Month: January 2011

The floods that have hit Queensland and parts of Victoria and NSW are a tragedy of almost unimaginable proportions. The loss of life and livelihoods, the damage to households and businesses are gut-wrenching and heart-breaking. But amid the chaos and sadness, there is at least some reason for celebration. In dealing with the crisis, Australians have shown character.

Belgium is famous for its waffles, chocolates and beers. But it seems that the country is no longer content with just culinary recognition. Belgians are now chasing a veritable world record: they want to be the country with the longest post-election negotiations.

The link between a nation’s economic success and its economic freedom is firmly established. If we want to stay at the top of the list, we need to reclaim the language of reform.

Europe’s moral credibility hangs in the balance after Hungary enacted a law to limit press freedom. As Hungary also happens to hold the rotating EU presidency for the first six months of 2011, this is more than just an acute embarrassment for the EU. It calls into question the very foundations the European project is built on.

Other European countries could learn a thing or two from both Estonia’s previous economic reforms and its tough but successful austerity policies. If Europe became a bit more like its latest eurozone member, everyone would be a winner. But does this sound even remotely likely?