Double standards from EU

How ironic that less than two weeks after the Spanish government announced plans to crack down on protests through the imposition of massive fines, we now have pro-EU protests in Ukraine.

The prospect of fines up €600,000 for unauthorised protests in Spain was no doubt precipitated by the increased frequency of strikes and protests against measures implemented by the government and endorsed by the EU.

Yet now that the democratically elected government of Ukraine has decided to step back from a treaty with the EU, and pro-EU protests and strikes have erupted, the EU is encouraging the Ukrainian Government to engage with the protesters. Where is the conciliatory stance when it comes to the anti-austerity protests in Spain, Greece, etc?

Strikes and protest, it would appear, are fine, just so long as the people are protesting on behalf of the EU. However, those that oppose the austerity being foisted upon them are subject to swingeing fines and the tender mercies of the riot police.

Simon O’Connor

Crumlin

Dublin 12