New perspectives for the EU team presidencies: New members, new candidates and new neighbours
New perspectives for the EU team presidencies: New members, new candidates and new neighbours
Contributor(s): Attila Ágh (Editor), Judit Kis-Varga (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
ISSN: 1589-6781
Published by: Kossuth Kiadó Zt.
Summary/Abstract: The ‘definition’ of Europe is a social construction that has been transformed historically several times and nowadays it has been in the midst of hot debates. The ESPON 2007 publication ‘Europe in the World’ when it provides a vision about the future of the EU in a global overview, it raises also the question about the definition of Europe in the following way: ‘The division of the World into continents is not an objective scientific reality but a social and historical production, established by Europe and for Europe when it was a dominating power in the World. (…) The analysis of ‘continentality’ does not provide a clear delineation of the Europe continent (…) Objective scientific methods can therefore support different definitions of ‘Europe’ (…) But they can not decide which one is the best from a political point of view.’ (ESPON, 2007:4). Similarly, the ‘definition’ of the EU has been even more a social construction that has changed radically after each wave of enlargement. After the Eastern enlargement from the EU15 to the EU27, however, this definition has changed beyond recognition. At the earlier enlargements the subsequent redefinitions of the EU were present-oriented as conceptual frameworks for the existing Union. With the Eastern enlargement the EU seems to have reached its internal and external limits for a long time, neither widening nor deepening cannot continue as before. Nowadays the EU needs a new, future oriented definition. The EU is not ‘given’, it has be ‘reinvented’ or redefined, and this new definition as a social construct depends on our decision or on our vision where to go.
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-963-065-779-2
- Page Count: 496
- Publication Year: 2008
- Language: English
Prospects and risks for the EU27 in the early 21st century: Outlines of a new agenda for team presidencies
Prospects and risks for the EU27 in the early 21st century: Outlines of a new agenda for team presidencies
(Prospects and risks for the EU27 in the early 21st century: Outlines of a new agenda for team presidencies)
- Author(s):Attila Ágh
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Government/Political systems, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
- Page Range:11-73
- No. of Pages:63
- Price: 4.50 €
New ideas versus continuity: Budgeting perspectives in the EU for the post-2013 period
New ideas versus continuity: Budgeting perspectives in the EU for the post-2013 period
(New ideas versus continuity: Budgeting perspectives in the EU for the post-2013 period)
- Author(s):András Vértes, Miklós Losoncz
- Language:English
- Subject(s):National Economy, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Socio-Economic Research, Geopolitics
- Page Range:75-87
- No. of Pages:13
- Summary/Abstract:Based on both empirical experience and on the view of the majority of Eu experts concerning the financial framework for 2007-2013, the current financial system of the Eu has reached its limits. In relation to the budget review envisaged in 2008 and 2009 by the 2005 resolution of the European Council, the European Commission initiated an ‘open debate without taboos’ on the post-2013 structure in september 2007 (European Commission, 2007). The basis of this discussion was, inter alia, the consultation paper or Communication of the Commission on the reform of the budget.
- Price: 4.50 €
The Czech Republic in 2009: Low Profile Presidency with High Profile Challenges?
The Czech Republic in 2009: Low Profile Presidency with High Profile Challenges?
(The Czech Republic in 2009: Low Profile Presidency with High Profile Challenges?)
- Author(s):Ivo Šlosarčík
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
- Page Range:89-104
- No. of Pages:16
- Summary/Abstract:The Council presidency has been and, regardless the changes introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, it will remain an important element of the Eu institutional system. The member state holding the presidency attracts a significant attention both at the Eu level and outside the European union. due to the expansion of the number of the Eu states and prolongation of the periods between the consequent presidencies of the same state, the presidency provide for an unique chance of long-time positive or negative ‘branding’ of the state in the Eu. The Czech Republic shall hold the presidency of the European Council and the Council of the Eu (further ‘presidency’) in the first half of 2009. Czech presidency is a serious challenge for Czech political, diplomatic and administrative elites and it is likely to consume a significant part of their political energy in years 2008-2009.
- Price: 4.50 €
‘A more protective Europe’ What to expect from the French EU Presidency in 2008?
‘A more protective Europe’ What to expect from the French EU Presidency in 2008?
(‘A more protective Europe’ What to expect from the French EU Presidency in 2008?)
- Author(s):Adrienn Nász
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:105-132
- No. of Pages:28
- Summary/Abstract:Under the motto ‘a more protective Europe’, france took over the rotating EU presidency in the second half of 2008 with a keen eye on energy, climate change, defence and immigration policy. The idea is to defend Europe’s social and economic model from the pressures of globalisation. The French Presidency occurs just three years after French voters rejected Europe’s cherished Constitutional project, throwing the Eu into a long-lasting political crisis. But on the very day his election as French President Nicholas Sarkozy promised he would put his country ‘back in Europe’, notably by helping to resolve the bloc’s institutional impasse with the adoption of the new ‘Lisbon Treaty’ and by better involving citizens in Eu debates. According to a survey carried out by IFOP (Institut Français d’Opinion Publique) 61% of French belive that after the failure of the constitutional referendum in May 2005 the French Presidency of the Eu will be a good opportunity for France to increase its influence in Europe. France prepared to focus on pressing external challenges such as climate change, energy security, Russia policy and EU enlargement; now she will have to turn inward once again to put time and energy into fixing the EU’s creaking institutions. The Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty has put off the reform plans 2009 onwards as the 860,000 ‘no’ voters in Ireland have blocked the path of a half-billion Europeans.
- Price: 4.50 €
The Swedish 2009 Presidency and the Trio – A Preview
The Swedish 2009 Presidency and the Trio – A Preview
(The Swedish 2009 Presidency and the Trio – A Preview)
- Author(s):Fredrik Langdal, Göran Sydow von
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:133-157
- No. of Pages:25
- Summary/Abstract:The Swedish Presidency between 1 July and 31 december 2009 will take place during a challenging period. It takes place during the autumn making it effectively shorter than those during springs; there will be a newly elected European Parliament ready to flex its muscles; and a new Commission must be instituted. on top of all this, the (non-) implementation of the Lisbon Treaty will force the Swedish Government to plan for at least three scenarios which have real consequences for how effectively one may lead and pursue policy priorities. The three scenarios being an old-school presidency, actually implementing the Lisbon Treaty or some version of it or being caught up in renewed attempts at Treaty reform. Thus factors exogenous to the Swedish political system and its capacity are likely to affect institutional planning and also affect the possibilities of prioritising. To put it differently, any presidency is likely to face unexpected challenges that will mess up the most carefully planned agenda, but the current Trio is certain to conduct its work under uncertainty.
- Price: 4.50 €
The Unbearable Lightness of EU Membership: Post-Accession Challenges Facing Bulgaria and Romania
The Unbearable Lightness of EU Membership: Post-Accession Challenges Facing Bulgaria and Romania
(The Unbearable Lightness of EU Membership: Post-Accession Challenges Facing Bulgaria and Romania)
- Author(s):Svetlozar A. Andreev
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
- Page Range:161-183
- No. of Pages:23
- Summary/Abstract:Anyone following the recent political and social developments in EU’s latest entries, Bulgaria and Romania, would have a strange feeling of ‘déjà-vu’. Namely, the post-accessio setting in these two countries strikingly resembles the situation in many of the East-Central European countries, which had joint the Union on 1 May 2004, during the first couple of years of their membership. This is mainly exemplified by the substantial waning of the support for the executive and traditional parties that had led those countries towards the much-coveted accession into the EU and transatlantic structures and the rise of different populist alternatives. Moreover, the high socio-economic expectations having been built up before enlargement did not fully materialise for the majority of citizens and business elites, thus disenchantment with and occasional protests emerged against the rising prices, the closing of infective domestic industries and the loss of national sovereignty. Finally, the uncertainties created for Bulgarian and Romanian rulers with respect to the international obligations, arising from EU membership, and the requirement to work under tight deadlines, demonstrated the inability of those elites to adequately react to external problems, such as the negotiation of the Reformed Treaty of the EU and the working out of a common European position towards the complex issue of the recognition of Kosovo.
- Price: 4.50 €
The Europeanization of the Bulgarian Party System
The Europeanization of the Bulgarian Party System
(The Europeanization of the Bulgarian Party System)
- Author(s):Blagovesta Cholova
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:185-206
- No. of Pages:22
- Summary/Abstract:This study examines the patterns of Europeanization of the Bulgarian party system following four main criteria: the structural influence, the ideological influence, the European issue mobilization and the European representation. The development of the Bulgarian party system is divided in three main periods in order to observe the impact of each of the four patterns on the national system during the transition. On this basis, conclusions are made as to the role of the EU impact on the party system and its perspectives.
- Price: 4.50 €
Role and Challenges of Innovation Policy in Hungary, as a Transition Economy – From the Perspective of the EU’s Revised Lisbon Strategy
Role and Challenges of Innovation Policy in Hungary, as a Transition Economy – From the Perspective of the EU’s Revised Lisbon Strategy
(Role and Challenges of Innovation Policy in Hungary, as a Transition Economy – From the Perspective of the EU’s Revised Lisbon Strategy)
- Author(s):Tamás Polgár
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:207-249
- No. of Pages:43
- Summary/Abstract:A key challenge for the enlarged European union (Eu27), but particularly for Central- and Eastern European member countries is to maintain competitiveness by adapting to the requirements of the ‘learning economy’. These challenges are given clear emphasis by the Eu’s Lisbon strategy, but transition economies in the East-Central European region, such as hungary, need to overcome particularly severe obstacles. despite relatively good economic performance following the first years of transition, it is becoming abundantly clear that the development path based primarily or solely on foreign investments driven by cheap labour has no long term prospects; rather, innovative activities of indigenous firms geared towards international markets and all forms of knowledge creation, dissemination and exploitation should be promoted by governments, by creating incentives and favourable framework conditions.
- Price: 4.50 €
Stabilization and Concentration in the Political Party Systems of the Visegrád Countries
Stabilization and Concentration in the Political Party Systems of the Visegrád Countries
(Stabilization and Concentration in the Political Party Systems of the Visegrád Countries)
- Author(s):Attila Horváth
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:251-301
- No. of Pages:51
- Summary/Abstract:Democracies evolved from the East Central European political systemic change have almost completed their 20th year. It would not be stretching things to suggest that the past two decades mean enough time to sketch certain tendencies and draw consequences regarding the development of the constitutional and political system. I believe it to be true in the context of political party systems as well: the countries of the region have had at least five or rather more general elections; thus, the peculiarities of the stabilization of multiparty system (which differ even across countries) may be apprehended. This paper aims to display some characteristics of the development of the party systems of the so-called Visegrád countries – the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. full analysis of each party system would exceed the range of this work; therefore, I narrowed the aspects of examination down to the party systems’ stabilization and concentration. The first part of the study is based on my empirical-quantitative investigations, during which I concentrated on the indicators showing the stability and concentration of party systems. My aim here is to demonstrate the different degrees of stabilization and concentration, and I also shortly refer to the possible spheres of interpretation, but the systematic explanation of the described tendencies remains outside the scope of this article.
- Price: 4.50 €
Democratization and Europeanization of the ECE countries: Post-accession crisis and catching- up process in the new member states
Democratization and Europeanization of the ECE countries: Post-accession crisis and catching- up process in the new member states
(Democratization and Europeanization of the ECE countries: Post-accession crisis and catching- up process in the new member states)
- Author(s):Attila Ágh
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:303-365
- No. of Pages:63
- Summary/Abstract:The proper assessment of the East-Central European (ECE) political systems presupposes a conceptual frame suitable for their particular conditions, actual timing and concrete stage in the Europeanization process. On the mental map of the current European developments in the former EU member states (EU15) as a conventional wisdom there have been some conceptual misunderstandings or misnomers concerning the new member states that can bias the assessment of current developments. First of all the mainstream literature in the West tends not to recognizing the post-accession crisis as a new phenomenon in ECE that has been provoked by the dual pressure of the EU entry and the missing social consolidation. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the basic conditions under which the ECE developments have taken place and to set up the special conceptual frame for the description and evaluation of the ECE Europeanization process.
- Price: 4.50 €
Beyond EU Enlargement: Creating a United European Commonwealth
Beyond EU Enlargement: Creating a United European Commonwealth
(Beyond EU Enlargement: Creating a United European Commonwealth)
- Author(s):John Palmer
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:369-398
- No. of Pages:30
- Summary/Abstract:This paper explores some of the critical challenges which lie at the heart of the European Union’s ‘European Neighbourhood Policy’ and its likely future development.
- Price: 4.50 €
Balkan Economic and Political Developments
Balkan Economic and Political Developments
(Balkan Economic and Political Developments)
- Author(s):Tamás Novák
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:399-422
- No. of Pages:24
- Summary/Abstract:The South East European economies during the last one and a half century several times tried to implement economic and political stabilisation programs to reduce the development backwardness compared to the more advanced European countries. However, these reforms always were stopped, due to an unfavourable combination of internal and external factors. These trends led to continuous strengthening of negative features of political and economic structures in these countries that seriously limited further developments as well. It is important to see that during this long period the top down economic transformation that was successful in many parts of the world could not work in the Balkan given the very scarce domestic resources necessary to implement far reaching solid reform programs. In addition, the interest of foreign capital and foreign economic actors were also limited that it was not enough to prompt a real economic transformation from outside. This lack of resources made impossible any successful and durable economic and social transformation. At the same time, the region played a special periphery of the conflicts between ‘great powers’ that also made difficult to create conditions for durable reforms. To sum up neither internal nor external forces were able to initiate the required reforms.
- Price: 4.50 €
The Barcelona Process Revisited in the SBH Presidency
The Barcelona Process Revisited in the SBH Presidency
(The Barcelona Process Revisited in the SBH Presidency)
- Author(s):István Szilágyi
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:423-442
- No. of Pages:20
- Summary/Abstract:Since the very start, European integration has borne the mark of imbalance in development, of inequality and diversity of interests. The European Union is a multi-faceted entity, a conglomerate linking several regions, zones, systems and countries to the notion that is Europe. It is a politically and legally constructed macro-region with a specific acquis communautaire crisscrossed by major faultlines in politics, the economy, society, culture, language and traditions. Distinctions may be made between the heartland composed of more affluent countries (Great Britain, France, Germany and the Benelux states); small and large states; developed, backwards and ultraperipherial regions; according to the terms of the Europe 2000+ Cooperation for European Territorial Development we may list North Sea regions, Centre Capitals, the Atlantic Arc, the Alpine Arc, the Continental Diagonal, New Lander, Mediterranean regions, Nordic countries,Central and Eastern Europe,South and East Mediterranean transnational regions, the group of the Cohesion countries; and states interested in strenghtening ties with Eastern Central Europe or the Mediterranean.
- Price: 4.50 €
The Political and Economic Development in the East Central European and Balkan countries: A Comparative View
The Political and Economic Development in the East Central European and Balkan countries: A Comparative View
(The Political and Economic Development in the East Central European and Balkan countries: A Comparative View)
- Author(s):János Zsúgyel
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:443-457
- No. of Pages:15
- Summary/Abstract:The East Central European and Balkan countries have made remarkable efforts since 1990 to change their economic and political systems and to adapt standards which are necessary to join the mainstream of the European integration. The qualitative aspects of this process of transformation have been analyzed in the last two decades in countless political and economic publications. The quantitative side of the recent development has been investigated for example by Klaus Armingeon and Romana Careja (Armingeon and Careja, 2008) on a dataset which has been designed and collected by the authors for comparative research on post-communist countries. Wolfgang Merkel has also analysed (Merkel, 2008) the transformation of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and Central Asia which has referred to the data source of the Bertelsmann Transformation Index 2006. The aim of my chapter is to analyze the recent political and economic situation in the East Central European and Balkan countries and to ask about the validity of the results in the former research. The comparative investigation has been made on the recently published dataset of the Bertelsmann Transformation Index 2008.
- Price: 4.50 €
Annex – The Lillafüred process of the SBH cooperation
Annex – The Lillafüred process of the SBH cooperation
(Annex – The Lillafüred process of the SBH cooperation)
- Contributor(s):Attila Ágh (Editor)
- Language:English
- Subject(s):EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:459-496
- No. of Pages:38
- Price: 4.50 €
