Europeia Embassy

[Tano]

I agree with Cormac's point, but I do have a bit of a refutation. I would argue that a core element of independentism is indeed having a military presence. Having a military to use to your political advantage (as a tool, which is what the conference decided upon iirc), is very important: I would go as far as to say vital for a region.

But I'm also of the opinion that a strong regional military facilitates a regional community immensely, so I might be a tad biased Furthermore, I was not present at the conference, nor am I any sort of expert on indepentism, so my reply might not be of the strongest quality.

Regardless, my compliments to the signatory regions and their respective representatives. It's a very solid looking manifesto.

[Malashaan Colony]

I would argue that it is important for an Independent region to be able to both raid and defend because, while they may ultimately determine that one or the other is in their policy interests, they should be ready to do either if their interests so require. International politics can be an unstable business, and just because one does not expect to undertake a certain kind of mission in the present does not necessarily mean the need to do so will not arise in short to medium term.

The question of whether Independent regions must maintain a military is an interesting one worthy of debate. However, I would start by observing that the Manifesto does not make this assertion. It asserts that an Independent region has a vested interest in having an effective military, which is more accurately characterized as a recognition that it benefits an Independent region to have an effective military - something I would say is indeed true. That does not mean a region cannot be Independent if it doesn't have a military, but rather that there will be advantages and avenues for pursuing their objective that are not available to them if they do not. Returning to the question of whether an Independent region needs to have a military, strictly speaking, probably not, but military policy adds a lot of weight to identifying as Independent. So much of what defines Independence relates to foreign policy, and in particular a rejection of the raider/defender dichotomy. Without a military a lot of the distinctions between identifying as Independent, Defender, Raider, or something else lose much or all of their meaning.

[Waldeck-Pyrmont]

"Independent"

[Anumia]

I don't think it can be denied that a region with an effective military has more options at its disposal for pursuit of its foreign policy, and that having that military be flexible enough to perform a broad range of actions also widens its application. This is not to say a region must have a military, but obviously their options are by definition more limited as a result of not having one. Similarly, if a regional military only raids, or only defends, their options are more limited than if they do both. The military is a tool of foreign policy, and the stronger and more versatile it is, the better it may be applied in pursuit of foreign policy goals.

[Zaolat]

I don't think it can be denied that a region with an effective military has more options at its disposal for pursuit of its foreign policy, and that having that military be flexible enough to perform a broad range of actions also widens its application. This is not to say a region must have a military, but obviously their options are by definition more limited as a result of not having one. Similarly, if a regional military only raids, or only defends, their options are more limited than if they do both. The military is a tool of foreign policy, and the stronger and more versatile it is, the better it may be applied in pursuit of foreign policy goals.

Besides your military may be basically inactive, thus effectively no military. Difference being though is that an Independent region is not a Neutral region, who for the most part lack one entirely or do not care about one at all, or in the least would not participate inter-regionally and would only be home defence/ally defence.

[Belschaft]

Looks good at first look, but I don't know about point IX, mostly because I think there are independent regions who don't really have a desire to maintain an army, whether it acts on situations by a case-by-case basis or not.

EDIT: I don't know if anything akin to this has been raised by earlier posts. I didn't read them.

Independence has always been defined as a military position distinct from the R/D dichotomy, but it is nevertheless first and first a military position. A region that rejects military activity entirely would thus not be Independent, and would be best described as neutral, non-aligned, or pacifist.

[Solorni]

I've debated giving Cormac a more serious answer, but I feel like when he's defending independence again he'll be giving himself the best answers. So I'm unsure if answering questions he will later answer for himself is a worthwhile endeavour...

[Kazmr]

it is nevertheless first and first a military position

Thats quite different than what I've heard in the past :/ I've seen pleabty of arguments regarding independence as a military shut diwn by its defenders with the readoning that independence isnt a military position, but rather a regional stance and a foreign policy stance in which the military is a part of and a tool of the state... Is there some kind of disagreement to that effect within the independentist ranks?

Edit: example here: viewtopic.php?p=22168617#p22168617

The military in an independent region is an instrument of foreign policy.

Armies are not 'Independent'; in an independent region, the army is simply an arm of the state, which in turn is independent.

[The Blaatschapen]

Why is Kantrias not one of the signatories?

[Onderkelkia]

it is nevertheless first and first a military position

Thats quite different than what I've heard in the past :/ I've seen pleabty of arguments regarding independence as a military shut diwn by its defenders with the readoning that independence isnt a military position, but rather a regional stance and a foreign policy stance in which the military is a part of and a tool of the state... Is there some kind of disagreement to that effect within the independentist ranks?

Edit: example here: viewtopic.php?p=22168617#p22168617

The military in an independent region is an instrument of foreign policy.

Armies are not 'Independent'; in an independent region, the army is simply an arm of the state, which in turn is independent.

There is no contradiction whatsoever between the view a military in an Independent region is an instrument of policy and the view that Independence has implications for military affairs, in that it rejects the raider/define divide as the basis for military action.

Far from being incompatible, in substance those views are in fact complementary.

The fact that a region's military is used as a tool of the government inherently refers to how an Independent region deals with its military affairs.

Independence has always clearly pertained, among other things, to how a region's military conducts itself - namely as an instrument of foreign policy. It is specious nonsense to suggest that Independence addressing the question of how a military should be used contradicts the answer of using it as a policy tool.

Why is Kantrias not one of the signatories?

If I recall correctly, Kantrias was not in attendance at the conference. In any case, it expressed no disagreement with the Manifesto.

---

There is a remarkable and coherent consensus on Independence, as has been expressed in this manifesto by leading Independent regions.

Osiris, Balder, The North Pacific, The West Pacific, Europeia, LKE, TNI, Albion, Equilism and Ainur have come to a unanimous view.

It is perfectly obvious that some are uncomfortable with this unity of purpose so seek to wish it away by suggesting there are differences.

[Malashaan Colony]

Why is Kantrias not one of the signatories?

Kantrias are welcome to sign as well, as is any other region interested in signing.

[Cormac Pendragon]

I've debated giving Cormac a more serious answer, but I feel like when he's defending independence again he'll be giving himself the best answers. So I'm unsure if answering questions he will later answer for himself is a worthwhile endeavour...

Do you have any idea how petty you sound?

I would argue that it is important for an Independent region to be able to both raid and defend because, while they may ultimately determine that one or the other is in their policy interests, they should be ready to do either if their interests so require. International politics can be an unstable business, and just because one does not expect to undertake a certain kind of mission in the present does not necessarily mean the need to do so will not arise in short to medium term.

Again, though, doing one or the other often prepares a region to do both. Europeia, for example, primarily engages in invasions -- particularly for training, as its defensive operations usually aren't training operations -- and argues that these training tag raids keep its military active and well trained. So wouldn't defenses against tags serve as the same kind of comprehensive training? That's basically all I was getting at.

I would also note, again, that I believe a region can determine that it's in its interests never to invade other regions, given game mechanics. Even counterattack isn't definitively in a region's interests, even when such would be possible. Most treaties are based around mutual defense, so a region could very reasonably determine that defensive operations are the only type of operations that serve the regional interest.

The question of whether Independent regions must maintain a military is an interesting one worthy of debate. However, I would start by observing that the Manifesto does not make this assertion. It asserts that an Independent region has a vested interest in having an effective military, which is more accurately characterized as a recognition that it benefits an Independent region to have an effective military - something I would say is indeed true. That does not mean a region cannot be Independent if it doesn't have a military, but rather that there will be advantages and avenues for pursuing their objective that are not available to them if they do not. Returning to the question of whether an Independent region needs to have a military, strictly speaking, probably not, but military policy adds a lot of weight to identifying as Independent. So much of what defines Independence relates to foreign policy, and in particular a rejection of the raider/defender dichotomy. Without a military a lot of the distinctions between identifying as Independent, Defender, Raider, or something else lose much or all of their meaning.

This is a valid point. Thank you for clarifying why the emphasis on maintaining a military, and thank you in general for more respectfully answering legitimate questions instead of dismissing them with petty or accusatory remarks as Rachel and Onder have done. You're a much better representative of the independent cause than either of them.

[Eluvatar]

I would also note, again, that I believe a region can determine that it's in its interests never to invade other regions, given game mechanics. Even counterattack isn't definitively in a region's interests, even when such would be possible. Most treaties are based around mutual defense, so a region could very reasonably determine that defensive operations are the only type of operations that serve the regional interest.

This was "The way things are done in civilized parts" by and large 2003-2006. We are unlikely to return to such a zeitgeist in the near future.

[Onderkelkia]

This is a valid point. Thank you for clarifying why the emphasis on maintaining a military, and thank you in general for more respectfully answering legitimate questions instead of dismissing them with petty or accusatory remarks as Rachel and Onder have done. You're a much better representative of the independent cause than either of them.

I assume you refer to the conclusion to my post above (the final sentence in particular, which I have emboldened:

There is a remarkable and coherent consensus on Independence, as has been expressed in this manifesto by leading Independent regions.

Osiris, Balder, The North Pacific, The West Pacific, Europeia, LKE, TNI, Albion, Equilism and Ainur have come to a unanimous view.

It is perfectly obvious that some are uncomfortable with this unity of purpose so seek to wish it away by suggesting there are differences.

In fact, I was clearly referring to the remarks I addressed in my post, in particular that by Kazmr, where their points implied a challenge to the unity of the Independent sphere in its support for the Manifesto. I was not referring to the general questions about the reasoning for Article IX, a separate issue.

Given this, one can only presume your reference to me is motivated by the same spite which prompted this derogatory remark. That is what one calls 'petty'.

[North East Somerset]

I would also note, again, that I believe a region can determine that it's in its interests never to invade other regions, given game mechanics. Even counterattack isn't definitively in a region's interests, even when such would be possible. Most treaties are based around mutual defense, so a region could very reasonably determine that defensive operations are the only type of operations that serve the regional interest.

This was "The way things are done in civilized parts" by and large 2003-2006. We are unlikely to return to such a zeitgeist in the near future.

Yes, I remember that attitude well and as you say it was once practically universal. I'd go further and say there was a general feeling that civilised regions and raiding were exclusive activities. To me this seemed like a most limiting and artificial interpretation of the potential of Gameplay interactions. I suppose it was also a personal inconvenience to any ambitious player with a raider history, not prepared to start afresh and renounce their past. Cormac wasn't around then to offer tips on that.

Region's I've been involved with, as well as those involving several other figures formerly engaged in raiding who subsequently entered politics, have done a lot to prove that political regions can in fact conduct both offensive and defensive actions, in combination with professional and capable diplomacy, and that has been one of the major catalysts in breaking down that historical viewpoint. In my opinion, the opportunities opened up by transcending these former cultural boundaries have created tremendous activity and success in the regions which have embraced what we today call Independence - and many of them have profited immensely from it. As have I. *Hides monies*

[Waldeck-Pyrmont]

This being an Independent conference is a load of the biggest defecation that could be mustered in one sitting. You cannot have an "Independent" anything when you include imperialist powers because that's missing the point of what an independent thing is. Independent means free from any faction, to do so what it pleases in gameplay without strings attached by side. Including major imperialist powers, therefore, crushed what this was about.

Not that I expected anything different from Euro.

[Onderkelkia]

This being an Independent conference is a load of the biggest defecation that could be mustered in one sitting. You cannot have an "Independent" anything when you include imperialist powers because that's missing the point of what an independent thing is. Independent means free from any faction, to do so what it pleases in gameplay without strings attached by side. Including major imperialist powers, therefore, crushed what this was about.

Not that I expected anything different from Euro.

There is no contradiction between the principles in this manifesto and a region seeking to aggressively expand and project its power (an imperialist region). Imperialist regions are as free as any other type of Independent region in their rejection of the raider/defender dichotomy as a basis for decision-making.

Indeed, Independence and imperialism share common origins in the foreign policy and military traditions of Great Britain and Ireland. In NationStates, imperialism is best understood as a variant of Independence, albeit a sub-categorisation with extra characteristics which not all Independent regions share.

[Waldeck-Pyrmont]

This being an Independent conference is a load of the biggest defecation that could be mustered in one sitting. You cannot have an "Independent" anything when you include imperialist powers because that's missing the point of what an independent thing is. Independent means free from any faction, to do so what it pleases in gameplay without strings attached by side. Including major imperialist powers, therefore, crushed what this was about.

Not that I expected anything different from Euro.

There is no contradiction between the principles in this manifesto and a region seeking to aggressively expand and project its power (an imperialist region). Imperialist regions are as free as any other type of Independent region in their rejection of the raider/defender dichotomy as a basis for decision-making.

Indeed, Independence and imperialism share common origins in the foreign policy and military traditions of Great Britain and Ireland. In NationStates, imperialism is best understood as a variant of Independence, albeit a sub-categorisation with extra characteristics which not all Independent regions share.

But to be independent is to be removed from a generalized factional system that is the norm. This is quite hard to achieve when a region signs treaties with regions that are of the normal perscribed alignments (be it with TBR). This would then begin to pose the question "what is the point?" Stated is that the foreign policy aspect sets that Imperialist and Independent thought is very much intertwined, but doesn't that defeat the purpose?

To be truly Independent, one must not subscribe to the normal power playing areas in order to create a sort of "third way" for gameplay. An Imperialist-set Independent agreement is the exact opposite of said goals. If treaties and agreements were to be cut with the major raider powers, then this would be true to its nature. Until such is reached, it seems that it is just another foreign policy tactic that'll hold less viability then before; a mere formality to sugarcoat what's already occurring.

[Anumia]

Again, though, doing one or the other often prepares a region to do both. Europeia, for example, primarily engages in invasions -- particularly for training, as its defensive operations usually aren't training operations -- and argues that these training tag raids keep its military active and well trained. So wouldn't defenses against tags serve as the same kind of comprehensive training? That's basically all I was getting at.

Our defensive missions have primarily been liberations, which take the same form as an invasion with a vigilant Delegate.

I would also note, again, that I believe a region can determine that it's in its interests never to invade other regions, given game mechanics. Even counterattack isn't definitively in a region's interests, even when such would be possible. Most treaties are based around mutual defense, so a region could very reasonably determine that defensive operations are the only type of operations that serve the regional interest.

This was "The way things are done in civilized parts" by and large 2003-2006. We are unlikely to return to such a zeitgeist in the near future.

Not least, perhaps, because of how quiet NS became towards the end of that period. I recall the conferences worrying about how the game was dying, how the military dynamic was stagnating, etc. Also, it may just be my perception, but defender regions with a high focus on politics seemed to have comparatively short lifespans, possibly because moralism tends to eventually clash with the practicality of politics. Again, that may be my perception, but it's one taken from being in defender regions back then, and watching other defender regions since.

This being an Independent conference is a load of the biggest defecation that could be mustered in one sitting. You cannot have an "Independent" anything when you include imperialist powers because that's missing the point of what an independent thing is. Independent means free from any faction, to do so what it pleases in gameplay without strings attached by side. Including major imperialist powers, therefore, crushed what this was about.

Not that I expected anything different from Euro.

Your esteemed and valuable opinion is noted and will be taken to heart by all regions involved.

[Onderkelkia]

There is no contradiction between the principles in this manifesto and a region seeking to aggressively expand and project its power (an imperialist region). Imperialist regions are as free as any other type of Independent region in their rejection of the raider/defender dichotomy as a basis for decision-making.

Indeed, Independence and imperialism share common origins in the foreign policy and military traditions of Great Britain and Ireland. In NationStates, imperialism is best understood as a variant of Independence, albeit a sub-categorisation with extra characteristics which not all Independent regions share.

But to be independent is to be removed from a generalized factional system that is the norm.

Imperialist regions are so removed, because they do not place themselves on the raider-defender spectrum.

Raider regions adopt a code of 'Raider Unity' and raid for its own sake - that's why their regions exist. Imperialist regions do not fall into this category.

In any case, forming an alliance with a raider region or a defender region only represents a commitment to that region alone, not to their sphere.

This is quite hard to achieve when a region signs treaties with regions that are of the normal perscribed alignments (be it with TBR).

Independence is based on a pragmatic vision of realist self-interest. That means recognising and taking advantage of mutual interests where they exist.

It is incorrect to suggest that Independence prevents a region from forming relationships with a raider region or a defender region. If forming a relationship with raider or defender region serves a region's diplomatic objectives and is not incompatible with their other interests, there is no reason why not.

Indeed, the Manifesto actively explains that there is no reason Independent regions cannot work with raider or defender regions. It depends on the context:

VI. An Independent region is not averse to collaborating with Raider, Defender, or other regions that do not subscribe to the Independent ideology. Such collaboration can exist on the basis of shared mutually beneficial interests, and on the condition that the other parties will acknowledge and respect the Independent region’s freedom to act in any capacity its self-interests dictate, and will not try to impose their own ideology on the Independent region.

This would then begin to pose the question "what is the point?" Stated is that the foreign policy aspect sets that Imperialist and Independent thought is very much intertwined, but doesn't that defeat the purpose?

As it happens, all the features in the Independent Manifesto (not just foreign policy) apply to imperialist regions as much as other Independent regions.

I fail to see how that 'defeats the purpose' as you put it. It reflects how the traditions of imperialism and Independence have developed.

To be truly Independent, one must not subscribe to the normal power playing areas in order to create a sort of "third way" for gameplay. An Imperialist-set Independent agreement is the exact opposite of said goals.

This is not an 'Imperialist-set independent agreement'. It is agreement collectively agreed to by the leading regions which identify as Independent.

Probably the regions with the greatest role in formulating this document were Europeia and The North Pacific, neither of which are imperialist.

If treaties and agreements were to be cut with the major raider powers, then this would be true to its nature.

The only raider region with which the LKE, TNI and Albion have an alliance is TBR, so there is no need to use the plural in 'major raider powers'.

Raider regions historically do not sign treaties - even today signing treaties does not form part of their general approach to foreign interaction. Raider regions adopt loyalty to each other on the basis of the fact that they carrying out raiding operations - without any need to codify this sense of obligation.

Signing treaties and agreements to define relationships on the other hand is entirely in line with the diplomatic nature of the Independent tradition.

Until such is reached, it seems that it is just another foreign policy tactic that'll hold less viability then before; a mere formality to sugarcoat what's already occurring.

It is breath-taking arrogance to dismiss the Independent tradition, the roots of which have been developing in this game since 2005, which has been subscribed to by Osiris, Balder, The North Pacific, The West Pacific, Europeia, LKE, TNI, Albion, Equilism and Ainur, as some sort of tactical maneuver.

[Leutria]

Why is Kantrias not one of the signatories?

Kantrias are welcome to sign as well, as is any other region interested in signing.

I expect we will, though I am going to give a chance for the Popular Assembly to debate it first. I didn't even know this was being written actually

[Mousebumples]

What is the Winter Ball?

The Winter Ball is a formal event of socialization between fellow NSers from a multitude of diverse regions. Whether you have just created your own nation and are starting out the game, or are one of the most political figures in a region and have been playing for years, you will find a place within the halls of the Winter Ball. Within this social aspect comes a multitude of games, dancing, and discussions, where everyone can get to know and play with/against their fellow NSers.

Where will the Winter Ball be?

The Winter Ball is being hosted on the forums of Europeia (http://s6.zetaboards.com/Europeia/index/).

When is the Winter Ball?

The Winter Ball will be held on December 1st-December 7th.

What type of games will be there?

Without spoiling any of the fun, there will, again, be "dancing", a multitude of conversation areas, appropriate games, and awards. Will you find yourself being the ‘Life of the Party’? Will you be the ‘Best Dressed’? Maybe you are an extrovert and prefer to discuss topics and play games. You can find yourself meeting some new friends! Either way, any person, the Winter Ball is catered towards you, and within the Ball will be aspects needed to provide you with the best experience. If this doesn't fill your appetite, a schedule of the Winter Ball will be posted within the next twelve days.

I look forward to seeing you there.

[Anumia]

As an update, the NationStates Winter Ball is officially up and running! We have a multitude of games and activities for all of you, and they include, but are not limited to:

A Winter Lounge with Discussions in the same area.
Arcade Games consisting of a flash games tournament, a Snowball Fight, some contests and more contests, and much more!
A Gallery consisting of discussions of literature, and literature and art contests.
A Ballroom consisting of a DJ Station and the dance floor.
A White Carpet where you can introduce yourself and your date (if applicable)!

Not to mention, we have a whole bunch of games running on mixlr, that are interactive radio games!

Here is the current schedule and the games:

Monday, December 1st-
Sign-Ups!
Tuesday, December 2nd-
Just a Minute Game (7 PM US EST)(Hosted by Shin)
Wednesday, December 3rd-
Moth Radio Hour (Hosted by Calvin Coolidge)(3 PM US EST)
Live Q & A with Europeian President Malashaan (9 PM EST)
Thursday, December 4th-
Two Truths and a Lie (4 PM US EST) (Hosted by Calvin Coolidge)
What's the Catch? (6 AM US EST)(Hosted by Anumia)
Friday, December 5th-
Regional Overviews (30 mins: 2 Regions) (9 PM EST) (Hosted by PhDre)
Saturday, December 6th- Moth Radio Hour (Hosted by Calvin Coolidge)(4 PM EST)
Regional Overviews (30 mins: 2 regions) (9 PM EST) (Hosted by PhDre)
Sunday, December 7th-
plug.dj Winter Movie (3 PM US EST) (Hosted by WL)

What are these games?

*Two Truths and a Lie - holiday style! Two Truths and a Lie - holiday style! You call in and say 3 things about the holidays - i.e. "3 gifts they've received over the years," or "3 holiday traditions," or 3 different topics that all fit with the winter/holiday theme.
*What's the Catch? You get dialed in and are given, by the host, a headline for the news. You must then make up a story that fits the headline while being creative in doing so.
*Moth Radio Hour- Complete socialization and talk-show. The host will entertain the audience, and the audience can call in if they have something they want to say (or if they want to read a poem they wrote, or a fictional or real story).
*Winter Cultural Diversity- Talking about the different cultures and holidays that come with winter!
*Winter Spirit- Winter traditions, activities, etc.
*Just a Minute- Someone gets called in, and are given a topic by the host to talk about. They must talk on the spot, and talk for a minute!
*Regional Overviews- Interviews with someone from a region to discuss said region and go on an overview of said region.
*Live Interview with Europeia's President Malashaan- Self-explanatory. We will be holding a live interview where questions can be asked and answered.

If you would like your region to be a part of a regional overview interview on mixlr, please post here.

Look here for the station directory.

Remember, this will be running all week and through Sunday night, when it will officially close. I look forward to seeing you there! For more information, check out this dispatch! If you have anymore questions, please telegram ADarkGod.

---

[Anumia]

December 6th, 2014
Our Regional Forum

New Government, New Success

After the election of our President, Malashaan, the government has seen its fair share of successes so far this term. The Ministry of Culture has put together several festivals of note, including a Halloween Festival, a Workers' Appreciation Festival (not as Communist as you'd think), and a joint festival with the Land of Kings and Emperors. The Ministry of Communications has been putting out several quality articles in the Europeian Broadcasting Center, and the Ministry of the Interior has helped our region stay above 800 nations for the first time in months. Foreign Affairs has begun organizing its ambassadors in more efficient departments, to streamline production, so to speak, and this has worked wonders so far. Finally the ERN has conducted many successful missions in the last couple months, including:

• October 15 - Eowyth Union was taken by the ERN and the Sekhmet Legion.
• October 18 - The Coalition of Catholic States was seiged by the ERN, with TBH and the UIAF.
• October 27 - The ERN, along with NPA, SPSF, and Balder, invaded and took over HAS.
• November 10 - Crusaders of the Matriarchy was overrun by the ERN and the LKE.
• November 20 - Portugal was taken by the ERN, the UIAF, TBR, and Ainur.
• December 1 - Most importantly, assisted in The South Pacific's delegate transfer from Kringalia to Tsunamy.

Senate Election

Our election for the noble Senate of Europeia earlier this month was one of the most intense this region has seen in quite some time, with many of the seats unable to be called safe until hours before the polls closed. There were upsets, tears, and blood (someone got a paper cut), and when the dust finally settled, Notolecta, who had been in the mix for the entire election, just got edged out for the final seat. The winning Senators are:

• Writinglegend
• Kraketopia
• Drecq
• Angelus
• Sopo
• Shin
• Anumia

In this mix, we have one newcomer, Angelus, who ran in his very first election, and won a Senate seat. This just goes to show that in Europeia, dreams do come true. Quickly after, Drecq was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Senate, then the Senate moved on to the topic of committees, where after a close internal vote, it was decided one committee would be formed for the remainder of President Malashaan's term (roughly three weeks). If the committee did not prove its worth by then, it would be closed. Will it succeed? Stay tuned.

Europeian Public Radio

Have you ever found yourself watching daytime television, thinking, "Boy, I wish there was no picture, and all this stuff was somehow related to NS."? Well, Greg, you're in luck. The EPR has recently been released on the website mixlr, and the Europeian government will using this radio broadcasting system to promote events, like the recent LKE-Europeia festival, where we interviewed outgoing Prime Minister of LKE, Josh Sebastian. Or, the upcoming Winter Ball, where we will be hosting many games, with real-live hosts and everything! So, if you like listening to strangers on the Internet talk about things you may be interested in, come check out the Winter Ball, and more Europeian events, to find out more.

[Calvin Coolidge]

January 17, 2015
Our Regional Forum

President Election Galore!
Who loves elections? Europeia does! Don’t believe me? Just look at our last Presidential election and you’ll see we had so much activity that we had to bury the extra out back… I mean donate it to needy orphans. We had four tickets run for the main office, and one of them even won! Don’t look so surprised, that was kind of a given, wasn’t it? Anyway, the results are here, for those of you who are interested:

Mousebumples/Malashaan - 26
Notolecta/Calvin Coolidge - 8
Seven Deaths/Rach - 7
prometheus32/Santa Costa Island - 0

So, a brief synopsis of our winners:

Mousebumples is our current World Assembly Delegate, and was Vice-President this previous term. Before that, she was a long-serving Chair of the Citizens’ Assembly (a sort of legislative training ground in the region) and an incredibly successful Minister of Interior. She is known for her helpful nature, and ability to accomplish any task she sets her mind to.

Malashaan was our President last term, and has previously served as Chief Justice and Speaker of the Senate. That’s right ladies, he’s got the trifecta. He’s known for his sharp legal mind and his ability to accomplish any task he sets his mind to. Yeah, he and Mousebumples have that in common. Ready to move to Europeia yet?

And, for those of you wondering why you are just hearing about this news now, when the election ended on December 20th, I say… next question, please!

Cabinets for Days!
Along with the new President, Europeia also got a brand-spanking new Cabinet to store the members of our Executive in. Now, I could just list the people and the positions they have, but a lot of you don’t really know them, so allow me to introduce them to you, as well give a brief description of what they do.

For the position of Attorney General, we have Skizzy Grey, former President of Europeia, and one of the preeminent legal voices of the community. The Attorney General is the defualt representative of the government in the High Court and acts as advisor to the government on legal issues.

In Communications, we have Notolecta, former Chief Justice, with a reputation for calling it as he sees it, no sugar-coating. The Communication Minister controls the Europeian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) and is responsible for informing the public about the activities of the government.

Moving on to Culture, there’s Sopo, another former President, and current Senator, widely known as the resident sloth of good times. The Culture Minister manages cultural and academic activities in the region and planning fun events for the region, including the Weekend Games we take part in, such as Town of Salem and Cards Against Humanity.

Interior is up next, headed by Writinglegend, former Minister of Culture and another current Senator, known for the energy and efficiency he brings to any task he is assigned. The Interior Minister manages the recruitment of new members to Europeia, the integration of new recruits into Europeian life, and recording population statistics for the region.

For those interested in Foreign Affairs, we have Calvin Coolidge in this position, former Minister of Communications, and current Chair of the Citizens’ Assembly. The Foreign Affairs Minister manages foreign embassies, maintains our Ambassador Corps, forms agreements with other regions, and writes/distributes updates to other regions to let them know of recent events in our Republic. So, if you have any comments on this Foreign Update, send me the adoration I’m sure I will receive.

Grand Admiral is Kraketopia, yet another former President and current Senator, with a firm grasp on what it means to be representing an Independent region like Europiea. The Grand Admiral commands the Europeian Republican Navy, training our sailors in military matters and ordering operations for training and important foreign matters.

And, of course, no Cabinet would be complete without the honorable r3naissanc3r, serving as Minister with Penguins (essentially, Minister without Portfolio). He is around to lend a helping hand (or flipper, as it were) and we are eternally grateful.

Citizens’ Assembly Activity is on Fire!
The Citizens’ Assembly recently had its election for Chair (a position equivalent to Speaker for this body), and, perhaps taking a page from the Presidential election’s book, had four amped-up candidates participating in one of the most closely watched elections to come out of this Assembly. The incumbent, Calvin Coolidge, battled his Deputy Vicky, as well as fellow Assemblymembers Aditya Republic and Brunhilde. In the end, Calvin won a close victory over Brunhilde, earning him a second term.

Last term was also a very active one for the Assembly on the legislative front, with several proposals making it to a vote, with two eventually passing and moving into the law books. Talk about activity!

Fancy a Weekend Game?
Every week, the Ministry of Culture hosts three games off-site for our members (and even those abroad that wish to participate) to play. If you wish to play, check out these links for a description, and our schedule below:

Schedule
Cards Against Humanity: Fridays @ 8pm EST/1am GMT (link)
Town of Salem: Saturdays @ 8pm EST/1am GMT (link)
Board Game Online/ Tiny Tanks: Sundays @ 5pm EST/10pm GMT (link or link)
A few notes...

• There is typically a Skype group for each game. If you are not yet connected with Europeians on Skype and would like to be, shoot Culture Minister Sopo a PM (or telegram his main nation Ambrella) with your screenname and Sopo add you to the relevant groups.
• You will need a URL to join the Europeian CAH and BGO games. That link will be distributed on the RMB, in the shoutbox, in the Ministry of Culture, and on Skype before the game starts.
• For Town of Salem, you will need to be online in the game lobby to be added to the game. You will also need to send the host a friend request. This player's username will be announced in the same places mentioned above before the game starts (though to be safe, you can go ahead and add Culture Minister, "Sopo")
• Town of Salem requires an account to play. Consider making an account in advance.
• BGO does not require an account, but having one allows you to gain achievements.
• Tiny Tanks requires an account, but it will direct you how to do so when you arrive at the website. You will have to look for the game name, and password, both of which shall be provided.