Showing papers on "European union published in 1993"

Preliminary criteria for the classification of Sjögren's syndrome. Results of a prospective concerted action supported by the European Community.

Abstract: Objective. Different sets of diagnostic criteria have been proposed for Sjogren's syndrome (SS), but none have been validated with a large series of patients or in a multicenter study. We conducted the present study involving 26 centers from 12 countries (11 in Europe, plus Israel), with the goals of reaching a consensus on the diagnostic procedures for SS and defining classification criteria to be used in epidemiologic surveys and adopted by the scientific community. Methods. The study protocol was subdivided into two parts. For part I, questionnaires regarding both ocular and oral involvement were developed; they included 13 questions and 7 questions, respectively. For part II a limited set of diagnostic tests was selected, and the exact procedure to be followed in performing these tests was defined. Part I of the study ipcluded 240 patients with primary SS and 240 age- and sex-matched controls. Two hundred forty-six patients with primary SS, 201 with secondary SS, 113 with connective tissue diseases but without associated SS, and 133 control patients were studied in part II. Results. The study resulted in (a) the validation of a simple 6-item questionnaire for determination of dry eyes and dry mouth, which showed good discriminant power between patients and controls, to be used in the initial screening for sicca syndrome; and (b) the definition of a new set of criteria for the classification of SS. The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria in correctly identifying patients with either the primary or the secondary variant of SS were also determined. Conclusion. Using the findings of this prospective multicenter European study, general agreement can be reached on the diagnostic procedures to be used for patients with SS. Final validation of the preliminary classification criteria for SS is underway.

Excessive deficits: sense and nonsense in the Treaty of Maastricht.

Abstract: Maastricht's fiscal rules Willem Buiter, Giancarlo Corsetti and Nouriel Roubini The Maastricht Treaty on Economic and Monetary Union in the EC has specified limits on both government debt and fiscal deficits. Satisfying these criteria is necessary for getting into EMU; once inside, violating these limits will also incur penalties. The fiscal requirements, especially the debt criterion, are much tougher than is required to ensure public-sector solvency. Trying to attain these targets will force the EC initially into substantial deflation and recession. Failure to correct for real growth, inflation and the business cycle makes the nominal deficit a poor basis for any policy or target. Ambiguity about how fiscal targets will in fact be interpreted might provide a way out but cannot today be relied upon to do so. Supranational fiscal rules are sometimes claimed to be justified by externalities in national fiscal policies. We find this justification wanting, both in theory and empirically. A better case might be built on the imposition of external commitments to offset domestic political distortions that systematically induce excessive deficits. Even so, we conclude that the fiscal convergence criteria on balance are harmful, and should be disregarded or applied very loosely to avoid the risk of serious fiscal overkill.

The Governance of the European Union: A New Institutionalist Approach*

Abstract: The analysis of European integration has tended to use a toolkit drawn from international relations. But since the revival of integration in the mid-1980s, the governance of the European Community and European Union has increasingly come to resemble that of a multi-tiered state. Accordingly, this article analyzes the governance of the European Union from a comparative public policy perspective. Using new or historical institutionalism, three levels are considered. In the first part, attention is focused on the EU's institutions and the available instruments of governance. The second part examines the analysis of governance at the policy-specific or sub-system level, and puts forward an approach based on governance regimes. The final part considers the institutional roots of the persistent, regulatory character of governance in the European Union.

Competition policy in the European union

Abstract: Introduction - A History of European Competition Policy - The Institutions of European Competition Policy - Restrictive Practices Policy - Monopoly Policy - Commission Decision-Making in Restrictive Practices and Monopoly Cases - Merger Policy - State Aid Policy - The 'New' Competition Policy: The Public Sector and the Utilities - Decentralising European Competition Policy - The Internationalisation of European Competition Policy - Conclusions - Guide to Further Reading - Bibliography - Index

The detection and assessment of the aneugenic potential of environmental chemicals: the European Community Aneuploidy Project.

Abstract: Within the framework of its' Environment Research and Development Programme, the European Communities (EC) Directorate General (DG) XII has supported a research project aimed at developing and validating assay systems for the detection and evaluation of chemicals capable of inducing numerical chromosome changes such as aneuploidy and polyploidy. A range of test chemicals were selected, which include a core set comprising; colchicine, econazole nitrate, chloral hydrate, hydroquinone, diazepam, thiabendazole, cadmium chloride, thimerosol, pyrimethamine and vinblastine sulphate. These test chemicals were used to evaluate the ability of test systems ranging from tubulin polymerisation, fungal cultures, cultured mammalian cells and intact rodents to detect chemical aneugens and to assess the significance of such activity to exposed human populations.

"Migration, Citizenship and National Identities in the European Union"

Abstract: Part I Citizenship, nationality and ethnicity in the European Union Part II Nation-building and the formation of ethno-national identities in the European Union Part III European Union, European identity and European citizenship

The Regional Dilemma in a Neo-Liberal Europe:

Abstract: It has recently been argued that the consolidation of a globally integrated economy restricts the ability of governments to intervene effectively in the develop ment of their national economies. As a result, nation states are said to be transferring their power both upwards to supra-national institutions (such as the European Union) and downwards by conceding power to regional governments. Within the EU, the concept of a 'Europe of Regions', representing an emerging division of responsibilities between Union- level authorities and regional institutions, is thus seen by some as a corollary of moves towards economic and monetary union, as the role of the nation state wanes. In this paper we question whether such a 'Europe of Regions' is in fact emerging, and whether it is likely to be to the advantage of the less favoured regions. We point to the enduring importance of the nation state as an arena for economic policy formu lation, and explore what might be the content of a new national approach to regional ...

Towards a European migration policy

Abstract: The stagnating West European population combined with the prosperous economic development of the European Community (EC) generate strong economic incentives for immi- gration. The drastic political changes in Eastern Europe have caused additional migration pressures. There are a variety of problems with the economic and political integration of migrants, however. The paper argues that immigration can compensate for demographic losses due to the decline and ageing of the European labor force. Economic theory further predicts welfare gains from free factor movements, which should be reaped as long as social costs and adjustment costs are not prohibitive. An active European migration policy is recommended to achieve this aim.

Efficacy of current EC meat inspection procedures and some proposed revisions with respect to microbiological safety: a critical review.

Abstract: This paper presents an evaluation of the current EC meat inspection procedures, and some of their proposed revisions, in relation to their efficacy in assuring the microbiological safety and quality of meat, and the difficulties for health authorities and industry in providing such an assurance. It is concluded that neither the current nor the proposed revisions of ante and post mortem meat inspection procedures alone are sufficient, and that only integrated approaches, applied to each step of animal and meat production, will lead to better quality meat. Furthermore, for the design of a really effective and flexible long-term system of safety and quality assurance it is necessary to undertake a formal quantitative assessment of risk.

The Principle of Subsidiarity and the Environment in the European Union: Keeping the Balance of Federalism

Abstract: Part I of this Article traces the emergence of the principle of subsidiarity in the Community legal order, with some special reference to the environment. Part II analyzes the three paragraphs of Article 3b, again with particular emphasis on the environment. This Article concludes that “subsidiarity” will not stand in the way of the further development of Community environmental policy along the lines that it has been following so far.

Import demands for Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon and wild Pacific salmon in North America, Japan and the EC

Abstract: Import demands for Atlantic and Pacific salmon are estimated for Japan, the European Community and North America. Cross-price elasticities indicate that wild high-valued Pacific salmon (chinook. coho and sockeye) and farmed Atlantic salmon are substitute goods in the marketplace. This finding implies that movements in the prices of both fanned and wild salmon can be caused by supply or demand changes in the market for either type of salmon. This result in turn has important implications for future markets and prices of fanned and wild salmon in Canada and the United States La demande a l'importation pour le saunion de l'Atlantique et du Pacifique esl eslimee pour le Japon, la CEE et l'Amerique du Nord. Les valeurs d'elaslicite croisee montrenl que le saumon “sauvage” du Pacifique hautement prise (chinook, coho et sockeve) et le saumon d'elevage de l'Atlantique peuvent se substituer l'un a l'autre sur le manhe. Cette consultation signifie quedes mouvements dans les prix des deux types de saunion peuvent etre causes par des fluctuation de l'offre et de la demande affectant l'un ou l'autre type. Cela comporte d'imponantes repercussions pour I'avenir sur le manhe el sur les prix du saumon tant sauvage que d‘elevage au Canada et aux Etats-Unis

Advertising practices for self‐image projective products in the New Europe: a print advertising content analysis

Abstract: Analyses the advertising content of three self‐image projective products (perfume, cosmetics, and women′s apparel) in the UK, German, French, Spanish, and Italian editions of Vogue magazine. Tests for the degree of standardisation versus localisation of the advertising of these products. Suggests that marketers/advertisers standardise perfume advertisements to a greater degree and apparel to a lesser degree.

Comparative Politics: Domestic Responses To Global Challenges

Abstract: Balancing theory with application and featuring an exciting full-color design and an engaging, student-friendly writing style, COMPARATIVE POLITICS uses a unique theme--Domestic Responses to Global Challenges--to introduce key concepts and examine the growing interdependence of strong and weak states. COMPARATIVE POLITICS takes an in-depth look at eleven countries and the European Union, framed within broader discussions in the part-opening chapters on Industrialized Democracies, Communist Regimes, and Less Developed Countries. Four additional countries are available as online chapters or in a custom print solution: Brazil, Canada, Japan, and South Africa. The introduction establishes a comparative structure based on five themes: conflict, democratization, economic liberalization, globalization, and challenges, which are then explored for each country. The countries discussed are categorized by economic development, helping students hone their skills of comparison, synthesis, and interpretation by studying countries of similar economic status. With this uniquely effective text, students will gain an understanding of important political trends and concepts, an exposure to politics in a number of countries, and a desire to dig more deeply into the fascinating field of comparative politics.

Confrontation des Statistiques de migrations intra-européennes: Vers plus d'harmonisation?

Abstract: Tout courant de migration internationale peut faire l'objet d'un double enregistrement: au titre d'emigration, dans le pays de depart, et a celui d'immigration dans le pays d'arrivee. Dans la realite, la compatibilite des statistiques de migration internationale est si faible qu'elle empeche bien souvent d'en proposer une analyse correcte. En marge du processus d'harmonisation mis en oeuvre depuis quelques annees deja, sous l'egide d'Eurostat, nous proposons ici une methode de correction devant permettre une premiere analyse a partir des donnees disponibles. En outre, les facteurs correctifs que nous estimons a partir d'une methode mathematique devraient s'averer utiles a plus d'un egard pour mettre en evidence les problemes majeurs de compatibilite et suivre la progression du processus d'harmonisation.

Health care expenditure and income in Europe.

Abstract: In this work we have tried to analyse the variations in health care expenditure in all the countries of the European Community except Greece and Portugal. We have wanted to provide additional evidence on the empirical relationship between expenditure on health care and income. Our analysis, starting from the approach of Fuchs and Baumol, has been an extension of the traditional studies on health care international comparisons, in at least three directions: we have not imposed any restrictions on the price effects, we have analysed dynamic models instead of the cross-sectional analysis and we have used proper deflators. We have deflated health care expenditure in each country by means of its sectoral price index and by the purchasing parity power of its currency, to allow international comparisons. In the former case we express health care in terms of 'expenditure', in the latter we express health care in terms of 'weighted quantity'. Income elasticities, in the short and in the long-run, have been estimated using econometric methods that allow us to obtain simultaneously equilibrium long-run relationships, if any, and adjustment processes in the short-run. We have found cointegrating relationships and we have estimated consistent estimators of the elasticities. The estimated income elasticities are greater than one in all the models analysed.

Development and registration of chiral drugs

Abstract: In this review we describe the impact of chirality on drug development and registration in the United States, Japan and the European Community. Enantiomers may have differences in their pharmacological profiles, and, therefore, chiral drugs ask for special analytical and pharmacological attention during their development. However, the registration authorities have no clear policy towards the registration of chiral drugs. The absence of a clear policy regarding chirality causes a great deal of confusion and frustration at various levels and is not in the interest of industries developing newer and more beneficial drugs.

National Identity and Mentalities of War in Three EC Countries

Abstract: It is a basic assumption of this article that the history, symbolism and mentality of war - e.g. in the form of heroism - constitute central elements in the make-up of national identities, also in the European Community, despite the fact that the EC is more commonly thought of as a peace movement. The contribution and significance of 'war mentality' may differ from one country to the next, however. The article examines the link between national identity and the mentality of war in Great Britain, (West) Germany and Denmark, as three EC countries representing different national histories, structures and ambitions. The approach is comparative and intercultural. The author argues (1) that the mentality of war is radically different in the three countries: one of proud and unifying civic heroism in Britain, of traumatic negative presence in Germany and of symbolic moral strength based on historical defeats in Denmark; (2) that these differences are mainly rooted in (the outcome of) World War II and conform with general patterns of political culture in the three countries concerning the link between nationalism and internationalism; and (3) that this makes for very different attitudes to closer political cooperation in a 'European Union', particularly as regards integration in the areas of common security and defence policies. Attitudes to the Gulf War are used as a concrete case to demonstrate some of the salient points. The article concludes by pointing out the difficulties in unifying European nationalisms so dissimilar in this decisive area of national identity, and in permanently keeping the military option out of intra-European national competition.

Going Green: The Logistics Dilemma

Abstract: Reports on a survey, the subject of which – the environment – is one of the key issues facing the world today. The objectives in carrying out this survey were both to increase understanding of current attitudes and policies, and to stimulate a wider discussion within the logistics industry. Aims to find out whether companies have specific environmental policies and what actions they are taking to protect the environment. Also looks into the views of logistics professionals on the current and future importance of environmental considerations within their own specialist area. Results show that there is still much to be done, but in many areas environmental improvement and cost savings can go hand‐in‐hand. Provides an essential baseline for quantifying future environmental improvement and contributes to raising the awareness of everybody in the industry.

The Changing Population of Europe

Abstract: The European Community and its population, Daniel Noin evolution of the population - a slow growth, Philip E. Ogden geographical distribution and urbanization, A.G. Champion spatial inequalities in mortality, Daniel Noin fertility - the lowest level in the world, Deborah Sporton fertility policies - a limited influence?, Jacqueline Hecht and Henri Leridon age and sex structures, Pierre-Jean Thumerelle demographic ageing - trends and policy responses, Anthony M. Warnes family structures, Ray Hall education, Jean Renard the geography of employment, Christian Vandermotten unemployment - regional variations in age and sex specific rates, Aurora Garcia Ballesteros the role of women in the post-industrial economy, Giovanna Brunetta internal migration and mobility, Gildas Simon external international migration, John Salt migration policies, Jurgen Bahr and Jorg Kohli ethnic minority communities in Europe, Paul White postscript - one Europe, many demographies?, Robert Woods.

Economic impact of the AIDS epidemic in the European Community: towards multinational scenarios on hospital care and costs.

Abstract: Objective To underpin multinational public-health HIV/AIDS strategy planning in the European Community (EC) by integrating national studies on HIV/AIDS in scenario analysis. Method Three types of data are used: routine surveillance data, information on disease progression and observational studies on the economic impact. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is simulated using two models (MIDAS and PC-Based AIDS Scenarios). Selected simulations, consistent with surveillance data, are connected to economic impact (hospital-bed needs and annual hospital costs for AIDS patients). Parameter values expressing per person-year economic impacts are derived from a structured review of publications on economic aspects of AIDS. Results Evaluation of published studies on hospital resource use and costs in EC countries shows that there are significant differences between both countries and studies, even after conversion to similar measures (for example, using purchasing power parities). These differences are partly due to factors such as the composition of the patient population. Differences in methodology may also have influenced the results. Economic impact is analysed for combinations of three factors; survival time after AIDS diagnosis, hospital inpatient days needed per person-year and corresponding hospital costs per person-year. All scenarios indicate 1995 hospital-bed needs above the 1990 level of 5400 beds. Hospital cost projections for 1995 vary (up to US$1050 million). Conclusions (1) For economic impact assessment, there are important gaps in epidemiological and economic data, and in the methods for linking these. (2) Standardization of studies on the resource use and costs of HIV/AIDS is necessary to provide a sound basis for multinational scenarios. (3) Preliminary multinational scenarios show that by 1995 hospital-bed needs for AIDS might reach 0.45% of all hospital beds available in the EC, and that hospital cost projections for AIDS in that year will range from 0.15% to 0.30% of EC health-care expenditure.

Quality Assurance in Further and Higher Education: A SACRIFICIAL LAMB ON THE ALTAR OF MANAGERIALISM

Abstract: Presents the case that in the 1990s further and higher education in the UK is facing unprecedented and increasing levels of market accountability precipitated by the legislative processes of Conservative administrations. Linked to their new responsibilities and freedoms (made possible by the 1988 and 1992 Education Acts), management in the newly incorporated institutions is becoming increasingly “business‐like”. The need for managers to justify their actions and demonstrate quality and effectiveness has never been greater. Hence the proliferation of league tables, performance indicators and the focus by audit units on measurement of an increasingly complex array of process and output statistics. The result has been a preoccupation with quality, among other issues, which is linked to performance appraisal and management techniques synonymous with the commercial sector of the economy. Points to the limitations of such models as TQM and of management‐driven approaches to quality which deprofessionalize, and proposes the need for a collegial model of organizations which accepts the central importance of interactive professionalism in assuring real quality of teaching and learning. Acknowledges the existence of common strategic drivers within the international and European arena and points to the need for quality assessment systems which overlay professional practice and serve to provide relevant information in a comparative international context.

Hedging European Integration: The Maastricht Judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany

Abstract: This Essay will report, analyze, and criticize the eighty-five page opinion of the Constitutional Court. Notwithstanding any criticism, the judgment is certain to have an impact on the European Union as it emerges from the Maastricht Treaty. The concluding section will assess that impact. By way of introduction, the following section will give a survey of earlier opinions rendered by the Constitutional Court on issues relating to European integration.

A Europe of the Regions: A Role for Nonmarket Forces?

Abstract: MACKAY R. R. (1993) European union: a role for nonmarket forces?, Reg. Studies 27, 419–431. The MacDougall Report anticipated that regional (fiscal) transfer within Europe would grow as part of European economic and monetary integration. This paper explores the theme of regional transfer by: (1) underlining their continued importance within national economies; (2) developing links to Hirschman's nonmarket forces; (3) indicating form in the context of (a) education, (b) social security, (c) devolution; (4) building bridges to active labour market policy; and (5) providing an explanation of lack of transfer at European level. MACKAY R. R. (1993) L'Europe des regions: l'importance des facteurs qui ne se rapportent pas au marche, Reg. Studies 27, 419–431. Le Rapport MacDougall a prevu la croissance des transferts (fiscaux) regionaux au sein de l'Europe comme partie integrante de l'integration economique et monetaire europeennes. Cet article cherche a etudier la notion de transfert regional: (1) en soulignant ...

International migration between East and West in Europe

Abstract: The article analyses the scale and geographical complexity of migration between East and West in Europe, and explores why it has recently risen so high on the political agenda. It reviews briefly the political context that has guided migration in eastern Europe during the twentieth century, and the thinking behind the current ‘Fortress’ concept in the European Community now shaping its migration regime. The changing patterns of migration in eastern Europe and the former USSR, including the roles of ethnicity and the economy in stimulating movement, are then discussed. Finally, the article reviews attempts to predict the scale of economic migration from the former USSR, concluding that levels of movement are likely to be less than has been suggested.

A Green Dimension for the European Community

Abstract: This collection of nine essays examines the connections between environmental policy and the EC's political processes. It discusses the fundamental issues of why there is an EC environmental policy; its soundness; at what level such a policy is to be formulated and implemented; and who decides what constitutes a prudent and rational policy. This book monitors the development of EC environmental policy from being an incidental to an essential part of the EC's policy programme. It traces the changing nature of EC environmental policy through successive Environmental Action Programmes and examines the extent to which environmental policy has been integrated into EC economic policies. An organizing theme of the volume is that the substance of EC environmental policy can only be understood properly in relation to the processes through which policy is made. Thus the impact of the internationalization of policy networks and the lobbying styles adopted by affected organizations are considered alongside green party politics at the EC level. The policy impact made by the European Parliament is assessed through a detailed study of the EP's Environmental Committee, and the vital importance of implementation and enforcement of legislation to the success of EC environmental policy is highlighted. This group of studies first appeared in a special issue of Environmental Politics 1 (1992) 4.