*** NICOLE DEWANDRE: Critique de la raison administrative. Editions du Seuil (27 rue Jacobs, Paris Vie. Internet: http://www.seuil.com ). "L'ordre philosophique" series. 2002, 121 pp. EUR 13. ISBN 2-02-053300-6.
This philosophical paper is in fact part confessional. It is the wok of a young and intelligent woman who began her career as an engineer (passionate about e-terminals amongst other things) and economist. Her career began enthusiastically at the Commission but over the years she began to sink in the administrative quagmire, which almost led her to resign. She thought about it but resisted ("I decided", she writes, "to not tie myself to the funeral pyre of my disillusion ". Aware of the dysfunctional areas in her work, she also realised that if she left the Commission she could find these problems elsewhere. She chose instead to calmly tackle the issue through philosophical study at the Université libre de Bruxelles. This book is the first tangible fruit of this personal quest, which allowed her, with the assistance of the philosophical tools provided by Wittgenstein, Arendt, Habermas, Rorty, together with the sophistry of Barbara Cassin, to describe the internal workings, and to a certain extent, the impossibly of the Commission functioning effectively. This view is both highly original as well as being an example of what is and what alternative there is in the field of public administration.
Nicole Dewandre is currently Head of the Women and Science Unit at the Research Directorate General. Her thesis demonstrates that the extreme difficulty encountered by administration decision-making process is not to due to the contradictions it faces but primarily because of the "Platonist" representation which it is itself responsible for creating, contained in the concept of the administration being the purveyor of all truth. Nicole Dewandre declares that the metaphysical approach is "extremely and insidiously present in most people", civil servants being particularly affected. As an alternative to this situation she proposes an, "ironist-pragmatic sophist position" in which, "one is never totally free nor totally restrained". She explains that "thinking and idealising" should never be confused but clearly "articulated", accepting the premise that there can be no consensus on what could be and what must be administration and policy, but only what, "must not be ". Transparency, competency, integrity? "The illusion of consensus is based on empty words that hides itself as soon as the words assume meaning ", explains Nicole Dewandre, before demonstrating that it is also obvious that in a structure such as that of the Commission, "we see the real situation more clearly if we admit that hierarchy is founded more on power than ability ".
This books is going to make more than a few people bristle and could see Nicole Dewandre being accused of biting the hand that feeds her. But nothing could be further from the truth! "I would like to contribute to the development of an ironist Commission which goes forward happily and confidently. Given that the challenge is difficult, this involves not so much the construction of Europe but rather not to destroy it ". She exclaims that, "One must never cease loving Europe". It is precisely because she loves Europe that she suggests that the Commission introduce a dose of chance to the selection process and "systematically limits the exercise of hierarchical functions over time " as well as, "developing a system of counter-power within the administration itself". From a negative situation, fortune can spring forth and shine, at least in theory.
Michel Theys
*** MICHEL ALBERT, JEAN BOISSONNAT, MICHEL CAMDESSUS: Notre foi dans ce siècle. Arlea (16 rue de l'Odéon, F-75006 Paris. Seuil publications). 2002,198 pp, 20 euros. ISBN: 2-86959-560-3.
Three elements characterise this book: the meeting of three front-runners to write it (Michel Camdessus in particular was Governor of the Banque de France and Director General of the International Monetary Fund); a clearly and avowedly outlined Christian inspiration; and moving beyond the typical
characteristics of an essay via twenty "verifiably feasible utopias" (VFUs) scattered throughout the book. And all under the guidance of a general thrust that needs to be underlined since it is quite rare these days - faith in human beings, which leads to a level of optimism and confidence in the potential of creating a "minimum world order". In this way, the "amoral globalisation inherited from the twentieth century will gain ethics in the twenty-first century", thanks to "a series of initiatives or changes like, for example, appropriate international criminal procedures and real control of dirty money ".
Quite a few of the suggested VFUs directly involve Europe - a European ecotax, a return to civilian nuclear power (considered vital for ecological reasons), a completely new European Union security policy, an end to tax havens, promoting the role of the regions, a state for workers, a true immigration policy, regulating NGOs, taxing arms sales, etc. All of this under the umbrella of a European Federation whose institutional structure, however, is not described clearly enough (how could the European Council exercise exclusive decision-making power since the Union needs a permanent executive and the heads of state only meet three or four times a year?). The other VFUs concern the operation of global governance and the organisation of the Churches, and a specific issue: VFU No. 9 targets the management of companies, recommending that ethical principals be introduced and a new balance be struck between shareholders' power and management. We discussed this at length in another EUROPE Agency column ("A Look Behind the News" of 25/26 February 2002). (FR)
*** MARIO TELÒ (Ed.): European Union and New Regionalism. Regional actors and global governance in a post-hegemonic era. Ashgate Publishing Limited (Gower House, Croft Road, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 3HR, England. Internet: http: //http://www.ashgate.com ). "The international Political Economy of New Regionalism Series". 2001, 321 pp. ISBN 0-7546-1748-3
Is regionalism the new paradigm that Europe's already experiencing? This is the idea traced throughout this book, with the authors attempting to outline the ways in which new groupments have emerged throughout the entire world over the past forty years. They review five regional organisations (NAFTA, ASEAN, SADC, Mercosur and the European Union), claiming that the traditional idea of an autonomous, sovereign state free from any external constraints has never really existed. Although globalisation has been presented as the inevitable alternative, the realities of the contemporary world seem to be closer to the regional model. In other words, as George Howard Joffé puts it in the preface, "the political, economic and social characteristics states are supposed to be built upon seem to be expressed more and more through regional constructions". The first part of the book outlines theoretical perspectives for the relationship between global governance and the political economy of regionalism, by means of an analysis of the cultural element that influences the process of which regionalisation and globalisation are constituent elements. In the second part, the authors make a comparison between various regional programmes. The third part, "The European Union, a new civilian force in the making", includes studies of the Union's relation with partners like Eastern Europe or the Mediterranean. The last part is given over to the book's editor, Prof. Mario Telò, to develop three future scenarios.
The book emerges from collaboration between multidisciplinary scientists and puts the Union's policies and, more generally, international relations into perspective. It is the outcome of an international research project into Europe, globalisation and the new regionalism launched by the Université Libre de Bruxelles in cooperation with other international institutions. It provides an analysis of the European Union's very identify, between economic giant, trading fortress and new form of civil society. (AD)
*** Les Européens vus par eux-mêmes. Les enseignements des sondages d'opinion. Commission (Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985 Luxembourg). "European Documentation " series. 2001, 56 pp. ISBN 92-894-0078-1.
In 46 tables this brochure presents a selection of surveys commissioned by the Commission to find out what European Union citizens think. Their views are outlined on a number of subjects - citizens' values, contentment with life, European citizenship, views of the EU, support for EU policies and views on certain issues they seem to hold dear. The last chapter explores the future by examining the population's expectations for the twenty-first century and how citizens would like the European Union to act. (LD)
*** LIESBET HOOGHE, GARY MARKS: Multi-level governance and European integration. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers (12 Hid's Copse Road, Cumnor Hill, Oxford OX2 9JJ, England - 4720 Boston Way,Lanham, Maryland 20706. Internet: http: //http://www.rowmanlittlefield.com ). 2001, 251 pp. ISBN 0-7425-1020-4
"From the seventeenth century until the beginning of the twentieth century, centralisation of authority at state level benefitted from a flourishing economy"… It appears that the second half of the twentieth century can be seen as a "decisive turning point in the political development of Europe", with two developments being "decisive in the creation of multi-level governance - European integration and regionalisation". The first development modified the decision-making and standard-forming structure by imposing itself above national authority in certain sectors. Regionalisation slimmed down the powers of the central structure by introducing the idea of decentralisation. In the introduction, the authors (both professors at North Carolina University) take pains to dissect the concept of multi-level governance in its Community dimension. The first part traces the history of the idea and its chronology, but also looks at its ideological foundations and its impact on identity. Cohesion policy and the implications of this new type of governance are analysed in the second part. The final part is equally meticulous in dealing with the debate surrounding this new political configuration and challenges to it. AD)
*** ALEX WRIGHT: Scotland in Europe. Independance or federalism? The federal trust for education and research (Dean Bradley House, 52 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF. Tel: (44-20) 77992818 - Fax: 77992820 - E-mail: info@fedtrust.co.uk - Internet: http: //http://www.fedtrust.co.uk.fr ). "European Essay" series, No 18. 2001, 24 pp, £5. ISBN 1-903403-32-4.
A lecturer at Dundee and Edinburgh Universities, the author considers the issue of governance by carrying out a combined analysis of the links between the European Union, the UK and Scotland. One of the ideas he puts forward is that European federalisation can only arise through the involvement of the regions.
(AD)
*** ALAIN BARRAU: Une avancée démocratique: l'association du Parlement au processus de transposition des normes européennes. Délégation pour l'Union européenne de l'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" series, No 3356. 2001, 47 pp, 3.05 euros. ISBN 2-11-115008-8.
This report by the President of the French National Assembly's Delegation for the European Union (who also happens to be one of its most prolific rapporteurs who is now also getting involved in the Convention) deals with France's delays in transposing EU directives. It outlines measures that are on the drawing board or have already been taken to improve the situation, involving the French parliament in particular and the Senate and National Assembly's Delegations for the European Union, in the entire preparation, adoption and transposition process for EU directives. (LD)
*** ADEL FAKIH, PAUL HERBINIAT, IMAD EL-ZEIN: La nationalité belge. Mode d'emploi et enjeux démocratiques. Brussels Trait d'Union (37 av. Jean de Bologne, B-1020 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 2681751). 2001, 161 pp.
Aiming to be practical and educational, this book is supposed to enable readers to understand the basic procedures for acquiring and granting Belgian nationality. It also gives a summary of the 1 March 2000 law setting out the main changes concerning the declaration of nationality and naturalisation. A new law that the authors (all members of the "Bruxelles trait d'union" associations) assert is a revolution, showing that Belgium is adopting to the new sociological situation, concerning 230,000 foreigners... (MT)
*** PHILIP LYNCH: The historical story of ancient Ireland. Minerva Press (315-317 Regent Street, London W1R7YB. Internet: http: //http://www.minerva-press.co.uk ). 2000, 195 pp, £11.99. ISBN: 0-75410-818-X.
Assessing the history of Ireland in a novel manner (to say the least), the author follows the Celts down the ages and puts forward an alternative approach to the sciences of history and geology.
(AD)
*** The EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985, Luxembourg) has published the following document:
*** Innovation & Technology Transfer. DG Enterprise (EUFO 2286, L-2920 - Luxembourg. Fax: (+352-4301) 32084 - E-mail: innovation@cec.eu.int - Internet: http://www.cordis.lu/itt/itt-en/home.html ). May 2002, No 3, 27 pp.
Innovation in Spain is the subject of this issue's main feature - "holistic" support for innovation, integrated political decision-making, national and regional support for innovation, a broader strategy for European innovation, etc. The review also looks at the statement that research is necessary but not sufficient (statement made by Research and Industry Ministers at their meeting at the beginning of February). Another area covered is the fact that while intensity is an excellent indicator of innovation performance, it is not a substitute for performance.
*** Liaisons sociales Europe. Groupe Liaisons (1 av. Edouard-Belin, F-92500 Rueil-Malmaison. Tel: (33-1) 41299992 - Fax: 299668 - Internet: http://www.liaisons-sociales ). May 2002, No 56, 7 pp, 25 euros.
"France keeps its dunce's cap in terms of applying directives" - the headline of this issue. France is quick to negotiate European directives but "much less enthusiastic when it comes to applying in Paris the rules it has adopted in Brussels". The review makes accusations - conforming with European law is not a political priority and respecting EU commitments is not a way for French politicians to assert themselves. Other subjects covered: the European Ombudsman denounces ageism, the Belgian social partners' framework for strikes and a detailed table outlining progress in transposing EU directives as at 1 May 2002.
*** Rivista di Studi Politici Internazionali (40 Lungarno del Tempio, I-50121 Florence. Tel: (39-55) 666384). April-June 2002,No° 274, 352 pp. Subscription: 62 euros.
A rich issue of the prestigious Italian international research review: the Barcelona European Council, NEPAD or a "partnership for development in the twenty-first century", "Pius XII and Rome, the open city", notes on the role of western diplomats in Poland at the time of SolidarnorϾ and "Religion and Politics in Moldavia".
*** Economia Exterior. Estudios de Politica Exterior (6 Padilla, E-28006 Madrid - Tel: (34-91) 4312628 - Fax: 5777252 - E-mail: rivista@politicaexterior.com - Internet: http: //http://www.politicaexterior.com ). Spring 2002, No 20, 195 pp, 12.47 euros.
"The European Union at the time of the euro" has to pose the question of how the European integration process is to be continued. This issue addresses the issue, considering the next moves, whether the euro will be a competitive currency against the dollar, whether the euro will hold back European economic growth compared with the US, who to influence transatlantic political relations and the economy and the UK's position with regard to joining the single currency.
*** In Europa. Centro in Europa (7/5 via Ippolito D'Aste, I-16121 Genoa. Tel: (39-010) 540928 - Fax: 564356 - E-mail: ineuropa@euroframe.it - Internet: http: // http://www.centroineuropa.it ). April 2002, No 1, 64 pp. Subscription: 61.97 euros. ISBN 88-8163-290-X.
Contents: "From the euro to the Constitution", "End to Elite Europe (by Giuliano Amato, Vice-President of the Convention), "The urban problem - a challenge for cohesion" (article by Michel Barnier), "The role of the European Parliament for a citizens' federalism" (Luciano Caveri, MEP), "The challenge of the local dimension" (Albert Bore, President of the Committee of the Regions).
Reviews in brief
*** Cyprus News. March-April 2002. Brussels. The Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union's publication informs us that 27 chapter have already been closed and that the island's dividing line has to disappear (in the Slovak President, Rudolf Schuster's words), that the Union "calls on Turkey to contribute to the efforts being made to solve the Cypriot issue", European citizens favour enlargement and Cyprus was productively involveed in the fifth EuroMed conference.