*** GILBERT KOENING (Editor): L'euro, vecteur d'identité européenne. Presses universitaires de Strasbourg (9 place de l'Université. F-67000 Strasbourg). "Observatoire des politiques économiques en Europe" series. 2002, 324 pp, EUR 22. ISBN 2-86820-201-2.
In his introduction to this jointly produced book, Gilbert Koenig, a lecturer at the Faculty of Economic Science and Management at the University of Strasbourg I explains that throughout history, the emergence of monetary union usually corresponds to the emergence of a union of a political nature, as in the case of German reunification, for example. "In such a process, the new currency can establish itself in a sustainable way, not only because of the economic advantages, but also because its constitutes the vector for the feeling of national identity". Nevertheless Mr Koenig wastes no time in demonstrating that the case of the current economic and monetary union goes against the grain. No European state exists and no central government to really speak of. Thence, should one really consider that the arrival of the single currency in the wallets of millions of Europeans has no other purpose than that of facilitating the objectives of a purely economic character? One can hazard a guess that it is, however, pertinent to assess the dangers of such a reductive concept. It in fact puts in danger the entire concept of European construction and the single currency itself. "It would be desirable that the accession of citizens to the Euro translated into a feeling giving rise to a European identity, instead of being based uniquely on the advantages created by monetary innovation", adds Professor Koenig.
The book sets out to study how the installation of the single currency can contribute in an important way to this development. The nine chapters of which the book consists, contain the two main angles on which the two parts of the book set their sights. The first provides an insight into the social relationships between citizens via the Euro and the consciousness that subsequently arises from belonging to a particular group. The second envisages the Euro as a factor in the integration shaping economic, political, social and legal organisation to which Europeans can identify. In the first chapter, Bernard Ancori, Director at the Institute of Interdisciplinary research into Science and Technology at the Université Louis Pasteur de Strasbourg, focuses on the example of the Ancient Greeks. Using a number of anthropological and historic examples he helps us understand the relationship between the birth of a common currency and the emergence of a feeling of belonging to a community. In the second chapter, Gilbert Koenig illustrates one of the aspects of this identification that was already present in Europe before the Euro arrived on the scene. The third chapter is dedicated to a phenomenon that has been observed on many occasions by Europeans, that of aspiring to a strong currency. Meixing Dai, who is also a teacher at Strasbourg I, explored the attachment of citizens to the external value of their currency, particularly in relation to the dollar. On this occasion, he demonstrates the relationship between the Euro and the Mark, perceived by many to be a strong currency. Chapter four responds to this question illustrating how Europeans want a currency that holds its own on the international markets. With this in mind, Stéphane Seel, from Strasbourg I also analyses "international perspectives for the Euro and its impact on the development of a European identity".
The second part opens with a contribution from Michel Dévoluy, Director of the Institut de hautes études européennes de Strasbourg, who describes the characteristics of the European Central Bank's monetary power. According to Michel Dévoluy, the institution "could prove capable of constituting, in the minds of Europeans, a substitute for the absence of a political power", and "arouse a feeling of belonging to Europe". This is an argument that the sixth chapter challenges. Gilbert Koening shows, "that it is uncertain whether the predominance of monetary policy and its objective of price stability in the organisation of macro-economic policies in Europe cab win over Europeans in situations of economic downturn". Furthermore, if it is true that monetary and budgetary policy are inter-independent, don 't they in fact suffer from a lack of co-ordination? In the seventh chapter, Sylvie Duchassaing, PhD in economic science, exposes the different proposals, formulated over recent year that aim to put right this shortcoming. In the eighth chapter, Giuseppe Diana and Moïse Sidiropoulos, both teachers at universities in Strasbourg, widen the area of the study to that of social relations. "The influence of the Euro on the development of European identity is not simply through economic and political organisation but also through the intermediary of social relations that arise from and within monetary union". The contributors focus significantly on the example of wage negotiations. In the last chapter, Pierre-Guillaume Méon, Senior Lecturer at the Institut d'études politiques de Strasbourg, analyses "the redistributive effects of monetary integration ".
Alain Dremière
*** JEAN-PIERRE FAUGÈRE: Économie européenne. Presses de Sciences Po et Dalloz (31-35 rue Froidevaux, F-75685 Paris. Internet: http: //http://www.dalloz.fr - Distribution: Patrimoine, 168 rue du Noyer, B-1030 Brussels. Tel./fax: (32-2) 7366847). "Amphi" series. 2002, 360 pp, EUR 30. ISBN 2-247-04989-3.
Jean-Pierre Faugères is a lecturer and Dean in economic science at the Université Paris-Sud where he is Jean-Monnet Chair of “Integration and economic policies”. As well as having written extensively on economics, this revised and updated work (in its second edition) draws on the authors pedagogic qualities in order to explore the evolution of the European market economy. The author offers provides an insight into European construction by way of its original and basic objective, economic integration, which is located in its global context.
Faugère's objective in this study is, “essentially constituted by the political decisions taken by the European institutions…their legitimacy, their content and their impact”. In order to accomplish this goal, he traces the developments of reflection carried out by economists over more than tow centuries on market regulation and its limits. The first part of the “foundations of the European economy” , locates economic integration in an historic perspective and brings the subject to light by clarifying the various theories on regional integration and its implications. In the second part, he examines the issue of rules and the functioning of the single market, as well as the way in which the Union responds to the different imperfections of the market: placing competition policy in a relevant framework, the industrial and research policies implemented to complete it, as well as the social and agricultural polices used to rectify its shortcomings. Finally, an ultimate section tackles the setting up of the European monetary system, including the adoption of the Euro and the subsequent impact this has had on European Community investment in the field of national macro-economic policy.
Without exploring the minutiae, which is far from surprising given the breadth of the subject, this book is, nonetheless extremely comprehensive and an essential book for those seeking an initial insight into the subject. It is also a significant point of reference due to the wealth of important information it contains.
*** ALAIN BARRAU: L'euro, un passage réussi. 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. 3643. 2002, 41 p. ISBN 2-11-115656.
The President of the Delegation of the French National Assembly to the European Union (and Member of the Convention) during the last parliament, Alain Barrau focuses his most recent report on the transition to the Euro. He first of all points out that all the overall conditions in which the transfer was achieved without any major incident, was due to chance. The author then examines the stages and actors involved in the meticulous preparation, as well as the many bodies that had been set up to develop awareness and training campaigns amongst the people who were considered as being particularly vulnerable during the passage to Euro notes and coins. Despite the success, the rapporteur advises us to remain vigilant, notably in connection with prices, which could particularly impact on products or symbolic services. Alain Barrau observes that consumer associations in several Union countries had highlighted significant price hikes. Nevertheless, according to the author, "the introduction of the Euro itself should not be totally blamed for price rises observed in certain sectors". This report also analyses the impact of the introduction of the EUR in countries that have remained outside the Euro-zone, as well as in candidate countries.
(ML)
*** MATTIA CROSETTO: Il manuale delle agevolazioni per le imprese - Testo unico per la comprensione, l´attivazione e la gestione degli strumenti di sostegno economico, finanziario e fiscale alle imprese. Il Sole 24 Ore S.p.A. (via P. Lomazzo 52, I-20154 Milan, Tel. +39-02-3022 5680, fax 3022 5400, e-mail: servizioclienti.libri@ilsole24ore.com Internet: http: //http://www.ilsole24ore.com ) 2002, 831 p., ISBN 88-8363-283-4, € 66.99.
This weighty publication is of particular interest to companies in Italy seeking information on potential support from public bodies. European institutions and programmes are illustrated in detail, as well as the national legal structures and programmes in Italy and its regions. The book also provides examples of application forms and the addresses of the relevant authorities. A comprehensive reference instrument, of practical value to a specific readership.
(PB)
*** BIRGIT SCHOISSWOHL: Staatshaftung wegen Gemeinschaftsrechtsverletzung: Anspruchsgrundlage und materielle Voraussetzungen. Forschungsinstitut für Europafragen der Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien series, vol. No 18, SpringerWienNewYork (Springer Verlag KG, Sachsenplatz 4-6-, A-1201 Viennq, Tel: 0043-1-330 2415-0, fax: 330 2426, e-mail: springer@springer.at, Internet: http: //http://www.springer.at ) 2002, 512 p, ISBN 3-211-83775-2
This PhD. thesis in law was written by an Austrian researcher at the University of Vienna. The study illustrates and explores the legal obligations of Member States, as well as their civic responsibilities to citizens and companies when they fail to respect Community law. the author examines key cases of civil liability (Francovich etc.) of countries in accordance with Community law. It also explains the effects and legal ramifications in this area and analyses the transposition of decisions made by the European Court in the national law of France, the United Kingdom, Germany and, above all, Austria. A thorough and detailed investigation, and of interest to researchers and legal practitioners of Community and comparative civil law.
(PB)
*** MICHAEL FAURER, HELMUT KOZIOL (Editors): Cases on Medical Malpractice in a Comparative Perspective. Tort and Insurance Law vol. 1 series, European Centre of Tort and Insurance Law, SpringerWienNewYork (Springer Verlag KG, Sachsenplatz 4-6-, A-1201 Vienna, Tel: 0043-1-330 2415-0, fax: 330 2426, e-mail: springer@springer.at, Internet: http: //http://www.springer.at ) 2001, 323 p., ISBN 3-211-83595-4 .
This book is the result of a co-operative project between the European Centre of Tort and Insurance Law (ECTIL) in Vienna and the University of Maastricht. It provides an examination of civil liability in the health sector. Sixteen writers, experts and lecturers from universities and research centres in Austria, Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Portugal, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Sweden have contributed to this very detailed and specialised legal study. It illustrates several specific cases of negligence by doctors and medical institutions. The study also provides a comparative legal and economic analysis, as well as a synthesis of legal regulation in this field in several European countries. A publication that would be of interest to experts of comparative civil law.
(PB)
*** The future organisation of financial regulation and supervision in the European Union. World saving bank institute and European Savings Banks Group (11, rue Marie-Thérèse. 1000 Brussels) Tel: (00-32) (0)2 2111111 - fax: 2111199- Internet: http://www.saving-banks.com ). Perspectives series, no 44. 2002, 52 p. Price: EUR 10
This publication aims to cast light on the positions of the "European Saving Banks Group", which represents almost a thousand banking institutions throughout twenty-six Member States. This organisation aims to represent the interests of its affiliates at the differerent European institutions. The work is divided into two. The first part deals with financial regulation and how legislation in this domain functions. The second part tackles the various executive and supervisory powers. Each chapter provides a balance sheet of the current context in which the banking sector exists and reveals some of the challenges the federation has to face. The publication also gives a brief account of the proposals put forward by the federation. Thus in the regulatory arena, the brochure poses three questions: "Who should assume the role of regulator?", "How should this regulation be carried out?" and "What type of legal instruments should be implemented?" In questions arising about supervision, the proposals essentially concern the actors involved and the levels where this action should take place.
(AD)
*** EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985, Luxembourg. Internet: http: //publications.eu.int) has published the following documents:
*** Cordis focus. DG Enterprise, Innovation (Fax: (352-4301) 32084 - E-mail: innovation@cec.eu.int - Internet: http://www.cordis.lu/news ). November 2002, No. 209, 27 pp
"Political co-ordination will not be achieved without political courage" is the title of this Cordis Focus, which quotes Hans-Olaf Henkel, president of the Leibniz Association. He does explain, however, "that we have no other choice but to succeed" and "the stakes for current society cannot be taken up other than by scientific and technologic advances". Other subjects tackles: the agreement of the gradual banning of experiments of cosmetics on animals, the prix IST price for 2002 is "better than ever", the launch of the 6th FPRD in Brussels, the anti-leaf laser for rail tracks.
*** Cooperation without frontiers. Structural Policies and European Territory. DG regional Policy (Internet: http: //europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy_en.htm). 2002, 49 pp. ISBN 92-894-4026-0.
Cross-border regions "have long symbolised the division of the old continent and wee at the centre of disputes that have torn the continent apart", is the observation made by Commissioner Michel Barnier in his preface, which highlights how European construction can help to change the status of these regions. The elimination of economic borders and freedom of movement has created more possibilities for cooperation that go beyond borders. According to Mr Barnier, this will be even more true with enlargement. Much preparation is still needed. This publication examines the "instruments" which will help, such as the extension of the transport and telecommunication networks, protection of the environment, economic cooperation, culture, education, tourism and above all, administration, the exchange of good practices, as well as cross-border and inter-regional cooperation.
*** Innovation & Technology Transfer. DG Enterprise, Innovation (Internet: http: //http://www.cordis.lu/itt/itt-en/home.html ). October 2002, 24 pp.
Following the European Council which marked a turning point for European companies and innovation policy, this publication presents the Cordis site, the European Commission portal for supporting innovation and looks at the different national and regional action initiated by the Commission: services political decision-makers, innovators, innovation news.
*** Regions & Communities of Europe. Committee of the Regions (92-102 rue Montoyer, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 2822155 - fax: 2822085 - Internet: http: //http://www.cor.eu.int ). September 2002, No. 36, 7 p.
This special edition focuses essentially on the way in which the Committee of the Regions, together with towns and the regions express their positions at the committee and how they position themselves n the debate on the future of Europe a the Convention. In the remainder of the publication, the President of the Socialist Group at the Committee, Michel Delebarre, inaugurates the new "portraits" section and looks at the different issues dealt with by the Committee.
*** Bulletin of Constitutional Jurisprudence. Council o Europe (F-67075 Strasbourg cedex. Tel: (33-1) 88412000 - fax: 88413738). 2002, No. 3-2001, EUR 30.
This regular publication of the European Commission for democracy through law - is also known as the "Venice Commission" and gathers together the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Courts and equivalent legal authorities in Europe, including the European Court of Human rights and the European Court of Justice, as well as in certain other countries in the world. It aims to enable magistrates and Constitutional legal experts to obtain information rapidly on the main decisions of Constitutional jurisdiction.
*** Newsletter. European League for Economic Co-operation (2 place du Champ de mars, B-1050 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 2198250 - Internet: http: //elec.easynet.be). 2002, No. 14, 4 p.
The newsletter of the European League for Economic Co-operation begins with an invigorating editorial on "Europe comes nearer" and attempts to find out why the Convention has been poorly reported in the press. The rest of the publication focuses on the "The High Points in European News" and the "Life of the League".