The Finns are not always known for their humour, but JEF-Finland has managed to make a funny set of movies busting the myths about the EU. They are posted on the Kurkkudirektiivi (trans: Cucumber Directives) website. Apparently the Finns put some sort of tar(?) in their food, and the EU wants to ban this according to the myth, but it’s not actually true. The tar police come and cart some people away in the first of the movies. It’s all a bit surreal, and I do wish they would make some versions with sub-titles. But the next time Margot Wallström is looking for some communications inspiration then maybe she should turn to some young Finnish federalists.
http://www.nicomarket.com
The Commission is doing quite well itself! Check out their anti-smoking initiative! Pretty cool for the Commission!
Thanks for bringing the site up in your blog! It´s been a fun project to do and we´ve gained more publicity in the media than ever, very happy about it. See you soon in Copehagen!
The above is not exactly true. Traditional pine tar must still to undergoe registration and authorization by the new chemical legislation (REACH) and it is not sure if small trational tar makers can ever carry out this expensive procedure. Probably more toxic coal tar will pass this system because it is backed by big industry in central Europe,
EU has caused here in Finland four-fold increase in methanol poisonings due to misuse of it by alcoholics in the 1990s. It came to gas stations after Finland joined EU.
I tried to send this information to Kurkkudirektiivi-pages but it was not accepted there.
Thanks for the clarification! I assumed it was not the same tar as is used for roads… 🙂
I appreciate the launch of the ‘Cucumber Directive’ website, which tries to dispel myths about the European Union. The Young Finnish Federalists are doing good work.
The video on the Tar Police raid may give one the wrong impression. Actually, pine tar has been the traditional substance to protect wood, like British ships, Finnish rowing boats and houses.
A few years ago, tar was discussed when the EU was preparing rules on biocides, a ban was debated, but never became reality.
Regards
Ralf Grahn