Euromyths

1 June 2010 - I learned a new word today: euromyth. Euromyths are negative stories about the European Union burocracy (in particular in the British press), usually based on hearsay and rumor. Most stories have been repeated so many times that they have almost become truths. For example, one of these myths is the EU ban on eating cakes for competition, which was feared to affect the English country fairs and bakery competitions for charity. The Scottish Rural Women Federation went as far as issuing a press release that all cakes and scones up for competition needed to be destroyed. Consequently, the EU responded immediately and issued a statement saying that the ban was not meant for events, where food is only prepared occasionally. It appears people in Brussels are very busy.