August 2008: Nosemonkey's EUtopia

Blog of the Month for August is Nosemonkey's EUtopia. Nosemonkey is the pseudonym of journalist J. Clive Matthews. The blog's tagline, ‘in search of a European identity,' gives some indication of Matthews' desire to delve through the confusing morass of modern Europe to see what he can find. He's doing a fine job. His blog was recently shortlisted for the UACES-Reuters Reporting Europe Award.

EUtopia is primarily concerned with European politics and international relations. However, Matthews has confessed to (an understandable) boredom with British and EU politics. In light of his own tedium, he has decided to shift the focus of his blog onto European culture and history. He still intends to blog on politics and current affairs but is looking to broaden the scope a little.

Matthews describes his politics as ‘critically pro-EU and centrist,' although he does confess to having once been a eurosceptic. His writing on matters European is engaged and engaging. He is thoughtful commentator who steers a clear course away from the kind of froth-mouthed nonsense you find on many a political blog. He is also resolutely unimpressed by the pomp of the political process.

EUtopia is a well designed and accessible site, always a bonus when there is large archive, as is the case here. Across the top there are several channels to click on, such as Best of, Culture and History. On the right of the screen recent posts and recent comments on the posts are listed. There are also links to other EU blogs and a list of the most popular blog entries on the site.

Garan Holcombe