*** OLIVIER COSTA, ERIC KERROUCHE, PAUL MAGNETTE (Eds.): Vers un renouveau du parlementarisme en Europe ? Editions de l'Université de Bruxelles (26 av. Paul Héger, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 6503799 - Fax: 6503794 - E-mail: editions@admin.ulb.ac.be - Internet: http: //http://www.editions-universite-bruxelles.be ). "Sociologie politique" series. 2004, 302 pp, 20 euros. ISBN 2-8004-1344-1.
This remarkable collection of essays by leading European politicians assesses the health of the parliamentary system in Europe and makes a highly encouraging diagnosis of the patient's health. Firstly, it takes a sideways view of the parliamentary system with the authors attempting to describe national differences and convergence across Europe. Erik Kerrouche (Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux) looks at changes in the role of parliaments from a comparative angle, while Prof.: Daniel-Louis Seiler (Institut d'études d'Aix-en-Provence) highlights existing tensions between majority and associative interpretations of parliamentarianism and Olivier Rozenberg, doctoral student at the Institut d'études politiques in Paris, considers how the European project is impacting on parliamentary systems and how assemblies are adapting to this constraint. The second part of the book gives an overview of parliamentary practice in Europe: Director of the Institut d'études européennes at the Université libre de Bruxelles, Paul Magnette, looks at Belgium, which represents compromise democracy; Peter Dorey ( Cardiff University) assesses the parliamentary system in the UK, where it arose; Prof. Luca Verzichelli (University of Sienna) considers how parliament fits into the Italian political system after ten years of reform and other changes; Isabelle Bourbao-Guiziou, doctoral student at the Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux, considers the specific nature of the French system; Armel Le Divellec, lecturer in public law at Maine University, shows how the German exception has turned into a kind of standard; and Torbjörn Bergman (Umea University) looks at the system in Sweden. In the last part of the book, other writers look at the implications of the parliamentary system beyond parliament itself: Prof. Frédéric Varone (Université catholique de Louvain) considers the set-up in Switzerland, describing the similarities and differences of the unique Swiss federal system vis-à-vis the parliamentary system, while Olivier Costa (Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux, Université libre de Bruxelles and Collège d'Europe in Bruges) takes an in-depth look at the role of the parliamentary model in the changing institutional set-up of the European Union.
This collection of articles, taken as a whole, leads the editors to note in the introduction (which Prof. Jean Blondel describes in the preface as a 'model'), that the parliamentary system is not so much in decline (it still remains the widest form of democratic government in Europe today, and this has been strengthened by the changes that have followed the fall of the Berlin Wall) as undergoing a phase of acute adaptation in a situation where 'governance' is catching up with government. Initially, the three editors list the three phenomena which have affected parliaments throughout the twentieth century, namely the rise of the executive, which means that these days, only bureaucracies have the expertise needed for drafting, implementing and reforming ever more complex policies; the subjection of the political game to parties since parliament is no longer an area where consensus is reached through deliberation, but an area for the expression of a partisan dichotomy between the majority and the opposition; and this change has been accompanied over time by a professionalisation of parliamentarians who are becoming ever more involved in considering parliament as part of their 'career' and therefore often have to fall under the Caudine Forks of political parties. The problems encountered by parliaments in getting their views heard also have more recent roots, like the continued growth of science and technology in politics with ever greater use being made of expert opinion. There is also the turn to the free market, which having led to mass deregulation, as promoted by international and regional organisations, has markedly reduced the scope of assemblies' powers, while the executive has chosen to make greater use of agencies, independent bodies and other private players. All this has also led to a return to corporatism and, more generally, to the involvement of organised civil society in public activity, which has affected the logic of classical representativity. On a broader scale, it is the monopoly of the representative model that is being challenged with the growth of opposition movements on the fringes of political parties and trade unions depriving parliamentarians of any claim to exclusivity in the determination, management and control of public affairs. The rising power of the media and constitutional judges, along with the plebiscite and charisma dimensions of political legitimacy (while parliaments are, by nature, collective institutions), are other phenomena which have contributed to the process of marginalising the institution of parliament. Not to mention the changes in the international environment (particularly the European project) and the consequences of decentralisation, which has also contributed to the emergence of the new concept of "governance" which "sees a gradual blurring of the frontiers between public and private spheres of activity, with political power being dispersed among many areas without clear centralisation or hierarchy, and the predominance of citizens' groups and interests over elected officers".
Does this mean that parliaments are destined to permanent marginalisation?. Quite the contrary. After showing how parliaments have adapted to date in a hostile environment, Costa, Kerrouche and Magnette note a series of factors which should ensure parliaments continue to exist in the future. While it is not typical, the example of the European Parliament is there to prove that alternatives to the parliamentary system are far from automatic…
Michel Theys
*** JEAN-MICHEL DE WAELE (Ed.): Les clivages politiques en Europe centrale et orientale. Editions de l'Université libre de Bruxelles (see above). "Sociologie politique" series. 2004, 288 pp, 23 euros. ISBN 2-8004-1338-7.
Jean-Michel De Waele heads the social and political analysis group on central and Eastern European countries at the Université libre de Bruxelles, where he is a lecturer. In this book, he regrets the lack of research on the sociology of power relations in Communist societies, which he sees as an obstacle for the analysis of change in society and power relations in central Europe. Along with other specialists from the region, he aims in this collection of essays to fill the gap by answering a series of questions raised by the impact of the fall of the Communist system on political organisation in the countries of central and Eastern Europe. How can the political party set-up in the region be analysed? Can the standard interpretations be applied to these countries? Are political parties in the region different from elsewhere? The book makes a comparative study of political differences in the countries in the region, highlighting the periods of history that are influencing the emergence of political divisions today. Lithuania, for example, is characterised by a division between Communists and anti-Communists, while pro-Europe/anti-Europe divisions are being seen in politics in Poland. Influenced by different religions, history, economies and geo-political elements, the political backdrop of the countries of central and Eastern Europe are very diverse. In the introduction, Jean-Michel De Waele comments that comparing party systems and political divisions in central Europe requires a dynamic analytical approach that takes account of both what is unique and what is common to the different national set-ups.
(STu)
*** FRANKLIN DEHOUSSE, WOUTER COUSSENS, JORDI GARCIA, PIERRE VAN DEN BRULE: Les résultats de la Conference intergouvernementale 2003-2004. Une évaluation à la lumière du projet établi par la Convention. Centre de recherche et d'information socio-politiques (1 place Quetelet, B-1210 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 2110180 - Fax: (32-2) 219 79 34 - Internet: http://www.crisp.be ). "Courrier hebdomadaire" series, No. 1847. 2004, 39 pp, 6.90 euros.
This publication takes a look at the results of the Intergovernmental Conference in the light of the draft Constitution drawn up by the Convention. The first part of the study analyses the process that led to agreement over the Constitutional Treaty, while the next three parts compare the final agreement with the Convention's draft with regard to the institutional structure and the different policies and budget measures. By way of a conclusions, the authors make an overall analysis of the Treaty, which they describe as making a slight but definite step backwards when it comes to issues like defining qualified majority voting, the disappearance of the bridging clause for tax issues and the holding back on issues of social security for foreign workers. With regard to the Convention's work, the IGC strengthened the 'intergovernmental slippage' in the institutional domain, but reduced 'supranational slippage' in policies. The authors end by considering the process of revising the treaty in the future.
(STu)
*** ALEXANDER HEICHLINGER: eGovernment in Europe's Regions. Approaches and Progress in IST Strategy, Organisation and Services, and the Role of Regional Actors. European Institute for Public Administration (P.O. Box 1229, NL-6201 BE Maastricht. Tel: (31-43) 3296274, Fax: (31-43) 3296296 -- E-mail: m.simons@eipa-nk.com - Internet: http://www.eipa.nl ). 2004, 118 pp, 25 euros. ISBN 90-6779-187-3.
Alexander Heichlinger is a lecturer and project manager for the European Centre for the Regions in Barcelona. He is also deputy director of the European Commission's eEurope Awards project. This book aims to describe progress and the process of eGovernment in six important regions of Europe, namely Baden-Wurtemberg, Catalonia, Flanders, Lombardy, Scotland and Wales. The introduction of eGovernment systems by regional public administrations depends on history, the dominant culture and the necessary resources: The Scottish project, for example, mobilised four teams to work on updating government, applying the project in local authorities, improving infrastructure throughout the country and innovative use of IT and communication technology. All the same, eGovernment also requires huge enthusiasm from key actors at all levels who want to get things moving. For this reasons, initiatives are supported at national level and implemented at regional level. It is up to local authorities to ensure citizens can access services and information. Through this case study, the author describes good practices which could be used to establish cross-European e-government projects.
(STu)
*** MARIE-CHRISTINE JANSSENS (Ed.): Combattre les atteintes à la propriété intellectuelle. Bruylant (67 Rue de la Régence, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 5129845 - Fax: (32-2) 5117202 - E-mail: info@bruylant.be - Internet: http://www.bruylant.be ). 2004, 213 pp, 50 euros. ISBN 2-8027-1869-X.
This series of articles is the outcome of a study day organised by the Centre de Recherche en Propriété Intellectuelle to describe EU proposals and provide information about Belgian intellectual property regulations. After having taken a sectoral approach to the issue for ten years, the European Commission is now preparing to draft horizontal regulations through two proposals: a directive to ensure the respect of intellectual property rights, and a regulation concerning the intervention of customs authorities. In addition to two chapters describing this legislation, the book considers issues like registering descriptions in Belgium, judicial investigations illegal use of programmes and/or data, using penal procedures and the next moves in Belgium for implementing the new directive in the future. The various chapters are in the language of the speaker (either French, Dutch or English).
(STu)
*** PATRICK DAILLIER, GERAUD DE LA PRADELLE, HABIB GHERARI (Eds.): Droit de l'économie internationale. Editions Pedone (13 rue Soufflot-75005 Paris Tel: (33-1) 43540597 - Fax: 46340760). 2004, 1,119 pp, 60 euros. ISBN 2-23300443-4.
Regulating international economic relations by law is the subject of this book, the second volume in a series published by the Centre de droit international (Cedin) of the Université Paris X Nanterre. Given the importance, both historically and at present, of international economic issues and, more importantly, how they impact on economic operators, relations between countries and entire peoples, it is essential to regulate them. Such regulation has become necessary to ensure that the economic consequences serve the interests of the majority and go in the desired direction.
Throughout the book, a series of academics and practitioners join members of the Cedin to provide research into the international economy, which is described as a complex phenomenon which undergoes a perpetual process of change. The chosen approach is to take the international economy as a single unit and analyse its repercussions and relationships in detail. The book is a rich compilation with detailed analysis, providing readers with analysis of both international business law and international trade law in a single volume. To achieve this, the book considers in turn the legal and institutional framework of the international economy, currencies and finance, trade, movement of capital across the globe, the mobility and establishment of individuals and international trade disputes. The book is divided into 86 chapters, each supplemented by a rich bibliography, along with a general bibliography, three indexes (of subject matter, jurisprudence and legal texts) and also a detailed list of contents. An indispensable tool for academics and practitioners in the international business world.
(NBo)
*** The EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985 Luxembourg. Internet: http: //publications.eu.int) has published the following document:
*** From farm to fork: Safe food for Europe's consumers. DG for Press and Communication Publications (B-1049 Brussels). "Europe on the move" series. July 2004, 22 pp. ISBN 92-894-7772-5
A series of food scandals, like the dioxin and mad cow crises, sapped consumer confidence in the 90s. Nevertheless, constant progress has been made in food safety, particularly in recent years. The European institutions are active in ensuring that the same quality standards apply to all citizens. This publication describes the European food safety strategy, both for food produced in Europe and for imported food. It describes the various actiosn and tools used by the EU in terms of laws and assessing and publicising risks through independent scientific controls, applying regulations and providing consumer information.
*** Liaisons sociales Europe. Groupe Liaisons (1 Avenue Edouard-Belin, F-92500 Rueil-Malmaison. Tel: (33-8) 25800929 - Fax: (33-1) 44722027 - Internet: http//http://www.liaisons-sociales.com ). October 2004, No. 113, 12 pp, 32 euros. Annual subscription: 867.85 euros.
Entitled "Construire l'European Dream" (Creating the European Dream) after the new book by American writer Jeremy Rifkin, the leading article in this issue considers the outcome of the conference organised by the Dutch Presidency to set out a broad outline of the new Social Agenda for 2006-2010. Experts consider that European integration has not led to a watering down of workers' rights (for the middle class, at least). On the contrary, it has encouraged a strengthening of fundamental rights. The conference also highlighted the Danish and Dutch models for the establishment of an innovative flexible security system. Other articles take a critical look at the draft working time directive and comment on the latest measures of the Employment and Social Affairs Council.
*** Rivista di studi politici internazionali. Rivista di studi politici internazionali (40 Lungarno del Tempio, I-50121 Florence. Tel: (39-55) 666384). October - December 2004, No. 284, 188 pp. Annual subscription: 62 euros.
Much of this issue is devoted to analysis of the United Nations. Some articles look at changes in the UN since it took over from the Society of Nations, the new role of the Monitoring Centre for Health, and the UN's relation with the European Union. Other articles look at how the European project has impacted on the EU's relationship with China, for example, and changes in strategy adopted by the United States. The Constitutional Treaty and an assessment of the position taken by the different countries vis-à-vis holding a referendum on the Constitution can be found in the annex.
*** Dokumente. Gesellschaft für übernationale Zusammenarbeit e.V. (86 Dottendorfer Strasse, D-53129 Bonn. E-mail: Kontakt@guez-dokumente.org - Internet: http://www.guez-dokumente.org ). October 2004, No. 5, 100 pp, 3.90 euros. Annual subscription: 16.90 euros.
Dokumente looks at the risk of politicisation of the referendum in France to approve the Constitution, describing the views expressed by players like Chirac, Sarkozy and Juppé. Among the many other articles, there is an analysis of Franco-German industrial policy, the Stability Pact, comparing and constrasting reforms of the health system in France and Germany, and anti-Semitism in France (which often goes hand in hand with a type of Americanism).
*** Europa - Informationen. EKD - Büro Brüssel (166 Rue Joseph II, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 2301639 - Fax: 2800108 - e-mail: ekd.bruessel@ekd.be). September - October 2004, No. 104, 16 pp.
This issue of the German evangelistic church's European newsletter looks at the Commission's "yes, buts" regarding Turkey joining the EU and enlargement to Romania and Bulgaria, and the new EU Commissioners. Other articles discuss ethical and religious subjects like the role of women in religions, bioethics and GMOs, and intercultural dialogue.
Review in brief
***Airport Business. Airports Council International. 2004, Brussels. This magazine aims to provide readers with information about changes in the airport business.