A reader of this blog has pointed out that not all the bits of the post-Lisbon EU are in place. There are the Aaland Islands, Swedish speaking but part of Finland. Their regional parliament has not yet accepted the treaty as it applies to them.It was not easy to find information on the subject in English but eventually I lit on this somewhat peculiar blog. Granhnlaw says that it is about
The Treaty of Lisbon and EU Law for businesses and individuals. EU politics for the democratic European Union 2.0: the Federal Republic of Europe (or the United States of Europe). By Ralf Grahn.Anything that talks about the democratic European Union is always a joy to read. Ralf Grahn also urges people to discuss "our common European future". Not sure how many have taken this suggestion up but I am always happy to do so. My idea of a common European future might be somewhat different from Mr Grahn's.
However, he does write about the situation in the Aaland Islands and is suitably annoyed by the uppitiness of the inhabitants. How dare they stand in the way of the common European future? How dare they demand various rights for themselves? Well, maybe there is something in history that urges them to be bloody-minded.
So the situation, as Mr Grahn says on the basis of Swedish language websites is as follows:
On 16 November 2009 the Åland Parliament plenary has tabled the report for debate on 23 November.I very much fear that horrid hectoring bullies of the Ralf Grahn variety will triumph and the defiant Islands will sign up. But I cannot help wishing that they would imitate that little village in Gaul that refused to be conquered by the Romans or to be divided into three parts.
Approval of the Lisbon Treaty requires a qualified majority of two thirds of the 30 members in the regional parliament, and the decision concerns the application of the Lisbon Treaty in the Åland Islands, with regard to the areas with autonomous legislation.
The Lisbon Treaty enters into force on 1 December 2009, and it was written on the assumption that it applies to the whole territory of Finland, including the Åland Islands (according to the exemptions contained in the Åland Protocol).
Finland formally ratified the EU Treaty of Lisbon 30 September 2008.
Great post! Unfortunately there are only 5 opposition members in the Allting so we have to hope for 6 others going rogue. But that is the thing that works these days - and boy, does it work!
ReplyDeleteYes it was me above. :-)
ReplyDelete/Mikgen
This is like the 'snus' fuss of 2006:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/finland/1510554/Tiny-island-thats-ready-to-stop-Europe-in-its-tracks.html
Helen,
ReplyDeleteI find your portrait of me inventive, but far from accurate. I have, from time to time, published updates about the long process of dealing with the Lisbon Treaty in the Aland Islands.
I do not think that my texts on the subject qualify to turn me into a "hectoring bully", although I have pointed out that without a decision at the time the Lisbon Treaty enters into force, or with a negative decision, the autonomous region would enter a legal grey zone with regard to the European Union (including the exemptions it enjoys through the Aland protocol).
If the Aland Parliament follows your advice, we will see how the new relationship plays out. Do you have sound proposals to make on that account?
Ralf,
ReplyDeleteWelcome on this site and thank you for posting in a tone that proved my point.
Ralf,
ReplyDeleteWelcome on this site and thank you for posting in a tone that proved my point.