They will discuss it and approve it while there is some major event going down. Let's say a complete meltdown of Greece, a natural disaster, more war in the middle east...
Maybe a trade agreement would prevent a Greek meltdown by freeing trade opportunities for Greece. The problem in Greece has been too much left wing and not enough economic liberalism.
The problem in Greece[1] is a combination of the EU centralizing money but not monetary policy, and the only regulatory tools available being controlled by inflation-phobic germans and the class-specific "put option" they imposed on Greece (et al) with the regressive "austerity" policies.
It's from both sides,as far as I can tell. Incredibly strong unions coupled with a handful incredibly powerful businessmen. Both exert undue influence over the government. By undue, I mean that the strength of the central government is constantly in question. There's many sensible things the government can't do because the parliamentarians and media are owned by ca. five rich guys while the employees won't execute orders.
briandear|10 years ago
pdkl95|10 years ago
[1] I recommend this explanation by (Brown University prof. econ.) Mark Blyth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6vV8_uQmxs#t=674
tormeh|10 years ago
ionised|10 years ago