WEEKLY SUPPLEMENT / European library

*** CLAUDE DU GRANRUT: Une Constitution pour l'Europe. Librairie Générale de Droit et de Jurisprudence (31 rue Falguière, F-75741 Paris cedex 15. Tel.: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - E-mail: [e-mail] - Internet: http://www.lgdj.fr ). "Systèmes" series. 2004, 174 pp, € 18.50. ISBN 2-275-02469-7.

Claude du Granrut is a leading connoisseur - and activist - in regional politics. Politically active at the local level (first deputy mayor of Senlis) and the regional level as a regional counsellor in Picardy, she has also written another book, by the same publisher, which stood out as a reference work, "Europe, le temps des Régions". Hence it is totally logical that she is also a member of the Committee of the Regions, where she had what she openly describes as the privilege of participating in the Convention chaired by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. Which is where the new book originated (she published a third book in the mean time, on European citizenship, "applying the principle of subsidiarity") since it recounts the story of the collective adventure that attempted to give meaning to the living together of people sharing the same heritage of values and culture but who rightly remain proud about their identity, language and belonging to a country of which they see themselves as citizens. In Claude de Granrut's view, the European Constitution drawn up by the Convention - and adjusted by the Intergovernmental Conference without, in her view, damaging the spirit of the text or getting rid of its essential proposals - makes a 'symbolic break with 50 years of the construction of economic Europe'. She writes that this vital constitutional re-formation will finally enable the European Union to start working on its political aspects and begin a dialogue between individuals and the democratic institutions responsible for their public life as European citizens. This is not untrue, but rather oversimplifies matters with regard to the EU's political ambitions, set out in the 'Schuman Declaration' and, for anyone with a smattering of intellectual honesty (which is no doubt not always the case in all the countries that have joined the six founding countries over time), the ultimate objective of a European federation was never hidden away in any sense. Some people may find it distasteful but we have to repeat here, once and for all, that in the ideas of the 'founding fathers' of Europe, the economy was never more than an instrument at the service of a political ideal and political ambitions. In this connection, the European Constitution is neither a revolution nor a political re-formation, but simply one more step in the search for unity, which will not end here, whether or not the Constitution is actually ratified.

Having made this reservation, we can agree with Claude de Granrut that ratification of the Constitution, which the European Parliament is calling for, 'will be revealing of the destiny the peoples of Europe want to forge for themselves' since it is a break with the treaties system and translates the desire to ensure the EU's political and economic power. Hence the importance of Europe's citizens properly understanding it in order to take it on board, or at least, not reject it through false ideas. With this in mind, this book is very useful, firstly because it describes in great detail the spirit characterising the work of the two hundred Convention Members from the first sitting of 28 February 2002 until the draft Constitutional Treaty was adopted. Claude de Granrut decodes the forces making up the Convention - supporters of a federal Europe or a Federation of Nation States, defenders of a confederal approach, the representatives of candidate countries, representatives of 'civil society' - and their influence on each of the working groups until the draft Constitution was agreed upon. The author writes that these men and women gave the Convention true political legitimacy, pooling their experience and know-how in the service of a draft that would make profound changes to the life of their voters. Claude de Granrut then attempts to prove this by assessing and explaining in fine detail all the articles of the draft Constitution, from the Preamble to the Protocols and Declarations via the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the EU's functioning and policies. The resulting book may be considered by some as rather dry at times, but surely the exercise of citizenship at either national or European level should be a synonym for duties as well as rights.

Michel Theys

*** PASCAL GOERGEN: Le lobbying des villes et des régions auprès de l'Union européenne. Edité à compte d'auteur (E-mail: [e-mail] - Internet: http://www.goergen.be ). 2004, 224 pp, €.26.50 ISBN 2-9600456-1-0.

With a preface by former Regional Policy Commissioner Michel Barnier, this book by the Representative of the region of Bruxelles-Capitale at the Belgian Permanent Representation to the EU briefly explaining how lobbying works in Brussels (by pressure and interest groups) and sets out the backdrop by describing the historic background to the EU, along with the new landscape and challenges. Pascal Goergen describes in a highly user-friendly fashion the key influences available for European cities and regions in the European Union's political decision-making process. He answers a resounding yes to the question of whether the corridors of power of the European Institutions in Brussels (European Parliament, Council, Committee of the Regions, Economic and Social Committee and European Investment Bank) can be accessed by regions and cities. In the fourth chapter, outlining practical hints and tips for effective lobbying, he looks at active regional representation bureaus in the Belgian capital (the region of the Aosta Valley, the city and region of Merseyside) and planned changes in the future, also taking a look at the 'Bureau de liaison Bruxelles-Europe' opened by the region of Bruxelles-Capitale to provide effective aid to regions and cities in the lobbying process. Belonging to a range of different influence networks (the Assembly of the Regions of Europe with Legislative Power, for example, and all other such groups) is then studied by the author, who ends by providing concrete examples of best lobbying practice for cities and regions. The book includes rich annexes of web sites, regional representation bureaus in Brussels, Permanent Representations and Agencies.

(MT)

*** Centro In Europa. Rivista di Studi e di Iniziativa Europea. Città e Teatri (7/5 via Ippolito d'Aste, I-16121 Genoa. Internet: http://www.centroineuropa.it ). 2004, No. 3, €7.75.

This report by the Genoa-based Centro In Europa headed by former MEP Roberto Speciale publishes a series of presentations made during discussions about European Culture Capitals and theatre held in the European Culture Capital 2004 between politicians responsible for other European Culture Capitals, namely Cork in 2005, and past Culture Capitals from 1990 onwards, namely Glasgow, Brussels, Krakow, Porto, Bruges and Graz. Robert Palmer, who was responsible for both Glasgow in 1990 and Brussels in 2000, points out that the idea of culture capitals goes back to January 1985, when the actress Melina Mercouri, the then Greek culture minister, told French culture minister Jack Lang about her dream of seeing a European Culture Capital. In this bilingual Italian and English report, with photos of the various Culture Capitals, protagonists explain what the experience actually meant to the cities concerned, along with the long-term impact of being a Culture Capital. Roberto Speciale writes that Genoa, along with Lille, was Culture Capital for 2004, in a year when the EU increased from 15 to 25 Member States. The organisers of European Culture Capitals will take account of this expansion of the EU in the future, selecting one city from an old Member State and one city from a new Member State each year.

(MG)

*** CHRISTOPH DEMMKE: European Civil Services between Tradition and Reform. European Institute of Public Administration (22 O. L. Vrouwplein, P. O. Box 1229, NL-6201 Maastricht. Tel.: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - E-mail: [e-mail] - Internet: http: //http://www.eipa.nl ). 2004, 202 pp, €30. ISBN 90-6779-185-7.

Demographic changes, increasing citizen expectations citizens, the introduction of new technology, individualisation, delegation and decentralisation, not to mention financial pressures and the trend towards internationalisation, are combining to brutally shake up public services. Following the conclusion of a research project started in 2003, Christoph Demmke takes a critical look in this book at the process of reform, promoting decentralisation and de-concentration of public services in all its different forms. The author is a researcher at the European Institute of Public Administration in Maastricht (Holland), who argues that calls for Europeanization, innovation, change and cuts in bureaucracy have generally become rather hackneyed, bandied about with very little knowledge of the structures prevailing in the public sector. In the author's view, it cannot be doubted that good reasons do exist for criticising public service, but the reforms being implemented are rarely based on rational debate, being based more on the aspiration, beliefs and the culture of the day than on genuine need to reform.

(LD)

*** EU Environment Guide 2004. American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (50 av. des Arts, box 5, B-1000 Brussels. Tel.: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - E-mail: [e-mail] - Internet: http://www.amchameu.be ). 2004, 244 pp, €75. ISBN 2-914685-34-3.

This guide produced by the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union makes a detailed outline of European and Member States' environment policy. In addition to an update of the various fields of EU environmental activity, like climate change, industrial emissions, air quality, waste, risk management and accidents and the international backdrop, the book provides a highly user-friendly explanation of various key terms and abbreviations used in discussing the environment, like the Kyoto Protocol, the Aarhus Convention, REACH, etc. It also describes the role of the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament in the environment, along with major global and non-governmental organisations. The publication provides a list of contacts in the European institutions and other organisations, giving a very useful address book for people wanting to get to a handle on the European Union's environment policy.

(SNe)

*** RENE ANDRE: Budget communautaire pour 2005: un budget de transition sans perspectives. Délégation pour l'Union européenne de l'Assemblée nationale (Kiosque de l'Assemblée nationale, 4 rue Aristide Briand, F-75007 Paris. Tel.: [phone] - Internet: http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr ). "Rapport d'information" series, No. 1752. 2004, 41 pp, €3.50. ISBN 2-11-118457-8.

This newsletter outlines the French national assembly's analysis of the preliminary draft Budget for 2005, which has now been adopted. The report goes into the short-term challenges - enlargement and pursuing the EU's priorities - and the Financial Perspectives for 2007-2013. Parliamentarian René André believes that the 2005 Budget will enable the EU to fulfil its pledges against the backdrop of enlargement, but regrets it won't be able to give Europe a new boost. The author then discusses the new budget measures foreseen in the European Constitution to enable the budget to adapt to the objectives of the European project and the stakes at play in the negotiations over the Financial Perspectives (which will get down to business in the first six months of this year). The report is followed by a resolution adopted by the French 'Délégation pour l'Union européenne.'

(CLa)

*** Revue de droit monégasque (Palais de justice de Monaco, B. P. 513, MC 98015 Monaco cedex.). 2004, 284 pp., €30.

A series of detailed articles in this review of Monaco's legal system starts by looking at how the euro meshes with Monaco's banking system, firstly in the light of the monetary agreement between France (acting on behalf of the European Community) and Monaco. Prof. Dominique Vidal (Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis) then sheds light on the ambiguous connection between Monaco's currency law and the eurozone, ending with research into the potential of giving autonomy to banking and finance law. The second part of the book focusses on laws governing social affairs, with an article by René Vialatte, a member of Monaco's Council of State, on collective bargaining and conflict at work. The third part of the book looks at various topics in the news, with an excellent article by Jean Mischo, honorary Advocate General at the European Court of Justice, on religion in European Union legislation and jurisprudence, considering religion in the light of EU regulations, Court of Justice case law and the role of Christian values in running the European Union's daily affairs. The book concludes with description of a selection of rulings in jurisprudence.

(GHu)

*** GIUSEPPE ROCCO: Come redigere un contratto internazionale. Dott. A. Giuffrè Editore S.p.A. (40 via Busto Arsizio, I-20151 Milan. Tel.: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - Internet: http: //http://www.giuffre.it ). "Cosa & Come - Giuffrè editore per i pubblici amministratori e per i professionisti, Section Diritto e Pratica professionale" series. 2004, 274 pp, €20. ISBN 88-14-10892-7.

This is a reference book for lawyers and people working in commerce at the global scale who want practical information on how to draw up international commercial contracts. Various fundamental United Nations and European Union international laws are briefly introduced in fourteen chapters focussing on major areas of civil and commercial law. Readers will find the model contract for international trading partners very useful.

(PB)

*** Europe Locale. Association Française du Conseil des Communes et Régions d'Europe (Publications Department, 30 rue Alsace Lorraine, F-45000 Orléans. Tel.: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - E-mail: [e-mail] - Internet: http://www.afccre.asso.fr ). December 2004, special issue, 38 pp, 10 euros. Annual subscription: 46.45 euros.

This special issue looks at the big event of the year in 2004 for the European Union, enlargement. Enlargement is a very promising event, of course, but does bring its fair share of challenges, especially for local authorities. In fact, nearly 70% of EU legislation applies to cities and regions and for this reason, Europe Locale explains how enlargement has given local communities a boost but has also created challenges. It outlines the costs and opportunities that this historic round of EU enlargement has brought in its wake for mss and how the costs and opportunities are being seen. It also gives ideas about possible areas of partnership between the different communities of the twenty-five Member States and interviews Claudie Haigneré,French deputy European Affairs minister.

*** Liaisons sociales Europe. Groupe Liaisons (1 av. Edouard-Belin, F-92500 Rueil-Malmaison. Tel.: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - Internet: http//http://www.liaisons-sociales.com ). December 2004, No. 117, 12 pp, 32 euros. Annual subscription: 867.85 euros.

This publication looks at the idea of an intermediate work contract mooted by French employment minister, Jean-Louis Borloo, to allow workers who lose their jobs because of the economy or in specific regions to have a more flexible transition period by extending their work contracts for twelve or eighteen months in another agency which would provide training. The model is partly based on the Swedish idea (used at Ericsson) and partly on German and Italian models. Other articles discuss the adoption of the directive on cross-border mergers and European Court of Justice jurisprudence on the state employing staff from the private sector and failing to maintain work and salary conditions.

*** Europe Infos. Catholic European Study and Information Centre/Commission of Bishops' Conferences (42 rue Stevin, B-1000 Brussels - Tel.: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - E-mail: [e-mail]). December 2004, No. 66, 12 pp. Annual subscription (for 11 issues): 27 euros.

This issue's editorial discusses two reports. Firstly, a report by Krzystof Michalski on the cultural and spiritual side of Europe, and then longer assessment of the better known Wim Kok Report on the mid-term review of the Lisbon Process. Other articles look at justice and home affairs news, the burgeoning defence Europe, combatting drugs and Pascal Lamy's creation of a discussion forum for business representatives and NGOs.

*** Economia Exterior. Estudios de Politica Exterior SA (6 Padilla, E-28006 Madrid. Tel.: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - E-mail: [e-mail] - Internet: http://www.politicaexterior.com ). November - December 2004, No. 102, 188 pp, Annual subscription: 93 euros.

This issue looks at the situation in Iraq, where 30 journalists have been killed to date and 90,000 Iraqis according to certain sources, along with around 1,300 allied soldiers. The main subject of this issue of Economia Exterior is a look back over ten years of multiracial democracy in South Africa and the Association Agreement signed by the EU and Russia, mentioning Chechnya and the Beslan massacre in passing. Other articles consider the difficult balance to be struck between security and freedom, the anti-missile defence system, NATO's role in the Mediterranean, and Brazil and Venezuela. Echoing back to the last issue of Economia Exterior (see library section last week), the spectacular rise of China and its impact on Asia are also analysed

*** Paneuropa Intern. Paneuropa - Union Deutschland (17 Dachauer Strasse, D-80335. Tel.: [phone] - Fax: 594768). November 2004, No. 12, 4 pp. Annual subscription: 95 euros.

Despite the sorry story of cloak and dagger poisoning and fraud, the Ukrainian presidential elections of 31 October were seen by some as less important than the presidential duel between Bush and Kerry. In terms of human rights and freedoms, however, the Ukrainian presidential election was far more significant, as is explained in this report by Otto von Habsburg, President of Paneuropa-Union. Another article discusses the same part of the world, describing the EU's East European neighbours, Byelorussia and Ukraine, and the impact of the EU's new Neighbourhood Policy. There are also articles on the fall-out from the Buttiglione affair.