European Affairs
c/o The European Institute
1001 Connecticut Avenue
NW Suite 220
Washington, DC
20036-5531
Tel: (202) 895-1670
Fax (202) 362-1088
info@europeanaffairs.org
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The Future of Trade Negotiations
The Importance of Global Economic Governance
Pascal Lamy, European Commissioner for Trade
The European Union and the United States have a shared interest in a new round of multilateral trade negotiations that deals with the realities of the global economy, and we must find a better way of expressing that shared interest. The negotiations cannot be just about market access, but must overhaul the rules of the World Trade Organization, in a move to more effective international economic governance.
World Trade Needs Atlantic "Big Boys" to Get Together
Mike Moore, Director-General, WTO
Without agreement between the European Union and the United States there is no hope for a new trade round. There are many areas in which they agree. Measures are also being taken to restore the confidence of developing countries in the world trading system. But there are long odds against starting a new round this year.
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On May 12, Joschka Fischer, the German Foreign Minister, relaunched the debate on
Europe's political future in a major speech at Humboldt University in Berlin.
He called for progress toward a European Federation that, at least in the longer term,
would be run by a European government supervised by a two-chamber parliament and possibly
led by an elected president. Mr. Fischer described his ideas as personal musings,
rather than official proposals of the German government. But the speech reanimated
discussions among European governments on the future of European integration at a
time when the European Union seemed to be bogged down in negotiations over the minutiae
of institutional reform and the technical problems of admitting a dozen new members in
the coming years. Instead, in remarks that recalled some of the visionary aspirations
of the EU's founding fathers, Mr. Fischer invited Europeans to look further ahead and
contemplate the ultimate goals of European integration. The following is the full text
of Mr. Fischer's controversial speech, which is likely to become a key document in
discussions of Europe's future constitutional and political structure.
From Union to Federation: Thoughts on the Finality of European Integration
Joschka Fischer, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
In the full text of a controversial speech, the German Minister argues that the European Union must start considering its long-term political future if it is to succeed in its bid to admit new members from Central and Eastern Europe, and maintain its move to closer economic and political integration. The ultimate aim should be a European Federation, run by a European government and a bicameral European Parliament, perhaps with an elected President. Germany and France should take the lead in developing this new constitutional structure.
The Need for a Much More Ambitious Transatlantic Agenda
Günter Burghardt, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in the United States
The two most formidable issues determining U.S.-EU relations in the coming decade will be whether the EU will have the courage to accomplish its comprehensive European Agenda 2010, and whether this ambitious project will be matched by U.S. support for a Transatlantic Agenda 2010, with the aim of creating a partnership of equals.
Slovakia Wants to Be a Full Partner in Europe
Pavol Hamzik, Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Responsible for European Integration
Slovakia is now hoping to catch up with other Central and East European countries that got a head start in negotiations for EU entry. Slovakia fulfills the political criteria for EU membership, but knows it will have to work hard on economic reform if it is to complete its transition to a market economy.
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Europe and the New Economy
The so-called new economy has firmly implanted itself in the United States,
helping to generate the longest U.S. economic expansion ever recorded.
The United States leads the world in many aspects of the internet-based
economy and in technological innovation. Meanwhile, Europeans have been
grappling with high unemployment, slow growth and out-of-date economic models.
All that may now be changing, as Europe begins to embrace the new economy, and
economic recovery gains ground.
Germany, Along with Europe, Is Embracing the New Economy
David B. Audretsch, Director of the Institute for Development Strategies, Ameritech Chair of Economic Development, Indiana University in Bloomington
After first denying that the new economy held any interest for Europe, Europeans have come around to the idea that they should embrace it. Change is under way as a new generation of American-style entrepreneurs begins to emerge, and Germany realizes that its old social market model is no longer relevant. But Europe will develop its own new economic system, not slavishly copy the American model.
Europe (and the Euro) Will Soon Walk Taller
John Llewellyn, Managing Director and Global Chief Economist, Lehman Brothers
Europe is entering a period of strong economic recovery, while doubts are growing about the durability of the stellar U.S. economic performance of the 1990s. As the European recovery continues, investors will shift from American to European assets, and the dollar will probably weaken against the euro, although it is unlikely to collapse.
Generational Accounting Ranks Countries for the Future
Robert H. Dugger, Managing Director, Tudor Investment Corporation, and Robert C. McNally, Jr., Vice President, Tudor Investment Corporation
The pro-market philosophy of young European leaders suggests that the new economy will take root in Europe, but Europeans will have to face the serious structural problems that lie ahead as it becomes ever harder to finance their generous pensions and social security systems. "Generational accounting" shows which countries are best placed, and which will have to change the most.
Some Facts and Figures About the New Economy in the United States and Europe
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The Euro: The Doubting Danes Are at It Again
Helle Bering, Editorial Page Editor, The Washington Times
Danes are once again dithering over their relationship with the rest of the European Union, this time over the single European currency, the euro. The uncertain outcome of their referendum on September 28 is consistent with their historic tradition.
Some Good May Come of the Uproar over Austria
Janez Drnovsek, Former Prime Minister of Slovenia
Some of the 14 EU countries that introduced political sanctions against Austria after a far-right party entered the government are having second thoughts. Austria's partners were right to condemn Joerg Haider, former leader of the Freedom Party, but a warning to Austria might have been enough. It is essential not to reopen issues arising from World War II that have long been settled.
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The "Lazy Regulator" Helps Finland's Telecommunications Boom
Harri Pursiainen, Deputy Director General of the Communications Department, Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland
Finland is the world's top country for internet and mobile telephone use, thanks largely to a relaxed style of regulation that gives business its head. The Finns, unlike some other countries, disapprove of auctioning telecommunications licenses.
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A New Missile Crisis?
America Is Quite Wrong to Isolate Milosevic
Steven Erlanger, Bureau Chief for Central Europe and the Balkans,
The New York Times
American policy toward Slobodan Milosevic has been a failure. Despite NATO's air war, he is still in power and his opposition has been weakened. Washington's efforts to isolate Serbia have impeded democratic political change.
A Better Way to Choose International Leaders
John Andrews, Paris Bureau Chief, The Economist
The way in which leaders are chosen for the world's top international institutions - ranging from the International Monetary Fund to the European Central Bank - is quite wrong. It is also frustrating for the candidates themselves. There is no ideal system, but there are plenty of ways of improving the current haphazard arrangements.
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