A written question tabled by Mr Fontana MEP (Lega Nord, EFD Group) has revealed that over the past two and a half years, the EU has spent over 11 million euros just to implement the procedures for pre-selection of its staff.

The United Kingdom chairs since November the rotating presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, decision-making body of the pan-European organization in Strasbourg. In a speech few weeks ago, Prime Minister David Cameron warned that the court risked undermining its own reputation by "going over national decisions where it does not need to".

This video aims to highlight a sample of just 8 local issues upon which the EU Parliament has usurped the control of central and local government in the UK - often to disastrous effect. Some appear scandalous, others farcical, but all illustrate that the EU is the hidden local issue. www.hiddenlocalissue.co.uk

Responding to passing of the Greek bailout plan this morning, UKIP Leader Nigel Farage said: "Greeks, beware of EU lenders bearing debts. They will strangle your economy and destroy your democracy. This so-called bailout will not help the Greek people one iota,only German and French banks.The Greeks don't need draconian death by a thousand cuts; they need the drachma back so they can reboot their economy. Cheap credit from inappropriate Euro membership was a disaster for the Greek economy. Eurozone membership is now also a disaster for their democracy.

Data that show a gradual decline in the general government deficit and demonstrate an improvement in the competitiveness of the Greek economy, were presented by Greece's Prime Minister L. Papademos to his counterparts during the recent summit of the European Council on 31st January, in an effort to alleviate the pressures of introducing new harsh measures.