The card of the tender European
(B2 archives) Rank European countries on a map of the tender, political and economic, European is a certain challenge, so much the policy of a State can differ in the short term or in the medium term, so much the positions can be varied between the central State and the local authorities (Germany), between the opposition and the majority (Spain) or even within the ruling coalition (Italy, France).
The country will be classified more according to its underlying trend, although new developments may appear. Thus, in Italy, which until now could be classified as a federalist country, a divergence has recently appeared between the positions of Prime Minister Amato and Foreign Minister Dini, one of whom is confined to the line.
Federal State, integrated structure or Union of States
The European countries are grouped together on political Europe in three tendencies: federalist (a federal state) - “a federal Europe endowed with a strong government with a precise division of tasks” -, integrationist (an integrated community) - “pursuit of Community advances in an increasingly advanced integration but with respect for certain national prerogatives” -; and sovereigntist (a Union of States) - “concern to preserve the sphere of competence of the States”. In this last category, there are countries which sometimes have completely different views on the preservation of their jurisdiction, the United Kingdom for the sake of liberalism, Sweden for the sake of social democrats. It should be noted that Sweden's reserved position could change with its assumption of the presidency. In general, comments a diplomat, “a country which obtains the presidency becomes more Euro-enthusiastic”. Latest example, Finland.
Intervene in the economy or let it be
The position of the Member States on economic Europe may cross a different map. Three trends can be identified. One, of the Colbertist model, intends to defend an important pole of public services and a certain role of intervention for the State. The other, more flexible on public services, of the Bismarckian model, does not intend to leave room for all liberalism but is based more on union, social or territorial power relations (force of regionalism) to establish rules for free market, the third finally obeys a more classic liberal logic.
A seat at the pantry or at the table
As for the 13 candidate countries, they see the Fischer declaration, and in particular the avant-garde country project, as a veritable declaration of war, giving them a glimpse once their accession has been acquired that a place in the office and not in the table. From an economic point of view, their policy does not allow them to be classified according to the same criteria as Western countries. From hyper-administered countries, with totally or partly nationalized agriculture and industry, they have to join the market economy, the liberalization policy they pursue is therefore difficult to compare. So be careful! The classification is therefore very summary and subject to caution as well as to discussion. NB: It is also linked to the policy of the national government of the moment.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
Published in France-Soir, June 2000
|
Country |
What political Europe |
What economic Europe |
|
The Fifteen |
||
| Germany | federalist | social dialogue |
| Austria | federalist | social dialogue |
| Belgium | federalist | interventionist |
| Denmark | Union of States | social |
| Spain | integrationist | free market |
| Finland | integrationist | social dialogue |
| France | integrationist | interventionist |
| Greece | integrationist | interventionist |
| Ireland | integrationist | free market |
| Italy * | federalist | interventionist |
| Luxembourg | federalist | social dialogue |
| Netherlands | federalist | free market |
| Portugal | integrationist | interventionist |
| United Kingdom | Union of States | free market |
| Sweden | Union of States | social dialogue |
| Economic area | ||
| Iceland | Union of States | social dialogue |
| Liechtenstein | Union of States | |
| Norway | Union of States | social dialogue |
| Candidate Countries | ||
| Poland | integrationist | interventionist |
| Hungary | federalist | social dialogue |
| Rep. Czech | integrationist | free market |
| Slovakia | integrationist | interventionist |
| Bulgaria | integrationist | free market |
| Romania | integrationist | interventionist |
| Estonia | integrationist | free market |
| Latvia | integrationist | social dialogue |
| Lithuania | integrationist | social dialogue |
| Slovenia | integrationist | social dialogue |
| Malta | integrationist | free market |
| Cyprus | integrationist | social dialogue |
| Turkey | Integrationist | interventionist |
| Other | ||
| Switzerland (outside the EEA) | Union of States | social dialogue |
