*** PATRICK LE GALES: Le retour des villes européennes. Sociétés urbaines, mondialisation, gouvernement et gouvernance. Presses de Sciences Po (44 rue du Four, F-75006 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 44393960 - Fax: 45480441 - E-mail: info@presses.sciences-po.fr - Internet: http: //http://www.sciences-po.fr/edition/ ). 2003, 454 pp, 40 euros. ISBN 2-7246-0896-8.
This book begins with an anecdote. In 1997, Milan's Chamber of Commerce and Industry published a brochure with the provocative title: "Milano Città-stato, Equidistante da Roma e da Bruxelles"… which described Milan' transformation into a city state, relieved of the burden of the Italian flag to be in a better position to confront European competition. With hindsight, this brochure inspired by the separatist gestures of the Northern League can seem ludicrous. But is it? Isn't it simply an update of the myth of city states? The author has no doubt, this example "explains the tensions tearing at European societies, the ambiguities and dynamism of cities", which can no longer be ignored by the ideologues of Europe. Sociologist and political scientist Patrick Le Galès sumptuously explains this "return of the cities" in this book, the fruit of research carried out in various cities of France, the UK, Italy and Finland, that bears witness to an upheaval operating without our being aware of it in European society.
The book is based on four hypotheses and proposals. Firstly, the relation between cities and states has been (and remains) “central” in Western Europe when it comes to understanding the transformation of states and Western European societies. Clearly, while cities were finally absorbed into what, a posteriori, might seem to be the triumph of nation states, their cultural, social, economic and political influence is still felt, particularly in countries where they had been powerful. The author then suggests that the day when the constraints of the state are removed, a new context will emerge fro subnational entities, cities and regions, translating into opportunities for developing original forms of autonomy and integration, strategies basically for containing pressures to explode and fragment. His third proposal is that it is probably true today that globalisation and European integration are manifesting themselves in a vast movement of redistribution of authority, breaking through the state's monopoly of violence and allowing the constraints to be released. In his view, we are currently witnessing a “historic interlude of the confusion and interdependence of powers favourable to the autonomy of cities". Against this background of “deconstruction of the category of national society or nation", contrary to pessimistic forecasts of the dislocation of European cities, actors within them are adapting to the new conditions and contributing to the formation of a "European way, of new forms of territorialism and institutionalisation, of compromises between social integration, culture and economic development". The last hypothesis around which the author constructs his argument is that the actors of transformation in cities are on the side of associations, enterprises and interests, but also on the side of local government and local politicians, all of which are contributing to the emergence of differentiated modes of governance of increasing autonomy from states, despite growing interdependence. Patrick Le Galès is persuaded of it - Europe in the twenty-first century will not be constructed without its cities!
Michel Theys
*** SILVINA RODRIGUES-GARCIA: Complexité territoriale et aménagement de l'intercommunalité française au sein de l'Union européenne. L'Harmattan (5-7 rue de l'Ecole-Polytechnique, F-75005 Paris). "Administration et Aménagement du territoire" series. 2002, 254 pp, 29.90 euros. ISBN 2-7475-1988-0.
Ever since the 1970s, European countries have been carrying out root and branch decentralisation of the administration: particularly Germany, Belgium, Spain and Italy, but also Scandinavian countries and France. The latter is lagging somewhat behind, however. The author of this essay takes this as her starting point, along with what she describes as the over-technical and French-based vision of studies carried out in France on the issue, in an attempt to put each of these European countries' version of the decentralisation process into perspective. Although inter-communal cooperative structures differ from one country to the next, it might seem advisable to analyse the different reform processes of local administrative landscapes, which would make it possible to make out a level of overall convergence, and make a comparative analysis. Seeking the dimensional optimum, territorial homogeneity or operational or even “identity” homogeneity, recognition of natural solidarity pre-existing artificial administrative bodies - all these areas of study shedding new light on the bare administrative needs that are often imposed on local communities organised in line with imperatives very distant from the needs of centralising states. These “welfare” states are in crisis today, seeking new modes of cooperation between their basis components in an attempt to redesign the best possible cooperation between all the parts. Hence we see new forms of cooperation developing everywhere between different communities. From washed-out intercommunality to integrated cooperation between decentralised communities, to the emergence of an idea of supracommunality and new forms of cooperation between communities, like the recent phenomenon of “interregionality” (cooperation between regions of Europe), the study outlines past, new and future trends in decentralisation, describes the obstacles encountered and sketches out how these trends may develop. It also highlights what role states might play, either in terms of aid to be provided or even in the potential reconquest of entire swathes of the centralised state, particularly in France where attempts at decentralisation sometimes seem to be marking time against the various objective problems encountered or against the hardening of some political views opposed to decentralisation.
(PBu)
*** MARIANICK ITHURRALDE: Le Pays Basque, la Catalogne et l'Europe. Stratégies politiques des Autonomies basque et catalane. L'Harmattan (see above). "Recherches et documents - Espagne" series. 2002, 398 pp, 30 euros. ISBN 2-7475-1998-8.
Following the bloody attacks reported in the media, Basque separatism is often seen as nothing more than terrorism. In this book (prefaced Catherine Lalumière), Marianick Ithurralde, Doctor in Political Science at Université Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne, paints a different picture of the two autonomous Spanish regions of Catalonia and the Basque Country. She considers the complex relations between the two regions and Spain and Europe, examining the roots of the regions' identity and the citizens inhabiting them, plunging into the vast debate on how to define a specific geographically definable identity. The author painstakingly explains the role played by the European Union, shedding light on an area which is not covered often enough - for Catalan and Basque politicians, building a tighter link with Europe means loosening the link with Madrid. The EU's position becomes uncomfortable and contradictory simply through the way it could be made use of. This book shows us that Catalonia and the Basque Country “are good illustrations of the tensions that underlie the European project”. On the one hand, the EU brings communities and nations together with centripetal force, while on the other, it encourages centrifugal forces by providing aid to infra-state structures.
(AD)
*** ANNE MUXEL, MARLAINE CACOUALT Ed.): Les jeunes d'Europe du Sud et la politique. Une enquête comparative France, Italie, Espagne. L'Harmattan (see above). "Logiques politiques" series. 2001, 287 pp. ISBN 2-7475-1459-5.
This book invites readers to make a double trip. Firstly, to Southern Europe to see how young French, Spanish and Italian citizens regard politics. Secondly in terms of method since the authors attempt to outline on paper how they carried out their investigation and wrote up the conclusions they drew from their observations. The questions used are simple and straight to the point: "Are there any common points in young people's attitudes and political behaviour in the three countries?"; "How do young people's attitudes and political behaviour contribute to thee mergence European citizenship?"; "A contrario, what characteristics are specific to a nationality, not forming part of a shared identity?" The explanation at the end is enlightening, each author providing specific explanations and providing, all in all, a very clear and rich overview of the areas studied. The essays look at issues like the strength, stability and frequency of the Left-Right split, the feeling of belonging to a national community and ideological affinities.
(AD)
*** BERNARD A. COOK: Belgium. A History. Peter Lang Publishing (Tel: 1-212) 6477706 - Fax: 6477707 - Internet: http://www.peterlangusa.com ). "Studies in modern European History", No. 50. 2002, 155 pp. ISBN 0-8204-5824-4.
A gripping overview of the history of Belgium (in 155 pages, mind you), from its distant origins (the war of the Gauls) to the White March, about which the author points out that it is hard to imagine America, in proportion, mobilising 3.5 million people in a movement with a fresh humanist tinge after a sex crime, no matter how despicable. For Bernard A. Cook, this was one more element showing that this small community - the bravest of all the Gauls according to Caesar, because so far removed from any form of civilisation and permanently fighting its German neighbours, is still significantly made up of people who can sometimes be hugely shocked and display their astonishment robustly, for things that have long since eroded way from the original candour of their Western neighbours. A veritable ode to Belgium, sometimes described as an island of rural tranquillity at the heart of a war-torn, turbulent Europe, ever ready to mobilise itself in the event of need. This book could also be seen as a perfect condensation of the history of these regions, taking account both of this geographical area's history (“not a nation, but a country”) and of the macroeconomic and military trends and pressures that determined the attitudes of foreign powers to the country. The author is highly impregnated in local culture through his academic studies and many friends in Leuven, and draws a portrait of Belgium which is slighted, but not too much, tinged with a Flemish flavour, paying particular attention to respect for the idiosyncrasies of this little country so sensitive in so many respects (never described as contradictory) to the extent of giving a glossary of the names of places and events quoted in the book in either Dutch, French or even English, depending on the circumstances and requirements of the text.
This is a book that it both a pleasure to read and, despite its relative brevity, is very detailed and far more complete in terms of the subject matter covered than the vast majority of specialist books on the subject, whether one looks at history, archaeology or even sociology. It paints a picture of a country as a breeding ground in the search for the best compromises, as it was at the time of its political creation in 1830. However, if one accepts the author's analysis, current trends in Belgium as the capital of Europe focus on being the capital of a Europe of the regions (or of smaller units), with all that implies in terms of problems for recent immigrant communities that have to make the explicit choice of camps in the rivalry that “occasionally” sets the two dominant communities of this country against each other.
(PBu)
*** ODILE WATTEL-DE CROIZANT (Ed.): D'Europe à l'Europe III. La dimension politique et religieuse du mythe de l'Europe de l'Antiquité à nos jours. Centre de recherches A. Piganiol (Tours) and Editions Christian de Bartillat (Presses du Village, 1 bis vallée de l'Eglise, F-77139 Etrepilly. E-mail: presses.village@wanadoo.fr). 2002, 281 pp, 40 euros. ISBN 2-900479-14-2.
Even if Europe, our part of the world that is in a “conventional” reunification process, has problems and crises, Europe, the mythical Phoenician princess of antiquity ravished by Zeus who had taken the form of a bull (but not a mad one, except for madly in love) is still present in the collective imagination of artists, writers and… specialist conferences. The proceedings of the third conference organised by the international association “From Europe to Europe: myths and symbols” have just been published, with the cover page reproducing the Greek two euro coin (see book reviews of 22-23 June 1998 and 8-9 January 2001 for the first two conferences). Organised at the Ecole normale supérieure in Paris in November 2001, the conference brought together two dozen lecturers and researchers who provided extremely varied - and richly illustrated! - contributions ranging (to quote only a few) from “Europe as seen by the Americans in the eighteenth century” to "Europe the Sibyl - Medieval Christian symbolism”" via "The image of the bull in depictions of the abduction of Europe" and "Europe and the Greek euro".
(J-RR)
*** E-government: an Italian experience. Projects (104, Via Frattina, I-00187 Rome. Tel: (39-06) 6789380 - Fax: 6789369) 2002, 295 pp.
Published with the aid of the Italian foreign ministry and the Council of Europe, this research looks at the development of government information systems. The vector of profound change in society, information technology has become a key factor of economic and political development. Although it is hard to make long-term predictions, it is necessary to keep a close eye on the potential dangers of these changes in order to ensure that full benefit is drawn from them. This book reviews e-government innovation, highlighting its implications for Italian and European government. Both descriptive and prospective, it provides a guide to the new concept of "e-government".
(AD)
*** The EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985, Luxembourg. Internet: http: //publications.eu.int) has published the following document:
*** Cordis Focus. DG Enterprise (Fax: (352-4301) 32084 - E-mail: innovation@cec.eu.int - Internet: http://www.cordis.lu/news ). 24 February 2003, No. 215, 27 pp.
"Candidate countries and research and innovation" or how to move from apprenticeship to greater participation thanks to the Sixth Framework Programme: this is the leading article in this issue. We learn that the participation of SMEs and networks of excellence, which have a special place in the new programme, will provide great benefits to future Member States. According to high ranking Commission officials, “candidate countries today have a better understanding of the procedures and implementing measures of Community framework programmes and far more contact with researchers of the Member States”. Another article looks at the eEUROPE 2002 programme, which was "a great success". Other issues looked at include the funding of the installation of hydrogen fuel pumps in service stations, Europe leading the US in terms of renewable energy, and innovation centres guaranteeing start-ups a longer lifetime.
*** Innovation & Transfert. DG Enterprise (Fax: (352-4301) 32084 - E-mail: innovation@cec.eu.int - Internet: http://www.cordis.lu/itt-fr/home.html ). February 2003, Special issue, 24 pp.
"The European Innovation Roadmap" and "a glance at progress in Europe in 2002” are the main items in this special issue. Launched in 1999, the "Roadmap" mechanism is used by the Commission to encourage national authorities to better coordinate innovation policy, being both a benchmarking tool for performance and a way of stimulating the transnational apprenticeship process. The publication also provides full information about policy, including statistics.
*** Résider dans un autre pays de l'Union européenne. DG Internal Market (Internet: http: //europa.eu.int/citizens). 2002, 16 pp.
A new title has been added to the "Dialogue with citizens and companies" series providing tools Europeans need in taking the decision of whether to live in another EU Member State. Residence rights, formalities, residence cards, residents' rights and obligations, voting rights, rights and obligations to be aware of when starting up, moving house, moving and registering vehicles, taxes, building permits and taxes are all covered in this brochure. Along with useful contact addresses, it explains how to go about learning your rights.
*** Liaisons sociales Europe. Groupe Liaisons (1 av. Edouard-Belin, F-92500 Rueil-Malmaison. Tel: (33-(0) 825) 825371 - Fax: (33-1) 41299668 - Internet: http://www.ls-europe.com ). 20 February to 5 March 2003, No. 74, 8 pp, 25 euros.
This issue describes the Commission's new responsibility for pension funds. Explaining that the Commission monitors tax obstacles to the creation of pan-European pension funds and is encouraging the adoption of the directive on professional pensions institutions, this publication regrets that the Commission “forgets that insurance against old age should above all allow one to be covered against the risk of death”, noting that “the social dimension is lacking from this debate, which is not only a financial debate”. Other issues covered include measures to reconcile work and family life in the UK, the danger of blackmail in the “temporary work” directive, measures to promote the integration of the disabled and the role of social Europe in the new treaty.
*** Europe infos. Mensuel de la Commission des Episcopats de la Communauté européenne et de l'Office catholique d'information et d'initiative pour l'Europe (42 rue Stevin, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 2350510 - E-mail: europinfos@comece.org). February 2003, No. 46, 16 pp.
This issue's editorial is entitled “Africa and Europe”. Robert Schuman is quoted, since he used to say that one of the aims of the European project was to see Europe, with greater resources, "continuing to carry out one of its essential tasks - the development of the continent of Africa". This publication also points out that the Europe-Africa Summit in Lisbon on 4/5 April 2003 will give itself the same job, along with peace-making.