17/09/2008 2:59:32 pm
Taxation Without Representation. That is indeed what happens from time to time in Belgium, which for a long time after the last election had no government. Apparently, the regions get a lot of resources from the federal government but cannot lower taxes, since that is a federal issue. I just heard lots of anecdotes like that about Belgium at a meeting in the European Parliament. It was a short luncheon speech at a regular information exchange meeting with, among others, MEP:s Syed Kamall and Roger Helmer.

These are busy times in Brussels. I met with the Board of the European Enterprise Institute, confirming our plans to expans its activities - which I direct. I had a drink with Gunnar Hökmark yesterday, and also caught a glimpse of José Manuel Barroso in the same building. I also met Lisbeth Kirk, Editor of EUObserver, the leading and best news service about Europe. Now I will meet the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise before it is time to be in a debate in Swedish Radio (Studio Ett).