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Fundamentals about European integration
Hisrory of Europem Ideas. Vol. IO,No. I, pp.95-128, 1989. Pergamon Press plc.Printed in Great Britain.
BOOK REVIEWS Fundamentals about European Integration
In 1983, Professor Pierre Gerbet published an admirable synopsis of the movement toward greater unity: la Construction Europknne. It appeared at the semi-official publishing firm “la Documentation francaise”, 498 pages large size. Whoever has to deal with the subject, either professionally or as an academic, should have this imposing volume close at hand. It is both sympathetic to the idea in general and at the same time objective in its descriptions and conclusions. However, since that date, important events have occurred in that sector, especially the so-called ‘Crocodile’-initiative of the old Italian Federalist Altiero Spinelli. It finally lead to the draft of a new Community-treaty, ‘European Union’, which the European Parliament voted for with a twothirds majority. A new phase in intergration hadstarted. On the other hand, not everybody will be inclined to buy and read a volume of such proportions. A more handy summary was needed for larger layers of the public, now that the decision has been taken to finalize the ‘common market’ before 31 December 1992. That announcement provoked ashock, in spite ofthefact that theTreaty of Rome already stated that radical integration was indispensible. Moreover, the Ministers renewed that same intention in 1972 in a solemn declaration but unfortunately it was not followed by the necessary measures of implementation. Today, the situation has changed. Everywhere in the business-world, managers are making plans to adapt their enterprises to the situation that will arise from 1993 onward. Larger firms have merged or are in the process of a merger. Smaller ones are worried but try to find out how to resist foreign competition and, possibly, conquer part of the foreign markets. Consequently the need for a pocket-book containing the essential facts, was widely felt. Both reasons led to the publication of la Naissance du March& Commun, by the same author (Brussels, Editions Complexe, 1987). Again we find here Pierre Gerbet’s usual intellectual inspiration, his encyclopedic knowledge of the subject-matter and his honest attitude towards the Community-building. This small but supremely useful booklet should be widely read and translated into the other EEC-languages. Another book that also aims at giving a general information about Europe and integration has been written and produced in a quite different style. Europe Dream-Adventure-Reality (Brussels, Elsevier, 1987) is both attractively illustrated and thoroughly edited. The sort of luxury-publication which individuals and firms give to their friends at happy celebrations. It appeared at the 30th birthday of the Community and exists both in English and in French. The title is significant since the book analyses three aspects of European consciousness and integration. It starts with two extensive chapters on Europe as a common civilization in variety, and the Federalist traditions to be found in the works of early philosophers as well as in certain attempts to bring the continent (or parts of it) to closer co-operation. These two studies, written respectively by Henrik Brugmans and Jerzy Lukaszewski, trace the historic background of the present movement toward unity. In fact, one has to distinguish between two interpretations of the term ‘European idea’. On the one hand, there is the historic feeling that, after all, in spite of so many conflicts 95
96
Book Reviews
between nations, there is a spiritual togetherness of all Europeans who have their essential values in common. On the other hand, we find the recent discovery that integration is not only desirable but possible andurgent. Whereas the first concept goes back to our cultural and religious roots, the second did not start before the twentieth century and, even more precisely, after World War II. Then, the ‘dream’ became an ‘adventure’. When Robert Schuman launched his proposal of a Coal and Steel Community, on 9 May 1950, he calmly stated that this was, in his view, ‘a leap into the unknown’. His project was realistic since it gave a solution to several problems that were on the table anyway. At the same time, it was the audacious beginning of a new era in our history. The book gives a broad factual picture of what has been tried out since 1945, what succeeded or failed and for what reasons. The Council of Europe, suggested by the Congress of the Hague, the Marshall-plan, ECSC, the aborted attempt to create a common defence, the ‘relance’ of Messina and the Treaty of Rome. The third part covers day-to-day realities of what is called the ‘Common Market’. Not less than 14 essays throw light on the many aspects of the ongoing process. Again the authors have been chosen to be among the best experts available, mostly those professionally engaged in such and such a sector: the European Movement as a permanent engine, the ‘fabric’ of EEC (written by the Commission’s remarkable ex-general secretary Emile Noel), the Parliament, the budget, agriculture and what not. Whoever has carefully gone through these lively but factual chapters cannot complain any more that the complexities of integration are beyond his or her understanding. Finally, the editors have asked a large number of Europeans who are or have been active in this field about what they consider the heaviest drawback in the course of the years and what they would suggest as the most urgent steps forward. One could not possibly mention all of them. Let us simply state how much consensus these ‘privileged witnesses show. The main disaster: the rejection of the EDC-treaty by the French Assembly in 1954. The immediate goals: monetary union, common defence, democratisation of the process. The third book reviewed here is of an entirely different nature. It does not try to give a birds-eye view of what is underway but concentrates on one specific point: the ‘Crocodile’initiative, the elaboration of a new constitutional treaty for EEC and what remains as its lasting value. In a way it seems to have failed, since the European Council did not accept an institutional reform as radical as this (the twelve member-states had to be unanimous in their decision, which meant that the process could be blocked by Great Britain, Denmark and possibly others). In reality, Spinelli could see, just before his death, how his enterprise had sparked off both the most fundamental reform in recent European history (the socalled ‘Acte Unique’) and a profound revival of the Federal idea in public opinion. Here then, is a book on that episode: European Union: the European Community in Search of a Future, edited by Juliet Lodge, with a foreword by Altiero Spinelli (New York, St. Martin’s Press, 1986). In a way it is already a bit out of date, but it sketches the lasting importance of the work done by the European Parliament and its institutional commission. The ‘European Union’-scheme can at the least explain to interested readers what is meant by phrases like ‘democratic control’, ‘efficient decision making’ or ‘divided responsabilities’. In fact, the old uncompromising Federalist Spinelli had realized that the time had not yet come for a full-fledged Federal Constitution to be submitted to the populations. However, one problem had become unescapable: the inefficiency and lack of democracy in the way the Community is run at present. Consequently, the Treaty of Rome had become obsolete and should, after thirty years of experience, be replaced by a new charter containing a remedy to some of the worst deficiencies common practice had demonstrated.
97
Book Reviews
What did the Parliaments’s scheme offer and not offer? Which practical proposals have been made in the different fields where the integration-movement is active? This, not more and not less, does Juliet Lodge’s book give us. It thereby is much more than the analysis of an episode: it contains a piece of fundamental thinking on Europe’s future. The book offers nine essays, written by competent authors, most of whom have been professionally linked to the events. After an Introduction by Lodge herself (she also contributed the chapter on parliamentary democracy in a continental framework) and the prospective framework for the necessary economic action, by John Pinder, Doreen Collins comments on a ‘Policy for Society’, before Derek Prag MEP treats ~International Relations’. The last chapters deal respectively with the legal problems (David Freestone& Scott/Davidson), ‘Progress and Prospects’ (Richard Corbett & Juliet Lodge), whereas Michael Burgess concentrates on Spinelli’s personality, his reasons to become a Federalist and how he envisaged his work for the EU-treaty. All in all, an admirable book of great lasting value. A book written by British academics (the University of Hull has contributed as many as three authors!) in a remarkably progressive spirit. Curiously, it was published only in America. But let us hope that it will find many readers in Europe as wefl. Henrik Brugmans former Rector of the College of Europe
Die Verwicklungen im Denkens Wittgensteins, Alber, 1983), 342 pp.
Susanne
Thiele (Freiburg:
Verlag
Karl
Ludwig Wittgenstein is unquestionably one of the masters of modern philosophy. In the last four decades his philosophical works have been looked upon by the vast majority of their readers as the most notable philosophy in western thought. Considering that most of Wittgenstein’s later philosophical criticism has been interpreted in very different forms, far from their origin, it is extremely important for modern scholars to judge his works as a whole. Thiele, in her study, attempts to solve one of the most central questions of Wittgenstein’s perspectivism, namely his own criticism about his early philosophy. Some interpretations might be better than others, but the author shows that many of them are a part of their own world view or a part of Wittgestein’s legend or philosophical myth. This book is based on a dissertation at Heidelberg University and it is highly influenced by H.G. Gadamer’s hermeneutic philosophy. According to its interpretation, it seems that Wittgenstein’s later philosophical criticism reflected his inwardly philosophical discourse, which was removed from any traditional or scholarly ways of thought. He repeatedly developed his own terminology, symbols, propositions and concepts, in such a way that the thought developed itself to become an obsessive philosophy. That might have been the reason for the author to claim his later philosophy as being infused with psychologistic and anthropological ideas. Wittgenstein’s philosophy became an inherent part of our cultural athmosphere, while his own ‘mythology’ has the traits of mystical forms, This form of interpretation enable us to understand Wittgenstein’s private language and his contemplative thoughts. Although we know that in the ‘Tractatus’, as a rule, he does not attempt to explain his own doctrines or discuss their background or sources, we must develop a historical reconstruction and causal explanations. In a way, Wittgenstein’s style of philosophy has naive aspects, and tries to avoid Kant’s transcendental philosophy. Indeed Wittgenstein’s early philosophy is far from being concerned with Kant’s criticaf philosophy, as some of his critics have argued. The very naive aspects of his
BOOK REVIEWS Fundamentals about European Integration
In 1983, Professor Pierre Gerbet published an admirable synopsis of the movement toward greater unity: la Construction Europknne. It appeared at the semi-official publishing firm “la Documentation francaise”, 498 pages large size. Whoever has to deal with the subject, either professionally or as an academic, should have this imposing volume close at hand. It is both sympathetic to the idea in general and at the same time objective in its descriptions and conclusions. However, since that date, important events have occurred in that sector, especially the so-called ‘Crocodile’-initiative of the old Italian Federalist Altiero Spinelli. It finally lead to the draft of a new Community-treaty, ‘European Union’, which the European Parliament voted for with a twothirds majority. A new phase in intergration hadstarted. On the other hand, not everybody will be inclined to buy and read a volume of such proportions. A more handy summary was needed for larger layers of the public, now that the decision has been taken to finalize the ‘common market’ before 31 December 1992. That announcement provoked ashock, in spite ofthefact that theTreaty of Rome already stated that radical integration was indispensible. Moreover, the Ministers renewed that same intention in 1972 in a solemn declaration but unfortunately it was not followed by the necessary measures of implementation. Today, the situation has changed. Everywhere in the business-world, managers are making plans to adapt their enterprises to the situation that will arise from 1993 onward. Larger firms have merged or are in the process of a merger. Smaller ones are worried but try to find out how to resist foreign competition and, possibly, conquer part of the foreign markets. Consequently the need for a pocket-book containing the essential facts, was widely felt. Both reasons led to the publication of la Naissance du March& Commun, by the same author (Brussels, Editions Complexe, 1987). Again we find here Pierre Gerbet’s usual intellectual inspiration, his encyclopedic knowledge of the subject-matter and his honest attitude towards the Community-building. This small but supremely useful booklet should be widely read and translated into the other EEC-languages. Another book that also aims at giving a general information about Europe and integration has been written and produced in a quite different style. Europe Dream-Adventure-Reality (Brussels, Elsevier, 1987) is both attractively illustrated and thoroughly edited. The sort of luxury-publication which individuals and firms give to their friends at happy celebrations. It appeared at the 30th birthday of the Community and exists both in English and in French. The title is significant since the book analyses three aspects of European consciousness and integration. It starts with two extensive chapters on Europe as a common civilization in variety, and the Federalist traditions to be found in the works of early philosophers as well as in certain attempts to bring the continent (or parts of it) to closer co-operation. These two studies, written respectively by Henrik Brugmans and Jerzy Lukaszewski, trace the historic background of the present movement toward unity. In fact, one has to distinguish between two interpretations of the term ‘European idea’. On the one hand, there is the historic feeling that, after all, in spite of so many conflicts 95
96
Book Reviews
between nations, there is a spiritual togetherness of all Europeans who have their essential values in common. On the other hand, we find the recent discovery that integration is not only desirable but possible andurgent. Whereas the first concept goes back to our cultural and religious roots, the second did not start before the twentieth century and, even more precisely, after World War II. Then, the ‘dream’ became an ‘adventure’. When Robert Schuman launched his proposal of a Coal and Steel Community, on 9 May 1950, he calmly stated that this was, in his view, ‘a leap into the unknown’. His project was realistic since it gave a solution to several problems that were on the table anyway. At the same time, it was the audacious beginning of a new era in our history. The book gives a broad factual picture of what has been tried out since 1945, what succeeded or failed and for what reasons. The Council of Europe, suggested by the Congress of the Hague, the Marshall-plan, ECSC, the aborted attempt to create a common defence, the ‘relance’ of Messina and the Treaty of Rome. The third part covers day-to-day realities of what is called the ‘Common Market’. Not less than 14 essays throw light on the many aspects of the ongoing process. Again the authors have been chosen to be among the best experts available, mostly those professionally engaged in such and such a sector: the European Movement as a permanent engine, the ‘fabric’ of EEC (written by the Commission’s remarkable ex-general secretary Emile Noel), the Parliament, the budget, agriculture and what not. Whoever has carefully gone through these lively but factual chapters cannot complain any more that the complexities of integration are beyond his or her understanding. Finally, the editors have asked a large number of Europeans who are or have been active in this field about what they consider the heaviest drawback in the course of the years and what they would suggest as the most urgent steps forward. One could not possibly mention all of them. Let us simply state how much consensus these ‘privileged witnesses show. The main disaster: the rejection of the EDC-treaty by the French Assembly in 1954. The immediate goals: monetary union, common defence, democratisation of the process. The third book reviewed here is of an entirely different nature. It does not try to give a birds-eye view of what is underway but concentrates on one specific point: the ‘Crocodile’initiative, the elaboration of a new constitutional treaty for EEC and what remains as its lasting value. In a way it seems to have failed, since the European Council did not accept an institutional reform as radical as this (the twelve member-states had to be unanimous in their decision, which meant that the process could be blocked by Great Britain, Denmark and possibly others). In reality, Spinelli could see, just before his death, how his enterprise had sparked off both the most fundamental reform in recent European history (the socalled ‘Acte Unique’) and a profound revival of the Federal idea in public opinion. Here then, is a book on that episode: European Union: the European Community in Search of a Future, edited by Juliet Lodge, with a foreword by Altiero Spinelli (New York, St. Martin’s Press, 1986). In a way it is already a bit out of date, but it sketches the lasting importance of the work done by the European Parliament and its institutional commission. The ‘European Union’-scheme can at the least explain to interested readers what is meant by phrases like ‘democratic control’, ‘efficient decision making’ or ‘divided responsabilities’. In fact, the old uncompromising Federalist Spinelli had realized that the time had not yet come for a full-fledged Federal Constitution to be submitted to the populations. However, one problem had become unescapable: the inefficiency and lack of democracy in the way the Community is run at present. Consequently, the Treaty of Rome had become obsolete and should, after thirty years of experience, be replaced by a new charter containing a remedy to some of the worst deficiencies common practice had demonstrated.
97
Book Reviews
What did the Parliaments’s scheme offer and not offer? Which practical proposals have been made in the different fields where the integration-movement is active? This, not more and not less, does Juliet Lodge’s book give us. It thereby is much more than the analysis of an episode: it contains a piece of fundamental thinking on Europe’s future. The book offers nine essays, written by competent authors, most of whom have been professionally linked to the events. After an Introduction by Lodge herself (she also contributed the chapter on parliamentary democracy in a continental framework) and the prospective framework for the necessary economic action, by John Pinder, Doreen Collins comments on a ‘Policy for Society’, before Derek Prag MEP treats ~International Relations’. The last chapters deal respectively with the legal problems (David Freestone& Scott/Davidson), ‘Progress and Prospects’ (Richard Corbett & Juliet Lodge), whereas Michael Burgess concentrates on Spinelli’s personality, his reasons to become a Federalist and how he envisaged his work for the EU-treaty. All in all, an admirable book of great lasting value. A book written by British academics (the University of Hull has contributed as many as three authors!) in a remarkably progressive spirit. Curiously, it was published only in America. But let us hope that it will find many readers in Europe as wefl. Henrik Brugmans former Rector of the College of Europe
Die Verwicklungen im Denkens Wittgensteins, Alber, 1983), 342 pp.
Susanne
Thiele (Freiburg:
Verlag
Karl
Ludwig Wittgenstein is unquestionably one of the masters of modern philosophy. In the last four decades his philosophical works have been looked upon by the vast majority of their readers as the most notable philosophy in western thought. Considering that most of Wittgenstein’s later philosophical criticism has been interpreted in very different forms, far from their origin, it is extremely important for modern scholars to judge his works as a whole. Thiele, in her study, attempts to solve one of the most central questions of Wittgenstein’s perspectivism, namely his own criticism about his early philosophy. Some interpretations might be better than others, but the author shows that many of them are a part of their own world view or a part of Wittgestein’s legend or philosophical myth. This book is based on a dissertation at Heidelberg University and it is highly influenced by H.G. Gadamer’s hermeneutic philosophy. According to its interpretation, it seems that Wittgenstein’s later philosophical criticism reflected his inwardly philosophical discourse, which was removed from any traditional or scholarly ways of thought. He repeatedly developed his own terminology, symbols, propositions and concepts, in such a way that the thought developed itself to become an obsessive philosophy. That might have been the reason for the author to claim his later philosophy as being infused with psychologistic and anthropological ideas. Wittgenstein’s philosophy became an inherent part of our cultural athmosphere, while his own ‘mythology’ has the traits of mystical forms, This form of interpretation enable us to understand Wittgenstein’s private language and his contemplative thoughts. Although we know that in the ‘Tractatus’, as a rule, he does not attempt to explain his own doctrines or discuss their background or sources, we must develop a historical reconstruction and causal explanations. In a way, Wittgenstein’s style of philosophy has naive aspects, and tries to avoid Kant’s transcendental philosophy. Indeed Wittgenstein’s early philosophy is far from being concerned with Kant’s criticaf philosophy, as some of his critics have argued. The very naive aspects of his