*** ESTHER BARBE, ELISABETH JOHANSSON-NOGUES (Editor): Beyond Enlargement: The new members and new frontiers on the enlarged European Union. Institut Universitari d'Estudis Europeus (08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona. Tel: (34-93) 5813024 - fax: 5813063 - E-mail: iuee@uab.es - Internet: http://www.uab.es/iuee ). 2003, 300 p.. ISBN 84-95201-12-7.
At the dawning of the fifth enlargement of the Union and as part of a research project carried out by the European University of European Studies in Bellaterrra (Barcelona) a conference was held during the week of 17 - 21 June 2002 on "The New Borders of European Union Foreign Policy: Risks and Opportunities of Internal and Adaptation towards the East". The goal of the conference was to bring together a panel of young researcher from the whole of Europe in order to examine the different aspects of enlargement, particularly aspects of the European Union's foreign and defence policy, as well as the impact of enlargement on the neighbouring world and the new borders that have been created. The overcharged and exciting atmosphere of this week of non-stop debates explains the authors' wish to get down on paper the contributions made by José Ignacio Torreblanca, Jordi Vasquer i Fanes, Milagros Alvarez Verdugo, Ruth Ferrerro, Silvia Morgades Gil, Nicola Catellani, Paolo Prosperini, Rina Weltner-Puig, Pablo Aguiar Molina and Manuel Cienfuegos Mateo. These contributions are divided into two major themes of reflection in the book: the enlarged Union and its relationship with its new members; and the Union and the challenges raised by its new borders. The vast scope of subjects tackled is far from being simply a compilation of political process leading to enlargement. The intention of the authors is to stimulate the reader's reflection on themes that academic analysts up till now have hitherto barely explored but which have always underpinned the ongoing dynamic that we have witnessed since the European Council of Copenhagen in December 2002 and the subsequent decision on admitting the candidate countries in 2004 and admitting some of the other countries at a later date. This new geopolitical configuration, drawn up in parallel with the enlargement of NATO is not only studied in its present form but also "by default" through the creation of countries awaiting or excluded from integration and which form a new border with a highly explosive spectrum of unstable countries that are in a simmering cauldron of present, latent or future conflict. What residual energy does the Union still have for meeting these external challenges after dealing with the new problems that have arisen internally such as new minorities, internal waves of migration, in order to be able to assume its role a world power? These are some of the subjects that are explored throughout the 300 pages of this book, which provides enormous intellectual pleasure and an important yet still incomplete insight into this subject.
Pascal Burgeon
*** PHEDON NICOLAIDES, ARJAN GEVEKE, ANNE-MIEKE DEN TEULING: Improving Policy Implementation in an Enlarged European Union. The Case of National Regulatory Authorities. European Institute of Public Administration (22 O. L. Vrouweplein, P.O. Box 1229, 6201 BE Maastricht, Netherlands. Tel: (31-43) 3296274 - fax: 3296296 - Internet: http: //http://www.eipa.nl ). "Current European Issues". 2003, 117 p., 21 euros. ISBN 90-6779-174-1.
In expansion and constant evolution, the Community acquis and the legislative environment of the Union encounter difficulties when it is a matter of transposing them into the legal systems of Members States. And this implementation deficit risks getting worse with the arrival of the new Member States, which in this context, constitutes a real challenge for the Union. This study carried out by the Institute of Maastricht, under the supervision of Professor Nicolaides explores the alternatives for overcoming this problem. The different authors share a common and double starting point: effective application of European rules require the national authorities to have the necessary independent powers at their disposal; political control of the latter either by Member States or the Community proves counter-productive if it is excessive. The authors argue that it is a clear-cut case that the authorities must be able to benefit from a certain degree of autonomy and power in order to be able to take action with discretion so that they are in a position to respond to the changing conditions of the market. Using studies carried out on the markets in electricity, telecommunications, postal services and air transport, they develop to this end, a "Principal Agent Theory " which, by marrying policy and economics, aims to make the "new regulatory authorities" more accountable, notably in light of certain US experiences. It also sets out to monitor new Member States in this domain and ensure that they are participants in an exchange of best practices that can subsequently reduce the risks that go hand in glove with greater autonomy.
(MLJ
*** DANIELLE BOSSAERT, CHRISTOPHE DEMMKE: Civil Services in the Accession States. New Trends and the Impact of the Integration Process. European Institute of Public Administration (see address attached). 2003, 107 p., 21 euros. ISBN 90-6779-173-3.
This study sets about drawing up a picture of the civil services in accession candidate countries and aims to identify the points that could hinder their harmonious integration and subsequently seeks to find ways of rectifying them. Basing the study on the responses of the candidate countries to a questionnaire, the authors initially identify the major features of the civil service in the candidate countries, most of which were formerly communist and highly centralised. They then go on to highlight the divergences and similarities between the structures and the way the civil service in the candidate countries work. The study analyses the specific points, such as recruitment methods, salaries, hierarchical structures etc. Finally, they demonstrate how Community legislation can influence reforms of the civil service in these countries and contribute to establishing in the long term, a "European Administrative Area ".
(FRo)
*** RENE ANDRE: Réussir l'unification de l'Europe et construire son union politique. Délégation pour l'Union européenne de l'Assemblée nationale (Kiosque de l'Assemblée nationale, 4 rue Aristide Briand, F-75007 Paris. Internet: http: //http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr ). "Les documents d'information de l'assemblée nationale" series, No. 773. 2003, 120 pp, 5 euros. ISBN 2-11-117039-9.
Union enlargement in a few months time will both inspire "enthusiasm, realism and worry". For the French MP responsible for this report, there is enthusiasm about the unification of the two Europe's so very painfully separated. Realism is expressed with regard to the efforts made by the candidate countries to fully participate in the new club. And finally, worry, about the dissension that the conflict in Iraq stirred up. In this connection, René André does not leave any doubt about the commitment of the National Assembly: "the concept of the European Union, which would consist in being satisfied with economic and monetary union alone and which judges political union worthless or even dangerous (because of duplication of or competition with NATO over the security of Europe), does not correspond with the ambition that has fed European construction since its creation". The Members of the Delegation, therefore believe that they must both succeed with "integration of the ten accession countries to the European Union, backed up by support of public opinion" and "construct a political Europe in order to increase its influence in the world".
(AD)
*** MICHEL DELEBARRE: La Hongrie, en avant-garde sur la voie de l'adhésion à l'Union européenne. Délégation pour l'Union européenne de l'Assemblée nationale (see address attached). "Les documents d'information de l'Assemblée nationale" series, No. 774. 2003, 28 pp, 3.50 euros. ISBN 2-11-117049-6.
As one of the future members, the author of this information report, notes that Hungary holds the record in organising plebiscites on accession, given that the most recent survey indicated that 70 % support it. The country can be characterised by a stable and politically democratic regime, strong economic development and effective assimilation of the Community legal acquis. However, "some uncertainties remain" and "it will be necessary to overcome them in the years to come". Administrative and legal systems will have to be revised. Public security, the fight against corruption and surveillance of the borders will also need changes. In environmental matters and farming policy, efforts have been made but are still insufficient, according to this former French Minister. The situation for the Roms - which represent almost 10% of the population - also remains a subject for discussion.
(AD)
*** FRANCOIS GUILLAUME: La Pologne à l'heure du choix européen: un test décisif pour la réussite de l'élargissement. Délégation pour l'Union européenne de l'Assemblée nationale (see address attached). "Les documents d'information de l'Assemblée nationale" series, No. 778. 2003, 50 p., 3.50 euros. ISBN 2-11-116397-X.
Poland is, according to the French MP and author of this report, "the key candidate for enlargement". Although a great effort has been made in economic modernisation others "need to be made in order to conclude the Community acquis", given that the transition to the market economy has been successfully achieved, the same cannot be said for sustainable social convergence with the Fifteen. The report also reserves a few comments on the "repercussions of the Iraqi conflict", explaining that "Europe is not a just a cash register". It also stresses that the feeling experienced by Europe, as an example of co-operation "involves sharing a certain vision of the world and respecting duties of solidarity between the countries of our old continent". The notorious Achilles heel, as represented by agriculture, for both Poland and the Union itself is still a moot point. In a country where "agriculture has always been perceived as the backbone of the Nation", the structures will have to evolve if the sector is to remain viable. The Delegation of the European Union also highlights the importance of a learning curve on the part of the new entrant with regard to the mid term review of the Common Agricultural Policy.
(AD)
*** ANDRE SCHNEIDER: L'adhésion de l'Estonie: un symbole de la réunification de l'Europe. Délégation pour l'Union européenne de l'Assemblée nationale (see address attached). "Les documents d'information de l'assemblée nationale" series, No. 782. 2003, 29 pp, 3.50 euros. ISBN 2-11-115794-5.
It wasn't until the end of great suffering that Estonia gained its independence in 1991. This suffering also explains the interest this country has with regard to NATO in "gauging security and protection faced with a powerful neighbour" in the shape of Russia. A successful parliamentary democracy, Estonia appears to be a model in every respect. Its transition from a centralised economy to a high performing market economy has been achieved. Its level of alignment on the Community acquis is very high. It also appears that its Russian minority is much more integrated. All these factors lead the rapporteur of the Delegation for the European Union of the French National Assembly to support Estonia's candidacy and stress that its accession will bring "European territorial continuity from the North of the Baltic to the Russian border".
(AD)
*** ALFRED ALMONT: La Lettonie est en mesure d'adhérer à l'Union européenne tout en préservant son identité. Délégation pour l'Union européenne de l'Assemblée nationale (see address attached). "Les documents d'information de l'assemblée nationale", No. 775. 2003, 29 p., 3.50 euros. ISBN 2-11-115796-1.
Riga still bears the pock marks of armed conflict experienced by the country in the struggle for independence in 1991. According to this rapport, the tortured history of this small country can also be explained in part by the strong sense of national identity which reigns here, as well as why some of the people appear less than enthusiastic about the Union. Democracy, nonetheless has strongly taken root, as borne out by the stable political situation and progress in integrating the Russian minority. Its market economy is viable even if the weakness of the administration prevents high performance when it comes to using Community aid.
(AD)
*** FRAUKE KRAAS, JÖRG STADELBAUER (Editor): Nationalitäten und Minderheiten in Mittel- und Osteuropa. Braumüller (Universitäts-Verlagsbuchhandlung, 5 Servitengasse, A-1092 Vienna. Tel: (43-1) 3191159 - fax: 3102805 - E-mail: office@braumueller.at - Internet: http: //http://www.braumueller.at ). "Ethnos" series, No. 60. 2002, 384 p., 49 euros. ISBN 3-7003-1381-0.
The situation governing the different nationalities and minorities in central and eastern Europe is examined in this anthology of essays which focus on certain specific examples. Most of the authors are Austrian and German researchers who also seek to examine the political geography of the peoples and ethnicity in this region, as well as the national minorities in Russia, the political geography in the Caucasus, the multi-ethnic city of Temesvar in Romania, the situation for the Slovenes in the areas neighbouring Austria and Italy, relations of German speakers in Hungary with Germany and social cohesion of the Serbs in East Germany. Unfortunately, most of the contributions are based on interviews that go back to 1995 and which have not been updated. Nevertheless, given the importance of this difficult and sensitive subject in the political integration and internal stability of countries in central and eastern Europe, the book does provide some interesting information on areas that are not very well known. It also provides a thematic bibliography of more than 3,400 publications on nationalities and minorities in Europe, which certainly enriches the book.
(PB)
*** EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985 Luxembourg. Internet: http: //publications.eu.int) has published the following document:
*** L'environnement en Europe: troisième évaluation. European Environmental Agency (6 Kongens Nytorv, DK-1050 Copenhagen K. Tel.: (45-33)367100 - fax: 367199 - E-mail: eea@eea.eu.int - Internet: http://www.eea.eu.int ). 2003, 62 p. ISBN 92-9167-554-7.
This publication provides a summary of a report elaborated at the Ministerial Conference of Kiev in May 2003, within the framework of "An Environment for Europe" under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Committee for Europe. The report covers Europe, the Russian Federation and countries of central Asia. It first of all tackles the economic development and pressures on the environment in the different sectors. The report then presents the different changes experienced in the environmental development process, such as climate change, waste management, soil degradation and bio-diversity. It demonstrates how integration of environmental questions into the decision-making process is vital and concludes with a proposal to set up an integrated monitoring system in order to make up for the lack of capable date.
*** European public health update. European public health alliance (33 rue de Pascale, B-1040 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 2303056 - fax: 2333880 - E-mail: epha@epha.org - Internet: http: //http://www.epha.org ). March/April 2003, No. 67,26 p..
Representing more than 85 Non Governmental Organisations, this edition of EPHA - which aims to promote the health of the European population - focuses on access to drinking water, indispensable but which is becoming much less easy. As the writer of the editorial puts it, in the next twenty years, average supply of water per person and at a world level is expected to fall by a third. Faced with this awful scenario, the EPHA draws up a picture of the possible situation and how this problem could be rectified. Also included are two articles on the threats weighing down on the price for medicines and the link between cancer and nuclear energy, as well as a paper on support for "shared competencies " by the Greek Health Minister.
*** Paneuropa intern. Paneuropa-Union Deutschland (17 Dachauer Strasse, D-80335 München. Tel: (49-89)554683 - fax: 594768). April 2003, No. 5, 4 pp. Subscription: 95 euros.
The first page in Paneuropa focuses on the constitution of a "second pillar" by European countries in NATO. Other subjects include the ban on human cloning, Chechnya, the "yes" vote by Strasbourg for enlargement and rapprochement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Union.
*** Dokumente. ASKO Europa-Stiftung (2 Pestelstr., D-66119 Saarbrücken. Tel: (49-681)92674-11 - fax: 92674-99- E-mail: K.elbogen.saarnet.de - Internet: http://www.saarbrueckerdialog.de ). April 2003, No 2, 104 p. 3,90 euros.
Aiming to stimulate Franco-German dialogue, this review looks at the situation of the French and German relationship within the Union and ask whether this constitutes leadership or crisis management, the fundamental question is whether or not this relationship is under threat? This issue also looks at France's position as the driving force behind the CFSP, the problem of nuclear energy as well as a programme that sets out to build links between young people in the Balkans. The publication also contains a list of French and German cultural events.
*** Benelux Newsletter. Secrétariat général Benelux (39 rue de la Régence, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 5193811 - fax: 5134206 - Internet: http://www.benelux.be ). 2003, No. 1, 34 p..
Written in French and Dutch, this magazine includes an interview with Chris Van der Klaauw, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands on the relationship between Belgium and the Netherlands between the wars. Also included is a series of articles on activities in the Benelux countries, such as the opening up of the tunnel under the western Scheldt, the development project for the Scheldt estuary and the plan for an ecological and cross border passenger base (PBEPT).
*** Annual Report 2002. Central Bank of Luxembourg (2 bld. Royal, L-2983. Tel: (352) 4774-1 - fax: 4774-4901 - E-mail: sg@bcl.lu - Internet: http: //http://www.bcl.lu ).2003, 196 pp..
This report - the fourth to be published since the creation of the Central Bank of Luxembourg is a useful tool for all those looking for economic and financial information on Luxembourg.