The European Union : policies, perspectives and politics

The present volume brings together a collection of fifteen contributions both by well-known scholars and young researchers from Norway, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, the United States, Germany, Ireland, and Romania, focused on various political, legal, social, and economic aspects of the contemporary European Union. The book is divided into two parts, the first one examining different EU actors, policies, and politics, from the rule of European capitalism to integration challenges, from the discourse on migration to the reform prospects of the common agricultural policy, from threats to competitiveness to the EU's educational policies, from the potential election of the Commission president to the role of parties in the current European political landscape, and from rural and urban well-being across the Union to more technical EU law aspects. The second part looks into the role of the European Union as a regional and global actor from a few broader perspectives, dealing with several difficult trials it now faces, from the Eurasian challenge embodied by Russia and China to its current problematic relationship with both its eastern neighbour (the Russian Federation) and its long-time transatlantic partner (the United States), and from its role as mediator in the Serbian-Kosovar reconciliation to its stance regarding the Republic of Moldova's European aspirations and their impact on the identity discourse in the small autonomous region of GÄgÄuzia. The contributions are based on multidisciplinary perspectives from the fields of law, political science, economics, social policy, and international relations, forming a cohesive and coherent collection that provides the reader with many relevant perspectives on some of the European Union's most challenging contemporary policies, as well as on its role as a key regional and global player in a world beset by levels of instability, uncertainty, and threat seldom seen before in recent history. The EU's domestic problems, ranging from the rise of populism to growing Euroscepticism in almost all member states, and from increasing public disillusionment with politicians and political processes to the never-ending chaos of Brexit, coupled with its continued inability to speak with a strong, unified voice in matters of foreign policy and international crises means that this political structure formed in the early 1950s to guarantee peace in Western Europe, which later evolved into the intricate confederative framework we know today, is facing deep, uncharted waters that may well prove difficult to navigate. The present volume aims to provide a few answers to the most pressing questions confronting today's European Union. Contents Preface Part I: Actors, Policies, and Politics in the European Union Chapter 1 The Rule of European Capitalism Abstract Introduction The Stagflation Crisis The Public Credit Crisis The Privatised Crisis of Credit Democratic Capitalism and the Neo-Keynesian Explanation of the Combination Crisis Conclusion: Who Governs? References Chapter 2 Challenges Pertaining to Integration in the European Project Abstract Introduction An Evolving Project The European Project and Demography The European Project and Federalism Conclusion References Chapter 3 The Discourse on Migration in the European Union: Solidarity or Threat to Security? Abstract Introduction Methods Migration as Potential Threat – Perception and Representation The Intergovernmental Conference on the Global Compact for Migration – A Discourse Analysis Correlations between Migration and Terrorism Conclusion References Chapter 4 Political Economy and Prospects of Common Agricultural Policy Reforms Abstract Introduction The Political Economy of CAP Reforms The CAP Reform Dynamics The First CAP The Second CAP The Third CAP Future Scenarios for the CAP Beyond 2020 Delayed Calendars Contradictory Signals Conclusion References Chapter 5 Threats and Challenges for the Competitiveness of the European Union: What are the Perspectives for Cohesion among the Member States? Abstract Introduction 1. Cohesion in the European Union 1.1. Theory of Cohesion 1.2. How to Measure Cohesion? 1.3. Results and Discussion of Cohesion Evaluation 2. Competitiveness in the European Union 2.1. Theory of Competitiveness 2.2. How to Measure Competitiveness? 2.3. Results and Discussion of Competitiveness Evaluation Conclusion Acknowledgments References Chapter 6 Key Ideas of the European Union in Educational Policies Abstract Introduction The Origin and Evolution of the European Union. Brief Historical Overview The European Union’s Educational Policy Milestones and Fundamental Events in the Educational Policy of the European Union Infrastructure Creation Stage (1957-1976) Main Milestones and Achievements in Education Policy Key Events in the Educational Field Sectoral Programmes Stage (1976-1992) Main Milestones and Achievements in Education Policy Key Events in the Educational Field Integrated Global Programmes Stage (1992-2006) Main Milestones and Achievements in Education Policy Key Events in the Educational Field The Transition Stage in Search of a Common Educational Space (from 2006 Onwards) Main Milestones and Achievements in Education Policy Key Events in the Educational Field Institutions and Organisations of the European Union with Competences in Educational Policy European Commission. Directorate General on Education, Youth, Sport and Culture Committee on Culture and Education. European Parliament Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council. Council of the European Union Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture. European Committee of the Regions University Research Initiative. European Investment Bank European Union Agencies The European Dimension of Education Key Competences for Lifelong Learning Education and Training 2020. The Current State of the European Union’s Educational Policies Conclusion References Chapter 7 The Election of the Commission President: On the Road to Democratic Politics? Abstract Introduction From “Approval” to “Election”: The Politicization of the Commission President Appointment Procedure Enhanced Legitimacy or Party Politics? The Advantages and Perils of the Politicization of the Commission Election The New Rules in Practice: Zooming in on the Juncker Commission Concluding Remarks: The Abandonment of the Spitzenkandidaten and the Way Forward References Chapter 8 Parties in the EU Political System: Growing Determining Actors? Abstract Introduction Almost Passive Actors, Showing Hints of Being the Nation’s Gatekeepers Europeanised but Strategically Depoliticizing EU Issues Depoliticization as a Mere Junctural Silence for the “Sleeping Giant” Euroscepticism Awakening the “Sleeping Giant”. Parties as Bottom-Up Influencers Politicization and Euroscepticism as Signs of the (Re)Emergence of the Nation-State Conclusion: Parties as Main Agents of (Dis)Integration? References Chapter 9 Well-Being in Urban and Rural Areas in the European Union: Challenges, Policies, Monitoring, and Some Practical Examples Abstract Introduction 1. Determinants of Well-Being 1.1. Housing 1.2. Jobs and Employment 1.3. Goods and Services Offered 1.4. Traffic and Transport 1.5. Natural Environment and Climate 2. European, International, and National Policies to Foster Well-Being 2.1. The EU’s “Europe 2020” Strategy 2.2. The OECD’s “Measuring Well-Being and Progress Initiative” 2.3. The United Nations’ “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” 2.4. Germany’s Strategy “Living Well – What Is Important to Us” 3. Some Examples 3.1. Population and Economic Growth 3.2 Supply with Newly Completed Apartments and Future Price Developments 3.3. Unemployment and Education 3.4. Supply with Medical Doctors and Public Goods and Services 3.5. Privately Owned Cars and Road Accidents 3.6. Land Use and Privately Produced Waste 3.7. Further Developments Conclusion References Chapter 10 Animal Welfare in the European Union: The Cosmetics Regulation Abstract Introduction The Origins of the Recast Cosmetics Regulation: Developments in the 1970s The Origins of the Recast Cosmetics Regulation: Developments in the 1980s and 1990s The Origins of the Recast Cosmetics Regulation: Developments in the 2000s French Republic v European Parliament and the Council of the European Union Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) The Recast Regulation Article 18 and Animal Testing European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients v Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Attorney General Future Directions Conclusion References Chapter 11 The European Ne Bis in Idem Principle Abstract Introduction European Convention on Human Rights Administrative Penalties Same Criminal Offence Verdict Finality Lack of Intrastate Application Reopening Criminal Cases Admissibility Subsidiarity Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Disciplinary Proceedings Reopening Criminal Cases Lack of Intrastate Application Conclusion References Part II. The European Union as Regional and Global Actor Chapter 12 The European Union and Its Eurasian Challenge: Dealing with Competing Regionalisms at the Europe-Eurasia Interface Abstract Introduction The Deterritorialisation Thesis: The EU as an Ever-Expanding Regional System, Unable to Hold a Territorial Frame A Changing Model of EU-Centred Regionalism for the Wider Europe Why Deterritorialisation? Reterritorialisation Effects: The Eurasian Economic Union as a Competing Regional Project China’s Belt and Road Initiative: From Reterritorialisation to Retrenchment? Conclusion: A Re-Territorialised Perspective on Open Regionalism References Chapter 13 The European Union in the Crossfire: Between Populist America and Authoritarian Russia Abstract Introduction America and the EU: From Amity to Enmity The European Union and Russia: It’s Complicated Conclusion: The Road to Unfreedom? References Chapter 14 The European Union’s Conflict Resolution Mechanisms and Their Impact on the Serbian-Kosovar Reconciliation Abstract The European Union as Normative Power The EU’S Mechanisms for Conflict Transformation and Conflict Resolution The EU’s Relations with Serbia The EU’s Relations with Kosovo The EU-Serbia-Kosovo Triangle: Does Normative Power Work? References Chapter 15 How Is the Rapprochement of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union Shaping Gagauzia’s Identity Discourse and Political Choices? Russia and Turkey in the View Abstract Introduction Context and a Short History of the Creation of the Gagauz-Yeri What Made the Agreement Possible? How Did Russia and Turkey React to the Self-Determination Aspirations of the Gagauz People? The Rise of Moldova’s Pro-European Appetite and the Challenges in the East Irina Vlah - The First Woman to Become Bashkan of the Gagauz-Yeri and Her Ties with Russia Turkey - A New Perspective for an Old Relationship Conclusion References About the Editor List of Contributors Index Blank Page "The present volume brings together a collection of fifteen contributions both by well-known scholars and young researchers from Norway, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, the United States, Germany, Ireland, and Romania, focused on various political, legal, social, and economic aspects of the contemporary European Union. The book is divided into two parts, the first one examining different EU actors, policies, and politics, from the rule of European capitalism to integration challenges, from the discourse on migration to the reform prospects of the common agricultural policy, from threats to competitiveness to the EU's educational policies, from the potential election of the Commission president to the role of parties in the current European political landscape, and from rural and urban well-being across the Union to more technical EU law aspects. The second part looks into the role of the European Union as a regional and global actor from a few broader perspectives, dealing with several difficult trials it now faces, from the Eurasian challenge embodied by Russia and China to its current problematic relationship with both its eastern neighbour (the Russian Federation) and its long-time transatlantic partner (the United States), and from its role as mediator in the Serbian-Kosovar reconciliation to its stance regarding the Republic of Moldova's European aspirations and their impact on the identity discourse in the small autonomous region of Găgăuzia. The contributions are based on multidisciplinary perspectives from the fields of law, political science, economics, social policy, and international relations, forming a cohesive and coherent collection that provides the reader with many relevant perspectives on some of the European Union's most challenging contemporary policies, as well as on its role as a key regional and global player in a world beset by levels of instability, uncertainty, and threat seldom seen before in recent history. The EU's domestic problems, ranging from the rise of populism to growing Euroscepticism in almost all member states, and from increasing public disillusionment with politicians and political processes to the never-ending chaos of Brexit, coupled with its continued inability to speak with a strong, unified voice in matters of foreign policy and international crises means that this political structure formed in the early 1950s to guarantee peace in Western Europe, which later evolved into the intricate confederative framework we know today, is facing deep, uncharted waters that may well prove difficult to navigate. The present volume aims to provide a few answers to the most pressing questions confronting today's European Union"-- Provided by publisher