*** JEAN-LOUIS ARNAUD: Discipline budgétaire et politique macro-économique dans l'Union européenne. Y a-t-il convergence entre le Pacte de stabilité et la stratégie de Lisbonne ? Notre Europe (41 bld des Capucines, F-75002 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 44589797 - Fax: 44589799. E-mail: notreeurope@notre-europe.asso.fr - Internet: http: //http://www.notre-europe.asso.fr ). June 2003, 28 pp.
In his introduction to this new publication by the Groupement d'études et de recherches that he himself set up and chairs, Jacques Delors does not mince his words: "between budget stability rules, which have been described by some as stupid, and discussion of growth, and therefore employment, which enjoys undeniable legitimacy in public opinion, a new 'democratic deficit' has formed which it would be dangerous to complacently play with". Anger tinged with concern from the former President of the Commission arises from an observation which another four months have given additional and ever more surprising relevance: "the Stability Pact discipline has been seriously challenged by the very people who promoted it but who are now pleading lack of economic growth, which at least has the merit of doing justice to the blustering of the 'Stability and Growth Pact'. Growth is! the subject of the Lisbon strategy, and at the reent conference of the Confederation of European trade unions I noted that it was disappearing under the credibility threshold due to lack of real means to implement it". All has been said and the Commission's recent initiatives (new priority projects for trans-European transport networks and recommendations to give body to the European growth initiative: see EUROPE of 2 October, pp. 5 to 7) change nothing for the moment, while France is more than ever on the standing on the wrong side of the brink…
Hence the interest of this publication from Notre Europe, with Jean-Louis Arnaud reporting back on a seminar Jacques Delors' organisqtion organised in March of this year on coherence between middle and long term growth strategies decided on by heads of state in Lisbon in 2000 and the Stability Pact. Hugo Wsolt of Sousa reminds us straight away that the Stability Pact was basically designed to appease German and Dutch fears that 'some countries would take advantage of others within Monetary Union', with the 'growth' side of it ('or the word growth at least') only being added on the insistence of the President of France. Does the current Stability and Growth Pact move in the direction of the Lisbon Strategy or move away from it? Are governments able to meet the Lisbon targets? Isn't the Stability Pact an obstacle to meeting those same targets? Is it possible that the Lisbon targets are quite simply over-ambitious and therefore unrealistic? Should a more active bud! get policy (meaning increasing public expenditure) be introduced or will automatic stabilisers suffice? At the end of the day, would it be a good idea to reform the Stability Pact in order to be able to meet the Lisbon targets or, on the contrary, should the Lisbon strategy be abandoned? All these questions are high on the political agenda at the moment and are all covered in this book by eminent specialists - Prof. James Galbraigth from Texas University, Maria Joao Rodriguez, Tommaso Padoa Schioppa… - under the leadership of the erstwhile Luxembourg economics minister Robert Goebbels. Their main achievement is that they have indicated different paths. And given the way things stand, that is no mean feat!
Michel Theys
*** AUDE TERRAY: Des francs-tireurs aux experts. L'organisation de la prévision économique au ministère des Finances, 1948-1968. Comité pour l'histoire économique et financière de la France (ministère de l'Economie, des Finances et de l'Industrie, 6 av. de l'Opéra, F-75001 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 44775264 - Fax: 44775298). "Histoire économique et financière de la France", "Etudes générales" series. 2002, 685 pp, 30 euros. ISBN 2-11-093306-2.
As the author notes at the outset, politicians, economists and observers of all ilks are united these days in their condemnation of the French economic and social system inherited from the postwar period, which they see as being in crisis and responsible for public deficits. Many believe that public administrations are incapable of reforming themselves and adapting to a constantly changing society. This book argues that French people have not forgotten the role of the state as player and regulator of economic growth, and neither have they forgotten great figures like Pierre Mendès France and Jean Monnet. Holding a doctorate in modern history, Aude Terray explores and analyses the history of the leadership of the "Prévision", one of the main poles of economic expertise at the French finance ministry, and measures its impact on political decision making, concentrating ! on the period 1945 to 1968.
(MRo)
*** VITOR GASPAR, PHILIPP HARTMANN, OLAF SLEIJPEN (Ed.): The transformation of the European financial system. European Central Bank (Postfach 16 03 19, 60066 Frankfurt am Main, Germqny. Tél: (49-69) 13440 - Fax: 13446000 - Internet: http://www.ecb.int ). 2003, 333 pp. ISBN 92-9181-348-6 (book) or 92-9181-349-4 (online).
This book describes, documents and provides background information on topics discussed at the second Conference of Central Banks held in October 2002 in Frankfurt am Main, organised by the European Central Bank. It was attended by representatives of European and international central banks and institutions along with academia and other experts. The aim of the conference was to analyse moves in Europe in the direction of genuine economic and financial integration and this book provides a reliable account of its proceedings, although by its nature it will be of most interest to specialists. The proceedings include ample statistics.
(MRo)
*** WIM MEEUSEN, JOSÈ VILLAVERDE (Ed.): Convergence Issues in the European Union. Edward Elgar Publishing (Glesanda House, Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham, Glos GL501UA, UK. Tel: 44-1242) 226934 - Fax: 262111 - info@e-elgar.co.uk - Internet: http://www.e-elgar.com ). 2002, 238 pp. ISBN 1-84064-666-7.
Is economic convergence possible in the European Union? Under the leadership of economics lecturers from Antwerp and Cantabria universities, academic experts look at the question from all angles. In the first part of the book, they look at convergence between states and regions, analysing the impact of the Structural Funds. They then consider convergence from the monetary and budget viewpoint, going on to look at convergence as part of a much bigger picture, involving welfare, labour markets, social policy and employment policy. A very detailed and comprehensive book, enriched with a wide range of tables and graphs, which will be of delight to researchers and decision makers.
(MRo)
*** DITTMAR SCHORKOWITZ (Ed.): Transition - Erosion - Reaktion. Zehn Jahre Transformation in Osteuropa. Peter Lang AG (1 Moosstrasse, Postfach 350, CH-2542 Pieterlen, Switzerland. Tel: (41-32) 3761717 - Fax: 3761727 - publicity@peterlang.com - Internet: http: //http://www.peterlang.net ). "Gesellschaften und Staaten im Epochenwandel", No. 8. 2002, 365 pp, 46.50 euros. ISBN 3-631-50392-X.
Ten years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it is time to make an initial assessment of the economic and social changes undergone by former Communist countries. This volume, edited by a reader in East European history at Berlin Free University, includes essays by fourteen sociologists, economists and political analysts from Germany and Eastern Europe. Articles on identity and mentality in the different countries and their impact on economic and political transformation are of particular interest. Changes in Russia, the Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Macedonia are studied in detail. The book does not make a complete or systematic assessment, but offers a good panorama of both change and constancy in former Communist countries.
(PB)
*** WALTER LEAL FILHO (Ed.): International Experiences on Sustainability. Peter Lang (1 Moosstr., CH-2542 Pieterlen. Tel./Fax: (41-32) 3761727. Internet: http: //http://www.peterlang.de ). "Environmental Education, Communication and Sustainability" series, No. 12. 2002, 238 pp. ISBN 0-8476-9909-9.
Edited by the chief editor of the series, Professor of environmental management at Hamburg Technical University and the Royal Technology Institute in Stockholm, this collection of essays takes a very useful look at various activities and initiatives currently in place, aiming to stimulate sustainable development. Activities carried out in Germany in particular are placed under the spotlight, but the authors also extend their investigations to the rest of Europe and even North America. They provide concrete examples of government, intergovernmental and non governmental activities demonstrating that sustainability, as both process and aim, can take various forms.
(LD)
*** Les finances locales dans les quinze pays de l'Union européenne. Dexia Edition (7-11 quai André Citroën, BP 1002, F-75901 Paris Cedex 15. Tel: (33-1) 43927656 - Fax: 43927672 - dexiaeditions@clf-dexia.com). 2002, 320 pp, 15 euros. ISBN 2-911065-30-1.
"Studying local finance in European countries is a wonderful starting point for considering political and economic changes on our continent"… In the preface to this book, Prof. Christian Lefèvre (Paris VIII) takes the bull by the horns. And certainly, this book would suggest he is right to do so. It is highly instructive above all else and is worthy of being known by people from all walks of life, not just students and researchers dealing with local authorities across Europe, namely entrepreneurs, bankers, officials and any citizen desiring greater understanding of unity in diversity in local communities in Europe. In this guidebook, local players, the organisation and functioning of local communities, local income and spending are meticulously analysed, Member State by Member State, along with maps and statistics. The book outlines local room for manoeuvre when it comes to taxation.! In a comparative analysis before the analysis of individual countries, the framework is set for considering the diverse range of situtations and the institutionalisation of involvement of public policies at the different levels, seen as a weighty trend because of community policies and the criteria set for the granting of funding. The authors note, for example, that the general trend towards decentralisation is more differentiated than one might imagine. If there is a common trend in Europe today, it would be regionalisation or federalisation, but that does not in and of itself mean there has been an increase in decentralisation at the level of basic level or infra regional communities.
(ASD)
*** BERNARD DAFFLON (Ed.): Local Public Finance in Europe. Balancing the Budget and Controlling Debt. Edward Elgar Publishing (Glensanda House, Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 1UA, UK. Tel: (44-1242) 226934 - Fax: 262111 - info@e-elgar.co.uk - Internet: http: //http://www.e-elgar.co.uk ). "Studies in Fiscal Federalism and State-Local Finance". 2002, 288 pp. ISBN 1-84064-878-3.
State decentralisation is on the agenda almost everywhere in the European Union, whether it takes the form of federalism, confederalism, subsidiarity or the ever greater trend towards sub-state autonomy. This makes it useful to consider how local components experience the convergence plans subscribed to by the Member States. In his introductory essay, Prof. Bernard Dafflon (Freiburg University) reviews a group of basic criteria used by eighteen budget experts in their analsyes of ten countries (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Norway, the UK and Switzerland), thereby avoiding the danger of using over complicated grids of analysis overdominated by national particularities. Could central states impose far reaching policies on their regions, when tempted to take advantage of a low level economic upturn? Will the regions continue to accept diktats once they'! ve achieved a degree of autonomy? What impact will the compromises thrashed out in this way (often haphazardly and influenced by local sensitivities impregnated with highly diverse culture) have on long term budget plans? The authors, all academics, provide answers to these questions.
(FOc)
*** MAY PIAGET, CLAUDE BAUMANN: La chute de l'empire Andersen. Crise, responsabilité et gouvernement d'entreprise. Editions Dunod (Paris. Distribution: Vivendi Uhiversal Publishing Services Benelux, 117 bld de l'Europe, B-1301 Wavre. Tel: (32-10) 420320 - Fax: 412024 - Internet: http://www.dunod.com ). 2003, 274 pp, 25.04 euros. ISBN 2-10-006995-0.
This book takes its readers deep into the heart of a financial and business thriller, leading to the implosion of the global Andersen network, brought down in the wake of the scandal involving its client Enron. May Piaget, journalist on the Swiss newspaper "Temps", and Claude Baumman, formerly deputy director of marketing and communication at Arthur Andersen Switzerland, retrace the history of the famous auditing company and the unusual crisis that brought it down. They consider whether Andersen was sacrificed for political reasons. The authors argue that the scandal demonstrates the limits of an economic model based on the unbridled drive for profits.
(MRo)
*** YVELISE LEBON, NATHALIE VAN LAETHEM: Le marketing orienté résultats. Du centre de coûts au centre de profit. Editions Dunod (see above)."Fonctions de l'entreprise" series. 2003, 237 pp. ISBN 2-10-006672-2.
Marketing is sometimes seen as a cost centre when it gives vent to its creativity to the detriment of its commercial mission. The authors, both from CEGOS, look at ways of marrying both missions in this book. They take a very hands on approach (the book is based on a company scenario), suggesting ways of ensuring marketing forms part and parcel of a results based logic, while respecting the creative approach.
(LD)
*** The EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985 Luxembourg. Internet: http: //publications.eu.int) has published the following document:
*** RDT info. DG Research, Information and Communication Unit (Tel: (32-2) 2959971 - Fax: 2958220 - research@cec.eu.int). July 2003, No. 38, 40 pp.
This RDT info looks towards space, an area where European research does not necessarily have the place it deserves. The magazine also takes a look at matters much closer to home, like the myraid of bacteria that make up our intestinal flora, a matter often in the news in an age where adverts for bacteria friendly foods abound. It also dives into Europe's often very sickly seas and takes a look at the IT world in a debate between supporters and opponents of open source software.
*** Europa. Ecole supérieure de journalisme de Lille (50 rue Gauthier-de-Châtillon, F-59046 Lille Cedex. Tel: (33-3) 20304402 - Fax: 20304493 - esj-international@esj-lille.fr - Internet: http://www.esj-lille.fr ). July 2003, No. 2, 28 pp., 3 euros.
This magazine, a supplement to the Cahiers du journalisme review, was produced by students at the Lille Journalism College (most of whom hail from Eastern Europe). This issue looks at human trafficking in Europe, almost a taboo subject. It is described in a sobre yet touching manner in these pages. What does the European white slave trade map look like? How widespread is the phenomenon? What measures are taken at European level to stem it? All these questions are looked at in the magazine.
*** Euromed. Ecole supérieure de journalisme de Lille (see above). July 2003, No. 1, 28 pp, 3 euros.
Is the Mediterranean a frontier separating communities situated on its shores or, on the contrary, a bridge between nations and cultures? North African, Turkish and Jordanian journalists on Euromed tend to take the second view. Europa's sister publication, written in French, Turkish and Arabic, looks at the European Union in the world and the links between the various regional players. It publishes a balance sheet six months ahead of the conference of EuroMed foreign ministers and considers the impact of enlargement of the European Union on the EuroMed partnership, which may come off the worst.
*** Liaisons sociales Europe. Groupe Liaisons (1 av. Edouard-Belin, F-92500 Rueil-Malmaison. Tel: (33-825) 825371 - Fax: (33-1) 44722027 - Internet: http//http://www.ls-europe.com ). July 2003, No. 84, 8 pp, 31 euros. Annual subscription: 757.58 euros.
The cover of this edition of Liaisons sociales Europe considers the new draft directive on equal opportunities, a draft which is causing a stir, perhaps because it is too radical. The magazine also looks at issues like the modest progress recorded in France in terms of free circulation of healthcare, and the Finnish elderly worker programme.
*** Revue du Marché commun et de l'Union européenne. Editions techniques et économiques (3 rue Soufflot, F-75005 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 55426130 - Fax: 55426139 editecom@starnet.fr - Internet: http: //http://www.editecom.com ). September 2003, No.471, 62 pp. Annual subscription: 202 euros.
This issue opens with an article on the Constitution under the title "Year I of the European Republic". A Constitution whose Article III-6 should make it possible, as another article explains, to add grist to the mill of debate around European public services. There are also articles on subjects such as the importance of the trans European electricity transport networks (the significance of which was underlined by the heatwave this summer), the design of the Airbus A 400M and the reform of terminology in the European budget.
Reviews in brief
*** Paneuropa Intern. Paneuropa-Union Deutschland. No. 9, July 2003, Munich. This newsletter looks at the work of the European Convention and the issue of human cloning. *** Carrefour de l'économie. SPF économie, PME, Classes moyenne et Energies. No. 6 A & B, 2003, Brussels. This publication from the Belgian economics ministry provides economic statistics, the outcome of a general social and economic survey and macroeconomic data.