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

Spain promises to strive to end Europe’s economic crisis

Spain will strive to end Europe's economic crisis during its European Union's presidency. Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodríguez Zapatero said in his New Year message.

Spain has taken over EU presidency for six months starting January 1, 2010.

Spain has plans to enhance Europe's international influence, defend and spread co-operation, peace and dialogue among the countries.

Apart from economic growth, creation of jobs will be Spain's top priority.

Commenting on the issue, Spain's foreign minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos said, "Spain will not abandon its responsibilities. But we will do it with modesty, with discretion."

The Prime Minister further added that the Lisbon Treaty would allow Europe to become more efficient and dynamic as the treaty would help Europea

Source:topnews.co.uk/

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/

Liverpool denies pressure from Spain to put Torres under knife

LONDON: Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has dismissed reports that Spain is putting pressure on the club into sending their star striker Fernando Torres Day in Pics: December 25

for surgery to ensure that he is 100 per cent fit for the 2010 World Cup.

No force is being applied to have Torres undergo surgery to cure a niggling groin problem.

Anfield insiders say it is not going to happen anyway because Torres does not want to go under the knife, The Sun reports.

Liverpool has stressed all along that the best way to get Torres fit was to let him rest and then work with the physios on a daily basis. And manager Benitez believes their patience is about to be rewarded, with the Spanish striker ready to play a much bigger role in the second half of the season.

Benitez said: "Torres' condition is improving all the time and he could manage a full Christmas programme. In training this week he was fine. We've been patient with him and it is working.

"It has not been a straightforward thing to deal with. Sometimes he can play and, after the game, you never know how he will react. We don't know if his next game will be easy or difficult for him. There has not been any contact with Spain. None. They know we will do what is best for the player."

"At this moment, he will carry on training and working with the physios every day. That is the correct treatment. We knew we had to manage this problem during the whole season, so sometimes he is good after the treatment and sometimes not," Benitez said.

"The other problem is match fitness. We have some players who have to improve that like Torres, Fabio Aurelio, Alberto Aquilani and Steven Gerrard. We have to balance it for each one but we know we have to win games, so we have to bring the best from each player," he added.

Benitez denied Aquilani's injury problems were worse than Liverpool suspected when they paid Roma 20 million pounds for him in the summer.

Source:indiatimes.com/

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

Truly Travel Spain Essential Destinations

Barcelona

There is no superior starting place for your travel to Spain than the grand and enchanting streets of Barcelona. There is never a dull moment in this city that literally never sleeps, especially in the summer months. Barcelona is studded with the unmistakable modernism of Antoni Gaudi, who single-handedly landed the city on the architectural map. A stroll down the grand avenue Passeig de Gracia will take you directly in front of both Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, which are incredible feats of art and design and fully accessible to the public. Make reservations to have cocktails and watch the sun set on the Alice In Wonderland-like rooftop of Casa Mila (only available for the summer season). Wind your way through the narrow passages of the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of town, until you find the overwhelming and unmistakable Gothic Cathedral (just remember to watch your pockets!).

Just an hour north of Barcelona in the town of Figueres is Northern Spain's most interesting and unique museum. The Dali museum is so extraordinary because it was designed and constructed by the artist himself and the collection of his works is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world. The coastline north of Barcelona, extending to the French border, is known as the Costa Brava and is one of the Mediterranean's most exclusive and beautiful vacation destinations. Additionally, Catalonia's countryside is spotted with superb Spanish wine vineyards and olive groves. Once you fall in love with Barcelona, it will be extremely difficult to leave; however, there are a few other gems in the north to explore in order to have really traveled Spain.

San Sebastian (Donostia)

A blend of cosmopolitan chic and sophisticated resort town, San Sebastian offers all the luxuries of a big city while providing the Atlantic coastline with its most popular beach getaway. San Sebastian, the heart and soul of the Basque region, is widely known for its world-class restaurants and irresistible tapas bars; its location just south of the French border has added a unique flare to the culture and cuisine found nowhere else in Spain. Just a short bus ride inland takes you to Bilbao, home of Frank O. Gehry's spectacular architectural triumph, the Guggenheim Museum. This is one stop that must be made when you travel Spain!

Pamplona

The captivating words of Hemmingway and the dangerous art of bull running are inescapable symbols of this historic township. Another cultural staple of the Basque region, Pamplona should be a stop on as you travel Spain in July when La Fiesta de San Fermin (The Running of the Bulls) takes place over 14 days. The population of 250,000 explodes to over 1 million, so reserve a place to stay early or simply do what the locals do: eat, drink and dance in the streets until the sun comes up and the bulls begin to run!

Months would be needed to travel Spain's diverse cultures and distinct regions. With more limited time, these fascinating destinations provide an intimate window into the authentic Spanish way of life.

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