EU 'saint' needs miracle
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A campaign to sanctify the European Union through the beatification of its founding father, Robert Schuman, has run into stiff resistance from the Vatican and now appears likely to fail.
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Comment is free: Simon Jenkins: I'm an atheist but still I resent this joker in Rome slighting my community. A residual theological chauvinism is aroused.
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BRUSSELS, Jan 11 (IPS) - One of the most persistent criticisms levelled at  the European Union's conduct towards poor countries is that  it gives with one hand and takes with the other. Despite being  the world's largest donor of development aid, the EU pursues  trade, agriculture and fisheries policies that many anti-poverty  activists blame for perpetuating -- and exacerbating -- global  inequalities.
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Cardinal Clemens August von Galen, a wartime German cleric who openly criticised the Nazis and their euthanasia killings, is set to be put on the path to Roman Catholic sainthood by Pope John Paul next year.
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The European Commission faces a new crisis after it was revealed incoming French commissioner Jacques Barrot has a fraud conviction.
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In India, the European Union has an image problem. Seen as an impregnable economic fortress and yet a shaky political sandcastle, the 25-nation bloc faces an uphill battle to be taken seriously in the world's biggest democracy.
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The Virgin Mary is venerated for her powers of intercession throughout the Catholic world, but few nations believe they have quite so much to thank her for as Malta.
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Rocco Buttiglione, disputed candidate for European justice and security commissioner, says he is the victim of a hate campaign and a wider anti-Christian &quot;Inquisition&quot; among EU institutions.
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However, their celebration of unity has been marred by uncertainty over its ratification and turmoil over the stalled European Commission.
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EU summit urged to agree to independence plan amid fear that Russia would oppose new UN mandate
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Pope John Paul, reflecting Vatican disappointment that Italy&#39;s nominee had to step down from the EU executive because of his religious beliefs, has repeated his call for Europe to remember its Christian roots.
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BRUSSELS, Oct 25 (IPS) - Encounters between Russian President Vladimir Putin  and European Union leaders can be embarrassing affairs -- at  least for those EU politicians who fret whenever the bloc's  image as a defender of democracy is sullied.
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Even if the pontiff sidesteps volatile Christianity-Islam controversies, Turks were angered by his skepticism over their place in the European Union
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The European Union says Burma can attend an Asia-Europe summit next month, but only if it sends a low-level delegation. But some rights activists are disappointed by the decision.
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The EU leadership issue is essential. This entity, whose powers are so extensive, needs firm leadership.
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As Greeks get a boost, it remains unclear if success will mean higher stature in Europe.
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The EU's enlargement to 25 members in 2004 could be dwarfed by the challenges that lie ahead, writes the BBC's Stephen Sackur.