Jan. 18.

Source:laht.com/

Mali albino given Spanish asylum 'fled discrimination'

Lawyers for a Malian albino man granted asylum in Spain have told the BBC he faced constant discrimination at home.

Abdoulaye Coulibaly, 22, who arrived illegally by boat in the Spanish Canary Islands in April, says he also survived two kidnap attempts in 2007.

Cases of violence aimed at albinos are unusual in Mali, but there have been numerous cases of murder, kidnap and torture of albinos in East Africa.

Lawyers say Mr Coulibaly's case shows the problems are more widespread.

In Tanzania, witchdoctors sell good-luck potions made from the body parts of albino people for thousands of dollars.

'Bad luck'

Mr Coulibaly is the first albino man from Africa to be granted asylum by Spain.


We've been telling people that albinos are human like anyone else, that their hair doesn't bring happiness or wealth

Mamoutou Keita of the Salif Keita Foundation
His case was taken up by the Spanish refugee aid agency, CEAR.

"He found it difficult to get work in Mali and whenever anything went wrong in his town, people would blame him," Kimi Aoki, a lawyer from CEAR in Las Palmas, told the BBC.

"They said he brought bad luck," she said.

Mr Coulibaly was even blamed when the boat that carried the migrants to Spain from Africa got into difficulty.

Ms Aoki said he escaped two kidnap attempts with the help of people on the street.

"They tried to kidnap me twice to use my body," Mr Coulibaly told Spanish newspaper El Pais.

"I know they cut off the fingers and hands of other albinos to use them in rituals."

Lawyers' surprise

His case was supported by the famous Malian musician Salif Keita, who is albino himself.



Even so, the foundation established by the singer says a series of public information campaigns in Mali have helped reduce the risk of kidnap or killing.

"We've been telling people that albinos are human like anyone else, that their hair doesn't bring happiness or wealth, that their heart is the same as anyone's," the foundation's Mamoutou Keita says.

"More and more people are starting to understand that an albino is like anyone else. All that's different is the lack of melanin in their skin."

Now in Tenerife, Mr Coulibaly is learning Spanish and plans to find work.

He has also discussed trying to help his two brothers - who are also albino - join him legally in Spain.

It can take up to two years for the Spanish authorities to process an asylum application but Mr Coulibaly's case was completed in just nine months.

Surprised local lawyers call it a "real success" and hope it can help other albino people who seek refuge here.

The asylum application of the only other African albino to do so previously was rejected and is currently under appeal.

Spain's Interior Ministry did not accept that the serious daily discrimination he reported in Nigeria amounted to persecution.

Sourc:bbc.co.uk

Costa del Sol holiday parks - animals & birds

There are many animal parks to be found the whole length of the Costa del Sol. They offer a great way to spend time, and get close to some of the most fascinating animals that inhabit the world we live in.

ALMUNECAR – Tropical Bird Park
Loro Sexi tropical bird park was opened in 1987 and is now home to thousands of birds including swans, parrots, ducks, pigeons, macaws and even ostriches. During the summer, the park holds parrot shows throughout the day, a firm favourite with the kids, and there is also a cactus garden to explore.

ANTEQUERA – Lobo Wolf Park
Lobo Wolf Park in Antequera is a unique nature experience and study park situated in the heart of Andalucia. The park has four large enclosures with European wolves, Timber wolves, rare white Alaska Tundra wolves and Iberian Wolves. It is also possible to take a riding tour on noble Andalucia horses around the park to enjoy the wonderful landscape.

BENALMADENA – Garden of Eagles
The Garden of Eagles is clearly signposted and can be found at the Jardin de Las Aguilas in Benalmadena. It is open all year, but only in the afternoons. Altogether, there are over 160 birds of prey with displays held throughout the day by expert handlers. There is also a miniature castle and reptile sanctuary to explore.

BENALMADENA – Sea Life
Both the young and old will enjoy a day spent at Sea Life. The underwater passage is a great way to experience some of the more exotic Mediterranean aquatic life including sharks, rays, eels and much more. Sea Life offers some good information on our under-water world, and the opportunity to get close to some really fascinating creatures. There are regular feeding sessions throughout the day, popular with both children and adults alike.

ESTEPONA – SELWO Animal Park
SELWO Adventure Park in Estepona covers more than 100 hectares and is home to more than 2,000 roaming animals. The park is split into zones featuring different animals, with much to see on foot. There is a large lagoon populated with exotic birds including flamingos, and a huge enclosure where 40 different species of birds live freely. The park features animals from all over the world in enclosures that have been recreated to reflect their natural habitats. There are also many shows, classes and exhibitions to keep all the family interested throughout the day.

FUENGIROLA – Zoo
Situated in the middle of Fuengirola city, the zoo can be difficult to locate, but once found, it offers an excellent opportunity to see some wonderful animals in nicely designed habitats. There is plenty to see including lions, alligators, the monkey enclosure and some wonderful aquatic life. Many animals come to life around feeding time, and there is a play enclosure for the children too.

NERJA – Donkey Sanctuary
Nerja Donkey Sanctuary is situated at the western edge of Nerja, where donkeys, ponies, mules, horses, cats & dogs all have a home. The Donkey Sanctuary is free and welcomes all visitors young and old to come and enjoy some time spend with these wonderful animals. All the donkeys have either been rescued or donated to the sanctuary and are now well looked after by volunteers and anyone who wants to lend a hand.

TORREMOLINOS – Crocodile Park
In Torremolinos Crocodile Park you will find yourself in front of prehistoric monsters. These carnivores have miraculously survived 200 million years of evolution, having existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Lose yourself at the wonder at these gigantic crocodiles by silently walking beside them, observing the secrets of one of the most fascinating creatures of our world.

Costa del Sol animal parks, zoos and aviaries offer a great opportunity for our children to see some of the wonderful animals who co-exist with us in this world that we live in. Sometimes, this is the closest people get to seeing some animals that may disappear out of existence within our lifetime, as a result of our changing world. Children love to see animals and birds, and maybe some will be inspired enough to help save some of our wonderful wildlife disappearing from our world.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Many a Madrid in the United States

If you think you will have to travel to Europe to see Madrid, you will be surprised to know that there are many towns named Madrid in the United States. The original Madrid in Spain, no doubt, is very famous, thanks to the classics of Ernest Hemmingway, and also because it is a popular tourist resort.

Madrid, Maine is located in the heart of Franklin County and actually named for the Spanish capital. The tiny town has a population well under 200 residents and sits on the lovely banks of the Sandy River near Salem. Madrid, Maine dates back to 1887 and was settled by Free Baptists, who opened seven schoolhouses for the town’s children.

The state of Alabama has its own Madrid. This one is little bigger than Madrid, Maine. This town has a population of more than 300 and is located in Houston County which is a part of metropolitan Dothan. Just like Madrid Maine, this town is also named after the famous Spanish city of Madrid.

The third Madrid is in the state of New York next to the Grasse River. It was in 1801 that the first settlers came to this small area of land near Potsdam and Lisbon and called it Madrid. Later it was named New Madrid but finally the council decided to call it only Madrid. It is in St. Lawrence County. There was a large and successful grist mill in Madrid, New York for many years until it was eventually closed. This town also resembles its namesake in Spain.

The “Show Me” state also has a town named after the Spanish capital. New Madrid was founded in 1783 by two French settlers who came to the state, originally naming the town L’Anse a la Graisse. Today, New Madrid boasts a population of approximately 3,000 residents and is about 4.5 square miles in size. Approximately 45 miles south of Cape Girardeau and 145 miles south of St. Louis, New Madrid was completely destroyed by earthquakes in 1811 and rests directly on the New Madrid fault.

Another Madrid is in the Midwestern United States. It is just 25 miles northwest of Iowa's capital city. It was founded in 1846 by Swedish settlers, often referred to as a bedroom community of Des Moines. It happens to be the oldest Swedish settlement in the west of the Mississippi River. This small hamlet has become quite prosperous since the railway traveled through it. The town was renamed in 1882 and incorporated in 1886.

You can learn more about these towns from their town websites. They may be small, but they all are up-to-date with the latest technology and have firmly planted their place on the World Wide Web.

If you are interested in visiting the Spanish capital, but don’t have the time or money, check out the next best thing—Madrid, USA! There are many other American towns named after European capitals, so get our your atlas and complete a search.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Travel in Spain: Great free pocket travel guide of Barcelona

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Flashbooking's happy travellers can book their rooms and beds not only in cheap hotels or cheap hostel Barcelona but also consider other budget accommodations in Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouses, Campsites, apartments, farm houses and much more.

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Barcelona is renown for its open and friendly international people, art museums and Art Galleries, the sea, the movida and cheap lodgings, classic itineraries in the Catalan region and a lot more to make a visit worth wise.

In general, Flashbooking guides have been written for giving the essential information about the most visited cities in the world and in particular for any traveller or first-time visitor. For a short visit, a week-end, a city break, these free pocket guides are useful printable and downloadable tools available online.

In the Barcelona City guide students, families and backpackers can get a large selection of cheap or low cost accommodation with plenty of low cost solutions in budget youth hostels, Bed and Breakfast, guesthouses, cheap hotel deals.

Flashbooking policy tends to privilege small and family-run hotels in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.

So mates, we are looking forward to finding you THE budget accommodation that meets your needs and pocket for your next trip! Last but not least, if you wish to help us, you can either give your personal ratings of some accommodations, lodgings, bed and breakfast Barcelona, youth hostels and budget small hotels where you stayed, or enlarging the hostel offer by reporting some new hostel contacts!

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com