SUPPLEMENTS / European library

*** EDWARD BEST, MARK GRAY, ALEXANDER STUBB (Edited by): Rethinking the European Union. IGC 2000 and Beyond. European Institute for Public Administration (O. L. Vrouweplein 22, P.O Box 1229, 6201 BE Maastricht. Internet: http: //http://www.eipa.nl ). 2000, 372 pages. ISBN 90-6779-147-4.

The Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, the European Commissioner Michel Barnier, the former Belgian Permanent representative to the EU Philippe de Schoutheete, Prof. William Wallace, from the London School of Economics, strongly appreciated this work, produced under the guidance of Mr. Best from the Maastricht Institute, of Mr. Gray from the IGC 2000 unit in the European Commission and of Mr. Stubb, First Secretary of the Finnish Permanent Representation to the EU. Furthermore, this book is the result of a seminar on the Intergovernmental Conference organised last November in Maastricht by the European Institute for Public Administration, the European Commission and the Finnish Presidency of the EU Council, and to which participated not only Mr. Lipponen and Mr. Barnier, but also the former Belgian Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene. In the preface, the President of the Council of Governors at the European Institute for Public Administration Heening Christophersen (former European Commissioner), Carlo Trojan, at the time Secretary General at the European Commission, and the Finnish Permanent Representative to the EU, Antti Satuli, in particular noted that the Treaty of Nice "will not be the end of the institutional debate in Europe" - and what has taken place during the last months shows that he was right. Among the numerous contributions to this collective work, partly coming from academics who closely follow European affairs, including that of Michel Petit, who in the mean time has become Chef de Cabinet for President Prodi (and who took part in previous Intergovernmental Conferences when he was a member of the Jacques Delors Cabinet), and people who, as members of the Preparatory group, are actively participating, since last February, in this new IGC, namely the Portuguese Francisco de Seixas da Costa, the Northern Irish Noel Dorr and the Dutchman Dick Benschop.

The structure of its mix between detail specialist thought and indications from Member State representatives of the greater stakes of the negotiations makes this book particularly useful for those who are interested in the future of the institutional reform, which should be completed at the European Summit in Nice. The Finn Alexander Stubb deals with the latest theme added to the IGC agenda, "flexibility", noting that the two camps, those "for" and those "against", put forward valid arguments, and that, one of the main problems of the debate that has unfolded until now on this issue has been that "the Member States seem to think of the flexibility between relations with the EU 15 and not the EU 27." However, the young Finnish diplomat recognises that, in a widened EU, "we will need a vast range of instruments to be used to maintain the effectiveness of the EU - and that flexibility is one of them." Also he feels that the existence of such an instrument should facilitate the enlargement process, as both the member countries and the candidate countries wish that it will be possible to manage flexibility in the framework of the Treaty.

Beyond Nice, some authors of this work widen the institutional debate, thus, Helen Wallace, the highly respected head of the Sussex European Institute at the University of Sussex, broaches in this last section a theme that is often rather topical, in a different manner, by Joschka Fischer and Jacques Chirac, that of the Member States place in the EU institutional system, a theme also examined by Philippe C. Schmitter, professor at the European University Institute of Florence, in his chapter on the decision making process and the representation of Member States in "a future Euro-democracy." This issue of the future EU "democratic agenda" is also raised by J.H.H.Weiler, Professor of Law and holder of the Jean Monnet Chair at Harvard University who tackles the "constitutional agenda", and Torbjörn Larsson, professor at the Maastricht Institute, discuss a theme close to that, of the choice of "good instrument to build legitimacy," while Mark Gray questions the "new approach" in the future negotiations on the EU treaty. Finally Anna Michalski and Gilles Bertrand, from the forward planning cell in the European Commission, assess the five "EUROPE 2010 scenarios" drawn up by the Cell, by underlining that all the scenarios in particular pose the problem of knowing from where the EU will draw its legitimacy in the years to come, in what way will the balance of power between Member States develop and who will be the "engine" of the future institutional framework.

Marina Gazzo

*** JEAN-LOUIS BIANCO: L'Europe: enlisement ou renaissance? Assemblée nationale (Kiosque de l'Assemblée nationale, 4 rue Aristide Briand, F-75007 Paris. Internet: http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr ). "Les documents d'information de l'Assemblée nationale" collection, n° 2454. 2000, 89 pages, FF 22, EUR 3.05. ISBN 2-11-109359-9.

This series still publishes a work that enables to understand, with the advent of the French Presidency of the EU, the French Parliament's opinions on the widercurrent themes of European integration. The MP Jean-Louis Bianco, in his report for the Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee on the reform of the European Union institutions, asserts in particular that the large Member States could accept to "sacrifice" one Commissioner, "or even both on the case of a rotation", only in additional to a fairer weighting of votes in the Council and an extension of qualified majority voting, and, with regard to votes in the Council, he will speak in favour of the "innovative and balanced proposal presented by Gerard Fuchs" (the Socialist MP who has also been an MEP) aiming to foresee three decision categories: those susceptible to remain by unanimity, those able to be taken by "super qualified" majority (for example, free movement of persons, EMU, external representations of the EU, linguistic systems) and those stemming from a totality or part of the qualified majority (Mr. Bianco notes that the "measures susceptible of affecting the State's choice between difference sources of energy would remain a area of sovereignty, thus issued from unanimity").

As for the "good method" to follow, in particular to answer the speech by Joschka Fischer in Berlin, Mr. Bianco (who at the time could not have known of the speech by Joschka Fisher in Strasbourg: see EUROPE of 7 July, pages 5/6) feels that it would consist of organising, by 2001, a debate on the future of Europe in the national Parliaments of the EU 15 and the candidate countries "who want it" (in this framework, according to him it will also be necessary to foresee "a special meeting of the National Sssembly and the Bundestag") and that at the same time it will be necessary, to form a group of "wise persons", which could be jointly chaired by Richarc Weiszäcker and Jacques Delors, to present, in one or two years, proposals on the future of Europe.

Furthermore, Mr. Bianco does not hesitate asking difficult questions, which some prefer to postpone until later, such as that of EU external borders, and feels that the European Council should, as of this year, "specify its doctrine on enlargement and the external borders of the EU." According to him, the Presidency could propose a declaration reminding that the EU has no "hegemonic ambitions", and the geographical boundaries of the EU could be "set for the foreseeable future": thus, he notes that there "exists on the on hand thirteen candidacies, and on the other hand, a group of countries from former Yugoslavia who have, when the conditions are right, the desire to submit their candidacy," and that the declaration could specify that the list of candidates "is thus closed for a long period."

As usual in this interesting series, the report is accompanied with an account of the works by the Foreign Affairs Committee and its hearings: thus in it we can read points of view from Jacques Delors (who once more explains the advantages of an "vanguard" and a "Federation of nation states"), from Hubert Védrine or from Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. The latter, on the issue of the possible presentation of a Franco-German common position in the IGC, underlines in particular the risk that this is not interpreted as a finishing line, which would reduce France's margin for manoeuvre in the negotiation, and Mr. Védrine said he shared his vigilance, believing that the high level bilateral Franco-German meetings must not lead to a common position, but enable to move towards common positions. (MG)

*** PAUL-CHARLES VINCENT: EUROPE 1999. Chroniques. Adoc WB (3 Floréal, B-5002 Namur. Tel: [phone]). 2000, 142 pages, BEF 795.

What happened in Europe in 1999? Very quickly the memories fade, the dates disappear and the ideas are muddled. Tomorrow, they will only say: "Such as? It was in the 90s…" Where lies the value of this work that covers, through information notes of varying length, everything that "was" topical in 1999 Europe. A successful first attempt, which deserves to be repeated! (MT)

*** GARTH LINDRUP: Butterworths Competition Law Handbook. Butterworths (Halsbury House, 35 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1EL. Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - Internet: http://www.butterworths.co.uk ). 2000, 1,216 pages. ISBN 0-406-91464-8.

This comprehensive survey (hard to imagine walking around with it, as oppose to what the title would have you believe…) presents in an exhaustive manner the British and Community legislation relating to competition. This sixth edition is notably part of the provisions relating to vertical exemption agreements per category, Commission guidelines in terms of the good practices and in terms of mergers and joint ventures. A new section relating to State aid is included. Updated last 1st march, the new legislation is annotated, though putting them into context is reserved for specialists. (MT)

*** CATHERINE GRYNFOGEL: Droit communautaire de la concurrence. LGDJ (31 rue Falguière, F-75741 Paris Cedex 15. Tel: [phone]). Collection "Systèmes". 2000, 141 pages, FF 100, EUR 15.24. ISBN 2-275-01873-5.

In this work that is in its second edition, Catherine Grynfogel, senior lecturer and the University of Social Sciences in Toulouse, describes in a clear and precise manner the state of Community competition policy, methodically reviewing the rules applicable to companies (banned behaviours and mergers) and in the Member States. A book that, apart from students, is of a nature to interest all those who want to understand the general framework in which are inserted, within the EU, the activities of economic operators. (MT)

**** Perspectives on European Business Law. Trends and Developments in the Law for Business in Europe. European Perspectives Publications (South Bank House, London SEI 7SJ. Tel: [phone] - Email: [e-mail]). April 2000, 16 pages. Subscription: GBP 440.

The April edition of this revue that appears ten time per year contains, in particular, an article on the report by The House of Lords over the "White Paper" by the Commission on European reform of competition policy, document that the Select Committee on the European Union considers "audacious and imaginative," while believing that it should possibly consider "even more radical proposals," requiring amendments to the Treaty. In an article, Mark Powell, partner in the American law firm White and Chase calls for "immediate reform" to the transnational monitoring of mergers and feels that while awaiting the concluding of an multilateral agreement on the improvement of co-operation between competent national authorities over competition, the government should take into consideration "the benefits of bilateral co-operation agreements based on the United States/EC co-operation agreements." Furthermore, articles by Neville March Hunnings cover the revision of the Amsterdam Treaty and comparative advertising. (MG)

*** PAUL K. LYONS: Transport policies of the European Union. A business intelligence report. EC Inform (Russet House, Red House Lane, Elstead, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6DR, UK. Tel: [phone] - Fax: 702905 - Internet: http://www.ecinform.demon.co.uk ). 2000, 236 p., GBP 425. ISBN 0-9524253-3-5.

This report gives a clear idea of Community legislation in terms of transport and the strategy followed by the EU in this sector, while casting a useful eye on the fundamental problems that have blocked the development of this policy. Specialised journalist, the author reviews the five priorities adopted by Commissioner Loyola de Palacio, namely to achieve a better functioning of the single market by continuing the integration of the national markets, ensure that transport benefits from a qualitative approach in all the EU regions (notably by fighting against delays in aviation transport), act to reduce the negative consequences of transport for the environment and, finally, defend the EU at a bilateral and multilateral level. Various chapters are then dedicated to the paths of communication, to the liberalisation measures (Directive on the Eurolabel, anti-trust policy, State aid, access to profession, technical harmonisation), others being dedicated to security and environmental policies that lead to significant costs and more unfavourable conditions of competition compared to some third countries. Finally, Paul Lyons deals with the European Union's relations with the countries of the Community of Independent States (former USSR), the Mediterranean and the European free trade association, as well as with the United States. Among others it dedicates interesting pages to the fallout of enlargement on the transport sector. (LD)

*** L'ASSEMBLEE NATIONALE FRANCAISE, Delegation to the EU (Internet: http: //http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr ), has published the following documents, available from the National Assembly kiosk (4 rue Aristide Briand, F-75007 Paris):

- Community Fraud: what choice for an effective fight? Rapporteur: Pierre Brana. Document n° 2507. 2000, 117 pages, FF 40, EUR 6.10. Consider the definition of the common rules and the creation of a European prosecutors office for fraud, this is the proposal defended by the MP Pierre Brana in this report. Since the opening of borders, Europe tries to counter the actions of criminal organisations via the European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) and through a reinforcing of relations between national customs services. For the rapporteur, the means remain insufficient and it is to the principal of sovereignty of the States in terms of penal repression and police actions from which he calls for action.

- Information report. Rapporteur: Alain Barrau. Document n° 2425, 2000, 97 pages, FF 40, EUR 6.10. Following the sinking of the "'Erika" of the coast of Brittany, the European Commission has drafted two Directive proposals and a regulation proposal for the maritime safety of oil tankers. The national Assembly has placed this theme at the centre of its debates and this report gives an account.

*** Biblioteca della libertà, March-April 2000. Publication from the Einaudi centre (4 Via Ponza, I-10121 Torino. Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - Internet: http://www.centroeinaudi.it , N° 153, 2000, 137 pages. Annual subscription: ITL 90,000 (Italy) or ITL 100,000 (abroad).

Faithful to its adage "Understand to deliberate", this publication gathers a series of articles dedicated to this theme. In summary, the new economy and political representation, economic equality and political freedom, civil responsibility of the legislator in Community jurisprudence, financial, political, monetary development and systematic stability, fair health and two solidarities.

*** Futuribles. 55 rue de Varenne, F-75341 Paris Cedex 07 - Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - E-mail: [e-mail] - Internet: http: //http://www.futuribiles.com. N° 254, June 2000, 102 pages. Annual subscription: EUR 105.19 and FF 690, for France, EUR 112.81 and FF 740 of other countries.

In summary: "shortage of labour? Paradoxical unemployment and recruitment difficulties", "Ship yards: the renewal", "Construction work, towards a shortage of qualified personnel?", "The saviour through immigration?", Youth jobs, computing and productivity.

*** Internationale Politik. Globale Finanzströme (Bachstrasse 32, D-53115 Bonn - Tel: [phone] - Fax: 695734 - E-mail: [e-mail]). N° 4, April 2000, 142 pages. Annual subscription: DM 190.

The world of finance and capital flows are the central themes of this latest issue. It questions the ways of avoiding the repercussions of major crisis such as the Asian crash on our economic systems. Other studies are concerned with the illegal flows of capital and the huge damage caused to the European economy.

National reviews. In short.

*** Europa Regioni. Summary of n° 22 (June 2000, 12 pages.) the weekly aimed at the regions: the quality of European schooling, your on-line rights, "Work: Europe as an added value", etc.. *** Euro made easy. Published by the European Commission Directorate General Health and Consumer Protection (Tel: [phone]), February 2000, 19 pages. In summary: The transition to the Euro, informing and training to the Euro, the blind and the Euro, etc… *** Finnfacts, journal of the Finnish Confederation of industry and employers. Summary of the July-September edition 2000 (16 pages): water technology as an important article for export, the foodstuff post box, the growing use of the electronic components for automotive vehicles, etc.. *** The European Union at work in Kosovo. This pamphlet by ECHO (May 2000, 8 pages.) draws an budgetary assessment and concretises the EU intervention in Kosovo. *** Trefpunt Economie. Summary of this monthly publication from the Belgian Ministry of Economic Affairs: the role of rules of origin in international trade as well as that of the Belgian authorities responsible for competition within the European Union . *** L'Europe: un espace pour la recherche. Available from the European Commission (rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels - Tel: [phone]). January 2000, 30 pages.