Remarks by President Donald Tusk at the press conference following the EU-Japan summit in Tokyo

[Steve781]

So,only 2 countries spend 2% ? That is depressing. (Even the Bankrupt Greece still spends above 2%..)
What does Cameron plan on defense ?



If we apply that,NATO will disband.

He was planning to keep cutting but there are signs he might be doing a u turn soon, especially with American pressure.
I would expect Poland and the Baltic states to hit the target by next year.

 

[Armstrong]

So,only 2 countries spend 2% ? That is depressing. (Even the Bankrupt Greece still spends above 2%..)
What does Cameron plan on defense ?

You guys already have a good military which is capable of defending France. So spend more on value added industries - the economy is what wins wars in this century not defense !

 

[Audio]

I keep hearing this. Wake me up when it's about to happen.

I was trying to be polite before, but now it's time for you to put up, or shut up.

De-dollarization is happening, if you want to know about it or not. This is data for '12, while the main push for de-dollarization is happening from '14 onward. Do you even know about the myriad of bilateral agreements between countries that dropped the dollar? Oh right, you're asleep and need to be woken up, sorry.

One quarter does not a trend make. Four quarters from now, do you doubt the US will have grown faster than Europe?

No, indeed, 2 quarters make a trend.

Perhaps it will, perhaps it won't. I will not make predictions so far in advance. All i know is you're mostly full of corporate mantra that do not benefit a wider populace. And while i don't have any objections to the American people, i will not be paying for their Medicare through hidden clauses in trade agreements.

Always wait for the revisions, the first estimations are never accurate:

It Looks Like the U.S. Economy May Not Have Shrunk This Year After All - Bloomberg Business

The US economy is mired in a cyclical trend that sees poor first quarter performance followed by three quarters of strong growth. Bad weather is a common culprit, but this year a strong dollar, trade dispute on the West Coast and weak overseas demand in Europe and China has been a problem too.

Because of this persistent problem, and its residual effects on the next quarter, the US is revising how it calculates its first quarter data, to provide a more complete and accurate assessment of the economy's strength:

The U.S. Is About to Change the Way It Calculates GDP - Bloomberg Business

There is no recession right now, our economy is growing.

Yes, hookers and blow make economy.

That, together with revisions for construction spending, trade and wholesale inventory data, suggests first-quarter GDP could be revised to show it contracting at a pace of about 0.2 percent instead of the 0.7 percent pace of decline the government reported last month.

U.S. services data suggest upward revision to first-quarter GDP| Reuters

 

[xenon54 out]

(Even the Bankrupt Greece still spends above 2%..)

You are welcome.

 

[LeveragedBuyout]

De-dollarization is happening, if you want to know about it or not. This is data for '12, while the main push for de-dollarization is happening from '14 onward. Do you even know about the myriad of bilateral agreements between countries that dropped the dollar?

Sorry to discredit you yet again, but you're probably used to it by now.

King Dollar Reaffirms Its Global Supremacy - WSJ

March 31, 2015

The proportion of dollars in global foreign-exchange holdings has risen to its highest level in six years, cementing the greenback’s role in the center of the financial system.

Central banks held 62.9% of their reserves in dollars at the end of the fourth quarter, up from 62.3% in the third quarter and marking the highest level since 2009, according to data released Tuesday by the International Monetary Fund. The share held in euros fell to 22.2%, the lowest allocation in 13 years.

The figures show how central banks have ceased efforts to diversify their foreign-exchange reserves away from the dollar amid a plunge in the value of the euro. Because central banks with their large reserves wield unrivaled influence in currency markets, their shift back toward the dollar gives many investors confidence in the greenback’s rally.

No, indeed, 2 quarters make a trend.

Perhaps it will, perhaps it won't. I will not make predictions so far in advance. All i know is you're mostly full of corporate mantra that do not benefit a wider populace. And while i don't have any objections to the American people, i will not be paying for their Medicare through hidden clauses in trade agreements.

Serious question: if you truly believe your propaganda, why aren't you buying shares of these MNCs, and sharing in the spoils, like I am?

 

[Gabriel92]

You guys already have a good military which is capable of defending France. So spend more on value added industries - the economy is what wins wars in this century not defense !

We don't spend enough money,that's a fact,and i hope that the next president could increase the defence budget to a minimum of 2%. (even if the current govt decided to increase the budget,it still isn't enough)
(Just for example,the budget of the overseas operations is 450 millions €,while the cost of the overseas operations is rising to +1 billions€ a year,that's just an exemple.)

 

[Audio]

Sorry to discredit you yet again, but you're probably used to it by now.

King Dollar Reaffirms Its Global Supremacy - WSJ

March 31, 2015

The proportion of dollars in global foreign-exchange holdings has risen to its highest level in six years, cementing the greenback’s role in the center of the financial system.

Central banks held 62.9% of their reserves in dollars at the end of the fourth quarter, up from 62.3% in the third quarter and marking the highest level since 2009, according to data released Tuesday by the International Monetary Fund. The share held in euros fell to 22.2%, the lowest allocation in 13 years.

The figures show how central banks have ceased efforts to diversify their foreign-exchange reserves away from the dollar amid a plunge in the value of the euro. Because central banks with their large reserves wield unrivaled influence in currency markets, their shift back toward the dollar gives many investors confidence in the greenback’s rally.

Central banks can keep holding, np, the important part is at least Swiss and German ones are hoarding gold for fiat. You know, gold, not tungsten bars from NY Fed.
The surge in dollar value of reserves is primarily because of end of $QE, and drop in € is because start of Q€. Thius is also an explanation of the optimistic tone in the article.

I also didn't say dollar isn't the reserve currency now, i said, it is on it's merry way to not being one. Trade not being conducted with dollars is just the beginning probably. So, not really discredited.

Serious question: if you truly believe your propaganda, why aren't you buying shares of these MNCs, and sharing in the spoils, like I am?

Buying gold.

Anyhow, i'll reply tomorrow. Out for drinks now.

 

[Armstrong]

The Russian's don't seem to agree, the love the dollar; they love to buy it

And You Thought The Russians Hated The U.S. Dollar

Seems the Russians are shoring up their reserves in... *gasp*... Dollars!!! When push comes to shove, the USD is still the supreme reserve currency, even for nations that really, really, really don't want it to be, like Russia and Venezuela.

@Gabriel92 - Why does he always have to rub in US supremacy all the time !

We get it US Stronk....US Dollar Stronk !

Soon the bitcoin revolution will relegate these paper currencies to the bin !

We don't spend enough money,that's a fact,and i hope that the next president could increase the defence budget to a minimum of 2%. (even if the current govt decided to increase the budget,it still isn't enough)
(Just for example,the budget of the overseas operations is 450 millions €,while the cost of the overseas operations is rising to +1 billions€ a year,that's just an exemple.)

You guys already spend a couple of billion euros on defense !

This is not the Cold War anymore; the Soviet Armored Divisions aren't going to come rolling through Western Europe !

Focus on 'minimum credible deterrence' as we do ('cause we're cash strapped) and spend the maximum funds on improving French economy - If you've got the $$$s....you've got all the muscle you need to flourish !

 

[xenon54 out]

Soon the bitcoin revolution will relegate these paper currencies to the bin !

Bro Bitcoin is degraded to deep web criminals currency, great for ordering 2kg hash on Silk Road but i havent seen a single place in non-criminal places where you can pay with bitcoin.

 

[Gabriel92]

@Gabriel92 - Why does he always have to rub in US supremacy all the time !

We get it US Stronk....US Dollar Stronk !

Soon the bitcoin revolution will relegate these paper currencies to the bin !

Soon..... Europe will dominate the world,Euro will dominate the world,we will throw the arrogant americans in the sea and burn their dollars.
-
@Armstrong si vis pacem para bellum

 

[Armstrong]

Bro Bitcoin is degraded to deep web criminals currency, great for ordering 2kg hash on Silk Road but i havent seen a single place in non-criminal places where you can pay with bitcoin.

Oh there are issues....obviously its a work in progress; but imagine the possibilities of what sort of a revolution this could bring. Many economists still remain undecided whether bitcoins can be called money or not while others contend that its an investment and not money - If it catches on....it may bring about drastic changes in economics !

About those who accept payments in bitcoin:

In 2015, the number of merchants accepting bitcoin exceeded 100,000.[202] As of December 2014 established firms that accept payments in bitcoin include Atomic Mall,[85] Clearly Canadian,[203] Dell,[204] Dish Network,[205] Dynamite Entertainment,[206] Expedia,[207] Microsoft,[90]Newegg,[208] PrivateFly,[209] Overstock.com,[87] the Sacramento Kings,[210] TigerDirect,[86] Time Inc.,[211] Virgin Galactic,[212] andZynga.[213][note 10] Due to the fact that chargebacks are impossible, retailers usually offer in-store credit as the only option when returning items purchased with bitcoins.[214]

As of September 2014 PayPal allows North American merchants using its system the ability to receive payment in bitcoins.[215]

Organizations accepting donations in bitcoin include: Greenpeace,[216] The Mozilla Foundation,[217] and The Wikimedia Foundation.[218]Some U.S. political candidates, including New York City Democratic Congressional candidate Jeff Kurzon have said they would accept campaign donations in bitcoin.[219] In late 2013 the University of Nicosia became the first university in the world to accept bitcoins.[220]

Bitcoin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I haven't checked out all references but the few I did....seem legit.

Soon..... Europe will dominate the world,Euro will dominate the world,we will throw the arrogant americans in the sea and burn their dollars.

Ssshhh....don't say that out loud !

@SvenSvensonov already seems to be in a bad mood....he gave me such a serious reply in another thread !

Crack a joke about a certain Swedish plane and you're met with a cold shoulder by even your Brother !

@Armstrong si vis pacem para bellum

amor vincit omnia - love conquers all !

 

[Cossack25A1]

To continued partnership between Japan and the European Union Family !

Poland can into Japan?

 

[Aepsilons]

That is no excellent analysis. That is an opinion of someone who probably has stocks in all the big fucked up US corporations...from pharma to agro. Reject TPP. It's a trojan horse through and through.

Whoa there, it also helps when we have FTA-EPA's with our neighbors.

Soon..... Europe will dominate the world,Euro will dominate the world,we will throw the arrogant americans in the sea and burn their dollars.
-
@Armstrong si vis pacem para bellum

LOL!!!

Poland can into Japan?

Japan can into EU ?

 

[Galad]

Certain people here with their posts apparently still living in denial .Increase of "defense" budgets and "defense" cooperation.Please get real-neither EU nor Japan are in position to do it.Endless QE(not working and making rich richer), CBs negative rates,bonds who none wanna buy it anymore,bonds with negative rates...yeah right everything is so fine so we gonna increase the budget to 2% GDP and will start buying the toys of (USA mainly) MIC...Please wake up. Ask themselves why EC is ordering(so much for EU unity,equality and fair treatment) in 2 months 11 EU countries to vote laws allowing "bail-ins"of the banks . "Bail-in" = theft of people deposits.Guess stealing people money and trillion in QE are sign of EU great great prosperity and shape.Everything is fix so we need to spend all the extra unneeded for nothing else money for weapons.
So-called FTA are anything but free or trade.Also anything but agreement-big countries are forcing,blackmailing and bribing officials in smaller countries to sign them.Just check the latest news of TTP/TISA -total USA corporate racket.

What is price of medications in US?

Big enough to make USA "voters" best customers of Big Pharma.Half of world usage is in USA. They are literally on drugs all the time -guess this is one of the reasons why USA "voters" are so full with delusion and denial.Just look at their posts in this thread.Totally disconnected from reality.

European Union Family-what a nonsense!Just ask smaller countries how they are treated in such "Family" .
Tusk as always is full with BS and hypocrisy.His so-called remarks are just empty words and hot air.

 

[jhungary]

First of all, can anyone tell me which FTA agreement written by any country of this planet are actually "FREE"?

When globalisation met corporationalism, one need to remember there are always going to be sacrificed to be made in one, both or more parties to get the agreement floating. Even bilateral trade relation favour one country over the other, people (Mostly Socialist) need to wake up and understand the purpose of "TRADE" is not fair. You can use the equilibrium of supply and demand all you want, but in the end of the day, trade relation mostly benefit one side, but as long as a trade relation can be a "Win-Win" Situation, then trade will go on. All said, probably the "Free" part of Free Trade relation is you are free to join, or not joining, that's up to you. But if you want fair trade, go become a communist.

In today world, you cannot sign a free trade agreement with the US and expect to be fair or even more beneficial to the US when the US Dollars are the nominal settlement currency in this world. For US to buy something from like Japan, Japan need to come up with a product that's worth $100 while the US only need to print that $100 note to buy them, that's probably less than 5 cents.

That's kind of grim, especially you cannot sign a free trade agreement and specifically banning export to the US, but the problem is, if you are not selling to the US, who else? Look at it lie this, US do not have the highest GDPPC but they have the largest population in term of top 10 GDP, in fact, if you compare the US with Qatar (no 1 in GDPPC) you can see the US have more than 100 times buying power than Qatar, and US alone have more purchasing power than the Top 10 combine. So where exactly can you find a market bigger than US??

Couple to the fact you cannot literally use anything to replace USD as an world reserve, IMF/WB Voucher came close but not implementable due to debt (You cannot exchange USD debt to IMF voucher), Gold standard fail when people start using gold on virtually EVERYTHING. You cannot use a commodity to act as a standard currency, as the price of that commodity itself fluctuate as the demand and supply adjust. And currently 40% of world Gold is used for everything other than investment. I can't see how government can recover nearly half of circulated gold in the market and use them as a reserve.

There is a reason why only poor country opt for Gold standard....