European Heads of Government / State Meeting - Europolis, 6th July 2020
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Not even a few minutes into the meeting and already there was a threat made against the commissioner, and a head of government was already blatantly disrespecting them. Typical Europolis day Kristian thought. They had hoped to keep a rather lower profile, but it was very evident that they would need to take a more involved approach.
"We have had seen great success in changing the Foreign Affairs Commissioner's term to eight months, something that could help Premiers and Internal Affair Commissioners also in the long run. We've applied these sorts of changes before constitutionally, and it never affected the current term so I have no idea where Prime Minister Bridges is suddenly believing Commissioner Juncker is simply power hungry. Any change to the term length would logically apply to the next term, and its rather dangerous and in fact negligent of Prime Minister Bridges to attempt to portray Commissioner Juncker's proposal as anything but sincere. I wonder if Prime Minister Bridges would be speaking a different tune if it was Mr. Winston in Commissioner Juncker's spot. I guess the campaigning never ends for Winston and his friends.
The commission buildings we have currently have had a number of terror attacks, and have grown to house more and more agencies and offices a year. I welcome a proposal to find a way to construct a new building with better security in mind, as well as more ecologically sustainable. I would like to see if we could get as many agencies under the scope of the Internal Affairs Commission under this one building to save costs as well. "
Kristian Nylund
Archrepublic of Vayinaod -
Emryc Isla's jaw had slowly dropped as he heard Juncker's proposals. As Juncker continued, he started to laugh, desperately trying to do so as quietly and subtly as possible. He started to weep with laughter when Juncker ejected Cllr Karlssen from the summit like a complete boss. Eventually he composed himself before speaking.
"Sorry, I've got to side with the Bridgemeister on this one. It's almost as if you've gathered us all here, Jean-Claude, to tell us about your plan to double, or even triple, the length of your term, and build a new building for yourself. How do I swipe left on this on your app?"
"If you made promises you couldn't keep in your term in office, that's your problem. We're all politicians, we all have to deal with that. At the very least, the current term should be four months for Premier and Internal as normal, and I'd suggest that if we are to change, we do so at the end of the current Foreign Affairs Commissioner's term."
"I mean, it's just... I can't even... ha... you literally call us all here and your first action, top of the agenda, other than the app, is to say 'hey, how about we cancel the next election and give me a second term', and then Jesus is all 'no, Jean, you're so wonderful, have a THIRD term, no need for elections! And maybe we'll have elections then, and if you win you get SIX terms!' Do you have any idea how this looks to people in Kingswinford, and Damaszka, and Edessa? I'm sorry if my laughing was... is disrespectful, but the people watching the news in Angleter tonight, good grief, if you think you've seen disrespectful, bloody hell."
"The citizens want to get away from you, Jean-Claude. Angleter is deleting the EU app, and we're not paying for Juncker Towers either. You've already beat Trympov, you don't need to have a bigger building than him too."
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Finally an opinion that actually makes sense! Dante Maximillian always respected Emryc Isla's brutally honest opinions and rose to pile on some more criticism, blunt Duxburian style.
"Extending Commission terms is a terrible idea. 180 days for a single term is way too long. My country has seen quite a few Commissioners come and go that we really couldn't stand. Imagine being stuck with a Commissioner who doesn't represent you and openly antagonizes you for an entire year? Just, no. Definite no to any changes being applied to the present term.
Why do we need a new internal affairs building? Is there something so wrong with the current facilities that a single commission office needs its own building? I haven't seen a study on need or anything, this seems rather arbitrary. If it does need a building, why does it have to be a new construction? There is no existing building in the entire city that can accomodate the needs of a commission office? I find that hard to believe. The entire Duxburian federal government operates out of one structure and it's thousands of years old. New construction sounds like a complete waste of money, of which around a fifth is OUR money, mind you.
15 million downloads sounds like a bust in a region with population nearing a billion and a half. Assuming proportional reach, only around 1.8 million out of 176 million Duxburians have it. Trash reality shows have more viewership than that. Sounds like it still needs a lot of work, especially in outreach.
As for culture, yeah we have a lot of interesting things. For now. A lot of them are under active assault by people who want us all to be cookie-cutter clone countries of each other. What makes the Union of Duxburian Dominions unique slips further and further every year."
Dante Maximillian
Steward of the Duxburian Union -
Juncker stood up to talk:
"I would like to excuse me for the mistake in my speech. What I wanted to say at first, and this opinion is what I really think about this, it's that this measure would apply for the next term which we are electing in September if my calculations are alright. Thank you."
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Simon who had continuously been watching Juncker and Aguilar's actions then stood up and talked calmly:
"Well, Mr. Juncker. I would support that in one condition. And that is if you are not re-elected next year. You getting re-elected on the second term having additional years of tenure is not far from what we thought you were trying to do a while ago. And it would also allow you to be re-elected once more with the new 4 month term."
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Mikaela found herself to be quite thrilled and amused when the man from Mennrimiak was denied entry into the room. Finally, something interesting was happening! The Archbishop tried to suppress her laughter as much as possible in order to stop herself from being rude, but as Prime Minister Isla then began to weep with laughter, Mikaela couldn't help herself. Once anybody started to laugh, Mikaela always found herself laughing too. It was simply a natural reaction. Mikaela put her hand to her mouth to muffle her laughter as much as possible.
The Archbishop listened intently as the leaders spoke, but once the Duxburian Steward mentioned trashy reality TV, Mikaela knew it was her time to shine. At long last, a topic that Mikaela was well acquainted with. Mikaela stood up proudly to address the room.
"The people of the Duxburian Union have taste. I hope you all managed to catch the premiere episode of Mikaela Kligenberg: On Top of the World on July 2nd. The ratings have been coming in and it's been a great hit! The reception has been... critical. But that's what critics do, they critique. Besides, critically-reviewed doesn't sound that bad! At least they're watching. Anyway, the next episode airs next week Thursday, so if you can't watch it live, be sure to record it. People are saying it's revolutionizing the reality TV world, so check it out!
I definitely think I could help with the app. Like, we need to add a music feature. You can use all of my music, royalty free. Jam out to your favourite pop hit of mine while you catch up with latest from the EU. I would be soooo into that! I might actually use the app myself TBH! We could also, like, totally monetize it. Put some Kligenberg Industries ads on there and BOOM! Also, like, add an Instagram feed so we can like, totally stay up-to-date with Commissioner Reynels's gym routine. Have you guys ever tried his Peach Plumpers workout routine? Or his Back and Bicep Blasts? They're soooo good! He's like, low-key a personal trainer, just saying. So many more people would be using the app if we used these ideas, I'm telling you.
Like TBH you guys, I actually have to agree with Prime Minister Isla and Mr. Steward, the Commission terms lengths are like, totally fine. I mean, they're just long and short enough that Commissioners are encouraged to act fast. Commissioners aren't really supposed to be waiting around or being idle in their duties. 4 months is enough time for one term, and 8 months for two terms is actually very generous. This is why I resigned from that one Commission job I had, ugh was that terrible. I had to go to Dromund Kaas you guys! Dromund Kaas!
I can also like, totally help with this whole new Commission buildings situation. I'm willing to give a full interior design consultation to redesign all of the European Union buildings, and that should help in terms of opening up new spaces and make new room, as well as by totally glamming all those buildings up. I once took a summer course in feng shui from this like, kind of sketchy online learning place, but I honestly had like, the hottest teacher. Oh my goodness you guys, he was like a pro surfer dude who like, really knew his stuff about feng shui... and also about Nicoleizian realism, weirdly. People tell me all the time I have a great eye for design and also for details. I can totally reorganize all the office floors, change the interior designs and choose some new decor... they will all basically be like new buildings. We will save on so many costs by doing that instead, you guys. I totally have some ideas already saved on my Pinterest. Just some food for thought."
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A European Councillor storming in and threatening a Commissioner before swiftly storming out again was not on Lord Christopher Strathclyde's bingo list. However, the Duxburian and Angleteric delegation torpedoing any proposal which would take a shred of sovereignty away from their governments was. Bonus points were awarded for every time Mikaela Kligenberg mentioned either a hot guy or a reality TV show, or for every use of the phrase 'you guys'. Before long, Christopher was imagining being at home, his small cottage in the Terra Rosarum countryside, surrounded by no one, having to speak to no one, not having to listen to fashion and guy talk, or even worse, stupidity and nationalism. His daydreaming was rudely interrupted by his neighbour, Commissioner Juncker, nudging him to speak.
"We shall be sure to investigate your Pinterest with admirable frequency, Archbishop. The Inimician goverment loves a good building, and it loves a good governmental building even more. Indeed, the only thing the Imperial administration loves more than a good government building is the blowing up of one. It is therefore highly understandable that the current Europolis buildings, which suffer from various deficits already eloquently put forward by those excellent speeches - well, some of them were excellent, at least - preceding mine. Furthermore, nothing in this Union appears insoluable by a committee, and I'm sure the correct buildings would be most effectively designed and constructed by a committee of our bravest and best designers, engineers, and architects. I'm sure the Archbishop would volunteer for this body, and I'm equally confident His Imperial Majesty would aim to make an ever so slightly pink-shaded camp mark on the new buildings. Let it be so.
"As for the Commission terms, if only for practical reasons, the Empire would support all commission posts comprising the same term lengths. The Inimician People have many different layers of government to keep up with as is, and indeed they have a completely renovating constitutional review to deal with usually every two weeks or so. The Inimician position is thus: extend all terms to 8 months, or decrease all to 4. Whichever is preferable, I'll leave to you estimable ladies and gentlemen to decide: who knows, perhaps Cllr Karssen has some ideas, or could threaten us all into adopting a completely different option."
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Katrin Weber, staring intently at Commissioner Juncker, smiled in the disconcerting way she was so famous for in Eastern Haane. "Terrifying, as though she's planning to kill you," someone had once said. She was, of course, perfectly harmless; but certainly, it was a very good thing to have here, surrounded by capitalists and anti-democrats.
"The idea of extending terms is terrible. I am already against the Commission in that I believe that individual commissioners should not have the power to make decisions by themselves; but this...I don't quite know how to describe it. The work of a commissioner is not be to sway the Union whichever way they like; it is simply to maintain it, nothing more, nothing less. One does not need a term lasting several years to do this. At the same time, however, I acknowledge that the Commission needs new buildings. The current ones, in my view, are outdated and not suited to provide for the current scope of the Union, and at the same time are entirely unable to adapt to future changes. Everything must be rebuilt, as to ensure that our new buildings are able to be used in a number of different scenarios and functions for a very long time. We have, in fact, many examples of this in Eastern Haane, especially in the smaller cities."
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Juncker stood up, took his notes and started his speech. It was obvious that some didn't like him, like Mr. Isla, and others hated him like Simon because Winston lost against him. "How sad it is to be angry for that, isn't it?" He thought.
"Thank you everyone for yout thoughts. I'm very pleased to see mostly everyone has made a speech. Now, I'm going to answer everyone of you and after that, we will move on to the 2nd matter.
Mr. Bridges, you say you were having at least some respect towards me, but seconds later, you call me a power-hungry person and also, you laugh at my face. I think that you have a kind of different meaning of what respect is. The term legthen would be, as I said, for the next one if I get elected. As far as I know, Reitzmag does not decide anything in how many times I can run or if I'm getting elected or not. So please, let's not anticipate what is happening on the future. About the building, obviously it takes more than 6 months to build it, so it's completely silly to think it will be completed before the term ends. And again, I would like to insist on something: You are not going to decide when I run for Internal Affairs, when I do not, when I do this and when I don't. I know you would like Atty. Winston to be in my seat, but Europe didn't trust him. My reccomendation it's to start respecting the results.
Secondly, I'm going to answer the Spanish, Leagioan and Czech Presidents. I would like to thank you 3 for your support to those proposals. About the building, it would look like this:"
"The building would be located here, in Europolis, and there would be a bidding competition in which the Internal Affairs Commission will choose 3 enterprises to build the new European Union's building. Every nation will be allowed to take part on that bid, and I'm very pleased to see that the Leagioan President has said some enterprises from his country are alredy interested.
Moving on, we have Arch-konsul Nylund. Firstly I would like to thank you for your support to these proposals I've brought. I would specifically talk about security in that new building. If we get to build it, we will be looking for enterprises that guarantee a better security for it, as also to allow the building to be ecologically sustainable. As I said in my campaign, Climate Change it's one of my worries, and making the building to be ecologically sustainable it's a must do. The building will also allow to relocate new agencies that depend of the Internal Affairs Commission, and I would like to thank you for that idea.
Moving on, I would like to answer Mr. Isla and Mr. Maximillian together, as their speeches have been quite similar. Firstly Mr. Isla, I would like to see some respect from you towards me. I didn't laugh at you when you were giving your speech, and if we don't guarantee respect here, I think we would have to look closely on what it's happening with some here. Anyway, you both are opposed to extending the term to 6 months, 2 months less than the External Affairs Commissioner. As also Mikaela and Katrin are against, I would like to explain why; This is not only for doing more things during your term, but also it would benefit member-states. Also Mr. Isla, I think you have exaggerated quite a lot. If we expand the terms, the 2 terms limit would apply to me and Mrs. Whiteford, so no worries. I know Mr. Isla that you don't like anyone that is not called Dragan and his surname it's Trympov, and Mr. Maximillian does not like to pay for buildings that would benefit all of us. About the app, new ads would be set as a new update is being introduced late this month.
Finally, I would like to thank Inimicous and Eastern Haane, along with Inquista for supporting the building project."
Juncker stopped, drank water and went on again:
"And now we move on to point number 2, which is Diplomacy and Tensions, in which I have incluided the proposals of discussing the Spanish-Reitzmic feud and the Icholasen's Comunnist coup. Before getting into that, I would like to say that we have been living lots of tensions and lack of diplomacy in the European Union. Nofoagan and Eastern Haane's crisis, along with the Icholasen's coup and diplomatic tensions between some countries are just a bit of what we have been able to see. I, once again, offer my mediation for any conflict and I would like to say that my office is open and I will welcome anyone that knocks the door of it.
The Spanish-Reitzmic diplomatic problem is something that we need to look closely. I think that we can compare it to 2 siblings that can't get along. All started with the kidnap of Bernie Sanders, to which some countries of Europe reacted with sanctions. Most of them have been lifted, but Spanish sanctions still remain. This seems to be fair, as every country can choose how long do they extend their sanctions or not. I would like to say that Reitzmag allowed me to campaign in Copala City, decission which I'm very pleased with. Sadly, "bribing" companies to retire from Spain, and getting your European Councillor to say Spain invaded Reitzmag's sovereignty it's out of place. Spain could have also done some things better. For example, we see constant reproaches from their EU Councillor, and I still pray for not having a fight in the middle of the EU Council. Mennrimiak seems to have joined this feud after the announcement of the bribes from you, Simon. No one here has acted perfectly, you 3 have to do better if we want to fix this. And I hope you can try to solve things here now
And now, I'm moving on to the Icholasen's coup. I would like to say that I'm open to negociate with the UNSR their retirement from occuping the land of Icholasen. It's also sad that a nation that condemned the coup recognised the illegal Communist regime. If negociation does not work, I think that we would need to search for a plan that does not invlove war. I would like to hear Koronaju's opinion about this matter, as it worries me. Icholasen's weapons are for sure in their hands, and in their arsenal they have nukes. It's very dangerous, but together we will be able to turn Icholasen back to normal."
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Simon was very displeased to hear how Juncker's statements began to lean towards giving more support to the Spanish side. As he spoke, Simon began to be frustrated since Juncker did not understand what he said. So he explained:
"Ok Mr. Juncker, I think you did not understand what I meant by my recent statement. First of all, if you apply your proposal for the next term and you will win, this would give you a 3rd term (but this time with the new term length). And all-in-all, if you will win your third term, you would in total have 16 years!? Mr. Juncker if you mind, I do have respect for you which is why I advised you to not do that as it would make you look power-hungry."
"And now, about the building. First of all, I want you Mr. Juncker to know that you are going to use budgets from our countries in the construction of that building you are proposing. And I am telling you right now with all due respect that I am not going to spend Reitzmag's contributions to the EU Budget for such a, hopefully not, overpriced building"
"Moving on, you mentioned the diplomatic tensions around Europe. And I applaud you for taking a keen interest in the Hispano-Reitzmic Diplomatic Conflict. But, I am very displeased how you address this. Your current tonality is showing that you are supporting the Spanish team. Now, how could I ensure that there would be a fair decision if you Mr. Juncker are not being neutral?"
"Finally, you also mentioned me paying to different Reitzmic companies to pull-out from Spain. First of all, I'd like to explain this. The Spanish government had been pretending for a long time that no one in Spain buys Reitzmic products. So, I am very sure that you heard Mr. Dastis' press statement. Second of all, these companies have no choice as they are not gaining revenue from their branches in Spain. Which is a plus factor of which forced the to also retire from Spain. But in total, I'd like to hear more from my fellow European leaders here. Thank you."
The Bridges sat down and sighs as he seated. Then he drank a glass of water and said to himself.
"Maybe Mr. Juncker just did not understand what I was saying. I wonder how this man became the IAC even if he can't understand English."
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Lifejumper mentally shook his head as he felt bad for the Commissioner in the madness that he has to deal with inside the room. He would rather go back to being Governor-General and deal with the calmer Senate within the National Congress. He is glad to not be registered within the EDLR at this point. He swears that the National Congress in Tullion is more mature than most of the people in this room.
"First, I would like to say Commissioner Juncker that i am in favor of the building design. If the Prime Minister of Reitzmag is concerned about the size of the costs for the project, i would like for him to understand that is the reason for a bidding competition. To see how low a company is willing to spend on the construction and make the final cost to the client as cheap and in case of the building as structurally sound as possible. Now, on the issue on the Reitzmag-Spanish, the Commonwealth of Leagio has determined to remain neutral and impartial on the issue as we understand the viewpoints of the two nations. I hope that maybe that the tensions between the two nations can be able to come to some sort of understanding or solution with each other. "
The President of Leagio takes sip out of his glass of water and continues to speak.
"On the issue of Icholasen and the UNSR, the Commonwealth as not announced a formal opinion on the issue as this came before our acceptance within the EU community. But i have already signed an executive order preventing any trade between UNSR and the Commonwealth until the Common Government of Leagio decides on a opinion. According to recent Leagioan national polls, 84% of the country (with a 2.7% margin of error) is concerned about the aftermath of the coup that happened in Icholasen. The rest of the country is not concerned or have not formed an opinion. But you need to understand that according to some letters that read from my fellow Leagioans, they want the government not to recognize the goverment of the UNSR and accept Free Icholasen as the legimate government."
"Now, i understand why you would like to avoid using a plan that involves warfare. However, as much as i hate to say it, that may be an option depending on what the UNSR does as the days and weeks go by. But at this moment, i am in favor of any plan that does not bring about war. In speaking of that, one of the things that we could do is find some way to connect to the people that live within the island nation occupied by an illegitimate government. Tell those people that are suffering under that false government to be strong and do what is right for them to stand up against their occuipiers. If we can find a way to avoid having to have blood on our hands and result in a mass protest within the UNSR then it could be possible that it could collapse against its own people. However, i think that we should hear what the other members of this meeting think before any agreement on what to do is made."
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Juncker, from his seat, nodded to Lifejumper as he smiled to him. Suddenly, he stood up for a short speech:
"Mr. Bridges, you have refeared to the External Affairs Minister of Spain, Mr. Dastis. First of all, there's no free trade agreement between both countries, so they can allow Reitzmic products or not, they are on their right, as you could deny Spanish products, but I highly doubt Spain sends products to Reitzmag, anyway we have the Spanish President here, so you can ask him about that. Those branches you have mentioned were cooled down with this agreement, or that's what I do understand by "Any assets originating from the United Reichs of Reitzmag in the Kingdom of Spain will be frozen immediately." or "Spain is also not allowing any Reitzmatic enterprise to export their products to Spain." Paying these companies for their retirement is bribing, even if they are not getting any benefit.
Again, I'm not sided with the Hispanic or Reitzmic side. I think no one really is on this room except you and Mr. Aguilar. We, the others, are completely neutral. This problem came after your country kidnapped a Foreign Affairs Minister, and great progress has been made on moving forward, which I would like to applaud. But, bribing companies is not the best way to solve this, as Spain has done things bad like criticizing a TV programme for saying bad things about them, for example. No one in this conflict is perfect, you both has made mistakes and if you think I'm sided, then I would like to ask you the following question: Why didn't I submit a motion to sanction you when I first arrived into my office? Mr. Bridges, I must insist on this: No one is against your country, absolutely no one."
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"I have, like, really been concerned with all these recent tensions in Europe. You guys, we're all supposed to be friends! Inquista would like to see a harmonious relationship between all the EU member states. Inquista, which has never sanctioned Reitzmag, considers itself an ally of the country and we would like to see Reitzmag properly integrated into the rest of the European community. Likewise, we would like to see the Reitzmic government, all of its officials, as well as their citizens, cease their particular obsessive disdain for Commissioner Juncker and his home state. Prime Minister Bridget, you ought to apologize to the Commissioner for your very, very rude language!
Recent events in Nofoaga have also, like, created some tensions. I believe that while we should all keep a careful eye on the developments of the country, that we should also show our support and solidarity to our fellow EU member state by encouraging its democratic development. As the country is still very dangerous, I understand that there may be some travel bans or advisories to Nofoaga, but I encourage all states to lift any sanctions off the country if they have them in place. I don't think these are very nice or helpful for its democratic development!
Instead of focusing on feuding or fighting between our fellow member states, we should be looking to take care of each other, particularly in the face of any terrible coups or invasions that could happen. I have to say, I am very, very disappointed in some of you guys! Icholasen, which has had its legitimate and rightful government forced into exile, is now under a banner known as "Free Icholasen". Although, this is a bit of silly name, since Free Icholasen is Icholasen, and there is no other legitmate government of Icholasen. Free Icholasen is a member of the European Union, as per the Condemnation of Icholasen passed in the European Council. Whatever communist government that exists in Icholasen, currently, is not a member of the EU. It is like, very, very gross that some of you guys have recognised the communist bullies and their government, but not Free Icholasen and the rightful government. The EU is setting a terrible precedent, so I believe we should set a better one, with no tolerance for any shenanigans.
I propose a complete embargo on the island of Icholasen until it has restored its rightful democratic government. No goods or services shall be allowed to be imported or exported from the island. Furthermore, we should also restrict all travel to the island, only allowing people to travel from the island, but not to it. We need to completely isolate the communists as much as possible, while supporting our fellow EU member state, Free Icholasen, as much as possible. This embargo shall be put into place using air and naval power, which should surround the island.
I really, really don't like having to do any mean things, so I will leave that up to my dear friend, Edward Firoux, who will organize punishments for those who have broken the Council's condemnation of Icholasen, as well at those who disobey any embargo that may be set up in the near future. If states wish to engage with a rogue entity which has viciously attacked a fellow EU member state, then I don't see why a complete ejection from the EU shouldn't be a possible punishment. If you want to engage with an enemy of the European Union, who has attacked a fellow EU member state, then I don't believe that your membership of the EU is valid. A foreign entity's attack against one of us is an attack on all of us, period."
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Samantha Terrace stood up to speak. She had loved the display of callous foolishness, it made her own government that had failed in its fundamental role of keeping the country safe look normal. 'I totally agree with the Archbishop. She is so so woke. I think since the current act does not go far enough, it is time to initiate a full embargo against the UNSR. They will be crushed under the economic weight of the embargo, military expansion, and the inefficiency of communism. Then, they will collapse under their own weight, just as they did in 1990.I understand there are concerns about the procurement of Rare Earth Metals, as Icholasen is one of the countries the most rich in Europe of this substance. But, we must not lay down to pressure from violent people just for a material. Their oil, coal and natural gas is also significant, but as we move to a greener world maybe this embargo is the right thing to do morally and environmentally. We simply must put an end to the corrupt, authoritarian and frankly dangerous regime in Icholasen. We must give up our short term need for materials, for our long term need for not being nuked. I'd also like to add that the cost of an embargo would also be less than the cost of being nuked whenever Chairman Jirluchuz doesn't get his fix of pizza hut.
But finally, I'd like to thank all members of the European Union for their continued support of Free Icholasen over the so-called UNSR. The Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen Act is so important, and I am looking forward to working with the Council to strengthen it to include a mandatory embargo of the UNSR. Thank you, fellow leaders for your time. I hope we can all agree that the UNSR = fake and also - and this is crucial - gay.
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Katrin Weber, trembling with anger, stood to speak.
"I condemn Acting Korojaunu Terrace for her homophobic language. It has no place here. What she has done; what she has said; has only contributed to the terrible hatred that wishes to exterminate all homosexuals." She took a pause. "However, we must not allow the vanguardist hellhole that is Icholasen under the UNSR continue existing without repercussions. Personally, I wish for a republic, not the continuation of the old monarchy, but that is neither here nor there. I do not wish for any member state, however, to be punished, beyond, perhaps, a case in the ECoJ and an order to stop recognizing the dictatorial UNSR.
The Nofoagan tensions, I feel, are over. In Eastern Haane, however, we seem to facing trouble after trouble, largely to do with national self-determination. Amongst ourselves, we are continually arguing over who belongs in which group, how much power said groups should have, etcetera, etcetera. These groups are important for the preservation of languages and cultures endangered in much of Europe; they cannot be abolished. Yet it is because of them that we are collapsing into violence. I thank you, Commissioner, for your offer to mediate. It is your job, I know, but I still feel as though it is very kind.
Finally, I feel as though the Reitzmo-Hispanic tensions make entirely no sense. They began, it seems, when Commissioner Juncker won against Atty. Winston in the Internal Affairs election, initiated by Reitzmag, for the most part. The entire thing is the pettiest thing I have ever seen in all my years of politics. All I would advise is mediation; perhaps by an external body as the Reitzmic government does not seem to like Commissioner Juncker; mediation that will eventually lead to rapprochement."
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Aguilar stood up. He seemed kind of disturbed with those fake accusation from Simon Bridges to Jean-Claude Juncker. He knew that Reitzmag hated him, Bridges hated him, but this was just crossing the red line you can't cross. Then, he started to talk:
"First of all I would like to thank Commissioner Juncker for giving the answer to the questions I have made to him, and I'm taking note of every answer he has given. I would like to offer Spain to help on the development of the app, such as Ms. Klienberg did.
I would like to start talking about the UNSR. I fully support the proposed embargo on the Union of Nicoleizian Socialist Republics, which Spain has not recognised and actually imposed sanctions on. Forgiving basic products or video-games that their leader or politicians don't like is completely stupid and I'm sure Icholasen will soon take their land back, and Spain is always wishing to help one of the nations we consider as allies. We are very concerned about UNSR acts and every day that goes away is one more day Nicoleizians suffer the effects of the very damaging Government from the UNSR.
Moving on to Nofoaga, the Kingdom of Spain, as you may now, is incharge of the Defence of the Republic Nofoaga. It's sad that we don't have the Nofoagan Government here, because they could give us much more details than we actually have here. Spain is also sending observers for the elections following Leagio as we have a very strong compromise with democracy.
And finally, I'm getting into the Hispanic-Reitzmag tensions, which I'm affected by. Firstly Mr. Bridges, I think that attacking the Internal Affairs Commissioner because you don't see him as a 'neutral person' when one of the IAC values is neutrality, it's pointless. But we all know that when Atty. Winston lost, you just started to say 'Spain is bad'. But, I've been checking your agenda to see what did you do to stop this: Bribing companies, but legally, because bribing is legal in Reitzmag, getting your European Councillor to open a discussion because I was supossed to have violated your sovereignty, but I gave my opinion on the Reitzmic Councillor Elections that took place in 4 days, and finally, and this is very funny, saying that Spanish Language is an insult to the Reitzmic languages, which I am learning just for your information. Moreover, you don't like sanctions to being imposed on Reitzmag, and as we all know, the Government uses the ELDR to kind of force other nations to cut ties with Spain, such as Mennrimiak, who suspiciously announced a boicot, then their President fell ill, and sent their councillor to threaten the IAC Commissioner. I believe this are only Mennrimiak individual actions, and I hope is not what I'm also thinking on. Obviously Spain is not perfect, we could have done better to avoid this. But I would like to see the same not only from George I, who by the way recognised UNSR, but from your cabinet. I'm always open to negotiate, to talk. Always, and I want to make it very clear. Sadly, Ms. Klienberg, not everyone can get along, but I think that every action can be reversed in diplomacy."
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"I can't believe what I am hearing" Černá stood up. "Mr. commissioner you told me during our summit in Prague, that uprisings that have taken place before you were elected to this positions would not be discussed further on these meetings and that only a recommendation of free elections would be issued. I would like to add that free elections in UNSR already took place and right after comrade Kohout returns from his holiday house in Fremet, where I am sure he is working tirelessly, he will request the council to repeal the condemnation of coup in Icholasen... again. I'm asking you, Mr. commissioner to keep the promise you have given me and stop the discussion on this topic."
"However since my counterparts already made their comments I am forced to comment myself. Forcing every country to an embargo against UNSR would be another aggressive move against national sovereignty and a move towards eurocracy! And that would certainly cause an backlash among the populace. Not to say that forcing countries to embargo UNSR would leave in loose of profits and could lead to a rise of unemployment. And what would the consequences be for people living in Icholasen? Does Korojaunu Terrace really wish to inflict suffering upon the people living there? I think that that would be in fact, may Ms. Weber please excuse my language, even more gay. This embargo should not be mandatory for the member states of the EU. Now I am of course not saying that any sovereign country should be forbidden from declaring an embargo on the UNSR. After all I am sure that a trading partner for Rare Earth Metal for all the countries that would decide to declare embargo on UNSR would be found.... ehm somewhere."
"Now let me speak about the issues of unrest in Nofoaga, Hispanic-Reitzmag tensions and unrest in Eastern-Haane. I think that the European Union should not meddle in the affairs of its member states unless it is directly requested by that member state. I have full confidence that Nofoaga with the invited help from Spain will be able to solve their issues, and I have the same confidence that Spain and Reitzmag will peacefully resolve their conflict, which will allow for further cooperation between the two countries. And once again, I have the full confidence that Eastern Haane will solve their issues with the help of commissioner Juncker who I would like to wish luck to. Thank you that is all."
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Emryc had sort of zoned out. He didn't understand half of these conflicts, and he was damned if anyone was going to change that. What did loom on his mind was the coup in Neo-Venetia in March. Many people had expected that situation would have developed over the last few months, much like the vacant Papacy, or the war in Dromund Kaas, or Emryc's extremely fragile minority government. For some reason, all of those issues hadn't drawn any closer to being resolved for months. Weird. But Emryc was determined to make sure nobody else interfered in either Neo-Venetia or Dromund Kaas in the meantime. He snapped out of his daydreaming and started to blag.
"Angleter is consistent in its rejection of coups and instability. We respect the Council's declaration that, in essence, the exiled government of Icholasen is a member of the EU, and the Communist regime currently occupying the country is not; moreover, we have no plans to recognise the Communist regime at this time. We would urge both sides in the dispute, and in all disputes, to engage in diplomatic talks towards a peaceful reconciliation where possible."
"That said, we also need to be realistic. Ultimately, my government owes it to the Angleteric people not to maintain permanent fictions, and the EU cannot be reduced to a collection of governments in exile. Obviously, we believe a pan-European embargo against Communist-ruled Icholasen would be a massive overreach of the EU's power into our sovereign trade policy. I know this makes half of you roll your eyes, but it's important to the people I serve, and maybe it's important to some of the people you serve too. And the so-called government of Inquista talking about rightful democratic governments, I mean, bloody hell."
"In all conflicts and disputes, Angleter will support stability, realism, and dialogue. We will not involve ourselves unnecessarily where it doesn't affect us. And we will always be guided, first and foremost, by our national interest."
"And I don't support Dragan Trympov, my country didn't cast a vote in the Commission elections, and there's no Angleteric party or councillor in his organisation, so Jean-Claude, I'll have you take that back, thanks. Perhaps you have me confused with Drake Bell. Show some respect!"
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Kristian audibly sighed to the point they were concerned that it may have been picked up by the microphones. The topic on the Reitzmic-Spanish dispute was old and tired, much like Korojaunu Terrace's remarks. They much preferred Whiteford.
"I understand the intent of some nations in proposals for a stricter embargo and sanctions upon the claimant government that currently exists upon the island of Icholasen. To me however, any stricter set of sanctions or embargo will only seek to hurt the local populace instead of the group or specific individuals who have caused this terrible situation. The current set of regulations imposed by the European Council governing sanctions on arms and luxury goods is far more than enough for now.
Prime Minister Emryc is correct in that diplomatic talks to a peaceful resolution must be the preferred way going forward, we also need to ensure the continuation of the pre-coup government of Icholasen as the legitimate sovereign authority. The legitimacy of a state relies on its respect for the democratic process, both in law and in how it attempts to influence the law.
I much like many of the other leaders here voice my disdain for the Reitzmic-Spanish dispute. I am far more apathetic however at this point over it. Both sides have stated multiple times their intention to forge a peaceful solution, and both sides albeit some more than others then spin around and do the opposite. Oftentimes as a form of paranoia over the other and potential successes they might obtain.
Commissioner Juncker is right in that it is effectively two siblings arguing, in that way of thinking think of me as the patron of a restruant at the next table over, I just want the two children to frankly be quiet. At this point nothing is going to change, and its likely to get exacerbated as we move into commission elections once again, no doubt the Winston campaign wheel is spinning in the background. Frankly the paranoid and egotisical nature of both parties is abhorrent and I personally wish nothing to do with it.
But I am a person with morals, and I have to defend those in principle who deserve it when and where. I condemn the near systemic paradoxical disdain most Reitzmic people have for Commissioner Juncker which seems to only exist for the fact that they fairly won an election. I also condemn the Spanish government for the length of their sanctions, and have made communications to them about reducing them in the past. Their reasons are sovereign and should respected even if you can not condone the action. My partner Amir who follows Archbishop Kligenberg on twitter quoted this tweet to me the other day, 'I literally can't vibe with this toxicity'.
Onto more well...actual issues....the situation in Eastern Haane and Nofoaga are examples of where the EU must keep an eye out on developing situations. I am for one glad the initially tenuous situations in both nations have devolved from states of near civil violence to more politically focused issues based on dialogue. I hope both nations are able to maintain their states of peace to the best of their abilities. Most importantly, the voice of the people must be respected in both cases."
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Lifejumper listened to the points that these leaders had issued in this meeting. Some of them were ones that pleased or were something that the President of Leagio agreed with. There were some that he respectively disagreed through. He quickly signed the bill recently sent to him from the National Congress over the Banning of Conversion Therapy and closed the Presidential Folder as he stood up. He decided to present another speech on what he thought on the USNR.
"I understand why the leaders of the nations of the European Union wish not to implement a full embargo on the people of Icholasen. A full embargo would possibly do more harm than good, Another harmful effect that could come from action would be Anti-EU sentiment within the island nation, where instead of the fall of the illegitimate government that resides there; suddenly, the community could find something worse spewing up like a genocidal fascist government that wants to conquer the EU without any regards to what the other governments within the community is like. If any heavy embargos is imposed that could cripple the UNSR, it must be done wisely and humanely. However, some sort of action must be done or as Head of State of Angleter mentioned Europe could 'be reduced to a collection of governments in exile.' Whether this action is done through negotiation does not matter as we attempt to contain what could be appropriately called Aggressive Communism (where communism should be spread through the globe even if the people of other regions do not want it within their lands and have no regards to what say they have)."
"Now, focusing on the issue of Nofoaga. As the President of Spain mentioned, both his and my government will be sending observers to monitor the elections as well as the political system of the new nation within the EU. A report from Leagioan observers, called CRNPO, will be submitted that will become public for everyone to see. I do not know what procedures that the Spanish government will be following with their observers, but it impresses me to know that both Leagio and Spain have common goals in this matter. In terms of the matter with Eastern Haane, the Commonwealth has yet to form an opinion on it yet as we wish to observer to see if it even requires a diplomatic action from the Commonwealth."
The Kingdom of Spain
