*** GENEVIEVE DUCHENNE, MICHEL DUMOULIN (Edited by): Vers une Europe élargie - Towards an Enlarged Europe. Actes de la Chaire Glaverbel d'études européennes 1999-2000. Institut d'études européenne de l'Université catholique de Louvain (1 place des Doyens, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve. Tel: (32-10) 478550 - Fax: 478549). 2000, 259 pages. ISBN 2-87404-012-6.
There are books that cannot be summarised. This is one of them. It gathers together presentations and interviews with professors who, alone, deserve detailed presentations. Thus Prof. Predrag Matvejevitch (Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza") tackles with great finesse "the Balkans" - "this area that has produced more history than it can consume and which transforms these surpluses into excess, to destroy itself - and goes back to the origins of the wounds that continue to bleed. For his part, András Inotai (Magyar Tudományos Akadémia from Budapest) studies the differences that prevail between the enlargements to come and those that have preceded them, as well as the challenges for the future of Europe that stem from this, while Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán (University of Exeter) analyses the Europeanisation of political interest groups in the candidates. As for Prof. Marjan Svetlicic (University of Ljubljana), he sees enlargement of the European Union as an "investment". Political philosophy with Prof. Claudio Magris (Università degli Studi di Trieste) who entitles his contribution "Utopia and disenchantment". Which leads to a more cultural part with Professors Vincent Engel (Department of Roman sciences at UCL) and Paul-F. Smets (ULB) who, through the ideas of Albert Camus call for a Europe of the spirit. The point of view of four students complete these high brow reflections.
The interest - evident - of the work goes even further. This is what Chaire Glaverbel had welcomed, during this academic year, major figures. Firstly Commissioner Michel Barnier who, in his presentation, notably underlined "the moral and political obligation" that enlargement constitutes for the Union. The two other contributions are from Françoise de la Serre (Centre for International studies and Research) and from Jérôme Sgard (Centre for International forward looking studies and information in Paris).
Michel Theys
*** SERGIO PISTONE: L'integrazione europea. Uno schizzo storico. UTET Libreria (20 via P. Giuria, I-10125 Torino). 1999, 100 pages, ITL 20,000, EUR 10,33. ISBN 88-7750-586-9.
With this work, the author - Professor in the history of European integration at the University of Turin and one of the leaders of the European federalist movement since the 1960 - returns to the major stages in the European building process, with its successes and failures. These chapters thus cover the premises (1914-1945), the beginning of economic integration and the completion of political unification (1945-1954), the completion of the Common market and the Common Agricultural Policy (1954-1968), the failure of the planned Economic and Monetary Union and the first election of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage (1969-1979), the draft EP Treaty and the Single European Act (1980-1987), the Single market and the Single Currency (1988-1999). Thus it could appear to be only another version, updated, of the history of the European building process. In reality, this concerns a new analysis of the prospects for European integration in the light of the dramatic events that arose in the Balkans. The authors expresses his concerns in the face of this "existential challenge" for the Union, challenge that also constitutes an indicator of its limits and whose origin is to be found in the unfinished nature of the European building process. He calls with fervour for the enlargement of the Union to the Balkan countries, with the obvious condition that they renounce their nationalist policies, on the one hand, and that the EU transforms itself "to a fully federal nature", on the other. For Prof. Sergio Pistone, Europe finds itself confronted with the choice of "being or not being"; only the coming years will tell, he asserts, whether it will grasp the opportunity to define a federation and thus achieve a final pacification of the continent.
Reiterating that federalist thesis well known to the initiated, the author calls for an accelerated enlargement and including the Balkan peninsula. Moreover, the progressive creation of a Union of 500 million inhabitants in the context of accentuated national pluralism, also on the cultural level as religious, and a deep economic and social heterogeneity makes "dramatically urgent" the need for a supranational structure. This is why, according to Sergio Pistone, only a fundamental revision of the Treaty - it not only concerns, according to him, a question of the composition of the Commission or a weighting of votes in the Council… - will come to overcome the "hard confederate core that dominates the European institutional system. In case of a "disintegration in Europe", he finally warns, "the consequences would be explosive" as where the development of the supranational integration process is most advanced, the States have been emptied of all true legitimacy and have become "empty shells". For then on, a failure in unification will not lead to the recuperation of national sovereignty, but to a neo-federal situation, with the scattering of sovereignty and, in the long-term, general anarchy.
(CB)
*** FRANCISZEK DRAUS: Un élargissement pas comme les autres… Réflexion sur les spécificités des pays candidats d'Europe centrale et orientale. Notre Europe(44 rue Notre-Dame des Victoires, F-75002 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 53009440 - Fax: 53009444 - E-mail: notreeurope@notre-europe.asso.fr - Internet: http: //http://www.notre-europe.asso.fr ). "Etudes et recherches" series, N° 11. 2000, 42 pages.
On request from the study and research group founded by Jacques Delors, Franciszek Draus - of Polish origin while his training is French, he who undertook doctoral studies in the entourage of Raymond Aron- worked to discern the socio-economic, institutional and political specificities of the Central and Eastern European candidate countries. As is explained by the former President Delors in the foreword, his work - available in French, English and German - shows that the true challenge to take on the case of this enlargement is that of integration in a homogenous group of societies (and not only economies) in transition and reconstruction. For the author, it requires going beyond negotiations carried out professionally, but doubling the intellectual and political exchanges in order for all Europeans to learn to know each other better. Reason for which he proposes, among others, to revise the European Conference formula, in order to make a forum of true intergovernmental debate on Europe and enlargement".
(MT)
*** SVEN ARNSWALD: EU Enlargement and the Baltic States. The Incremental Making of New Members. Ulkopoliittinen instituutti - The Finnish Institute of International Affairs (15 A Mannerheimintie, Fin-00260 Helsinki. Tel: (358-9) 4342070 - Fax: 43420769) and Institut für Europäische Politik (32 Bachstrasse, D-53115 Bonn - Tel: (49-228) 7290050 - Fax: 698437 - E-mail: IEP_Bonn@compuserve.com). "Programme on the Northern Dimension of the CFSP" series, N° 7. 2000, 265 pages. ISBN 951-769-104-1.
The author of this study discusses the state of transformation of the three Baltic States in the prospect of the accession to the Union which will not fail, it seems, from contributing towards the long-term stability of Northern Europe. These progressions are considerable, even if efforts remain necessary on the institutional, citizenship, environment and justice levels. In this context, its imperative that the EU continues its support. For Sven Arnswald, the Union nevertheless lacks a coherent strategy, which should notably involve a strengthening of ties with Russia.
(LD)
*** Est-Ovest. Analisi e documentazione. Instituto di studi e documentazione sull'Europa Comunitaria e l'Europa Orientale (27 Corso Italia, I-34122 Trieste. Tel: (39-40) 639130 - Fax: 634248 - E-mail: isdee@spin.it - Internet: http: //http://www.isdee.it ). 2000, 246 pages.. Annual Subscrpition: ITL 180,000 (Italy), ITL 235,000 (other countries).
This new annual publication draws a precise and forward looking picture of the economic situation in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Drafted by researchers from the ISDEE, the 1999 dossier examines more specifically, with supporting statistical data, the influence of the Kosovo war on international trade for the CEEC and the economic change by some of them in the light of their accession to the EU. Official at the European Commission, Antonino Petrone, recalls for his part, the development of financial relations between these countries and the Union since the fall of the Berlin wall and the beginning of reforms.
(ED)
*** JEAN-FRANCOIS DREVET: Chypre en Europe. L'Harmattan (5-7 rue de l'Ecole-Polytechnique, F-75005 Paris) "Histoire et Perspectives Méditerranéennes" series. 2000, 327 pages. ISBN 2-7384-9718-7.
Normalien and graduate in geography, Jean-François Drevet is, none can doubt this, in love with Cyprus, this country, which he present as a unique synthesis of the values of the East and the West. Today posted to the European Commission, he published, in 1991, a first version - today out of stock - of this work under the title Cyprus, extreme island, chronicle of a forgotten Europe. He has now updated it in the light of the calls for accession to the European Union made by Cyprus and Turkey. In his introduction, the author formulates his ardent hope that all Cypriots gather in the framework of the whole island's accession to the EU, but he explains two hundred pages further, at the time of the concluding, as Germany at the time of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, it is probable that only the area controlled by the legitimate government could become a member of the Community area. Clearly at the fore of his mind, the request for accession made by Turkey will sooner or later lead Ankara to explain to its Cypriot proteges that it is necessary to be flexible and accept solutions in accordance with UN resolutions.
(MT)
*** The Need for New Perspectives on Cyprus. Center for the Study of International Relations and Strategic Studies, Université libre de Bruxelles (E-mail: ceris@ulb.ac.be - Internet: http: //http://www.ulb.ac.be/soco/ceris ). 2000, 47 pages.
This work provides an account of a seminar dedicated to the Cypriot problem by the Centre for the study of international relations and strategic studies and the ULB. Dr. Christian Heinze (who was, at the beginning of the 1960, the assistant to the President of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Cyprus) recalls certain provisions of the founding Treaties and the 1960 Constitution. Prof. Clement Dodd (University of London) explores the possibilities to reach a solution on a confederate basis (which is the requirement of the Turkish Cypriots) and his colleague Paul Taylor (London school of Economic) considers the path of consociationlism, which, he explains, is underway in the European Union. Former head of the BBC Andrew Mango enumerates, for his part, a certain number of reasons for which the EU should not welcome Cyprus as a member for as long as the island remains divided and, even, before Turkey its itself admitted. Finally, Prof. Ergun Olgun (Eastern Mediterranean University in Gazuimagosa), who is also the Under Secretary for President Denktash, gives the point of view of the Turkish Cypriots. There results a very partial vision of the Cypriot problem. It is not unless as it reveals certain reasoning that found and explain the attitude adopted by one of the camps present.
(MT)
*** ISMAIL CEM: Turkey in the 21st Century. Rustem Bookshop (PO Box 239, Nicosie, Mersin 10 Turkey. - E-mail: rustem@supercyprus.com). 2000, 191 pages. ISBN 975-97030-2-5.
This work by the present Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs - who in the past was…. journalist - is a collection of his notable speeches and interviews between 1995 and 2000. With Europe as a main thread. It is that this period was turbulent on the level of Euro-Turkish relations. A first time postponed to later during the Luxembourg Summit, in 1997, the recognition by the EU 15 of the Turkish status as a candidate country arises during the Helsinki European Council. For Ismal Cem, this opening enables the Union, in the long-term, to benefit from a unique historical experience, a unparalleled cultural shuffle, from the contribution of the young and dynamic population, as well as from an economy in full growth.
(DDF)
*** ONUR ÔYMEN: Turkish Challenge. Turkey, Europe and the World Towards the 21st Century. Rustem Bookshop (see details above). 2000, 413 pages. ISBN 975-97030-0-9.
Work of the Ambassador for Turkey to NATO, this work is entitles "Turkish Challenge, Turkey, Europe and the World Towards the 21st Century" is the fruit of a long and rich diplomatic experience. Notably, he wants to fervently call in favour of the European integration of Turkey. Onur Öymen reviews the assets of his country: strong economic growth, young and dynamic population, military power, incomparable geographic position… Assets that other accession candidate countries, he insists, do not have. He also freely recognises that Europe is an opportunity for Turkey, he adds though not without malice that Turkey, it, represents an opportunity for Europe,. Without hiding the difficulties to overcome (human rights, internal economic disparities, infrastructure…), Onur Öymen send a clear message: missing the European integration of Turkey would be a historical mistake. On the contrary, welcoming his country into the European club would announce an era of stability and peace that would spread beyond the EU borders, as far as the steps of Central Asia.
(DDF)
*** Rivista di studi Politici internazionali. Lugarno del Tempio 40, I-50121 Firenze - Tel: (39-055) 666384). January-March 2001, 160 pages. Annual subscription: ITL 100,000 (Italy) or ITL 120,000 (abroad).
In this issue heavily centred on the UN, Ambassador Francesco Paolo Fulci dedicates an article to relations between the European Union and the United Nations, while Giovanni Baiocchi examines the legal status of the Centro-European initiative that gathers together Balkan countries, from the Danube to the Carpathian mountains. Hungary and the policy in favour of Hungarian minorities in the Carpathian basin is the object of a contribution from Remo Savoia.
*** The environment for Europeans. Fight against climate change. DG Environment (200 rue de la Loi, B-1049 Brussels - Fax: (32-2) 2969560 - Internet: http://www.europa.eu.int ). November 2000, 16 pages.
In the EU, the emissions of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases have, according to the latest statistics, fallen by 2.5% between 1990 and 1996. These figures indicate that the EU is globally on the right path to fulfil its undertakings with regards to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climatic Change.
*** RDT Info. DG Research (see above. Tel: (32-2) 2959971 - Fax: 2958220 - E-mail: reesearch@cec.eu.int.). January 2001, 32 pages.
Science, it can be discussed: aiming to introduce the public to the sciences the European week for science and technology is presented in this information sheet. Commissioner Philippe Busquin favours the promotion of research. Other initiatives that have as aim, among others, to bring youths closer to scientific studies are the object of presentations: poster campaign to give a taste to maths, exposition on the sun made by youths, relationship between natural phenomenon and scientific advances.
*** Down to earth: Soil degradation and sustainable development in Europe. European Environment Agency (Office for the Official Publication of the European Community, L-2985, Luxembourg). 2000, N°16, 2000, 32 pages.
This review draws attention to the status of lands in Europe and attempts to open the debate on the pan-European needs in the area. Close to 2 billion hectares are polluted by human activity. Also agricultural production, which is growing and does not help things, while not even mentioning industry, transport and tourism. However, the protection of this land can contribute towards supporting development. The countries whose earth is the most affected are those of the Benelux, Germany, Spain, France and Italy. Portugal, Finland and Ireland come out rather well.
*** Naturopa. L'Environnement en milieu urbain. Conseil de l'Europe (Centre Naturopa F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex. Fax: (33-3) 388412715 - E-mail: centre.naturopa@coe.int). Strasbourg, 2000, N° 94.
Vasile Cristea and Calin Baciu put forward an ecosystem approach to the city. The demographic explosion over the last decades has lead to a highly aggressive process of urbanisation. Solutions proposed are a good understanding of each city as a whole (Noosphere, Gaia…), a common desire to act by all the actors involved, European collaboration and the completion of ecological management plans accepted by the citizens. Other themes broached: air quality in the urban environment, preventing and recycling urban waste, the recycling of industrial sites, a lung in the city of Strasbourg, the parks and gardens of Barcelona, non developed land and their management in the city….
*** 75 years of Cooperation in the Electricity Industry. Eurelectric (66 bld de L'impératrice Bte2, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 5151000 - Fax: 5151010 - Internet: http://www.eurelectric.org ). 2000, Brussels, 134 pages.
Eurelectric, the Union of the electricity industries, presents itself in this brochure and illustrates the parallel development in international industrial cooperation and in the European Community as well as threw progress achieved in the sector since 1925.
National reviews in short
*** Kulturchronik. Bonn, 2000. Notably in summary: portrait of Eva-Maria Hagen, actor and singer, the "Berlin" sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, a contribution from Wilhelm Heitmeyer demonstrating that right wing extremism does not come from hell, studying in Eastern Germany... *** La Flandre. Brussels. 2001.
This review published by the government of Flanders (Belgium) notably includes a call in favour of the separate recognition of the constitutional regions within the European Union. The priorities of Flanders in terms of innovation and technology are also presented.