Amnesty International released Freedom Limited, a report detailing declining freedom of speech in Putin’s Russia. Unsurprising, but sad news. A backlash is inevitable, but probably later rather than sooner. Intelligent systems naturally tend to open systems; Russia’s wealth is fuelling its intellectual capacities which will demand openness in governance. BBC report
Category:Europe
EU environment failing: air pollution, biodiversity loss and poor water quality
The European Environment Agency released its fourth assessment report on the environmental situation in 53 European countries, highlighting significant air pollution, biodiversity loss and poor water quality across the region. The irony of the report is that a principal cause of these problems is growing consumption and the demand for transport neither of which people …
Continue reading EU environment failing: air pollution, biodiversity loss and poor water quality
EU rates held at 4%
The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged at 4% on 7 September, but it is not clear that they will not be increased to 4.25% soon. The ECB is reacting to the increase in perceived risk in financial markets, catalysed by the sub-prime meltdown. At the same time as the hold on rates increase, …
Continue reading EU rates held at 4%