The European Union
Subtitle: a politically incorrect view
By: Alberto Alesina, Roberto Perotti.
Contributors: Perotti, Roberto.; National Bureau of Economic Research.
Series: NBER working paper series ;; working paper 10342; Working paper series (National Bureau of Economic Research : Online) ;; working paper no. 10342.
Publisher: National Bureau of Economic Research
Published: 2004
Place of publication: Cambridge, MA
Language: eng
Format: Electronic resource
Subjects: European Union.
Description: "In this paper, we present our view of the recent evolution of European integration.  We first briefly describe the main features of the institution and decision making process in the European Union, with particular attention to the debate between federalists and super nationalists.  We then identify two key issues in the process of European integration: (1) an emphasis on institutional balance' based on a complex web of institutions with overlapping jurisdiction; (2) A conflict between a dirigiste versus a more laissez faire approach to government.  We argue that the first problem leads to a lack of clarity in the allocation of powers between European institutions, confusion in the allocation of prerogatives between national governments and EU institutions, and lack of transparency and accountability.  This dirigiste culture produces verbose rhetoric, which moves the European policy debate in the wrong direction.  We then study how these problems play out in four important areas: employment policies, culture and scientific research, foreign and defense policies, and fiscal policy.  Finally, we study the implications of the recently proposed European Constitution as a potential solution of these two problems"--National Bureau of Economic Research web site.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.
Title from PDF file as viewed on 1/19/2005.
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Mode of access: World Wide Web.