Martin Vlachynsky

In Britain, there is a long-term discourse on the issue of setting a boundary to the power concentration in Brussels. This discussion will probably lead to a referendum on leaving the EU.

The week of accusing, voting, and reporting. Berlusconi, French socialists, the Cypriot president as well as the government of Iceland wanted to say something to the world.

Today, we can only laugh at our ancestors, the book copyists, who were fighting against the printing press, because it was taking their jobs and incomes. Our successors will once laugh at our silly ideas.

The Greek nationalist party Golden Dawn became a subject of another scandal when one of its members shouted Heil Hitler! in Greek Parliament. Nevertheless, its popularity is growing and the last poll showed 11,5% support. Kind of difficult to understand it since the Greek nation suffered from one of the hardest Nazi occupations in non-Soviet Europe; but democracy brings also surprises like this.

The financial crisis has been with us for six years and counting. The symptoms don’t change - growing unemployment, low or even stifled economic growth, the same ineffective measures adopted by governments and central banks.

Why should an unelected official located somewhere thousands of kilometers away prohibit the tobacco manufacturer from adding even a garlic flavour if he wishes to do so, and why could not a consumer enjoy his or her favourite mint flavour?

Compared to the previous year, tax burden was on the rise – the average European employee pays more than 45% of income in taxes.

While German pensioners in retirement received on average 58% of their salary, Italians received 76%, Spaniards 84%, and Greek pensioners - 110%, more than their previous salary.

This week, the issue of financial transaction tax stirred the water again. Just a reminder, this tax (called Tobin’s tax) is planned in 11 EU countries, including Slovakia.

More and more thick storm clouds are gathering above the Netherlands, which is still perceived as one of the more responsible countries in Europe.