Category Archives: Europe
Brexit, illustrated with food
(Thanks to Subb-an for the photo.)
Why Eastern Europe cannot accept more Refugees
Dear Western Europe, it seems you are in sulk about our unwillingness to accept more any refugees. It hurts us to hurt your feelings, so please allow us to explain things from an Eastern European perspective. We are certain you that … Continue reading
Welcome to Germany!
It has been funny how many people have been telling me that Germany should be careful not to accept too many refugees, that they would be a threat, a burden or what not. It’s particularly funny when these comments come from … Continue reading
“In the Sea there are Crocodiles” by Fabio Geda
Every week now, thousands of refugees make it to Europe. Thousands die trying. In debates on immigration, refugees are referred to by the numbers in which they arrive, in economic or in legal terms. It’s time to read the account of one … Continue reading
The Revolutions of 1989
1989, those were the times! With each broadcast of the evening news, the world changed so quickly that most people already lost track back then. Now, 25 years later, only a vague recollection of falling walls, fired shots and popping champagne … Continue reading
Conceptions. Misconceptions?
A cutely animated film about what people in one part of the world think about people in other parts of the world. Yes, we do have horse-drawn carriages in Eastern Europe. And yes, I also describe life in Germany like working … Continue reading
British Prime Minister in support of EU
Yes, that’s Margaret Thatcher. The photo is from 1975 when there was a referendum on whether the UK should stay in the European Community. Margaret Thatcher was the leader of the Conservative Party back then. Given what she wears, I don’t … Continue reading
Europe, still divided
Twenty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain, Europe has grown together. Countries which didn’t even exist as independent states back then are now member states of EU and NATO. The European Union reaches all the … Continue reading
10 FAQ on Freedom of Movement in the EU
As part of my very popular series of legal FAQ, I now address a subject which can often help to resolve immigration cases which seem hopeless under national immigration law: the right to freedom of movement within the EU. Before … Continue reading
“1493” by Charles C. Mann
Zur deutschsprachigen Rezension. 1493 refers to the year after Christopher Columbus “discovered” America and as the second part of the title suggests, the book describes how Europe’s discovery of the Americas revolutionized trade, ecology and life on earth. That sounds … Continue reading
The Happy Hermit 