*** CHRISTIAN LEQUESNE: Quand l'Union européenne gouverne les poissons: pourquoi une politique commune de la pêche? Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches Internationales, Fondation nationale des sciences politiques (27 rue Saint-Guillaume, F-75337 Paris Cedex 07. Tel: (33-1) 44108484, fax: 44108450, http: //http://www.ceri-sciencespo.com ). "Les études du CERI" series No 61. 1999, 37 pages.
The common fisheries policy, which has been on the European agenda since 1970, "bears testimony to the fact that the EU has not allowed expertise to take precedence over politics". While "international experts and Commission officials try to protect fish stocks on the basis of scientific opinions", this policy "illustrates above all the EU's role as the new forum for political compromise between governments and social players". This is the starting point of this CERI study, the ambition of which is to describe the conditions and results of negotiations between the political and social players involved in the common fisheries policy, the fishing industry, of course, but also the processing industry, consumers and environmentalists.
Christian Lequesne begins by examining the historical conditions of the inclusion of fisheries on the Community political agenda. He goes on to describe the interests and players involved, insisting that the emergence of a European forum for the representation of interests is superimposed upon but does not replace national and local fora. In this framework he also observes that the Commission is the EU institution with the capacity to develop the most comprehensive fisheries expertise: its DG for Fisheries, created in 1976, is "made up of officials many consider to be the guardians of expert rationality in the face of governments under pressure from the fishing industry". With their colleagues from national oceanographic institutes, these officials form "an epistemic community sharing a paradigm with a three-point definition: - stocks of fish are threatened by the irrationality of the fishing industry; - the mission of scientists is to encourage governments to counter this threat through measures regulating fish resources (TAC and quotas); - to this effect, statistical evaluation models are needed making it possible to convince policy makers of the extent of the dangers confronting stocks". Christian Lequesne goes on to explain why the conservation of fish resources constitutes both the cornerstone of the common fisheries policy and the area for which implementation continues to show the greatest national diversity. It is through the annual adjustment of total allowable catches and quotas, a system introduced in 1983, that politics comes to the fore, under cover of the "so-called principle of relative stability". This principle fixes a formula under which Member States share TACs for the principal species "on the basis of three criteria that have absolutely nothing to do with biology", namely the preservation of traditional fishing activities in each State, the specific needs of regions most dependent upon fisheries and catches in the waters of third countries "lost" as a result of the extension by the latter of their own fishing zones.
After demonstrating how the EU, by becoming a new forum for political compromise, has developed forms of redistribution among the different players while simultaneously providing a response to globalisation, the author draws the following conclusions. (1) The common fisheries policy is one of the rare Community policies designed to be applied on the basis of direct administration (use of regulations rather than directives, "although this characteristic must not mask the diversity of modes of implementation in national territories"). (2) The development of the common fisheries policy by the Commission and Council tandem has gradually been called into question by the EP and, at the request of the institutions and the fishing industry, the Court of Justice. (3) The inclusion of fisheries on the EU agenda is not being reflected in a real "Europeanisation" of representation of the sector's interests, as most mobilisation by the industry still occurs in the States. Christian Lequesne concludes his convincing study with a presentation of the stakes of the reform that will have to be decided before 31 December 2002, a date anticipated in 1998 by the Commission -"true to its primary vocation of offering expertise (which it has always carried out better than management tasks, as revealed by the events culminating in the resignation of the Santer Commission)"-, with the launch of a process for consultation of the social interests concerned. This ground-clearing work clarifies the extent to which access to resources remains an essential stake for all parties (national ship owners and fisheries organisations) and simultaneously brings into play contrasting interests that could lead, if care is not taken, to a "gradual renationalisation of fish resources which would spell the failure of common fisheries policy as we know it". An enlightening perspective!
Michel Theys
*** JEAN-BAPTISTE MILLARD: La politique agricole commune et l'euro. European Parliament (Directorate General for Research). "Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development" series (AGRI 105/REV FR). 1999, 120 p. + annexes.
This EP document studies the repercussions of the euro on agriculture, particularly the advantages of monetary union for the agriculture and agri-foods sector. It presents a useful and intelligent clarification of the opportunities the single currency offers for these sectors. Hats off to the author, whose name is only mentioned on the inside front cover, this being an "internal document". So why review it? Because of the author's worthwhile reflection.
(MT)
*** GIULIANA LASCHI: L'agricoltura italiana e l'integrazione europea. Editions Peter Lang (15 Jupiterstrasse, Postfach 277, CH-3000 Bern, Tel: (41-31) 9402121, fax: 9402131). "Euroclio. Etudes et Documents" series. 1999, 350 pages, CHF 47. ISBN 3-906762-37-8.
A reworked version of a doctoral dissertation in history defended at the European University Institute in Florence, this work by Giuliana Laschi -today a professor at the Universities of Bologna and Florence, where she holds a Jean Monnet Chair- sheds light on a little known aspect of relations between Italy and the nascent Community Europe, during the period up to 1962, the year in which the common price for wheat was fixed. It highlights the ambivalence characteristic of the attitude of the Italian authorities who, although very much in favour of integration, often were confronted with difficulties implementing Community policies. Opening with a general chapter that presents a caustic appraisal of the question in European historiography, the author describes, with the aid of statistics and graphics, the situation of Italian agriculture at the end of the war and during the first European economic negotiations. The original "green pool" of the early 50s and the first steps towards the CAP in the framework of the common market are then analysed in detail, with abundant documentation. The author concludes by suggesting avenues for reflection with a view to a reform of the European agricultural system.
(ED)
*** GILBERT NOËL: Le Conseil de l'Europe et l'agriculture. Idéalisme politique européen et réalisme économique national (1949-1957). Editions Peter Lang (voir coordonnées supra). "Euroclio. Etudes et Documents" series. 1999, 350 pages, CHF 55. ISBN 3-906762-92-0.
While Europe's agriculture policy has been dissected in countless publications, the same cannot be said of the pioneering action by the Council of Europe to promote a "Green Europe" prior to establishment of the first Community institutions. So this work by Gilbert Noël -lecturer in contemporary history at Université d'Artois and at the European Studies Institute of Université catholique de Louvain- fills a gap in the history of European integration. Tracing in detail the work of the Strasbourg-based Consultative Assembly in the food and agriculture sector, he describes the institutional means the Assembly created and the strategy adopted by a handful of parliamentarians to shape a European community of agriculture. Noël also highlights the first agricultural pressure group intervention mechanisms during debate on the "green pool". But he also demonstrates how, slowed by internal dissension and conservatism, the Council of Europe little by little was excluded from all initiatives likely to lead to a genuine European organisation of agricultural markets. An essentially political forum, incapable of promoting a large-scale economic objective, the Council of Europe nevertheless nurtured advanced reflection, from which much was learnt during subsequent development of the CAP within the framework of the common market.
(ED)
*** WOLFGANG VAN RIENEN, UDO WASSER: EG-Recht der Gas-und Wasserversorgungstechnik. Regelungen der Europäischen Gemeinschaft zur Harmonisierung der Produktanforderungen und ihre Umsetzung in deutsches Recht. Wirtschafts-und Verlagsgesellschaft Gas und Wasser mbH Postfach 140151- 53056, D-53056 Bonn. Tel: (490228) 2598-400, fax: 2598-420, info@wvgw.de, htpp: //http://www.uvgw.de ). 1999, 275 pages. ISBN 3-89554-088-9.
The internal market for products used for the distribution of gas and water has been in existence for some time. More and more devices bear the EC stamp and thus are allowed to cross borders without any particular restrictions. This situation gives manufacturers and suppliers numerous opportunities while exposing them to more competition, in Germany and throughout the Community. What is authorised and what is banned in this context? These are the questions Van Rienen and Wasser examine in this work, offering a broad overview of legal instruments. They interpret the most important directives in the gas and water sector, explaining in detail the consequences of their transposition for German law. The language is clear and the arguments relevant, helping to do away with various legal uncertainties.
(CB)
*** UWE WETZEL, MARTIN WEYAND, Ed.: Das neue Energiewirtschaftsrecht und seine Folgen für Markt und Branchen. Wirtschafts-und Verlagsgesellschaft Gas und Wasser mbH (see above). 1999, 224 pages. ISBN 3-89554-090-0.
Six renowned experts contributed to this work, edited by lawyer Uwe Wetzel and economist Martin Weyand. The new playing field on the energy market is leading to important changes in the energy sourcing industry. Businesses are confronted with a new situation of competition, requiring strategies and different structures. Calculations, marketing and the orientation of clientele have become markedly more important. This work describes clearly and in detail the effects of the new legal situation. In addition to legal texts, it contains practical information on optimal management of costs and benefits.
(CB)
*** PAUL NIHOUL: Droit européen des télécommunications. L'organisation des marchés. Larcier (39 rue des Minimes, B-1000 Brussels. Distribution: Accès +, 4 Fond Jean Pâques, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve. Tel: (32) 010482500, fax: 010482519, acces+cde@deboeck.be). "Création Information Communication" series. 1999, 384 pages, FEB 4,750, FRF 772. ISBN 2-8044-0534-6.
Electronic data transmission is changing the face of the world, including human relations which, in the information society upon which we are embarking, no longer are hindered by distance. In parallel, a new model for the organisation of markets is emerging everywhere, particularly in Community Europe. The telecommunications sector obviously is no exception to this opening to competition which, as former Commissioner Karel Van Miert explains in his preface, is not being applied in Europe in a perspective inspired by uncontrolled liberalism. "This is not deregulation, but liberalisation, which implies (...) re-regulation, to ensure equality of opportunity between partners" and "to guarantee that market liberalisation benefits the entire population". These phenomena and the way the Union is managing them are analysed in this work, resulting from a doctoral dissertation in law defended at Université catholique de Louvain.
Now a member of the New York Bar (he also worked as Law Clerk at the Court of Justice) and lecturer at various universities (UCL, R. Schuman in Strasbourg, Rijksuniversiteit in Groningen), Paul Nihoul addresses the subject -which goes well beyond the framework of telecommunications alone- in a four-part work. First, he analyses the rules adopted by Community authorities concerning terminals, services, networks, satellite communications, cable TV networks, different forms of telephony and public procurement. He then studies the dismantling of national monopolies (abolition of exclusive and special rights, abolition of other restrictions) before going on to explore the structure set in place by Community authorities. Nihoul then examines questions such as the protection of users, transparency on the market, the establishment of independent authorities and the shaping of a Community industry whose flagship enterprises are gradually taking on a global dimension. The fourth part deals with the freedom left to enterprises in the light of the notion of universal service, whose rules are analysed by the author, along with its relationship to services of general interest and the public service. A selective bibliography, index and web addresses of the main official documents add to the interest of this work, vital for those interested in law and telecommunications.
(LD)
*** COMMISSION EUROPEENNE: Rapport général sur l'activité de l'Union européenne, 1999. Distributed by the Official Publications Office (L-2985 Luxembourg). 2000, 568 pages, 38 euros. ISBN 92-828-8156-3.
This general report, an annual exercise by the European Commission, was adopted on 28 January last. It reviews the Union's action in all sectors of activities over the past year. The report highilghts the following major advances: introduction of the euro, new impetus given to the enlargement process, examination of reform of the institutions and deepening of the internal market. It also reviews the pursuit of new objectives, in particular the modernisation of Community competition law, promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation, launch of the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development and adoption of new programmes in the field of education and training. The EU also took steps to guarantee the mainstreaming of the environmental dimension into other policies and to combat climate change as a priority. The quality of citizens' lives, the protection of public helath and food safety were also given considerable attention, along with the strengthening of means of action in matters of justice and home affairs.
*** Europe's Agenda 2000: Strengthening and Widening the European Union. Available in all the working languages from European Commission offices (in Belgium: 73 rue Archimède, B-1000 Bruxelles, Tel: (32) 022953844). 1999, 23 pages. ISBN 92-828-7888-0.
This booklet describes succinctly the objectives of Agenda 2000 and the changes it will bring about. It explains the evolution of the common agriculture policy and the changes needed for a "leaner greener European model of agriculture", the need for concentrated aid, focused funding and decentralised management of regional policy, the priorities of the financial framework for 2000-2006 and the state of enlargement negotiations.
*** Regard européen. Editions Letizia (75 rue de Lourmel, Tel: (33-1) 47272254, fax: 47272258). December 1999, 142 pages. Annual subscription: 46 euros.
European defence is the theme of this issue. Articles are entitled: "A Responsible Europe in a Renewed Atlantic Alliance" (Jacques Chirac), "The Indispensable Alliance" (Lord Robertson of Port Ellen), "The New Alliance" (Theodossis Georgiou), "Guaranteeing Peace in Europe" (Catherine Trautmann), "NATO and the European Union Hand in Hand" (Guido Podestá), "A Europe of Peace and Prosperity" (Bernardino Gomes), "The New Trans-Atlantic Agenda" (Emilio Colombo), "The Globality of NATO" (Robert Hunter) and "The Mission of the Council of Europe" (Hans-Christian Krüger). The issue also includes studies on Eastern Europe: "The Cost of Double Enlargement" (François Lamoureux), "NATO, European Union: Double Enlargement" (Dimitrios Apostolakis), "Lithuania Drawn by the West" (Asta Skaisgiryté), "Romania: Return to the European Family", "Lithuanian Determination" (Vygaudas Usackas), "Our Experience in Bosnia" (Philippe Morillon).
*** Boletín asturiano sobre la Unión europea. C/Suárez de la Riva 11, E-33007 Oviedo, Tel: (34-98) 5106780, fax: 5106779, oface@princast.es). No 84, 89 pages.
In this issue: challenges and threats to the Asturias region at the dawn of the new millennium, European Union regional policy and an overview of the Union's principal activities in September and October 1999.
European reviews, briefly.
*** Bulletin européen. Edizioni Nagard (Milano). In No 12 (Dec. 99, 24 pages): The Security Charter for the 21st century; ten years since the fall of the Berlin wall; culture and Europe; the Geneva Conventions; and Moldova in the current European context. *** Europa Junta. Consejería de la Presidencia Junta de Andalucía (Sevilla). In No 74/99 (40 pages): a special feature on the European Court of Justice and reflection on its development, harmonisation of direct taxation in the EU, approval of the Prodi Commission by the EP, the European strategy to combat unemployment, and more. *** Tribune pour l'Europe. European Parliament. Press Division (Brusssels). In No 12/99 (4 pages): the Helsinki Summit, dissension between France and the United Kingdom over beef, compulsory labelling of beef, the failure of the WTO Conference in Seattle.