Changing the Guard in Brussels: An Insider's View of the EC Presidency

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12 European powers, most of whom have had a taste of global dominion in the past, are understandable reluctant to forsake their traditional sovereignity. But a process is under way that is beginning to acquire a new momentum, especially with the 1992 deadline so close. This is an appraisal of the institutions of the European Community as seen by someone familiar with the daily activity of the Council of Ministers. It deals with reality and results from personal experience, not from an academic study. By 1992, all European Economic Community internal barriers are slated to come down, ensuring the free flow of persons, goods and capital. European union, if ever achieved, will have profound political, economic and security consequences for the world at large.

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As the European Economic Community moves toward a full economic union in 1992, De Bassompierre suggests that the world views it as an economic giant but a political dwarf.' Drawing on his scholarly training and on his experience as a diplomat in the EEC, the author probes the records of the political institutions of the European Community to find ways to increase its political stature. He chooses to focus on the presidency of the Council of Ministers, an office that rotates every six months among the 12 member nations. He also analyzes other councils and institutions that are part of the complex evolving political strutures of a United Europe.' In a short volume De Bassompierre successfully links the emerging political patterns to the overall economic integration endeavor. He concludes that this condominium of 12 sovereign nations offers an unparalleled adventure for the national bureaucracies in managing what is, in effect, a global superpower in the making.' Of broader appeal than its title suggests. Valuable for upper-division students in all colleges and universities.-Choice
"As the European Economic Community moves toward a full economic union in 1992, De Bassompierre suggests that the world views it as an economic giant but a political dwarf.' Drawing on his scholarly training and on his experience as a diplomat in the EEC, the author probes the records of the political institutions of the European Community to find ways to increase its political stature. He chooses to focus on the presidency of the Council of Ministers, an office that rotates every six months among the 12 member nations. He also analyzes other councils and institutions that are part of the complex evolving political strutures of a United Europe.' In a short volume De Bassompierre successfully links the emerging political patterns to the overall economic integration endeavor. He concludes that this condominium of 12 sovereign nations offers an unparalleled adventure for the national bureaucracies in managing what is, in effect, a global superpower in the making.' Of broader appeal than its title suggests. Valuable for upper-division students in all colleges and universities."-Choice

Author Bio

GUY DE BASSOMPIERRE is minister counselor (economic and commercial at the Belgian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Most recently he was a visiting scholar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (1987-1988). Previously he served as adviser on European affairs to the Belgian minister of external relations.