*** STEFAN GRILLER, BIRGIT WEIDEL (Editor): External Economic Relations and Foreign Policy in the European Union. Springer-Verlag KG (P.O. Box 89, A-1201 Vienna. Tel: (-43-01) 3302415 - fax: 3302426 - E-Mail: springer@springer.at - Internet: http://www.springer.at ). "Research Institute for European Affairs Publication Series", No. 20. 2002, 500 pp, EUR 79. ISBN 3-211-83726-4.
The international context can be characterised by globalisation and, paradoxically, by extreme fragmentation. Every day the European Community is called on to assert itself increasingly on the world scene. During the European Council of Laeken, the declaration stressed the importance of strengthening its role in this globalisation and providing a stabilising effect in the process. It is, however, necessary to point out that these objectives are far from being achieved. The considerable economic weight of Europe is in no way translated into a political capability that can influence decisions on the international stage. The co-ordinators of this book point out that at first glance it appears that, "The main obstacles preventing Europe from assuming the role of a world player are in fact the result of its own policies". Although its enjoys the necessary autonomy and a single voice in economic matters, it has isolated its political competencies in the inter-governmental sphere. The Treaty on the European Union aims to divide up the competencies in an intelligible way with regard to economic and trade concerns in the context of the first pillar and political affairs in the context of the second pillar. The book regards this as "artificial", which "undermines the effective capacity of Community legislation and weakens Europe's position " on the world stage. The book attempts to shed light on economic and political aspects of external policy, which are inextricably linked. It also provides an, “analysis of the complex consequences weighing down on the distribution of competencies from this artificial separation“.
In the first part of the book, scientists from the University of Vienna who specialise in economics and business clearly illustrate, "the division of competencies between the European Union, the European Communities and Member States". Brigit Weidel investigates the impact of the construction of Union foreign policy into pillars in a section that is very evocatively entitled, "Regulation or common position?" The treaties in fact sometimes engender an artistic haze surrounding the division of Community and Union competencies. The writer therefore tries to identify a system of rules or guidelines determining the choice between Community and inter-governmental instruments. Barbara Dutzler analyses the, "Union and Member State representation in international organisations". It is an issue that provokes much controversy given that it is subordinated to the distribution of competencies and the delegation of sovereignty. Stefan Griller and Katharina Gamharter tackle an essential issue in the trajectory of their research, "Is there a way out of the labyrinth of competencies on external trade?" In the second part, a variety of practical examples complement the thesis with an inextricable link between economic and political spheres. Amongst these examples are the lessons that can be learned from the debates surrounding Trans-Atlantic trade. Another example explores the extra-territorial sanctions imposed by the USA in 1996 with the "Helms-Burton Act", as well as sanctions imposed on Libya and Iran.
Editors Stefan Griller and Birgit Weidel lead us through some excellent observations and analyses. There are no huge surprises but the book provides a clarifying insight into the mysteries of the institutions through this brilliant and evocative study.
Alain Dremière
*** SOREN DOSENRODE, ANDERS STUBKJAER: The European Union and the Middle East. Sheffield Academic Press (The Tower Building, 11 York Road, London SE1 7NX. Tel: (44- (0)20) 79220880 - fax: 79220881 - E-mail: rwilson@continuumbooks.com). 2002, 179 pp, £14.99. ISBN 0-8264-6089-5.
This study of relations between the European Union and the Middle East proves interesting because it reflects the challenges facing the Union, which is gradually trying to take a position in the arena of external relations and adopt a subsequent foreign policy. In other words it clarifies the emerging role of the Union as a player on the international stage.
The Middle East, which in the definition of the authors incorporates Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian territories, the Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the Yemen and Oman - figured on the agenda in the first meeting held on the subject of European Political Co-operation; it is still there today. The attitude of the Union vis-à-vis conflicts in the Middle East reflect to a large extent, the conditions in which external policy is decided. In a more global perspective, this relation shows how the international system in general and other international actors in particular have influenced the actions of the Union. In a perspective that is strictly European, a study of the situation reveals the divergences existing between the different countries within the Union. This book is therefore both an analysis of the relations between the Union and the Middle East and an analysis of the Union as an international actor. The various writers are of the opinion that the Union's foreign policy contains certain contradictions. Efforts by the Union to develop a coherent and independent foreign policy are undermined by two significant factors: firstly, in relation to the Middle East, where the Union does not appear to have sufficient political will or interest in keeping this relationship as a priority, as well as the different national interests that make consensus extremely difficult to achieve and secondly, the Union suffers from the hegemony of the USA in the region, which limits room for manoeuvre.
(MF)
*** RICARDO BRODSKY BAUDET, LUIS XAVIER GRISANTI, JANETTE HABEL, MARC LABIE, FRANÇOIS-P. NIZERY, ISABELLE ROUSSEAU and ISABEL YEPEZ DEL CASTILLO: Challenges facing Latin America, responses form the European Union (Volume II). Centre for the Study and Promotion of Relations between countries of the EC and Latin America (Bâtiment NB-4.160, Avenue Paul Héger, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 6503102 - fax: 6504198). "Cahiers Cercal" series, No. 30. December 2001, 77 pp.
The articles contained in this issue of "Cahiers Cercal" were originally presented during a seminar on the subject. In the second volume there is far less emphasis on Europe and more focus on Latin American challenges. Except for the essay on "the history of a formidable ambiguity in the relations between Europe and Latin America", it tackles far more fully, which is not at all irrelevant, the issues emanating from the situation in certain countries on the other side of the Atlantic: social rights and political freedoms in Cuba, democracy in Peru, justice and national reconciliation in Chile, the historic Mexican election of 2000 and its repercussions.
(BJL)
*** Les cahiers du Cremoc. Dossier La Baltique. Centre de recherche sur l'Europe et le monde contemporain (Université Paris-Sud, Faculté Jean Monnet, 54 bld Desgranges, F-92331 Sceaux Cedex. E-mail: cahiers@cremoc.org). June 2002, No. 34, 56 pp.
At the dawning of enlargement, which will lead to the Union's borders stretching all the way up to the Baltic Sea and consequently to Russia, books that seek to explore this subject are always most welcome. First of all, the publication seeks to look into the issue of NATO enlargement and the enclave of Kaliningrad, which Moscow finds worrying and which is one of the obstacles to the setting up of a regional security zone. Taking this as its starting point, it then moves onto the co-operative aspects of security and the variety of instruments for mastering potential armed conflicts and subsequently putting a stop to any problems that arise. The publication then sets out to examine relations between Russia, the Baltic countries and Europe, which are analysed from the perspectives of the Petersburg tasks. Is the city of St. Petersburg still Russia's 'window on 'Europe?' This "Cahier" also contains an interview with the Ambassador of Afghanistan in France, Zalmai Haquani, on Afghan reconstruction and perspectives for peace and democracy.
(BJL)
*** ABDELKADER DJEFLAT, BRUNO BOIDIN: Ajustement et technologie en Afrique. Publisud (15 rue des Cinq-Diamants, F-75013 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 45807850 - fax: 45899415 - E-mail: publisud@compuserve.com). "Maghtech, Science, Synergie & Société" series. 2002, 190 pp. EUR 22.83. ISBN 2-86600-865-1.
Two economists both of whom are currently teachers in Lille ask the reader to reflect upon technological factors and how these are incorporated into development and adjustment. The issue is particularly explored in relation to West Africa. This multi-disciplinary approach also centres on the area encapsulating the new theoretical foundations of growth and the empirical field of new policies and programmes that many African countries are trying to relaunch in domains that are increasingly influenced by the advance of technological factors.
(LD)
*** FREDERIC MEGRET: Le Tribunal pénal international pour le Rwanda. Editions Pedone (13 rue Soufflot, F-75005 Paris). "Perspectives internationales" series, No. 23. 2002, 249 pp, EUR 24. ISBN 2-233-00410-8.
The International Criminal Courts on the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and the evolution of an emerging international justice system have often been linked. The jurisdictional architecture has often taken precedence over the cases for which the two ad hoc courts were actually responsible. The author believes that, "this involves treating the Court on Rwanda on its own terms, namely as sound and autonomous jurisdiction whose contribution to international law cannot be summed up as confirming or inferring the options of the Court on Yugoslavia". Frédéric Mégret examines the Court on Rwanda as a whole, "as a complex structure whose elements interact with each other ". Seven years after its creation, he studies the Court in all its institutional dimensions, procedural as well as substantive.
(AD)
*** FRANCOIS MELIN: Droit international privé. Conflits de juridictions - Conflit de lois. Gualino (31 rue Falguière. F-75741 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 56541600 - fax: 56541649 - E-mail: gualino@eja.fr). Collection "Mémentos". 2002, 192 pp, EUR 18. ISBN 2-84200-590-2.
The multiplication of private international relations is making the importance of private international law increasingly significant in an area that is known for its "difficult and obscure reputation". After having exposed the subject and source of the law, the book looks into different jurisdictional conflicts. Two points are tackled here. First of all, "French law and direct international competency" responding to an exposé on, "the recognition and execution of decisions in France that have been made abroad". European law is then examined through an analysis of civil, commercial, matrimonial case and those involving parental responsibility. The second point deals with conflicting laws. Merging both synthesis and structure, this publication takes the form of a manual. It brings together knowledge that Masters students or legal practitioners would be rash to ignore.
(AD)
*** ALI HAROUN, LEILA ASLAOUI, KHALED BOURAYOU, KAMEL REZAG BARA, ABDERRAHMANE BOUTMINE, ZOUBEIR SOUDANI: Algérie, arrêt du processus électoral. Enjeux et démocratie. Publisud (see details attached). "Les témoins de l'histoire" series. 2002, 405 pp. ISBN: 2-86600-948-7.
The legitimacy of the decision to interrupt the electoral process in Algeria on 26 December 1991, constitutes the central thesis that the co-writers of this book strive to validate. It provides a detailed insight into the political background behind the decision and sheds light on the main players in the event and the environment in which they act. The second part of the book focuses on legal aspects. In the third section, it scrutinises the, "legal liability of General Khaled Nezzar". This is a weighty tome made up of official and officious documents - with forty-seven annexes -, this publication attempts to demonstrate that the short circuiting of the democratic process was an effort to take Algerian democracy out of the hands that would have rendered it to murderers.
(AD)
*** ABDELWAHAB HECHICHE: What Jews Should Know About Islam and Muslims. Remembering A Common Heritage. Publisud (see details attached). 2002, 247 pp, EUR 27.16. ISBN 2-86600-884-7.
This book follows the line of Arnold Toynbee, Louis Massignon and two writers from the Maghreb, Mohammed Arkoun and Mohammed Talbi. In this excellent book, the author examines the dialogue between Muslims and Jews, which has remained at an embryonic stage, whereas the dialogue between Christians and Jews has been progressing since the Vatican II Council. A lecturer at US universities and a member of organisations promoting inter-religious dialogue, the author, Abdelwahab Hechiche illustrates some striking similarities between the Koran and the Torah, which should go some way to allowing religious fundamentalism to be overcome.
(LD)
*** Actualité des Industries de Réseaux en Europe. ASPE (36 rue de Laborde, F-75008 Paris. Fax: (33-1) 43876891 - E-mail: aspe@club-internet.fr). November 2002, No 8, 16pp. Annual subscription: 490 euros.
Alongside a discussion about opening up the European energy market to competition, this issue includes a critical dossier on transport, an area in which the "EU is dragging its feet". The articles cover the Austrian Ecopoints system that is heading "in the direction of compromise", and on competition which Robert Spierings of the Rail Freight Association sees as potentially the last chance for rail freight. Other articles look at UMTS, which could cover 50% of the European market in 2007; the directive on trading emission rights; Spain's new energy programme; and parliamentarians calling for greater European funding for trans-European networks.
*** La Lettre du CEPII. Centre d'études prospectives et d'informations internationales (9 rue Georges-Pitard, 75015 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 53685514 - Fax: 53685503 - Internet: http: //http://www.cepii.fr ). September 2002, No 215, 4 pp.
This issue looks at the "European votes at the IMF", the examination of shares at the beginning of 2003 that could provide Member States with the opportunity to give their views on reviewing representation of the European Union since at the current time, "the unlinking of voting areas is diluting European votes despite the coordination efforts". The Newsletter puts forwards various avenues for improving the situation.
*** In Europa. Centro di iniziativa Europea (7/5 Via Ippolito d'Aste, I-16121 Genova. Tel: (39-010) 540928 - Fax: 564356 - E-mail: ineuropa@euroframe.it). October 2002, No 3, 71 pp. Annual subscription: 77.47 euros. ISBN: 88-8163-307-8.
This issue of the research review takes a close look at proximity in Europe from the viewpoint of solidarity between citizens, both at present and in the future, against the backdrop of globalisation. There are also articles on Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa's most recent book, which asks "Why Europe?"; an article by Ferdinando Riccardi on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy "between enlargement and globalisation"; the protection of product quality through law; the Structural Funds in the prospect of enlargement; the Structural Funds' activity in Italy; urban policy, funding fundamental research; the genesis of the International Criminal Court; and companies' social responsibility.
*** Liaisons sociales Europe. Groupe Liaisons (1 av. Edouard-Belin, F-92500 Rueil-Malmaison. Tel: (33-825) 825371 - Fax: (33)1) 41299668 - Internet: http: //http://www.ls-europe.com ). 31 October/13 November 2002, No 66, 8pp, 25 euros.
The leading article looks at the European Union allowing Slovakia to provide tax exemptions to car manufacturers, which is encouraging Seat to decide to relocate some of its production from Spain to Slovakia. Seat's management justifies this decision by the trade unions' opposition to flexibility measures. Other subjects covered include the EU wanting to have uniform measures concerning foreigners' entry and residence, the slow emergence of a common immigration policy, a dossier on "socially responsible" companies, and the transposition of the directive on permanent employment contracts in the Netherlands.
*** La Lettre de Confrontations. Confrontations (41 rue Emile Zola. F-93107 Montreuil Cedex. Tel: (33-1) 49881194 - Fax: 49881184 - E-mail: confrontations@wanadoo.fr - Internet: http: //http://www.confrontations.org ). October - November 2002, 28 pp, 4.60 euros.
France Télécom or "lessons for EDF" comments this newsletter, raising the question: "Will we be condemned to keep going over the same debates, the same confusion between public service and public sector, between industrial and commercial public service and royalty services or social public services, between public services tasks and organisational forms for the supply of public services?". Other subjects covered: "Europe's needs", the Franco-German tandem, pension funds as a "lever for companies' social responsibility?", and the economic challenges hidden behind the organisation of the "integrated financial market".
In brief
*** Défis Sud. October - November 2002, Brussels. This special edition looks at the spectacular initiative of building a global small farmers' movement to deal with globalisation and in so doing, to ensure the respect of everybody's interests.