Centre for European Studies
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Item Open Access History and cultural memory in Neo-Victorian fiction: Victorian afterimages(Palgrave Macmillan, 2010) Mitchell, KateHistory and Cultural Memory in Neo-Victorian Fiction explores the ways in which contemporary historical fictions that return to the Victorian era stylistically and/or thematically critically engage the past. It opens up the question of what claims neo-Victorian novels make to history in general and the Victorian past in particular: what attitudes toward historical recollection are manifest in these novels and what particular versions of the Victorian past do they invoke?Item Open Access The limits of Europeanization: regulatory reforms in the Spanish and Portuguese telecommunications and electricity sectors(2004) Jacint, Jordana; Levi-Faur, David; Imma, PuigAs said, we examine the impacts of Europeanization on both nations and sectors. First, we look at the Europeanization of governance as it is reflected at the level of the institutions of the state in Spain and Portugal and specifically in the role of the regulatory authorities, their autonomy and their relations with the ministries. Second, we analyse the Europeanization of markets as it is reflected in the processes of privatization and the creation of competitive and open environments within and across national borders. We suggest that, if ‘Europeanization matters’, then the creation of EU regimes will lead to: (a) the faster and smoother advance of liberalization than otherwise; (b) similar patterns of market integration and similar institutions of governance across the two countries; (c) varying degrees of liberalization depending on the extent to which the specific European regime promotes liberalization. Specifically, we may expect the lesser degree of delegation to the EU in electricity (intergovernmental regime) to be reflected in a lesser degree of market liberalization in electricity than in telecoms where delegation to the EU regime was more extensive (supranational regime); (d) a lesser degree of neo-mercantilism (promoting national champions and interests) with the advance of Europeanization; and (e) new strategies of internationalization of market operators, corresponding to the opportunities and constraints accompanying the progress of Europeanization. The methodology and research design that we adopt in examining the process of change in light of the above criteria is discussed in the next section of the paper.Item Open Access The EU and Turkey: political machinations in a three-level game(2004) Wood, SteveThe possible commencement of negotiations on Turkey’s membership of the European Union has, towards the end of 2004, charged to the top of the European political agenda. This is an intensely contested issue, comprising many sub-themes and multiple tangents. I adopt the conception of a three level game1 to examine arguments, interests and influences circulating and interconnected to the core question of potential Turkish EU membership. This extends Robert Putnam’s ‘Two-Level Game’,2 represented here as activity within individual EU member-states (domestic level) and between EU and other states (international level), to include activity among EU states, institutions and other European actors (European level). The paper discusses economic, cultural, and security-strategic considerations, all of which are politicised by advocates and opponents alike.Item Open Access Structure and tension in public and private sector governance: observations from the UK and Australian experience(2004) Grant, RichardThe past decade has produced significant change in how the public and private sectors operate and the public expectations of their role. This paper claims that the pressures that have challenged the governance structures of key public and private organisations in the UK and Australia are common to both sectors. It argues that the ‘independent regulatory agencies’ of the public sector and publicly listed companies in the private sector have evolved in ways that point to a common template of organisational governance and response to crisis. The dynamic of both organisations was forged through the large-scale privatisations of the past decade and the reaction to the loss of collective public ownership. The paper assesses similarities in the governance of regulatory agencies and listed companies according to four broad criteria: performance, conformance, credibility and trust. It highlights the initial establishment of a principal-agent framework; the politicisation and placement of unrealistic expectations on CEO performance; the subsequent onset of forms of regulatory crisis; a process of restoring trust through a mix of tighter regulation and corporate governance standards; and greater participative consultation among stakeholders. Comparisons between public and private sector governance also identify similarities in the British and Australian experience.Item Open Access Item Open Access Meeting tomorrow's challenges: towards a future-proof social security system(2004) Sonntag-Wolgast, CornelieFirst of all, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today about the key elements of the reform programme which, more than any other theme, is currently occupying the minds of the Government – and, of course, the political opposition – in Germany. I am referring to the restructuring of our social security systems and employment policy, which is being done in order to establish them on a sound basis for the future.Item Open Access ‘The Age of Constitutions’? Reflecting on the new faith in federal constitutions(2004) Ford, JLessons for the EU, Iraq, Afghanistan from Australian and other experience – as well as lessons for Australia’s own constitutional development.Item Open Access Item Open Access The European Constitution: past and future(2003) Puig, Gonzalo VillaltaDoes Europe need a Constitution? This is the question that has attracted the attention of observers of the European scene, especially lawyers and political scientists, ever since the debate over Giscard d'Estaing's draft Constitution revived public interest in the European project. The general consensus is that the European Union needs a Constitution because it does not have one in the yes sense of the term. This paper will evaluate whether or not the living Constitution upon which the Union is based, the product of the interaction between the Treaties and the case-law, meets the functional and formal criteria that are understood to universally define Constitutions in a politico-democratic context.Item Open Access Item Open Access Germany and the enlargement of the European Union(2004) Klaiber, Klaus-PeterLet me begin by expressing my thanks to the National Europe Centre for giving me the opportunity to share with you some reflections on the enlargement of the European Union as seen from Germany. I believe it is legitimate for Australian academics, business people and politicians to retain an awareness of the changing realities in Europe because they impact on Australia: - the EU has been the largest economic partner of Australia for the past 12 years - the two-way trade between the EU and Australia totalled 47.2 bn A$ in 2003, that is 19 % of all transactions of Australia - Euroland (12 EU countries with a single currency) is the second largest financial market after the US. 45 % of Australia's reserves are held in Euro. These are just a few figures to demonstrate to you the significance of EU-Australian relations.Item Open Access European security: issues and challenges from a Swiss perspective(2004) de Dardel, Jean-JacquesThis paper will first dwell on the differences in security perceptions at an overall level, before examining US an European attitudes. It will then present European Security issues as seen from a Swiss perspective, with an eye on NATO and ESDP. Following that, it will focus on Swiss security policy, neutrality, international cooperation, peace support operations and the fight against terrorism. In conclusion, it will briefly turn to governance issues in Europe, referenced by the Swiss political experience of multiculturalism.Item Open Access Talking points for the address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dimitrij Rupel - Slovenia and the European Union(2004) Rupel, DimitrijNot availableItem Open Access The single market for financial services in the EU and its impact on globalisation(2003) Lucy, JeffreyYou may be wondering where Australia, a country of approximately 20 million people located 17,000 km from Europe, fits into the theme for today's conference - "the single market for financial services in the European Union and its impact on globalisation". The world, not the least, Europe and Asia (Australia), is a much different place to what it was five years ago. Europe and Asia have been marked by rapid growth and change and this poses great challenges, and opportunities for both regions. Power relatives have changed. There are new challenges to sovereign states. Globalisation has created pressures and uncertainties including new and emerging cross border issues – movements of people, trade and commerce, and the environment. I believe that Europe and Asia have benefited greatly from globalisation. Innovations in technology and communications have reduced the tyranny of distance and new markets have flourished. Asia is now closer to established markets in Europe and North America. Yet, there remains great apprehension about the impact of globalisation. In the midst of our rapidly changing world, Australia has been committed to a key role in the Asia region. We are recognised in Asia, and beyond, for our vibrant economy, relevance and our strategic value. From a regulatory perspective, our approach to globalisation will remain pragmatic, flexible and realistic. There are four Commonwealth government bodies that regulate Australia's financial system: ASIC, APRA, ACCC and the Reserve Bank of Australia. • ASIC has responsibility for market integrity and consumer protection across the financial system; • APRA has responsibility for prudential supervision and statistical collections in the financial sector; • ACCC has responsibility for promoting competition, fair trading and consumer protection; and In addition, the ASX has created the Trans Tasman 100 Index (an aggregated measure of the top 100 listed companies in Australia and New Zealand), and the ASX Asia Index (an aggregate measure of 30 listed companies that are principally based and operate in Asia). These indexes allow for more relevant comparison of companies at a regional level and acknowledge that many companies operate in more than one state.Item Open Access Joining the EU - impact on the financial sector of new member states(2003) Racocha, PavelOn May 1, 2004, ten countries will join the European Union. Will the transition proceed smoothly? The main concern related to new countries joining the EU, from the point of view of the financial sector, is what impact the enlargement will have on the functioning of financial markets in new member states. Will competition in financial services increase and place a strain on institutions in accession countries or in the EU as well? Will there be visible impact at all? The new member states consist of eight former transition economies and of Malta and Cyprus. I will focus on developments in the transition countries, and especially in the Czech Republic, which I know best. I will also try to make reference to other accession countries to show that the results of developments over the last thirteen years, at least in the financial sector, are not so different. This brief presentation cannot do more than deliver only a basic description of the past development of financial markets in the transition countries and of their current standing. Hopefully the data from this presentation can serve as background information for those interested in further studies.Item Open Access Item Open Access Income related loans for drought relief(2004) Chapman, Bruce; Botterill, Linda; Egan, MichaelNot availableItem Open Access Slovenia and the European Union(2004) Rupel, DimitrijThis paper covers the topics of the pending European Union enlargement and accompanying processes, including the issue of a new Constitutional Treaty and the position and role of Slovenia in these discussions.Item Open Access The EU in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific: governance and capacity building(2004) Wendt, NevaAustralian Non-Government Organisations, including church-based organisations and volunteer sending agencies have significant experience working with local Pacific partners. Australian NGOs working in the Pacific range from the large NGOs such as World Vision Australia, Save the Children Australia to the smaller NGOs such as the Australian Reproductive Health Alliance, the Fred Hollows Foundation, Live and Learn Environmental Education and the Marist Mission – to name a few. They especially have strong engagement in Melanesia, mostly focused on work in PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.Item Open Access The EU and US: Friends or Rivals?(2004) Cameron, FraserThe Iraq war exposed deep divisions within Europe and across the Atlantic. Donald Rumsfeld coined the description of the ‘old’ Europe versus the ‘new’ Europe and for the first time there were senior figures in the US administration doubting whether a strong, united European voice was in the interests of America. Even before Iraq there were increasing divisions between the EU and US covering the UN, the international criminal court, Kyoto, a number of arms control treaties as well as a plethora of trade disputes. In addition, the growing social differences with regard to religion, gun control, the death penalty and health care have led to many to doubt whether one can still talk of ‘common values’ across the Atlantic. There are also those who argue that the US has lost interest in the strategic importance of Europe as a result of the global war on terrorism.