THE EUROPEAN UNION IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

https://www.iversity.org/courses/the-european-union-in-global-governance

For anyone who would like a higher level of discourse on the future of the European Union than can currently be found in the UK, it might be worth checking out this Massive Open Online Course being run by the Berlin-based Iversity in the Autumn (see above link).

In the meantime, whilst both the UK Conservative and Labour Parties distracted themselves separately with tribal politics, The Economist magazine provided an interesting overview of the European economy:

European economy guide: Taking Europe's pulse | The Economist

SEX, DRUGS AND ROCK'N ROLL, OLD LADY?

The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street or Bank of England
(Image: Wikipedia)

When new Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney travelled by public transport (Well done Sir!) for his first day at work last Monday, the media depicted a "rock star banker" who, it had to be said, looked more than a little baggy under the eyes. However, it seems that Mr Carney was recovering not from a weekend of Sex, Drugs and Rock'n Roll at Glastonbury (for whose gathering this year he was probably a key demographic) but a weekend game of cricket organised by his new employer: at which he was only a spectator, incidentally.

Nevertheless, a working week that had began with Mr Carney looking somewhat downbeat ended with a stock market roll, when the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street agreed to maintain interest rates and quantitative easing (or pumping £375billion into the UK economy) for her new suitor. Still, relationships which begin on a high can still end on the rocks, and many will be wondering whether Mr Carney's rock star credentials carry the financial prudence of Mick Jagger, or a penchant for pleasing political mistresses of all parties. The fact that the new Bank of England Governor is sweetheart to both George Osborne and Ed Balls - I jest not! - may also set many wondering whether the addictive rhythm of boom and bust which has so dominated the British economy is indeed here to stay.