*** ANTOINE FLEURY, LUBOR JILEK, Ed.: Le Plan Briand d'Union fédérale européenne. Perspectives nationales et transnationales, avec documents. Peter Lang (15 Jupiterstrasse, Postfach 277, CH-3000 Bern 15, Tel (41-31) 9402121, fax: 9402131, customerservice @ peterlang.com, http: //http://www.peterlang.ch ). 1998, 610 pages, CHF 82. ISBN 3-906760-61-8.
Can study of the origins -some might even say the prehistory- of European unification still teach us anything or at least provide useful avenues of reflection for dealing with the challenges facing Europe today? That question, raised countless times, will doubtless go forever unanswered. And we know that comparisons are odious and that history is not inclined to repeat itself. Yet who could deny that the leaders who helped build Community Europe in the 50s and 60s already belonged, 20 years earlier, to the young generation who, in large part, were not unaware of the efforts being made by their elders to put an end to the tragic political and economic consequences of the first World War? What is more, is it not solidarity between the generations that explains certain phenomena of continuity that have sometimes made it possible to transcend the fundamental division caused by the Second World War? It is not our goal to try to address that vast subject here. But it is nonetheless true that it is for historians to dig out from the past oft-neglected undertakings or achievements -without forcing their interpretation from too deterministic an angle- to point out the troubling analogies they sometimes present with the challenges of the day.
We therefore welcome the long-awaited publication of this masterly work on the Briand Plan (1929-1930) for Federal European Union. Indeed, it reproduces -in French, English, German and Italian- the papers presented at an international conference held in September 1991 in Geneva, organised jointly by the International Association of Contemporary European History, the European Institute of Geneva University and the European Archives Foundation. It also includes the complete text of the memorandum and report by the French Government on the results of the investigation into the organisation of a federal regime in Europe. The challenge of the research was sizeable. Often mentioned in passing but rarely explained in detail, the Briand memorandum has never been examined from an academic standpoint so completely prior to this publication. So justice has finally been rendered to the father of what appears to be the first initiative for a united Europe at governmental level. Recalling in passing the extent to which the period between the two world wars was rich with innovative experiments and ideas on European rapprochement, the authors trace the process of maturation and development of the Briand proposal, analysing in detail its great potential. Taking a comparative approach, they then dissect the different national reactions to the Quai d'Orsay's initiative on the basis of often previously unpublished archives, both public and private. And, at the same time, they bring to light the pacifist climate or what was called at the time "the spirit of Geneva" present in the international relations and preoccupations of the League of Nations. The interdependence of diplomatic and business circles is likewise clearly brought to light.
Five main themes regroup some 40 original contributions. It is impossible to mention them all here. They are introduced by a penetrating essay by Professor Jacques Bariéty (University of Paris-Sorbonne) who studies the reasons for the gradual eclipsing of the personality and action of Aristide Briand, praised to the skies during his lifetime, from the French collective and official memory. Part One of this work places the Briand plan into its ideological context through an examination of the now recognised pioneering role played by certain intellectuals and other activists working to promote the European concept in the 30s. The subjects addressed include European customs union, the pan-European Union of Count Coudenhove-Kalergi, the Federation for European Entente and the European commitment of Spanish writer José Ortega y Gasset.
The authors then examine the economic implications of the Briand Plan, which already made provision for the establishment of a "great European common market". Eric Bussière (University of Paris-Sorbonne) demonstrates how the French project was at the cusp of two economic concepts of the time, sometimes favouring a reorganisation of economic relations on the basis of industrial entente and a "Europe of producers", sometimes more attracted by a regional customs union that, on the contrary, tended to support the constitution of the United States of Europe. Professor Michel Dumoulin (Université catholique de Louvain) explains how the Briand Plan gave dynamism in Belgium to a debate already underway on internal economic and social reform in the framework of a general reorientation of the country's external policy. With the contribution by Professor Robert Boyce (London School of Economics and Political Science), readers learn why the imperial dimension and the fear of supranationalism could not but lead to point-blank refusal of the plan in Great Britain. Part Three of the volume concentrates on analysis of reactions to the Briand Plan in political circles and European public opinion. Professor Klemann (University of Utrecht) recalls the very reserved attitude of Dutch colonial circles while Corrado Malandrino (University of Turin) briefly traces the action being developed at the same time by exiled Italian antifascist movements to support Briand's European policy and counterbalance the open hostility of Mussolini's government to the Geneva projects. The reactions of certain international institutions make up the fourth part of the work. Marie-Renée Mouton (University of Grenoble) describes the lukewarm reaction to the Briand proposals by certain members of the League of Nations, the universal vocation of the organisation admittedly coming into conflict with the creation of strictly European and potentially competitive institutions. Professor Luciano Tosi (University of Perugia) studies the bold proposals advanced by the International Agriculture Institute in Rome, the distant ancestor of today's Food and Agriculture Organisation (a United Nations body). Bianca Valota Cavalotti (University of Milan) continues the exercise with a review of the stance adopted by the "Green International" and farmers' associations from Eastern Europe, who supported greater European agricultural cooperation.
Lastly, there is a detailed analysis of nineteen of the twenty-six responses submitted by European states in the summer of 1930. Of particular interest are the arguments put forward by Turkey and the Central and Eastern European countries, which were already raising the issue of Europe's frontiers at the time. It also becomes clear why the determination of the Briand memorandum to subordinate economic problems to political issues was quickly contradicted by events. The supporters of "relaunch" in the 50s cleverly remembered this. Yet the governmental responses demonstrate abundantly the extent to which the idea of European unity was foreign to national concerns of the time. They also bring to light the precursor status of the initiative of Aristide Briand. How can one not regret this blindness when looking with hindsight at the origins and consequences of World War Two? And at a time when Europe is living through often trying times, it is useful to consider the contribution made by these papers whose authors pick up the thread of a way of thinking too often forgotten, favouring a salutary return to the sources of European thinking.
Etienne Deschamps
*** YVES LEJEUNE, Ed.: La participation de la Belgique à l'élaboration et à la mise en oeuvre du droit européen - De deelname van België aan de voorbereiding en de uitvoering van het Europees recht. Aspects organisationnels et procéduraux - Organisatorische en procedurele aspecten. Editions Bruylant (67 rue de la Régence, B-1000 Bruxelles). Institut d'études européennes de l'Université catholique de Louvain. 1999, 813 pages, FEB 5,200. ISBN 2-8027-1315-9.
Resulting from a conference held in 1999 by the Groupe d'étude du droit administratif de l'intégration européenne, this work dissects the Belgian federal state's participation in the development and implementation -often insufficient- of Community law. As explained by Professor Lejeune, the question is addressed from the legal, procedural, administrative and organisational aspects. The work studies both topical problems and longer-term issues. (MT)
*** EUI Review. The European University Institute (Badia Fiesolana, 9 via dei Roccettini, I-50016 San Domenico di Fiesole. Fax: (39-055) 46853636, E-mail: publish@datacomm.ive.it, http: http://www.ive.it/ ). Spring 2000 , 68 pages.
The spring issue of the review put out by the Florence-based European University Institute (a very convivial publication, with photos and personal contributions by professors, alumni, etc.) opens with "Questions to Romano Prodi", who is asked about the "performance of the Institute at European level", not only in his capacity as President of the European Commission, but also as a university professor. The EUI, in only 25 years of existence, has become a "landmark institution in European higher education and research", said Mr Prodi, praising in particular the dynamism of the Robert Schuman Centre and noting that one of the Institute's missions is to "train the European elite of the countries that have applied for membership" of the European Union.
Among the Institute's recent activities, the brochure mentions workshops on "The Modernization of EC Antitrust Policy", "Coming to Terms with the Mediterranean Syndrome", "The Implementation of European Environmental Policies in Southern States" and "Far Right Populism and Democracy in a European Context: The Case of Austria", as well as the fifth meeting of the European Electricity Regulation Forum. (MG)
*** Répertoire de l'Action Jean Monnet 1990-1999. Série Action Jean Monnet. Commission européenne, Direction générale de l'Education et de la Culture (Action Jean Monnet, 200 rue de la Loi, B-1049 Bruxelles). 1999, 475 pages. ISBN 92-828-6484-7.
This directory contains all the relevant data (by country and university, lists of Jean Monnet Professorships, addresses of Jean Monnet Professors, etc.) on the 2,322 projects undertaken since 1990 by universities and Jean Monnet Professors within the framework of the Jean Monnet Action. As recalled in the preface, this action was developed in response to a request by universities for support for the introduction of European studies in their curricula; it currently consists of a network of 1,200 professors specialised in European integration studies and more than 200,000 students who attend their courses every year (see EUROPE of 3 May, p. 16, for more on the creation of 47 new Jean Monnet Professorships). More than 600 universities or higher education institutions participate in the Jean Monnet Action, in EU Member States and in Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The Jean Monnet Action is being conducted in close cooperation with academics, via the European University Council for the Jean Monnet Action, which assists the European Commission in project selection and follow-up. Former Commission Secretary General Emile Noël was its first Chair. For further information: http: //http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/dg10/university/ajm/ . (MG)
*** Education interculturelle dans l'Union européenne. Activités locales, régionales et interrégionales. Exemple de bonne pratique. Comité des régions (79 rue Belliard, B-1040 Bruxelles, Tel: (32-2) 2822211, fax: 2822325, Internet: http: //http://www.cor.eu.int/ ; distributed by the Official Publications Office, L-2985 Luxembourg). 1999, 62 pages, 7 euros. ISBN 92-828-7597-0.
At a time when there is an alarming increase in xenophobic discourse in Europe, the second edition of this guide is a timely illustration of the many initiatives and good practices of numerous EU regions and towns in the area of intercultural education. Drawn up by the Centre for Intercultural Education of Ghent University, this practical guide highlights action programmes and initiatives to combat racism and promote the integration of all citizens in economic, social and civil life through education and training. It includes a brief bibliography. (ED)
*** TONY ROBINSON: Challenge or Crisis? Europe, its Institutions and the Media. Bergoje Academic Publishing (6 clos du Bergoje, B-1160 Bruxelles. Tel: (32) 026755464, fax: 026620896). 2000.
On the basis of his experience, first, as a journalist, and then as spokesman for the Socialist group in the EP, Tony Robinson analyses in detail the way journalists cover European affairs in Brussels, focusing in particular on media in the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Belgium. Through interviews with EU officials, Members of the EP and journalists of different nationalities, Tony Robinson dissects the behaviour of this particular category of journalists, notably at the Amsterdam Summit in June 1997. He observes that media reporting on the EU is "excessively national in focus" and unable to fulfil the needs of the emerging European "public sphere". (MG)
*** Política exterior. Estudios de política exterior (Padilla 6, E-28006 Madrid, tel: (34-91) 4312628, fax: 5777252, E-mail: politicaexterior@infornet.es). No 75 (May/June 2000), 168 pages. Annual subscription: ESP 7,200 (Spain) or 13,000 (other countries).
In this issue: study on the dangers for democracy of Putin's rise to power in Russia and Haider's in Austria, and essays on turmoil in German politics with the CDU scandal, the Kosovo "quagmire" a year after the NATO victory, the "Elian case" and its impact on relations between Cuba and the United States, political instability in Colombia, Europe's need to acquire greater autonomy in the area of defence, geopolitics of the Western Mediterranean, the Middle East peace agreement and the Jerusalem issue, China and democracy in Taiwan, and the new European competition policy.
*** Rivista di Studi politici internazionali. Lungarno del Tempio 40, I-50121 Firenze, tel: (39-055)666384). No 266 (April-June 2000), 175 pages. Annual subscription: ITL 100,000 (Italy) or 120,000 (other countries).
In this issue: the situation in Jerusalem after the visit of Pope John-Paul II; the agreement between the Vatican and the PLO signed on 15 February 2000; diplomatic relations between Assad, Barak and Arafat; the Arab-Israeli negotiations and UN Security Council Resolution 242: "The Evacuation of Which Territories?"; Christianity and Islam; the impact of economic globalisation on the concept of state and relations between states; Hungary's dilemma in the wake of the Kosovo crisis; cultural collaboration between Italy and Libya. The "Documents" section concerns the Lisbon European Council and the Donors' Conference for South-Eastern Europe.
*** Eurasian Studies . TICA (Turkish International Cooperation Agency, Akay Caddesi No 6, 06640 Küçükesat, Ankara, Turkey, tel: (90-312) 417 2790, fax: 4172799). No 16 (Autumn-Winter 99), 143 pages.
In this issue: missionary activities in Eurasia, Uzbekistan's initiatives in regional security, the positive and negative aspects of the post-Communist transition, China's policy towards Central Asia, the development of private ownership legislation in the Republic of Uzbekistan, oil resources in Azerbaijan, the political repercussions of the geographical location of the Central Asian countries.
*** Humanitarian Affairs Review. Published in French and English by Forum Europe (Parc Léopold, rue Belliard 137, B-1040 Bruxelles, tel: (32-2) 7361430, fax: 7363216, Internet: http: //http://www.humanitarian-review.org ). No 9 (Spring 2000), 70 pages. Annual subscription (4 issues): 48 euros.
Published in cooperation with the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) and Voice, a Brussels-based network of more than 80 humanitarian NGOs, this issue addresses: relations between MSF (Médecins sans frontières) and NATO; the tragedy of the people of East Timor; the action of the Red Cross and Red Crescent; assessment of the quality of aid; prediction of crises and conflicts; micro-credits, a valuable tool for humanitarian organisations; and humanitarian aid for the elderly.
*** Chronique. Published by the UN Information Department (Sales section, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Genève 10, fax: (41-22) 9170027, E-mail: unpubli@un.org, Internet: http: //http://www.un.org/publications ). No 1/99, 96 pages.
Entitled "Will We Survive the Next Century?", this issue examines problems of viruses and water shortages in different parts of the world, which are a deadly threat to the most impoverished populations.
*** The State of the World Population 1999. 6 billion: A Time for Choices. Annual report published by UNPF (United Nations Population Fund). See above. 2000, 84 pages.
This report analyses growth in the world population in 1999. Among its observations: nearly half the earth's six billion human beings are under 25 years of age and more than 95% of world growth is concentrated in the developing countries, while birth rates in Europe, North America and Japan are stagnating.