Suchergebnisse

Sketches the development & implications of the euro as the new international currency for the EU on 1 Jan 2002, focusing on its relationship with the US dollar. Events leading to the decision to adopt one currency are traced to the early 1990s, when a monetary crisis hit many European currencies. Determined fiscal & monetary control efforts by governments of 15 EU countries -- especially France & Germany -- in the following years culminated in the successful adoption of the euro as mandated in the Treaty of Maastricht, despite the high cost to EU members because of political issues (internal dissention) & economic issues (alignment of several macroeconomic variables). While current lack of cooperation between the US & EU on international & monetary issues has a destabilizing impact, & given that the dollar will remain a key strategic economic value, it is suggested that only coordinated management of the euro's values through proactive long-range planning of European interest rates will help restore confidence. 3 Figures. J. Sadler

Discusses European reaction & unified action to the tragic events of 11 Sept. One consequence of the events important for the future of Europe is the progressive transformation of transatlantic relations & the subsequent reconfiguration of NATO activities. Although US President George W. Bush seized the occasion to further affirm US control in the post-Cold War era, the European powers -- with the exception of GB -- have failed to agree on a specific course of action in addressing terrorism. Aside from committing to an international peacekeeping force, NATO & the UN have remained detached from the US reaction. Because of its relative inaction, Europe has undoubtedly compromised its authority & international prestige. A call is made for alternative solutions to the Treaty of Maastricht & its provisions for reinforced collaboration in defense issues. J. Sadler

In the introduction, the trade union & political career of Jacques Delors is analyzed up to his presidency in the European Commission (6 Jan 1985-19 Jan 1995), from which an original professional path emerges; from militancy in the Confederation Francaise des Travailleurs Chretiens in the 1950s, to the appointment in the Dept of Treasury of Pierre Mauroy (1981-1984), to the experience of the cultural clubs in the 1960s. Then the leading principles that distinguish the political-ideological itinerary of the French statesman are examined: (1) the concepts of solidarity, competition, & cooperation (the three pillars on which the "European model of society" is founded); (2) the principles of work, time management, & training; & (3) the principles of state, nation, "Federation of Nation-State," subsidiarity & "approche federale." The solidarity gains importance in North-South relations & between rich & poor regions of the European Community. Competition, seen as the fundamental goal in the globalization of the economy & the markets, does not constitute a goal, but, rather, a mean toward the social welfare; it is linked to cooperation between firms, universities, & research centers, as well between nation-states in the economic-monetary policy field. The work depends on technological progress. Continuous training decreases the inequality of opportunities & favors a good balance between savoir (theory) & savoir-faire (practice). According to Delors, the relaunching of the United Europe does not imply the overcoming of the nations, the symbol of European Union's differences. Therefore, the idea of the "federation of nation-states" is not contradictory; Europe supports the nations, but the Community interventions are based on the subsidiarity principle, which is complementary to the "approche federale.". Adapted from the source document.