European Union

Dubrovnik, Croatia To Sofia, Bulgaria: 400 Miles Apart Geographically, Yet Vastly Different In Crime Rates [As To The Other Nations Also]

It is interesting to comprehend how people can be so close to each other, yet so varied as to some of their behaviors. The excellent “Eurostat’s: ‘Crime, Violence, Or Vandalism In The Local Area” Report illustrates this reality. The reported crime in Croatia is listed at ‘2.7% of total population in 2019’ and in Bulgaria [Europe’s highest rated reporting percentage] is ‘20.2%’ which is almost ‘ten times’ as great [generally speaking].

We, in International Business, have engaged citizens of the aforementioned countries, as well as all members of the European Union [E.U.]. The ‘World View’ we have developed, over many years, is no different for our European friends. That is to say: “It is not the people of a country that may be problematic in business, it may be just the behaviors of a few that we question. Even then, those same people may be totally acceptable to engage ‘on a different day’?”

The wide disparity in reported crime levels: for example of Greece [16.9%] to neighboring Italy [9.4%] is easier to comprehend than some of the other nations’ rates. Italy has manufacturing in Aircraft, Automobiles, Ships [all of international renown]; Greece has none. The able Greeks, having had leaders of non-remarkable abilities, since World War II, and are now mired in National Economic debt of an estimated $400,000,000,000.00+/-. We think, this has been due to: Extremely poor choices in spending [especially in Military Hardware procurement]; Lack of direction to gain manufacturing prowess for greater employment of its citizenry; A public ethos of ‘Tax Evasion Is Our Salvation’ [at all levels of society].

Greece has: “location, location, location”, second-to-none of its European neighbors, [as the wise Chinese realize and are availing themselves for commerce]; exploitable mineral resources; great weather, Superb ‘Kalamata’ Olives; a very intelligent citizenry. These all bode well for it. Perhaps, the present Greeks Leaders, will show “business acumen” ‘by the bootstraps’, and thus, make Greece a ‘Commercial Manufacturing Entity’, as Italy has been, since the exact same time-frame. And most importantly of all: WITHOUT EXCUSES BY GREEK LEADERS, AS TO WHY THIS IS NOT BEING DONE FOR THEIR CITIZENS! Greek Leadership needs, ‘unowned’ impartial advisors for significant results.

We hope that the tie-up for electrical power transmission from Israel to Europe, through Greece, may have a benefit to the Greeks. The Israelis understand International Commerce and are well-respected for market products, as such. Maybe, Greeks can learn from the Israelis what to do, in that regard? Also, Greece’s tie-up with a strong leader, as is Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, of Egypt, to Gas and Oil projects, will gain it additional revenue.

Coronavirus [CV19] should have demonstrated to the Greeks, that their 20%+/- of national income being derived from tourism, is a ‘weak brother’ to have to rely on. Small virions can destroy the ‘Hospitality Industry’ forthwith.

We think the leaderships of Hungary [5.3%] and Poland [4.4%] evidence what can be done to minimize miscreant actors behavior and keep crime rates low. In both countries, strong leadership, decried by some weak leaders elsewhere, provides a ethos for their citizens of “RESPECT”. Both Leaders, are what we would deem to be “Internationalists”, not ‘Globalists’; this attitude we praise. These Gentlemen want the very best for their citizens [an admirable trait]. The European Union Leaders should think about Belgium [13.3%], (where the E.U. is headquartered) when they decide to deride Hungary’s and Poland’s leadership.

Reality: “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions” come about in nations with ‘Strong Leadership’ guiding a ‘Principled Public’.

Reference: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20210310-1?redirect=%2Feurostat%2F

Hungary’s Viktor Orban: A Decisive Leader Is, As A Decisive Leader Does

During the past few years, we as International Businessmen, have been pleasantly pleased, but not surprised, at the consistently valid analyses, arguments, and actions, as that of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This gentleman, when looking into the miasma of international politics, can readily decipher and identify: Puppets; Puppet Masters; and, Puppet Masters’ Masters[PMM’s]; this is excellent! All too often, other politicians display their personal avarice by their exhibiting expedience in ascribing to certain policies and procedures [which benefit OTHERS, not their citizens]. An example of this: American Politicians who sign bills having only given cursory review by Representatives’ and Senators’ staffs, not en persona. Evidence of the end result of such poor inept practices, is a result of U.S. Debt being presently over $27,000,000,000,000.00; such a shame! As an example, we ask: “Which U.S. Citizens benefitted by the costly hegemonic U.S. military activities, over the past decades?”; certainly not the Hoi Polloi.

It appears that Prime Minister Orban, is much more judicious, than many of the aforementioned American ‘leaders’; this, in allowing for expenditures by his government’s Hungarian Forint [HUF] to be spent for direct aid to his Hungarian citizenry; this, as an offset to its current Coronavirus CV19 situation. This is superb!

Additional to this financing program, as referenced, is Prime Minister Orban’s adverse opinion to “Others Elsewhere” commands. They are attempting to pressure him to allow for political fashionability be reinforced by the withholding of European Union funds to Hungary and/or elsewhere, if he, and others, do not agree to their scheme [as to Coronavirus relief]. Mr. Orban “Calls them as he sees them” [to the chagrin of PMMs]. Again: “Bravo!”

As we had mentioned in our list of “Leaders of Nations in 2020”: “Strong leaders make the tough calls, but only after careful analysis of the facts”. They refuse to be ‘Sheep’ for PMM’s; they are patriots for their countries. We think the current “Brexit” discussions will evidence ‘Leaders” vs. mere ‘leaders’; all shall soon see who are the: Puppets or Puppet Masters [PMM’s will try to remain in seclusion (however futile that is.)] How many will become “Viktor Orbans”, by displaying both courage and good judgement?

Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in our opinion: “Means Well and Does Well.” To lesser politicians elsewhere, we agree with the adage: “You can try and fool the the other; the other can try and fool you; however, you both cannot fool the ‘Man Upstairs’.”

Reality: Weakness of Insight, Integrity, and Intellect are evidence of a person who, while appearing impressive like a iceberg, will decompose over time, with a just a mere scintilla of heat.

Reference: https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/12/20/all-lives-and-all-jobs-matter-orban-announces-stimulus-for-families-businesses/

European Union: A Bloc With Some Weak Leaders, Failed Their Citizens

The European Council of Foreign Relations conducted a 11,000 citizens’ poll in France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria, Sweden, and Denmark. This was to ascertain their views of their countries’ ‘leaders’ performances as to CV-19; Their effete ‘leaders’ failed.

Beyond the mere typical ‘Bureaucratic Inefficiencies’ inherent in ‘Bloc Management’ designs, one may offer: “Weak ‘leaders’ perform weakly”. In one particular instance, a country ‘leader’ who is a ‘Chemist’ by education and career, performed miserably per the citizens of that country. Imagine, a “Chemist” not being able to fathom the potential severity of a virus! The country has some of the finest Bio-Chemical facilities in the world; The ‘leader’ could question personnel IMMEDIATELY for help. Acting ‘with strength’ would have been nice.

Some of the other countries ‘leaders’, being ‘Attorneys’ by education and career, are hardly guilty of not understanding the nuances of a: “Single-strand, RNA Virus” as is CV-19. The nuances of this virus may be beyond their intellectual grasp.

What ALL of the ‘leaders’ had in common was the governmental capacity to forthwith attack the on-coming problem with: funding, equipment, facilities, medical expertise, and will power; they all failed their citizens miserably [per the E.C.F.R. Poll].

As we have said many times: The number of ‘Strong World Leaders’ can be counted with the fingers on one’s hands; There are “World Leaders”, and there are Nations’ ‘leaders’, of which there are many.

Many people have perished to CV-19. People polled may think they chose the wrong individuals to direct their countries in this virus fight. Perhaps, in many cases, Attorneys who ‘morphed’ into ‘Politicians’, who ‘morphed’ into ‘leaders’ were the wrong choices of the citizenry. However, those citizens who have ‘passed’, do NOT get a chance of another vote; this for replacements of their weak ‘leaders’.

Reality: When selecting your country’s ‘leaders’, think twice before voting for those with ‘politicized’ “sizzle”. You may be making a fatal mistake.

Reference: https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/06/25/poll-majority-of-europeans-think-eu-failed-or-was-irrelevant-during-coronavirus-crisis

★ Greece: When Following Other Nations’ Leaders Down A Steep Rocky Hillside, Make Sure They Do Not Suffer From Cataracts [Or Hidden Agendas]

News Analysis: The current on-going lethargy in World Economic Markets, which suffered a Real Estate Implosion in 2008 and now is undergoing a predicted Oil Price Implosion, is worsening; This from the current “Trade War” between American and European Union (EU) Members vis-à-vis Russia.

Beyond the current sufferings of ‘EU’ Member Greece (due principally to its former Government Blatant Mis-management and Political and Military Corruption at its highest levels) its Citizens now suffer from the aforementioned “Trade War”. As a Proviso for Greece: When following other Nations’ Leaders down a steep rocky hillside, make sure they do not suffer from cataracts (or Hidden Agendas). 

Hellas currently losing over $46+ Million Dollars in lost Produce Sales to Russia surely hurts even more in its not-even-tepid economy. As Greece has followed along with other Nations’ Leaders dictates, its citizens are suffering immeasurably. Which of these other leaders care? Surely not the leaders across the Atlantic Ocean;  Nor any of those to its West. 

Rather than the Politicians in Athens blindly following along and thereby punishing their voters, Real Leadership is needed at this immediate moment in time. Others to the West may have Hidden Agendas.

That which will ease Hellas Citizens’ financial suffering and  allow for partial debt forgiveness by creditors is a plan which should immediately be negotiated and employed. The idea that its $300+/- Billion Dollars in debt can be repaid is a mere Hologram of Financial Fantasy ideated by ‘Sharks’. Other Nations have had large debt forgiveness actions realized. Why not now with Greece?

While the current debt situation is being dealt with, Greeks need to show “Sophia” and, if necessary, tell the Americans and other ‘EU’ Leaders: “‘Oxi”!; “Then exo xpimata”.

Others should be aware: as for the Country’s dealings with Russia: Greeks, did,  do, and will consider Russians as Brothers.

Different countries are also feeling the Economic Pain created by this foolishly designed Trade War, while various other Nations are benefitting handsomely. Hopefully, logic will prevail in this Financial Debacle; Hopefully the ‘EU’ relents.

The only one’s that have not Personally felt any financial pain are the American and ‘EU’ leaders who planned this Cabal. 

Interesting: Even the Country, over which this scheme was allegedly based, is far worse off today than it was before the plotters commenced their machinations three years+ years ago.

Reality.

Reference: http://sputniknews.com/business/20150112/1016812560.html

☆ Greece: Does Washington, D.C. Care About Super-Power Financial Harm To A Weakened Friend’s Economy?

News Analysis: “Greece: Does Washington, D.C. Care About Super-Power Financial Harm To A Weakened Friend’s Economy?” so ask many Hellenic Citizens when they evaluate Economic Sanctions Against Russia.

In America, Greek-Americans, who are overwhelmingly members of the Democratic Party, often exhibit Myopia when it comes to the current Political Regime’s actions Internationally. For example, the VERY POOR relationship that now exists by America with Egypt or Libya, Greece’s friends across the Sea, does not aid Greece economically.  

The ENTIRE LEVANT appears to have at best “Tepid” relations with America; although they are still ‘Warm’ to Greece. This Administration’s inability to help solve the Cyprus Division shows it is effete; ‘a “Super-Power”?’ some people ask.

It would seem that the Economic Interests of the European Union (EU) would be best served by Extensive Communication and Cooperation with Russia. The well-known Cabal, which toppled the Ukrainian Government, was so naively operated by America and the ‘EU’ to be laughable; Telephone recordings of the Plot by U.S. Officials were aired to the World? Amateurs at Best!

Greek-Americans should use their ‘εγκεφάλους’ and realize “The Blind following the Blind accomplishes little”. If they care for ‘Hellas’ they should decry that which harms it; Russia Sanctioned does hurt Greece.

The current Washington’s Regime blunders in the Mediterranean Area as well as the Middle East, with our Arab Friends, shows very poor Leadership in America. “Ostrich Behavior” by Greek-Americans in tolerating such Administration Gaffes is remarkable for a Nationality supposedly known for its past Genius.

Telling Politicians in Washington, D.C. about Economic Sanctions against Russia should contain one word: “όχι”; This they may understand since it has fewer letters than “Μάλιστα”.

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/kylttox

☆ Cross Atlantic Trade By The Numbers And Without The Polemics

News Analysis: Experienced International Businessmen have learned to ‘”Forget The Polemics, Just Give Us The Trade Numbers” so WE can determine Our Courses of Action’. Politicians and the Mass Media Minions typically do NOT want their Public’s to Analyze the Trade Numbers. If they do, they might disagree with the Benefits of the Rhetoric.

We give you Cross Atlantic Trade By The Numbers And Without The Polemics (for your consideration):

Net trade was $38.1 Billion Dollars between Russia and America in 2013. $11.26 Billion Dollars of Goods went to Russia while $26.96 Billion Dollars of commodities was purchased from Russia ($19+ Billion Dollars of Oil and  $1 Billion of Fertilizers, Etc.). In 2013, America sold $11.2 Billion Dollars of Aircraft and Automobiles to Russia.

Russia currently is a CREDITOR of America to the amount of $139 Billion Dollars (per U.S. Treasury Data).

In Europe, 123 Billion Euros ($162+ Billion Dollars) was the Trade with Russia (equally divided). Approximately 47 Billion Euros ($62 Billion Dollars) was for Europe’s Energy Needs.

The European Union received 7% of its Imports and 28% of its Exports with Russia in the year 2013.

One should readily understand that the Hundreds of Billions of Dollars “In Play” with America/Europe/Russia Financial Relations might make for the Politician’s Handlers to DEMAND that their Political Minions “Reduce the Rhetoric” and let Commerce Prevail. Certainly in Chicago, Illinois, the Airframe can be expected to call its Former Resident ‘Down the Street’ and ‘Pull on his Chain” so its Commercial Aircraft Sales to Russia do not Evaporate.

However, Remember that “In Any War, Bankers Win” (as well as Defense Contractors).

Reality.

Reference: http://rt.com/business/us-eu-russia-sanctions-590/

European Union Members Fight Bribes And Corruption Costing Them 120 Billion Euros Yearly

News Analysis: At a cost of 120 Billion Euros ($158 Billion Dollars) Yearly, The European Union (EU), is trying to come to grips with this ‘Grand Vol’. Bribes paid and General Corruption at all levels of Government and Private Business, many people think, is of even Greater Cost than that which has been estimated.

Economic Recovery in Europe cannot advance as it should with this Unaudited Flow of Funds perhaps leaving Europe and going to “Safer Environs” for the Miscreants. If one adds in Repatriated Funds being sent out of Europe to other Continents an anticipated recovery may take longer to achieve.

Even more costly is the fact, that much like in America (the Wealthiest and perhaps Most Corrupt Nation in terms of Amount of Money involved in Individual “Deals”) are the Ideas, Inventions, and Technologies that will never see the ‘Light of Day’ without Payoffs; it is Systemic throughout High Technology Industries (especially Aircraft Manufacturing). Management will never utilize a Product unless they “Own a Piece of It”! Who in America ever goes to Prison for Bribery in getting Federal or State Contracts?

One cannot put a Price Tag on the cost to Europe or in America; “Pay if you want to Play”.

Legitimate Governments, Corporations, and Citizens need to adopt the Mantra: “Take the Thievery Away, We will Not Pay”.

Reality.

 Reference: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26014387

European Union May Improve Relations With Cuba

News Analysis: The European Union may foster better relations with Cuba in the coming months. It is important to realize that the best way to implement change in a possible “adversary” is to engage ‘him’ repeatedly in a manner that benefits both parties.

The European Union can readily increase “Cross Atlantic” Trade thus improving its export levels. Cuba will benefit by the additional Agricultural Exports of: Beans, Cigars, Citrus, Coffee, Potatoes, Rice, and Sugar. In terms of mined products are: Cement,  Cobalt, Nickel, and Petroleum. It also exports Agricultural Machinery and Pharmaceuticals.

This island of 109,820 km2 (42,401mi2) and a population of 11+ million people can surely benefit by retaining its Culture as it modifies its “Centralized Economy” to a modern “Market Economy”. One could expect to find an increase of Investors willing to place their monies in Cuban projects (as their comfort level increases); Good things can happen for Cuba.

Nothing Is Constant But Change.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2014/01/21/spain-says-eu-considering-closer-ties-with-cuba/

Greece Department Of Defense (DOD) Procurement Rules Upgrade: Better Late Than Never

News Analysis: The Rampant Corruption by some Greek Politicians, Civilian, and Military Personnel over the past SEVERAL DECADES might be lightly addressed in 2014. The ‘DOD’ may upgrade its Procurement Policies this year. Unfortunately, it appears the many Crooks who stole from the People are not having their Ill-Gotten Gains Confiscated or are they Headed to Prison. Citizens of other countries find the “Economic Treason” which caused many Greeks much pain to be worthy of Penal Retribution through the Greek Legal System. Apparently, the Vested Interests in Athens thinks otherwise. Could it be that Continued Corruption is afoot in Greece?

“Den xero”, a Greek might reply.

That the European Union bails out Greece is notable, but the E.U.  too should demand legal redress against the “Greek Economic Traitors” wherever they have moved.

When is comes to Behavior Modification of ‘Bribees; or Embezzlers, if there is No Pain, there is No Gain (in getting them to change their Evil Ways).

Reality.

 Reference: http://tinyurl.com/mqx265n

Customs Union, Led By Russia, Increases Other Nations’ Interest

News Analysis:  Customs Union, led by Russia, increases other Nations’ interest by offering Economic Growth Possibilities not to be ‘matched’ by the European Union. The Voluminous Natural Resources of the Custom Union Signatories, if added to, by other interested countries, would be ‘One of a Kind’. The shared interests of China and India offer the Customs Union enormous business opportunities not available in Europe. A Economic Triumvirate as such, would be a Powerhouse second to none.

The Best Economic Future for the Nations contemplating the Customs Union lies in their becoming its Members. Reality.

Reference: http://www.bne.eu/storyf5521/Central_Asia_states_press_ahead_with_moves_to_join_Customs_Union