May 12, 2004
FROGS ON THE COUCH (via Tom Morin):
EC rules against illegal 'subsidy' of France Telecom (John Oates, 12th May 2004, The Register)
The European Commission is to take action against the French government for illegally subsidising France Telecom. But the accusations do not centre on illegal loans.Originally the government faced investigation over a €9bn credit line, which the Commission now accepts did not exist. Instead the eurocrats are claiming comments of support by French officials amount to unfair state aid. The Commision believes it has found legal precedents in French law which support its claim that there is a financial value to such messages of support, according to the Financial Times.
The French government has labelled the action an attack on "psychological state aid".
Hard to see how banning psychological aid on a continent that's scarfing down meds like there's no tomorrow will be helpful. Someone has to comfort them in their dying days. Posted by Orrin Judd at May 12, 2004 8:58 AM
I really wonder if I will live to see the day that Commission officials try to regulate the celebration of national holidays, at least to ensure they aren't overshadowing Europe Day or whatever. I'm serious.
Posted by: Peter B at May 12, 2004 9:16 PMOrrin:
Do you think the dearth of comments on this one stems from the fact that the Brothers Judd regulars are completely flummoxed by the challenge of deciding whether their sympathies lie more with France or the European Commission?
Posted by: Peter B at May 13, 2004 6:22 AMEurope is still a nice place to holiday, so I care to that extent...
Posted by: Michael Herdegen at May 14, 2004 4:49 AM