Talk of common values and the rule of law causes heartburn among such Russian officials as Vladimir Chizhov, a smiling and impenetrable ambassador to the EU. Asked what Russia wants from the EU, he starts with what it does not want: to have it as a bossy patron come to modernise Russia.

ECONOMIST: Russia, NATO and Europe

In telling the story, Madonna takes on the voice of a slightly bossy teacher, telling her readers to not interrupt and to listen carefully.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Madonna teaches children a lesson

That they will find life much harder when they get there and themselves even more in hock to bossy Euro-monitors does not seem to put them off one wit.

ECONOMIST: Prodi��s prayer

He is widely believed not to want a second term, but to have been pushed into it by his bossy twin brother, Jaroslaw, who leads the main opposition party, Law and Justice.

ECONOMIST: Poland's strong economy