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A journey into the EU elections A journey into the EU elections
(2 days later)
As the European parliamentary elections approach, BBC Scotland's David Miller is crossing the continent to examine some of the big issues in the campaign from a uniquely Scottish perspective.As the European parliamentary elections approach, BBC Scotland's David Miller is crossing the continent to examine some of the big issues in the campaign from a uniquely Scottish perspective.
He will be reporting for Good Morning Scotland from Bucharest, Naples, Paris, Helsinki and Berlin.He will be reporting for Good Morning Scotland from Bucharest, Naples, Paris, Helsinki and Berlin.
FRIDAY - PARIS
A busy fairground isn't the most obvious place to attempt to judge the mood of the people of France ahead of the European elections.
But you may remember that I promised I would do my best to ensure our journey across Europe wouldn't be dull.
So, true to my word, I found myself at the Foire du Trone, amongst the dodgems and candy floss stalls.
A quick catch up on the story so far for new readers.
The Eiffel Tower is illuminated to represent the EU flag
We have already learned that interest in the European elections is low.
Paradoxically, turnout has steadily fallen over the years as the powers of the European Parliament have increased.
Now, the people I spoke to at the fair may have been feeling slightly dizzy as they stepped off the fairground rides and more importantly, I can't pretend that my straw poll was scientific.
But it was remarkable just how many of them were enthusiastic Europeans.
In fact, I only found one man who seemed to be a diehard Euro-sceptic.
He muttered something unrepeatable about subsidies for milk producers as he hurried off.
There's no doubt that France has invested heavily in the European project over many years.
National debate
That investment has been political, financial and also emotional.
Perhaps that explains why politicians and voters here appear to be using this election as an opportunity to pause and reflect on the future direction the European Union should take.
That's not to say that support for the concept of a united Europe is falling.
But a national debate is under way about what kind of a united Europe people actually want.
European Union expansion, and in particular Turkey's application to join up, tends to arouse the strongest feelings.
The French government is widely regarded as one of the principal opponents of Turkish membership.
The politicians may not say it publicly, but the large Turkish community in Paris is growing increasingly frustrated and suspicious of French motives.
The degree of future political and social integration promoted by the mainstream political parties here is remarkable
During a visit to a Turkish community centre, I watched and listened as the French immigration minister Eric Besson tried to justify his government's position on Turkish membership - a policy he has not always supported himself.
Mr Besson was left in no doubt about the strength of feeling in the Turkish community.
But, in reality, he knows the French government's policy is popular with voters and, as a result, is unlikely to change.
The French vision for Europe is of a union made up of member states which become increasingly integrated.
That's very different from the more pragmatic approach taken by successive British governments.
As a result, the French tend to set the bar high when deciding who should or should not be allowed to join up.
The degree of future political and social integration promoted by the mainstream political parties here is remarkable.
It was fascinating for me to hear political campaigners on the streets openly championing a European defence force and a pan-European healthcare system.
Mid-term report
I have been on the road for a week now, but I am guessing none of the parties campaigning back home has suddenly started pushing either of those two policies on the doorsteps.
It seems that French voters are more focussed on what these elections are, supposed to be about - the future of Europe.
That position is in stark contrast with most of the EU, where European elections tend to be used as an opportunity for the electorate to give a mid-term report on the performance of their own national governments.
Mind you, many voters here will still use the election to give a thumbs up or, more likely, a thumbs down to President Sarkozy.
The French may be more enthusiastic Europeans than most of the rest of us but they still can't resist the chance to take a pop at the man in charge.
Perhaps we have more in common than I thought.
WEDNESDAY - NAPLESWEDNESDAY - NAPLES
Europe is getting smaller. Or at least, it seems that way. Our governments co-operate more closely than ever before. Travel between the EU's member states has become easier, cheaper and quicker.Europe is getting smaller. Or at least, it seems that way. Our governments co-operate more closely than ever before. Travel between the EU's member states has become easier, cheaper and quicker.
Immigration is a contentious issue in the city of NaplesImmigration is a contentious issue in the city of Naples
Some commentators even argue that we're all becoming "better" Europeans. I'm not exactly sure what, if anything, that means, although it sounds like a step in the right direction. Doesn't it?Some commentators even argue that we're all becoming "better" Europeans. I'm not exactly sure what, if anything, that means, although it sounds like a step in the right direction. Doesn't it?
But here's a strange thing. If we're all starting to think like good Europeans, act like good Europeans and, perhaps, even vote like good Europeans, why haven't pan-European issues emerged in the election campaign?But here's a strange thing. If we're all starting to think like good Europeans, act like good Europeans and, perhaps, even vote like good Europeans, why haven't pan-European issues emerged in the election campaign?
I'm talking about the kind of issues which concern all of us, in every one of the 27 member states. Concerns which would unite the massive electorate entitled to vote next week.I'm talking about the kind of issues which concern all of us, in every one of the 27 member states. Concerns which would unite the massive electorate entitled to vote next week.
To be fair, I can think of two. That's not many though. The first one is easy. The economy is dominating political debate across Europe. We're all worried about that and understandably so.To be fair, I can think of two. That's not many though. The first one is easy. The economy is dominating political debate across Europe. We're all worried about that and understandably so.
Immigration themeImmigration theme
Then there's immigration. It's playing an especially large part in political debate here in Italy. That's why I have come to Naples. This old port city has some fascinating stories to tell on the subject of immigration, integration and assimilation.Then there's immigration. It's playing an especially large part in political debate here in Italy. That's why I have come to Naples. This old port city has some fascinating stories to tell on the subject of immigration, integration and assimilation.
The Italian foreign minister, Franco Frattini, has been in town too. I caught up with him as he arrived at one of the posh hotels on the waterfront, from where you watch the ships arriving from around the world.The Italian foreign minister, Franco Frattini, has been in town too. I caught up with him as he arrived at one of the posh hotels on the waterfront, from where you watch the ships arriving from around the world.
He tells me: "Immigration is not a Sicilian issue, it's not a Maltese issue, it's a European issue. We have to persuade citizens that Europe can do something good for the daily life of everyone.He tells me: "Immigration is not a Sicilian issue, it's not a Maltese issue, it's a European issue. We have to persuade citizens that Europe can do something good for the daily life of everyone.
"Immigration is seen as one of the first and, probably, most important concerns but if Europe doesn't understand that it is, indeed, a problem then people won't go to vote and will protest against Europe.""Immigration is seen as one of the first and, probably, most important concerns but if Europe doesn't understand that it is, indeed, a problem then people won't go to vote and will protest against Europe."
Italian politicians are sounding increasingly hard-line on the issue of immigration and there's a good reason for that.Italian politicians are sounding increasingly hard-line on the issue of immigration and there's a good reason for that.
It's an apparently popular position and a vote-winner too. The Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, certainly seems to think so. He recently spoke of his desire to ensure Italy didn't become a multi-ethnic nation.It's an apparently popular position and a vote-winner too. The Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, certainly seems to think so. He recently spoke of his desire to ensure Italy didn't become a multi-ethnic nation.
Every family living in this camp has had two or three generations which have been born in Italy Vicenzo EspositoProject workerEvery family living in this camp has had two or three generations which have been born in Italy Vicenzo EspositoProject worker
Mr Berlusconi's words, and those of some of his rivals, are causing growing concern amongst ethnic minorities.Mr Berlusconi's words, and those of some of his rivals, are causing growing concern amongst ethnic minorities.
I wanted to hear from one of those groups myself - the Roma gypsies who live in camps on the outskirts of many of Italy's biggest cities.I wanted to hear from one of those groups myself - the Roma gypsies who live in camps on the outskirts of many of Italy's biggest cities.
Vicenzo Esposito is a project worker with Opera Nomadi, an organisation which provides support to the Roma people.Vicenzo Esposito is a project worker with Opera Nomadi, an organisation which provides support to the Roma people.
He drives me in his battered old Volkswagen, through the tough peripheral housing estates controlled by the local mafia. We arrive at a makeshift campsite where whole families live beneath a motorway flyover. They have electricity but it is stolen from overhead cables on a nearby railway line.He drives me in his battered old Volkswagen, through the tough peripheral housing estates controlled by the local mafia. We arrive at a makeshift campsite where whole families live beneath a motorway flyover. They have electricity but it is stolen from overhead cables on a nearby railway line.
As we walk through the camp, traffic roars overhead. Vicenzo tells me: "Here there are living about 800 persons, and most of them are underage. A large part of the underage population should be at school."As we walk through the camp, traffic roars overhead. Vicenzo tells me: "Here there are living about 800 persons, and most of them are underage. A large part of the underage population should be at school."
The Roma have been pushed to the very edge of the city and, you could argue, the edge of Italian society too.The Roma have been pushed to the very edge of the city and, you could argue, the edge of Italian society too.
Vicenzo says: "Every family living in this camp has had two or three generations which have been born in Italy. But our government, because of a very old and, I think, racist law, stops them from becoming Italian because they were not born to Italian parents."Vicenzo says: "Every family living in this camp has had two or three generations which have been born in Italy. But our government, because of a very old and, I think, racist law, stops them from becoming Italian because they were not born to Italian parents."
Political crossfirePolitical crossfire
Daniella Jovanovic came to the camp with her parents when she was only a child. She arrived here from Serbia 16 years ago. Daniella has a university degree but no passport, no citizenship, no means of escape.Daniella Jovanovic came to the camp with her parents when she was only a child. She arrived here from Serbia 16 years ago. Daniella has a university degree but no passport, no citizenship, no means of escape.
"Look at the conditions; you can see it's very difficult to live here. We don't have water, we don't have our own electricity, the children don't go to school," Daniella explains."Look at the conditions; you can see it's very difficult to live here. We don't have water, we don't have our own electricity, the children don't go to school," Daniella explains.
"The government doesn't care about us and doesn't do anything to help us. Not all Italians are racists, a lot of them have sympathy for us but nowadays more people seem to see us differently. They think we are all thieves and robbers.""The government doesn't care about us and doesn't do anything to help us. Not all Italians are racists, a lot of them have sympathy for us but nowadays more people seem to see us differently. They think we are all thieves and robbers."
In my radio report on Good Morning Scotland today, I explained that the Roma were finding themselves caught in the political crossfire in this election campaign.In my radio report on Good Morning Scotland today, I explained that the Roma were finding themselves caught in the political crossfire in this election campaign.
I have just learned that a Roma Gypsy was shot on a street here in the centre of Naples last night.I have just learned that a Roma Gypsy was shot on a street here in the centre of Naples last night.
At this stage, it appears to have been a case of mistaken identity and the local mafia is being blamed.At this stage, it appears to have been a case of mistaken identity and the local mafia is being blamed.
But carefully planned vigilante attacks on Roma are not unknown.But carefully planned vigilante attacks on Roma are not unknown.
There are worries here that further violence between different communities is a real possibility.There are worries here that further violence between different communities is a real possibility.
If that happens, Italy's politicians can expect their vote-winning election speeches to come under renewed scrutiny.If that happens, Italy's politicians can expect their vote-winning election speeches to come under renewed scrutiny.
SATURDAY - BUCHARESTSATURDAY - BUCHAREST
Twenty years ago, Romania was a communist dictatorship.Twenty years ago, Romania was a communist dictatorship.
International travel was virtually impossible for anyone other than the political elite and top sports stars.International travel was virtually impossible for anyone other than the political elite and top sports stars.
The street lamps had no light bulbs. And if you wanted to enjoy a glass of Scotch whisky, you had to buy it on the black market.The street lamps had no light bulbs. And if you wanted to enjoy a glass of Scotch whisky, you had to buy it on the black market.
Palace of the Parliament was designed and built by the Ceausescu regimePalace of the Parliament was designed and built by the Ceausescu regime
Today, Romania is one the newest members of the European Union and a member of NATO too. The flags of Romania, the EU and NATO fly from every public building.Today, Romania is one the newest members of the European Union and a member of NATO too. The flags of Romania, the EU and NATO fly from every public building.
The pace of political change has been dizzying but there's been an economic and social revolution too.The pace of political change has been dizzying but there's been an economic and social revolution too.
The collapse of Nicolae Ceausescu's regime in December 1989 led to a period of unprecedented turmoil and opportunity, as Romania raced to embrace the free market and, now, the single market too.The collapse of Nicolae Ceausescu's regime in December 1989 led to a period of unprecedented turmoil and opportunity, as Romania raced to embrace the free market and, now, the single market too.
Florin Talpes is typical of the new generation of Romanian business leaders who has exploited those opportunities to the full.Florin Talpes is typical of the new generation of Romanian business leaders who has exploited those opportunities to the full.
It's been a long, hard slog but today his software company employs hundreds of staff around the world.It's been a long, hard slog but today his software company employs hundreds of staff around the world.
Sitting in his offices in a gleaming tower block on the northern outskirts of Bucharest, Mr Talpes tells me Romania has used its scientific and technical expertise, built up during the communist era, to develop new products and services which are being sold across the European Union.Sitting in his offices in a gleaming tower block on the northern outskirts of Bucharest, Mr Talpes tells me Romania has used its scientific and technical expertise, built up during the communist era, to develop new products and services which are being sold across the European Union.
Western-style prosperity may have become a reality for many in Bucharest but for the peasants living in villages beyond the city limits, life has changed very littleWestern-style prosperity may have become a reality for many in Bucharest but for the peasants living in villages beyond the city limits, life has changed very little
He says: "Hi-tech is one of the cards which Romania will play. That's because we have very strong skills, a very strong education system, a very strong research school. All of these joined together are a very good bet."He says: "Hi-tech is one of the cards which Romania will play. That's because we have very strong skills, a very strong education system, a very strong research school. All of these joined together are a very good bet."
Romanian companies may be enjoying access to the single market, but a huge amount of work remains to be done.Romanian companies may be enjoying access to the single market, but a huge amount of work remains to be done.
Minutes after leaving Mr Talpes at his office building, I see a goat herd carefully guiding her animals along a dual carriageway, past garages selling luxury cars.Minutes after leaving Mr Talpes at his office building, I see a goat herd carefully guiding her animals along a dual carriageway, past garages selling luxury cars.
This is a country of stark contrasts.This is a country of stark contrasts.
Western-style prosperity may have become a reality for many in Bucharest but for the peasants living in villages beyond the city limits, life has changed very little.Western-style prosperity may have become a reality for many in Bucharest but for the peasants living in villages beyond the city limits, life has changed very little.
I visited one of those villages and heard from local people about what they wanted the European Union to do for them.I visited one of those villages and heard from local people about what they wanted the European Union to do for them.
As they tended their fields by hand, they spoke of their ambitions. Asphalt for the roads. New tools. Perhaps even a tractor.As they tended their fields by hand, they spoke of their ambitions. Asphalt for the roads. New tools. Perhaps even a tractor.
Social changeSocial change
The European Union has agreed to pour billions into Romania. The money is to be spent improving the country's poor infrastructure and helping to lift the most vulnerable out of poverty.The European Union has agreed to pour billions into Romania. The money is to be spent improving the country's poor infrastructure and helping to lift the most vulnerable out of poverty.
But critics say bureaucracy and corruption have slowed the flow of EU aid to a trickle.But critics say bureaucracy and corruption have slowed the flow of EU aid to a trickle.
There are fears the European cash may be frozen entirely until the Romanian government puts its house in order.There are fears the European cash may be frozen entirely until the Romanian government puts its house in order.
Membership of the European Union has meant more than political and economic change for the people of this country. It has brought social change too.Membership of the European Union has meant more than political and economic change for the people of this country. It has brought social change too.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, a couple of hundred people have gathered on a wide boulevard close to Ceau?escu's Palace, still seen here as a symbol of his oppressive regime.On a sunny Saturday afternoon, a couple of hundred people have gathered on a wide boulevard close to Ceau?escu's Palace, still seen here as a symbol of his oppressive regime.
The crowd has gathered to take part in Bucharest's annual gay pride march. The streets have been closed, riot police are on standby. Water cannon are parked a short distance away.The crowd has gathered to take part in Bucharest's annual gay pride march. The streets have been closed, riot police are on standby. Water cannon are parked a short distance away.
In the old days, the marchers would have been arrested and jailed. Today, the police are here to protect them in case of attack by counter-demonstrators.In the old days, the marchers would have been arrested and jailed. Today, the police are here to protect them in case of attack by counter-demonstrators.
Changed times indeed.Changed times indeed.
A crowd gathers for Bucharest's annual gay pride marchA crowd gathers for Bucharest's annual gay pride march
In the crowd, I spot a well-known face. It's Michael Cashman, once an EastEnders actor, now an MEP and an outspoken advocate of gay rights.In the crowd, I spot a well-known face. It's Michael Cashman, once an EastEnders actor, now an MEP and an outspoken advocate of gay rights.
He tells me Romania's membership of the EU must be about much more than access to the single market.He tells me Romania's membership of the EU must be about much more than access to the single market.
"When you join the European Union, it's not just a market. It's a market with a whole set of social values. Top of that agenda is equality, fairness and justice.""When you join the European Union, it's not just a market. It's a market with a whole set of social values. Top of that agenda is equality, fairness and justice."
There seems little doubt that Romania's membership of the European Union has brought profound changes to this country. Many of those changes have been popular, some less so.There seems little doubt that Romania's membership of the European Union has brought profound changes to this country. Many of those changes have been popular, some less so.
Interest in the European elections is higher here than in other member states.Interest in the European elections is higher here than in other member states.
Some analysts expect that to change as the novelty wears off and Romanians grow tired of European politics.Some analysts expect that to change as the novelty wears off and Romanians grow tired of European politics.
I'm not so sure. Here's an alternative theory.I'm not so sure. Here's an alternative theory.
Perhaps those who've had to fight for their democratic rights simply value them more highly than those of us who were lucky enough to be born with the right to vote.Perhaps those who've had to fight for their democratic rights simply value them more highly than those of us who were lucky enough to be born with the right to vote.
That might be worth thinking about on 4 June.That might be worth thinking about on 4 June.
THE JOURNEY AHEADTHE JOURNEY AHEAD
Excited about the European elections? It's a fairly safe bet to assume your answer to that question was "no".Excited about the European elections? It's a fairly safe bet to assume your answer to that question was "no".
And it's an equally safe bet to assume that you are firmly in the majority - pollsters across the European Union report that levels of apathy are high and the turnout between 4 and 7 June is expected to be low. In fact, the turnout could be the lowest ever.And it's an equally safe bet to assume that you are firmly in the majority - pollsters across the European Union report that levels of apathy are high and the turnout between 4 and 7 June is expected to be low. In fact, the turnout could be the lowest ever.
It's understandable and predictable. Politicians at Holyrood and Westminster may worry about how to "connect" with voters. But for their counterparts in Brussels and Strasbourg, the challenges are even greater.It's understandable and predictable. Politicians at Holyrood and Westminster may worry about how to "connect" with voters. But for their counterparts in Brussels and Strasbourg, the challenges are even greater.
David Miller is travelling across mainland EuropeDavid Miller is travelling across mainland Europe
It seems that we know we should be interested in European politics. But we aren't. It's a bit like eating spinach or flossing your teeth.It seems that we know we should be interested in European politics. But we aren't. It's a bit like eating spinach or flossing your teeth.
The latest Eurobarometer survey suggests 53% of EU citizens are "somewhat" or "very" disinterested in the elections. Worse still, only 34%t told the pollsters they would probably vote.The latest Eurobarometer survey suggests 53% of EU citizens are "somewhat" or "very" disinterested in the elections. Worse still, only 34%t told the pollsters they would probably vote.
Professor John Peterson is Head of Politics and International Relations at the University of Edinburgh.Professor John Peterson is Head of Politics and International Relations at the University of Edinburgh.
He puts it like this: "I have heard it said that an American presidential election is like a world cup final.He puts it like this: "I have heard it said that an American presidential election is like a world cup final.
A British general election is like an FA cup final, and a European Parliament election is like a Tuesday night kick around in the park."A British general election is like an FA cup final, and a European Parliament election is like a Tuesday night kick around in the park."
Ouch.Ouch.
But make no mistake. The European elections are a little more complicated than deciding whose jumpers to use to mark out the goals.But make no mistake. The European elections are a little more complicated than deciding whose jumpers to use to mark out the goals.
About 375 million people across the 27 member states are eligible to vote. They'll elect 736 MEPs who will be chosen from about 9,000 candidates.About 375 million people across the 27 member states are eligible to vote. They'll elect 736 MEPs who will be chosen from about 9,000 candidates.
Perhaps those big numbers help explain why voters may feel "disconnected" from their elected representatives in Brussels.Perhaps those big numbers help explain why voters may feel "disconnected" from their elected representatives in Brussels.
Prof Peterson says: "It's the world's only multi-national, multi-lingual, directly-elected parliament.Prof Peterson says: "It's the world's only multi-national, multi-lingual, directly-elected parliament.
It's very hard to explain to people exactly what MEPs do, how their vote actually translates into a change in Europe in terms of political power."It's very hard to explain to people exactly what MEPs do, how their vote actually translates into a change in Europe in terms of political power."
I'm sure Professor Peterson is right, but I am going to give it a go. First stop, Romania.I'm sure Professor Peterson is right, but I am going to give it a go. First stop, Romania.
Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy ride. But I promise I'll be doing my best to make sure this journey is anything but boring.Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy ride. But I promise I'll be doing my best to make sure this journey is anything but boring.
Good Morning Scotland is broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland, weekdays from 0600 to 0900 BST.Good Morning Scotland is broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland, weekdays from 0600 to 0900 BST.