*** FLORENCE DELOCHE-GAUDEZ: La Constitution européenne. Que faut-il savoir ? Editions Presses de Sciences Po (117 bld Saint-Germain, F-75006 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 45498364 - fax: 45498334 - E-mail: info.presses@sciences-po.fr - Internet: http://www.sciences-po.fr/edition/ ). "Nouveaux Débats" series. 2005, 260 pp., €10. ISBN 2-7246-0950-6.
The calamitous results of the French referendum have shown Florence Deloche-Gaudez that her book, written with the goal of providing some reference points for understanding and debating the European Constitution, did not reach as “wide a public” as she would have wished. Not enough, in any case, for reversing the mortifying trend currently being expressed. Does this mean that the book appealed for a yes-vote? Not entirely. As Christine Ockrent astutely demonstrates in her preface, it is above all a “a citizen's book on a European scale” in which the author “clarifies the character and stakes at play in a project that is too important project to be abandoned due to national concerns”. A judgement that unfortunately proved its pertinence during the elections.
In the case of France, is it necessary or was it necessary to approve the European Constitution? The jury is still out. Including for those who voted no, except for the sovereignists and nationalists who are opposed to the very essence of the European project. The merit of this book, which Ockrent rightly describes as “clear, readable, succinct, devoid of jargon or turgid information” is to help readers form their opinions on the question posed. As Secretary General of the European Studies Centre at Science Po in Paris where she works with Professor Renaud Dehousse, the author has structured her work around fifteen questions on the lips of Europe's citizens. What are the Union's objectives? Where are its borders? What does the Charter of Fundamental Rights introduce? With the Constitution, will it be easier to decide together? Will Europe be more democratic? Are we moving towards a neo-liberal or social Europe? Will the Constitution allow the Union to become an international actor? Is the Constitution engraved in stone? So many questions to which Florence Deloche-Gaudez replies with precision and conviction. In each chapter, she illustrates the key Articles in the Constitution, highlighting the most controversial in an effort to clarify the debate but without diverting attention from important points that draw less attention. Her book is therefore above all a positive analysis of the Constitutional Treaty, even if she does not hide its limitations. This exposé contains a genuine adventure. She followed all the Conventions sessions and the author, in effect, attempts to explain the contents and process involved in elaborating the text, which makes it's a more living testimony as she writes herself, “behind each Article are men and women who made the proposals, debated, threatened sometimes, or plotted”. She tells how this or than provision was developed which helps us to understand the contents and why some proposals rather than others were kept. Another advantage of this approach is that it allows the author to “highlight the nature of European construction, above all a process and a constant search for compromise”. The opposite of what most French people have done, even if “the best way of rectifying the limitations of the Constitution” … was not “to reject it but rather invest in the European system upstream, in daily life and to think of what has to follow”. This is what Giuliano Amato confirms in his epilogue, asserting that the “Constitution is still a promise, but rarely one of those that is accomplished by itself”. In reality, Europe is a struggle, which will be perhaps more difficult if the promise is not kept!
Michel Theys
*** FABRICE AMEDEO: Les fossoyeurs de l'Europe. Diatribe politique. Bourin Editeur (5 rue Royale, F-75008 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 53059959 - fax: 44949099 - E-mail: bourin-editeur@bourin-editeur.com). 2005, 188 pp, € 12. ISBN 2-84941-019-5.
As the title suggests this book is by a young journalist (27) at the Figaro and provides sharp criticism of the generation of political leaders which have let him down and whom he criticises for having built a Europe that has "forgotten to sell itself to the hearts and minds " of its citizens. A former "Erasmus" student, he opposes this generation with the natural kind of attitude known as the " Erasmus youth", which feels comfortable everywhere in Europe and which is "increasingly sure of itself", but which "feels very much alone in a Europe governed by the older generation, which continues to dominate cultural life through its political weight". The author indicates that the worst poison for Europe is the nation state and “Commissioners, European officials, ministers or Heads of government…all our leaders come to Brussels with one idea in their heads, to defend their national interests and those of their voters”. Opposing the older generation are three men of the preceding generation, Schuman, Adenaur and de Gasperi, “the pilgrims of our political community…the eminent pedagoges of Europe, the fathers of a generation which is today following their European dream”. Despite the biting attacks (on delays to the Euro, the weakness of a Europe of citizens or the inability to meet Europe's cultural challenge), Fabrice Amedeo appeals in his lively pamphlet for the European Constitution because he believes that a no-vote would be a terrible step backwards and promote state intervention in economic regulation, which would be to say no to Europe, “a shame for the founding members and a shame on our leaders”. Neither does he spare those who are manipulating the yes-vote for personal ends as they are contributing to shuffling the cards of the European pack and making the debate extremely national when it should be trans-national.
(MG)
*** MICHEL ALBERT (Editors): Regards croisés sur l'Europe. Académie des sciences morales et politiques. Presses universitaires de France (Paris). 2005, 474 pp., € 36. ISBN 2-13-054990-X.
In actual fact views on Europe are mixed and contrast at the same time. During his year presiding this prestigious academy, Michel Albert in 2004 (his name and achievements are well known in international and European circles) contributed very actively in organising thirty two conferences in which the following took part historians, economists, sociologists, politicians from a variety of countries. A few worth mentioning (in alphabetical order) Raymond Barre, Jean Boissonnat, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, Virgilio Dastoli, Jacques Delors, Bronislaw Geremek, Pierre Mesmer, Nicole Notat, Romano Prodi, Robert Toulemon, Jean-Claude Trichet, Philippe de Villiers etc.
The pertinence of this book is obvious. Preceded by a very relevant introduction by Michel Albert, who places the book in the present moment of the European adventure, contributions are divided into three parts: “Views on heritage; European construction and Union limitations; the importance of the European treaty”. Mixed view and the cross-fire a few months later, the relevance of this book is not undermined. Whether it is dealing with the immediate future, unforeseeable, or the problems more in the long term (relations with the USA, Far East, Turkey's possible accession, UN reform, the politico-strategic role of the euro etc, political leaders, teachers, journalists or ordinary but citizens provide some clarifying insight. Among the final contributions are three that are worth particular mention in the context of different views, “The Europe of Sovereignists” by Philippe de Villier; “The Europe of federalists” by Virgilio Dastoli and “Europe and God” by Jean Boissonnat. Definitely an impressive panorama!
(J-RR)
*** Revue politique et parlementaire. Société d'Edition Diplomatique et Parlementaire (6 rue Labrouste, F-75015 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 45315805 - fax: 45311879). January/February/March 2005, No.1034, 175 p., 24 euros. Annual subscription: 61 euros (France), 75 euros (abroad). ISBN 2-85702-148-8.
Revue is always an interesting publication and this issue is no exception with the main article on "Europe, institutions: France confronts itself". It would have been impossible to have more resonance and with today's situation. In their contributions, the vice-president of the Commission Jacques Barrot and Jean-Louis Bianco defend the point of view that in a context of geopolitical competition requiring greater resolution, any national strategy has to go through a "Europe of power". It also contains a penetrating analysis in the article on "What's the Use of a Referendum?" Senior Lecturer a the University of Nantes, Chantal Carpentier says that the nationalist response, as observed in France "can only by a rear guard action, a short term victory in which national decision-makers attempt to keep face in the eyes of their voters". Nepenthes if the "religion of the nation" still has some followers, but the moment according to the author will come where this smoke screen strategy will no longer work in Europe and it will be relations between the French people and its national representatives will pose a problem.
(MT)
*** MARTIN WESTLAKE ET DAVID GALLOWAY: The Council of the European Union. John Harper Publishing (27 Palace Gates Road, London N22 7WB, UK. Tel: (44-20) 88814774 -E-mail: jhpublish@aol.com). 2004, 456 pp.. ISBN 0-9536278-8-8.
Now in its third edition P (the first came out in1995, the second in1999), this invaluable book enables us to penetrate the workings of what for the public at large, is a fairly mysterious Europeans institutions - an institution which as described in the preface by the Secretary General Javier Solana, "that deserves to be better known and which, I think, without exaggeration, has played a vital role in making the European Union what it is”. David Galloway, Deputy Director of Secretary General Pierre de Boissieu's private office (and former Head of the Council's press service) guides the reader through the meanderings of this complex institution, with Martin Westlake, current Head of communications at the European Economic and Social Committee (after having worked at the Council of the Union, the European Commission and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe). The two authors describe in the deep-seated changes at the Council of Ministers over recent years. In their introduction, they indicate that a forecast made in former issues (that there would probably be no radical changes at the Council in the near future) has not been borne out by event. They acknowledge that, "In fact over the last five years, there have been many major changes: the emerging role of the High Representative for CFSP; the 'integration of new military structures; regular meetings of EU defence ministers; accession of ten new members; six substantial revisions of the Councils rules of procedures; and the entry into force of a new treaty in 2003". This all makes this third completely re-written edition a genuinely new.
(MG)
*** WOLFGANG CLOSS, SUSANNE NIKOLTCHEV (Editors): IRIS Spécial: Débat politique et rôle des médias. Observatoire européen de l'audiovisuel (76 Allée de la Robertsau, F-67000 Strasbourg. Tel: (33-3) 88144400 - Fax: 88144419 - E-mail: obs@obs.coe.int - Internet: http: //http://www.obs.coe.int ). 2005, 128 p, € 44. ISBN 92-871-5674-3.
A real debate is needed in democracy, via the freedom of political expression, a right recognised by both the UN and the European institutions. However, the expression of these opinions in the political debate goes via the media, whose significance has grown massively over the years. Their role is not restricted to that of an intermediary: they influence public opinion and can help political and balanced debate and therefore democracy or change its direction and make or break a career. This publication poses the question of whether the media should influence on political expression. This special IRIS edition takes into account the work carried out by the European Audio-visual Observatory and the Institute of Information Law on changing tones in political expression in the media. It proposes above all a study of the role of the media in the political debate in Europe but also looks at the USA, a country where freedom of expression is also very protected. The publication focuses on the legislative framework of media regulation, as well as the main bodies establishing it. It also studies cases where restrictions are imposed on police expression. Other contributions deal in more detail with the situation in around ten European countries (in the broadest sense) and cover themes such as the media's influence during elections, their “setting the pace” in the context of the Chechen conflict and their role in the violent Kosovan riots in March 2004, triggered by false allegations. The media enjoys a position between the right to give an opinion and the right to receive one and play a key role that this publication helps us to better understand.
(FRo)
*** GERHARD FINK, MARKUS KOLLING, ANNE-KATRIN NEYER: The Cultural Standard Method. Europainstitut der Wirtschaftsuniversität Vienna (39-45 Althanstrasse, A-1090 Vienna. Tel: (43-1) 313364135 - fax: 31336758 - E-mail: europafragen@wu-wien.ac.at). "EI Working Paper" series, No. 62. 2005, 28 pp., € 7.20.
Three Austrian researchers propose a method for identifying cultural standards, namely ways of thinking, feeling, perceiving and acting among the vast majority of individuals in a given culture. They, nonetheless, observe that although the values are the same, the standards of behaviour can differ in societies to the point of causing friction. The methodology they propose focuses on inter-cultural interaction. This succinct but solid analysis presents and deconstructs this methodology by using interviews on the ground, followed by opinions by cultural experts.
(LD)
*** EUROPEAN COMMISSION (The Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985 Luxembourg. Internet: http: //publications.eu.int) has published the following documents:
*** Inforegio panorama. DG Regional Policy,Unity 01 - "Information and Communication" (41 av. de Tervuren, B-1040 Brussels. Fax: (32-2) 2966003 - E-mail: regio-info@cec.eu.int - Internet: http: //europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/regional_policy/index_en.htm). May 2005, No. 16, 28 pp..
The publication opens with a summary of a conference organised on the initiative of Commissioner Danuta Hübner - on the role of the regions in the relaunch of the Lisbon Strategy, the regions and cities being the actors that can convert Community priorities into visible results. But efficiency at a Union level of these local actors is through constant dialogue and exchange of experiences. This is why it is essential that this issue focuses on “good practices”, tried and tested methods and actions whose example and diffusion can help other entities. The review looks at their application in the management of Structural Fund Programmes and provides examples of development projects linked to them in the Union.
*** Eipascope. European Institute of Public Administration (P.O. Box 1229, NL-6201 BE Maastricht. Tel: (31-43) 3296274 - fax: 3296296 - E-mail: m.simons@eipal-nl.com - Internet: http: //http://www.eipa.nl ). 1st quarterly 2005, No. 1, 58 pp..
This is the first issue of the new look Eipascope formulas. Through their “Bulletin, the Institute seeks to raise public awareness about current European issues and provide information about the activities carried out by the Institute …". The articles aim to present, discuss and analyse political and institutional developments, as well as legal and administrative issues that fashion the European integration process. This issue also contains articles on the ten years of the Committee of the Regions, the right of the European Parliament to examine European Commission implementation, as well as "Quality Management" in the public sector and the blockages on reform of the European budget due to national “red lines”.
*** Élan. FEC (17 place Saint-Etienne, F-67081 Strasbourg. Tel: (33-3) 88353620 - fax: 88379983 - e-mail: fec.strasbourg@wanadoo.fr). March 2005, No.1, 32 pp., € 7.50. Subscription: € 29.
Élan is a quarterly publication and this issue presents the Constitution in light of the debate raised by the mention of religion in the preamble but above all the progress in democratic accountability of decisions made in Europe. A second paper written by Joseph Daul MEP, President of the agriculture committee at the European Parliament, focuses on the difficult reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Another article is called "After deconstruction of the socio-economic systems, what economic model for Alsace?"
*** Europe infos. Commission of the Bishops Conference of the European community - Catholic Information and Initiative Office for 'Europe (42 rue Stévin, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 2350510 - fax: 2303334 - E-mail: debbichi-ocipe@tiscalinet.be). April 2005, no. 70, 12 p.. Subscription: € 27.
The Lisbon Strategy and its makeover forms the heart of this issue. Noël Treanor focuses on this in his editorial and says that the “social dimension of the Strategy cannot be left pending while waiting for the economic pillar to yield results”. The first article looks at the approach in the Strategy on legal immigration, underlining the positive economic effects for the Union but illustrating the fact that if the economic dimension is the only factor highlighted, it becomes a threat to their rights. There are other articles on the importance of the regions in the Strategy, the disappointment of he European Youth Forum with Lisbon. Other articles examine the place of the citizen in the Union, relations between the Union and Russia, and euthanasia.
*** Europa-Informationen. EKD-Büro Brüssel (166 rue Joseph II, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 2301639 - fax: 2800108 -e-mail: ekd.bruessel@ekd.be). March-April 2005, No. 107, 21 p.. Subscription: € 27.
This publication provides a number of brief articles on ethical, religious, cultural and social issues. This issue focuses on the Lisbon Strategy, stem cells and GMOs, human rights and the lifting of the arms embargo on China, as well as the European social agenda. The six last pages explore many European news items in brief. Links with sites or sources of complementary information are also included.