*** STEPHANE NGO-MAÏ, DOMINIQUE TORRE, ELISE TOSI (Eds.): Intégration européenne et institutions économiques. De Boeck (39, rue des Minimes. 1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 5480711 - Fax: 5139009 - Internet: http://www.deboeck.be ). "Droit et Economie" series, 2002, 415 pp, 39.95 euros. ISBN 2-8041-3978-6.
This book provides "economic explanations of the European integration process, giving pride of place to the history and institutions of the Union". Focussing on analysis of organised forms of coordination of activity, various contributors assess the tools and aims of the European project and the post-Maastricht challenges through consideration of subjects such as industry, the markets, currency, macro-economic performance and the Community area.
The first part of the book "examines changes in the industrial links characterising intra-Community organisation of production of and trade in goods and services". When it comes to economic integration, the setting up of the eurozone raises the issue of maintaining or approximating the main European financial markets. In the authors' view, "the contrast between banks and financial markets does not suffice to account for the structural gaps between big developed countries' financial systems". In fact, apart from in France where the system tends to converge on the Anglo-Saxon model, each national system in Europe has its own specific nature. European financial integration is also studied from a more institutional angle. As for the banking sector, "the challenge is to reach a sufficient size to achieve economies of scale and externals favourable to companies". Vis-à-vis the financial markets, "the aim is to reach a level of integration that is as satisfactory on the stock markets as in the bond sectors". In an original analysis, the development of knowledge and skills in the European pharmaceutical and space industries are compared. In this manner, the book highlights the new arrangement of the institutions and we learn that "it is for the Community institutions to direct change and promote a level of diversity; it is for national authorities to implement the selection process through competition policy". Finally, it is for the targeted institutions to "construct social capital based on sector-specific technological knowledge ". In the same perspective, the institutional framework in which public enterprises and network industries operate forms the subject of an analysis illustrating the interaction between the various levels of institution.
Other issues are connected with these questions concerning markets and organisations. The other issues concern the relation between the currency and the institutions and are considered in the second part of the book, looking at the institution-agent relationship by means of the monetary and financial structures. The book points out, for example; that "the monetary component of integration is banking on the success of applying conservative management stimulated by the Central Bank". Although the monetary institutions are taken in charge in an explicit manner, they still adopt "almost automatic" behaviour. A historical study of the subject reveals how the monetary arrangements preceding Economic and Monetary Union are distinct from the pre-established rules that were later used to set up Economic and Monetary Union.
Finally, the third part of the book "applies the analysis of the institutions to the process of reducing the diversity that characterises the European economic area". The market is the took for implementing convergence, but that said, there remains a level of diversity, "the expression of particularities of the industrial fabric", which comes to light in the strategies implemented in terms of technology, investment and training.
Three scientists edited the book. Stéphane Ngo-Maï and Dominique Torre hold doctorates in economics and lecture at the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis (in France). They are both researchers at the same university's laboratory for analysing changes in the industrial set-up and sectoral economic strategies ("Latapses") of the same university. Elise Tosi, who also holds a doctorate in economics, lectures in economics at the Euro American Institute of Technology and is a member of Latapses. Their book is aimed at a broad readership of lecturers and higher education students at degree level and beyond in economics and law. It is also aimed at professionals and researchers.
Alain Dremière
*** SERGIO DELLAVALLE: Una costituzione senza popolo? La costituzione europea alla luce delle concezioni del popolo come "potere costituente". Dott. A. Giuffrè Editore (40 via Busto Arsizio, I-20151 Milan. Internet: http: //http://www.giuffre.it ). "Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amadeo Avogadro”. Memorie della Facoltà di Giurisprudenza", series II, Vol. 1. 2002, 328 pp, 23.50 euros. ISBN 88-14-09444-6.
In this theoretical academic study, Sergio Dellavalle addresses a subject which is highly relevant to European current events, namely the emergence of a Constitution for Europe and the need to reduce the Community's democratic deficit and put the citizen at the centre of European integration. After the introduction, which is both theoretical and historical, with a diagram very clearly illustrating philosophical and political currents of ideas, the author examines the dichotomy of "holism and individualism", key concepts when it comes to understanding the debates surrounding the idea that people should be a constituent power. The paradigm of European integration and the idea of a Constitution for Europe, however, go well beyond this dualism: European citizenship and the Charter of Fundamental Rights (although neither element has yet been completed) can contribute, along with reform of the Union's institutions, to the establishment of a European Constitution. This book will be of interest to people wanting more detailed theoretical knowledge of the concepts of the nation state and supra-nationality in Europe.
(PB)
*** VEERLE DECKMYN (Ed.): Increasing Transparency in the European Union? European Institute of Public Administration (P. O. Box 1229, 6201 BE Maastricht, the Netherlands. Tel: (31-43) 3296274 - Fax: 329 62 96 - E-mail: m.simons@eipa-nl.com). 2002, 250 pp, 31.75 euros. ISBN 90-6779-168-7.
The question of transparency became part of European policy and law with the Maastricht Treaty. The people who drafted the Treaty annexed a statement recognising for the first time the "right to access information". But the word "right" is deceptive because the statement does no more than recommend that the Commission write a report on "measures aiming to improve public access to information available in the institutions". A code of conduct has been adopted by the Commission and the Council based on this statement; outlining the conditions in which access can be requested to documents held by the institutions. The Amsterdam Treaty, endorsed in 1997, went further in Article 255CE by stipulating the right to access documents, but this access is subject to detailed rules that form part of the Community's secondary legislation. In line with Article 255, this secondary legislation should have been adopted within two years of the Amsterdam Treaty coming into force.
This book sets out to outline changes in law and policies for transparency since the adoption of the Amsterdam Treaty and to analyse changes in transparency in the period since then.
(MF)
*** BRIGITTA LURGER: Grundfragen der Vereinheitlichung des Vertragsrechts in der Europäischen Union. Springer (Springer Verlag KG, 4-6 Sachsenplatz, A-1201 Vienna. Tel: (43-1) 3302415-0 - Fax: 3302426 - E-mail: springer@springer.at - Internet: http: //http://www.springer.at ). 2002, 599 pp. ISBN 3-211-83774-4.
The institutional, legal and theoretical ramifications of harmonisation of contract law in the European Union are examined in this book by an Austrian lecturer. Brigitta Lurger presents the political and legal arguments in favour of such an integration, along with the criticisms it engenders on the grounds of subsidiarity and alternatives to full harmonisation. Is a European Civil Code a dream to be worked towards or a nightmare to be avoided? The author concludes that Article 95 of the Treaty of the EC (formerly Article 100a) gives a legally satisfactory base for harmonisation through a Community regulation, but that political will is required in this connection. This overview will be of interest to researchers and practitioners of Community law and cooperation in the civilian field.
(PB)
*** DARIO TOSI: La Convenzione europea: conclusione della fase di ascolto e allargamento del dibattito alla società civile. Istituto di Studi e Documentazione sull'Europa comunitaria e l'Europa orientale (Isdee, 27 Corso Italia, I-34122 Trieste. Tel: (39-040) 639130 - Fax: 634248 - E-mail: isdee@spin.it - Internet: http://www.isdee.it ). "Papers ISDEE" series, No 16. 2002, 49 pp.
An expert in transition economies and former European official, Dario Tosi outlines in this publication his analysis of the conclusion of the first phase of the European Convention's work; following on from two contributions concerning the first phase.
(MG)
*** ALEXANDER GRASSE: Il sistema federale tedesco tra continuità e nuove dinamiche. Cooperativa Libraria Universitaria Editrice Bologna(Clueb, 31via Marsala, I-40126 Bologna. Tel: (39-051) 220736 - Fax: 237758 - Internet: http: //http://www.clueb.com ). "Spisa Conferenze-Seminari", No XXIII. 2001, 121 pp, 7.23 euros. ISBN 88-491-1827-9.
Based on an address by the author (who analyses German politics at the University of Gießen) at the Scuola di specializzazione in studi sull'amministrazione pubblica (Spisa) of the University of Bologna on 2 October 2000, this slim volume provides Italian readers with a brief analysis of the post-unification federal political system in Germany. Alexander Grasse does not only outline constitutional measures, but also examines practical problems and political criticisms of the German federal system, taking particular account of current events in politics and new reform ideas (competition federalism and re-federalisation). Useful annexes provide information such as political maps of the German Länder and economic and financial statistics. All in all, a concise but pertinent book.
(PB)
*** ALEXANDER GRASSE: Italiens langer Weg in den Regionalstaat. Die Entstehung einer Staatsform im Spannungsfeld von Zentralismus und Föderalismus. Leske + Budrich (Postfach 300551, D-51334 Leverkussen. E-mail: lesbudpub@aol.com - Internet: http: //http://www.leske-budrich.de ). "Regionalsierung in Europa" series, No 2. 2000, 262 pp. ISBN 3-8100-2618-2.
In the organisation of a political system, does a third way between centralism and decentralisation exist? Another type of federalism? In the framework of the debate on the future of Europe, this fundamental issue has often been raised. The examples of Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France and the United States are often cited in this connection, but the case of Italy is rarely studied. Lecturer in politics at the University of Giessen in Germany, Alexander Grasse fills this gap by examining the historic genesis (particularly the years from 1944 to 1970) and basis of decentralisation and rationalisation in Italy from the standpoint of the European idea. The author concludes that the interesting Italian experience of a third way between a single unit and federalism presents both advantages and weaknesses. For example, he argues that the central authorities are unable to ensure the application of their policies at local level, while regional powers lack the necessary legislative and financial autonomy to be able to take genuinely independent political initiatives. The German political analyst sees the road that might lead Italy towards a regionalised state have some distance to travel yet. This is the main conclusion of this well documented research.
(PB)
*** JEAN RAIMOND: La Grande-Bretagne et ses lieux de mémoire. L'Harmattan (5-7 rue de l'Ecole-Polytechnique, F-75005 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 40467920 - Fax: 43258203 - E-mail: harmat@worldnet.fr)."L'Aire Anglophone" series. 2001, 254 pp, 21.35 euros. ISBN 2-7475-2432-9.
Yet another tourist guide? On the contrary! At any rate, that is what Jean Raymond, emeritus professor at the University of Reims in France (of which he was president from 1987 to 1992) and honorary president of the Société des Anglicistes de l'Enseignement Supérieur. Quite rightly so. Rather than a cold, detailed inventory, the author decided to give preference to a partly subjective evocation of a deliberately limited but representative selection of remarkable British sites. In so doing, he provides a subtle mix of history and emotions, culture and anecdotes that lovingly shed light on the rich character of Great Britain. In the six parts of the book (looking at prehistory, history, religion, music, visual arts and literature), Jean Raymond plays the role of the master inviting disciples on a journey. The places he selects are extremely diverse - a prestigious university, a city, a village, a cathedral, an abbey, a battlefield, a museum, a cemetery, a fortified castle, the home of a writer, a landscape that inspired painters and poets, megaliths, a tumulus, a palace… So many places that have born witness to a past that Jean Raymond superbly brings to life, being aware, as the author himself stresses, that "the wealth of a heritage that England can be proud of" is such that he had to choose some in the place of others, ipso facto. All the more of an reason to discover this tome…
(LD)
*** News European Agency for Health and Safety in the Workplace. (33 Gran Via E-48009 Bilbao. Tel: (34) 944794360 - 794383 - E-mail: information@osha.eu.int - Internet: http: //osha.eu.int). 2002, No. 12. 12 p.
In the summary of this European Agency for Health and Safety in the Workplace letter, we can find the European Week for Safety in the Workplace, with the following theme: "Stress at Work". According to recent studies, this involves "the second biggest workplace related health problem after backache". We also read that "a world-wide bridge is opening up through the "web", allowing for global access to information and skills on health and safety at work. This issue also provides access to what's currently happening in the European Union.
*** Actualité des industries de réseaux en Europe. (36, rue de Laborde - F-75008 Paris. Fax: (33-1) 43876891 - E-mail: aspe@club-internet.fr). No.7, October 2002. 16 pp. Subscription: EUR 490 annually.
The key idea in this edition is focused on the draft regulation on the opening up of the urban transport markets. The major European conurbations are subject to a detailed study. One article concentrates on the debate on the steel war and European sanctions, which are still being "put on ice". A central article focuses on the "environment: energy and water at the heart of the Earth Summit" and explores the French experience in the context of sustainable development. Other current issues include the plan from Brussels to set up a temporary defence mechanism to protect European shipyards from unfair competition in South Korea; the next common nuclear policy proposition, forecasts of water price increases, recent decisions of the Court that could impact the "Green Tendency" on the public procurement markets.
*** La Lettre des Européens. Le Mouvement Européen en France. (95 rue de Rennes - 75006 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 45499393 - Fax: 45499661. E-mail: mouvement@club-internet.fr - Internet: http: //http://www.mouvement-europeen.org ). September 2002, No.45, EUR 8.38.
"Members of the European Movement have been able to deduce to what point the level of information on the major debates taking place at the Convention were "broken down" and "irregular". Using this as their starting point, the Movement points out that its job is to facilitate meetings with the Convention and its citizens. The pages in this publication are therefore open to a variety of opinions. Alain Lamassoure and Pervenche Berès assert that this will involve "another Europe" " and that there will be some real battles at the Convention.
*** Gérer & comprendre. ESKA (12 rue du Quatre-Septembre, F-75002 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 42865600 - Fax: 42604535 - Internet: http://www.eska.fr - http://www.annales.org ). September 2002, No. 69, 78 pp. Price: EUR 20.58 . ISBN 274720437-5.
Published in the "Annales des mines" series the issue proposes a number of subjects that are economically related. These include: "AXA, exponential growth", "2300 years before Management" and the "The Assistant Traveller, Death of a Myth?". A tempting invitation is offered to the reader, the chance to meet some remarkable personalities and to question some tenacious myths. We meet Aristotle, who poses the following question: "Can we be satisfied with sufficient wealth or do we search unceasingly to become even richer?". A question which reflects a very current myth, that of "stocks-options prices" and the influential leaders that this can create. Another theme tackled involves "Money, conquest, appearances, motivation in company projects". Responses and reflections, which accompany them are found throughout the summary.
Reviews in brief
*** Courrier économique et financier. KBC, June 2002, No. 8. Brussels. In summary: "Latin America, between Hope and Despair": the economic trajectories of these countries, their highs and lows, all very dramatic". Other issues dealt with in the form of a question, "Monetary Union for Fifteen?". *** Louvain. June 2002, No. 132, Louvain-la-Neuve. The publication of the Catholic University of Leuven announces the opening of the major concert of knowledge produced every year at this prestigious institution. As is the custom, the summary is rich with current affairs subjects. We can find the following: "How far Can We go in Stem Research?" and "Enterprise and Internet".