RC03 - European Unification

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21Sep 2014

¨Institutional design of democratic conditionality in regional organizations¨, by Carlos Closa, EUI Working Paper RSCAS 2013/45

¨Institutional design of democratic conditionality in regional organizations¨, by Carlos Closa

European University Institute, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, Global Governance Programme, EUI Working Paper RSCAS 2013/45

https://www.academia.edu/3782400/Institutional_design_of_democratic_conditionality_in_regional_organizations

Abstract Democratic conditionality accession clauses have become increasingly common in certain international organisations. Similarly, provisions on suspension of membership because of breaches of democratic order have emerged. Why do regional organisations introduce these kin of clauses? In most cases, they developed after 1989 in a new geopolitical climate in which democratic ideals acquired normative hegemony. This does not exclude a purposive rational institutional design. On the one hand, accession clauses developed a posteriori of the creation of the organization being applied hence to new members rather to the ones creating them. These clauses have been used as an instrument for fostering clubness and imposing institutional features of applying states. On the other hand, in the case of suspension, institutional design serves to trade-off two competing principles: commitment to democratic conditionality and respect for sovereignty of member states and it does so by leaving wide discretion in implementing provisions for suspension clauses.

21Sep 2014

Call for Papers EUSA EU-LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN INTEREST SECTION, Boston - March 5-7, 2015

Call for Papers EUSA EU-LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN INTEREST SECTION, Boston - March 5-7, 2015

The EU-Latin American and Caribbean Section Interest Section of EUSA will organize two panels at the EUSA annual meeting in Boston, MA, to be held on March 5-7, 2015. The section is suggesting two panels on the following topics: a) Security in the EU-Latin American Relationship, and b) EU’s trade relationship with the Western Hemisphere after the financial crisis. We invite you to submit a paper proposal.

To learn more about EUSA and its EU-Latin American Section Interest Section see: https://eustudies.org/interest-sections/latin-america-caribbean

To submit a proposal, please send your paper title, abstract (500 word limit), affiliation(s), and contact details to Roberto Dominguez, robdomri@yahoo.com by Monday, 29 September 2014.

21Sep 2014

Call for Papers: Accountability without parties? The effects of dealignment on accountability in electoral decision making, ECPR Joint Sessions 2015

Call for Papers: Accountability without parties? The effects of dealignment on accountability in electoral decision making

ECPR Joint Sessions (Warsaw, 29 March-2 April 2015). Application Deadline: 1 December, 2014 Contact: andre.blais@umontreal.ca

http://www.ipsa.org/news/call-for-paper/accountability-without-parties-effects-dealignment-accountability-electoral-deci

20Sep 2014

"European citizenship in a time of crisis" (2014), by Carlos Closa and Daniela Vintila

"European citizenship in a time of crisis" (2014), by Carlos Closa and Daniela Vintila

In "The State of the European Union: How European citizens deal with these times of crisis", Madrid: Fundación Alternativas and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, p. 19-31

http://www.falternativas.org/la-fundacion/documentos/libros-e-informes/the-state-of-the-european-union-2014-how-european-citizens-deal-with-these-times-of-crisis

20Sep 2014

The parliamentary election of the Commission President: Constraints on the parliamentarization of the European Union, by Sergio Fabbrini

The parliamentary election of the Commission President: Constraints on the parliamentarization of the European Union, by Sergio Fabbrini

Working Paper, Luiss School of Government, SOG-WP9/2013 ISSN: 2282-4189

http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2423364

Abstract: The proposal for parliamentary election of the Commission president, officially advanced by the European Commission and the European Parliament for the election of the latter in 2014, constitutes the most significant step towards the parliamentarization of the European Union. Connecting the election of the EP to the choice of the Commission president is considered to be an effective way to provide a definitive solution to the democratic deficit of the Union. This article discusses the arguments favoring the parliamentarization project and those against it, showing that the strategy of parliamentarization of the EU is destined to encounter powerful institutional and structural constraints. A different project could be pursued to strengthen the EP without being trapped by those constraints.

20Sep 2014

"After the Euro Crisis: A New Paradigm on the Integration of Europe", by Sergio Fabbrini

"After the Euro Crisis: A New Paradigm on the Integration of Europe", by Sergio Fabbrini

ARENA Working Paper 05/2014

This paper examines the constitutional system of the European Union, and how it has radically been called into question by the euro crisis. Fabbrini argues that the EU has entered a constitutional conundrum, and that a paradigm shift is required in order to escape from it.

http://www.sv.uio.no/arena/english/research/publications/arena-publications/workingpapers/working-papers2014/wp5-14.xml

The Lisbon Treaty is the outcome of several constitutional compromises. These compromises were considered the price to be paid for preserving the unitary character of the project of integration. The euro crisis has dramatically called into question these multiple constitutional compromises. The balance between supranational and intergovernmental views has been upset in favour of the former. The approval of new intergovernmental treaties has made crystal clear the separation of interests between the European Monetary Union and the opt-out member states. The European Union has entered a constitutional conundrum, and a paradigm shift is required in order to escape from it. The historical challenge facing Europeans is to promote the integration of the continent in the context of a plurality of institutional and legal arrangements.

20Sep 2014

‘Beyond Intergovernmentalism: The Puzzle of European Economic Governance’, by Sergio Fabbrini

‘Beyond Intergovernmentalism: The Puzzle of European Economic Governance’, by Sergio Fabbrini

In Maria Joao Rodrigues and Eleni Xiarchogiannopoulou (eds.), The Eurozone Crisis and the Transformation of EU Governance: Internal and External Implications, Farnham: Ashgate, 2014, pp. 59-70

http://www.ashgate.com/isbn/9781472433107

18Sep 2014

The transition towards a new migration cycle: evaluating the design and outcomes of family reunification policies in Spain and Europe, by SANTIAGO PÉREZ-NIEVAS and DANIELA VINTILA

"La transición a un nuevo ciclo migratorio: evaluando el diseño y los resultados de las políticas de reagrupación familiar en España y en Europa/ The transition towards a new migration cycle: evaluating the design and outcomes of family reunification policies in Spain and Europe", by SANTIAGO PÉREZ-NIEVAS and DANIELA VINTILA

Revista de Estudios Políticos, no. 161, 2013, p. 171-206

https://www.academia.edu/8371982/La_transicion_a_un_nuevo_ciclo_migratorio_evaluando_el_diseno_y_los_resultados_de_las_politicas_de_reagrupacion_familiar_en_Espana_y_en_Europa_The_transition_towards_a_new_migration_cycle_evaluating_the_design_and_outcomes_of_family_reunification_policies_in_Spain_and_Europe

Abstract: In recent decades, family-related migration has become a relevant social process that encouraged a significant increase of foreign born population flows into the European societies. Drawing on the literature related to the rise of this phenomenon during the seventies, this article analyzes the governmental policy response towards family reunion in Spain, and compares it with the diversity of European policies in this area. Subsequently, the study focuses on the results of the family reunification policy making, by exploring the intensity of family migration flows towards Southern European countries in comparison with those to Central and Northern Europe countries with a longer experience in receiving substantial migration inflows.

En las últimas décadas, la reagrupación por razones familiares se ha convertido en un fenómeno de creciente intensidad, contribuyendo al incremento del flujo poblacional extranjero en las sociedades europeas. Retomando la literatura sobre el auge de este fenómeno en los años setenta, el presente artículo analiza las respuestas políticas del gobierno español en materia de reagrupación, contrastándolas con la diversidad de normativas europeas vigentes en este ámbito. Con posterioridad, el análisis se centra en los resultados de dichas políticas, reflexionando sobre el peso actual de los flujos de carácter familiar en el conjunto de flujos migratorios hacia los nuevos países receptores del Sur de Europa, en contraste con sus vecinos del Centro-Norte del continente que cuentan con mayor tradición migratoria.

17Sep 2014

¨The Future of Europe: Democracy, Legitimacy and Justice After the Euro Crisis¨ (forthcoming). Edited by Serge Champeau, Carlos Closa, Daniel Innerarity and Miguel Poiares Maduro

¨The Future of Europe: Democracy, Legitimacy and Justice After the Euro Crisis¨ (forthcoming)

Edited by Serge Champeau, Carlos Closa, Daniel Innerarity and Miguel Poiares Maduro

http://www.rowmaninternational.com/books/the-future-of-europe#.VBkwXeq69Ug.facebook

A major collection of essays by a multidisciplinary panel of experts exploring the various interpretations of the European crisis and the future of the European Union.

The European Union seems to have rescued its single currency, but it has not yet put an end to the crisis. In this major new book, a group of fifteen international philosophers, economists, political scientists, sociologists, and legal experts compare the economic, political, constitutional, social, and cultural interpretations of the European crisis. They describe the challenges the EU faces in relation to legitimacy and democracy and address head-on the uncertainty over the future of Europe.The book considers different possible scenarios—from the Union's dissolution, with or without the continuation of the integration process, to its reinforcement through the building of a political union addressing the challenges of legitimacy, democracy and justice. Such a strengthened union could mark a new stage for democracy—not the democracy of ancient cities and modern states, but one convenient to the complex entities, neither national nor supra-national, of which the European Union, despite the crisis, is still the best modern example.

17Sep 2014

Two Junior Research Fellowships at the Carlos III-Juan March Institute, Spain

Two Junior Research Fellowships at the Carlos III-Juan March Institute, Spain

http://www.march.es/ceacs/convocatorias/?l=2

The Carlos III-Juan March Institute (IC3JM) in Madrid invites annual applications for postdoc research fellowships in the Social Sciences. This year the IC3JM is offering two junior research positions in the field of political science, one for three years, the other for one year.

The Institute seeks candidates working in comparative politics, political economy or international relations, although it is open to consider other subfields in the discipline.

Candidates must have obtained a PhD degree after 1st January 2012 and before 1st September 2015, the date on which the employment contract commences.

Junior research fellows are expected to teach (in English) one undergraduate course during the academic year. Salary will be € 42,000 per year. In addition, there is an annual research fund of € 2,500 for research expenses (conferences, fieldwork, etc.).

Applications should consist of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, at least one sample of academic work, and at least two letters of reference. The cover letter should specify whether the applicant is interested in the three-year position, in the one-year position, or in both (in this case, the options should be ranked).

Applications should be sent by e-mail to Magdalena Nebreda (secretaria@march.uc3m.es) before November 7th.

Reference letters should be sent separately to the same e-mail address.

17Sep 2014

Call for Papers - Journal of Contemporary European Research

Call for Papers - Journal of Contemporary European Research

Vol. 12, No. 1, 2016 Application Deadline: 30 September, 2014 Contact: kathryn.simpson-2@manchester.ac.uk

https://www.ipsa.org/news/call-for-paper/journal-contemporary-european-research-0

Applications are invited for the guest editorship of a special issue of the Journal of Contemporary European Research<http://www.jcer.net> (JCER) to be published in 2016 (Volume 12, Issue 1) under the general supervision of the JCER editors. Proposals should clearly relate to the work of the journal. The proposed issue should be for 8-12 articles of 7,000-8,000 words, plus an introductory, contextualising editorial of 3,000-5,000 words.

17Sep 2014

"Turkish Cultural Identity: A European Identity¨, by Nilay Baycar - Turkish Journal of Politics

"Turkish Cultural Identity: A European Identity¨, by Nilay Baycar

Turkish Journal of Politics Vol. 4 No. 2 Winter 2013

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/264156541_Turkish_Cultural_Identity_A_European_Identity

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review the nature of Turkish cultural identity and, in that context, answer the question: Does Europe consider Turkey an opportunity or a threat? The author will put forward a definition of the term ‘Europeanness’, discuss the character of Turkish cultural identity, and argue the Europeanness of that identity. In doing this, the author will provide some background: to the historical influence of Europe on Turkey; to Turkey’s influence, and the influence on it, by virtue of its unique geographic link between East and West; as well as, to the border-lines of European civilisation. From this, the broad similarities between the Turkish culture and the European culture will be discussed. Finally, the importance of Istanbul will be addressed, both as the cultural and artistic heart of Turkey and as the European Capital of Culture in 2010.

16Sep 2014

´In a spirit of solidarity? Justifying the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) in national parliamentary debates´ (2-14), by Carlos Closa and Aleksandra Maatsch, JCMS

´In a spirit of solidarity? Justifying the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) in national parliamentary debates´, by Carlos Closa and Aleksandra Maatsch

JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies, Volume 52, Issue 4, pages 826–842, July 2014

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcms.12119/abstract

Abstract

This article examines national parliamentarians’ approval of the increased budgetary capacity of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) in autumn 2011. Following the analysis of vote outcome and plenary debates in 11 euro states, it is found that the financial position of a state (creditors versus debtors) does not explain the patterns of support and opposition. Rather, two other factors account for these differences: Euroscepticism, and the government and opposition cleavage. In particular, whereas Eurosceptic MPs voted and argued against the EFSF, the parliamentary majorities supported it. Surprisingly, although the legal basis of the EFSF draws on solidarity among the European Union Member States, the supporters of the EFSF did not refer to this principle in their speeches but rather to pragmatic considerations such as national economic interests.

16Sep 2014

"Troubled Membership: Dealing with secession from a member state and withdrawal from the EU" (2014), Edited by Carlos Closa, EUI, Global Governance Programme

"Troubled Membership: Dealing with secession from a member state and withdrawal from the EU", edited by Carlos Closa

EUI Working Paper RSCAS 2014/91, EUI, Global Governance Programme

https://www.academia.edu/8346345/Troubled_Membership_Dealing_with_secession_from_a_member_state_and_withdrawal_from_the_EU

Abstract

This paper summarizes the debates held at a Round Table in the European University Institute on withdrawal from the Union and secession from an EU member state. The approach is not to look at domestic debates but to seek a European view on the topic. Four issues articulated the discussion: the normative arguments for and against secession/independence within the EU, withdrawal and its effects, the effects of secession/independence for EU member states and the impact for EU citizens of both processes of withdrawal and secession. The paper seeks no final conclusion but rather it aims at conveying different standpoints on the issues.

16Sep 2014

CfP Special issue on "MODELS OF STATE CONSOLIDATION IN CONTEMPORARY CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: NATIONAL AND EU PERSPECTIVES", Społeczeństwo i Polityka/ Society and Politics

One of the leading Polish scientific journals in the area of political science ("Społeczeństwo i Polityka" - "Society and Politics") is ready to host articles within a special issue dedicated to "MODELS OF STATE CONSOLIDATION IN CONTEMPORARY CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: NATIONAL AND EU PERSPECTIVES"

The suggested deadline for sending the articles is October 31st 2014.

The articles can be published in English, French, Russian or Polish. The article should include the given and family name of the author, his/her scientific degree, institutional affiliation, e-mail address and telephone number.

The sent file should be saved in .doc or .docx format. The text should fit between 13 and 21 pages (maximum 40000 characters with spaces). The text should be divided into chapters, subchapters ect.; font Times New Roman 12; 1,5 line spacing; 2,5 cm margin; 1 cm indent; justified text. Footnotes (not endnotes): Times New Roman 10, single spacing. Please include 4-6 keywords and a 6-10 lines résumé.

Please, click this link in order to have a look at the last volume of the "SiP" review:

http://www.pismosip.ah.edu.pl/downloads.php?cat_id=10&file_id=32

For further information, please contact Bartlomiej Zdaniuk: bartlomiej.zdaniuk@uw.edu.pl

16Sep 2014

‘Teaching Citizenship: What if EU Is the Solution and not the Problem?’, by Hans Lödén, Malin Stegmann McCallion and Peter Wall

‘Teaching Citizenship: What if EU Is the Solution and not the Problem?’ (forthcoming December 2014), by Hans Lödén, Malin Stegmann McCallion and Peter Wall

Journal of Political Science Education

http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/upse20/current

16Sep 2014

The role of European Union Integration in Post-Communist Democratization in Bulgaria and Macedonia, by Simeon Mitropolitski

The role of European Union Integration in Post-Communist Democratization in Bulgaria and Macedonia, by Simeon Mitropolitski

Canadian Slavonic Papers LV (3-4): 365-389

https://www.academia.edu/1918918/The_role_of_European_Union_integration_in_post-communist_democratization_in_Bulgaria_and_Macedonia

16Sep 2014

A Faustian Bargain or Just a Good Bargain? Chinese Foreign Direct Investment and Politics in Europe (2014), by Sophie Meunier - Asia-Europe Journal

A Faustian Bargain or Just a Good Bargain? Chinese Foreign Direct Investment and Politics in Europe, by Sophie Meunier - Asia-Europe Journal

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10308-014-0382-x?sa_campaign=email%2Fevent%2FarticleAuthor%2FonlineFirst

Abstract

This article explores the political challenges posed by the recent influx of Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) into the European Union (EU), which has become in 2011 the top destination for Chinese investment in the world. The central political question facing European states welcoming the influx of Chinese capital is whether this is a good bargain—a positive-sum game where both investor and investee benefit—or instead a Faustian bargain—a zero-sum game in the long term where capital is accompanied by implicit conditionality affecting European norms and policies, from human rights to labor laws. The novelty of Chinese FDI has the potential to affect politics in Europe in three different venues: inside European countries, between European countries, and between Europe and third countries. This article, whose main goal is to launch a research agenda on the political implications of Chinese FDI, explores in turn its potential impact on foreign and domestic policy, institutional process within the EU, and transatlantic relations.

16Sep 2014

Divide and Conquer: China and the Cacophony of Foreign Investment Rules in the EU (2014), by Sophie Meunier - Journal of European Public Policy

Meunier, Sophie. “Divide And Conquer: China And The Cacophony Of Foreign Investment Rules In The Eu”. Journal Of European Public Policy 21.7 (2014): 996-1016

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/.U7L6dY1OXio#.VBfUTxZsPSg

ABSTRACT

For more than 50 years, the European Union (EU) was not in charge of international investment agreements; its member states were, and they negotiated more than 1,200 bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with third countries. This lack of internal EU cohesiveness created costs for Europe, notably in terms of bargaining leverage over market access and ability to shape international norms. The 2009 Lisbon Treaty formally transferred competence over the negotiations of foreign direct investment (FDI) agreements to the EU, which became in theory a unified actor with respect to both outbound and inbound FDI. However, many political and legal ambiguities surround the true extent of the EU's authority and autonomy over foreign investment. This contribution argues that the surge of Chinese FDI into Europe, which is taking place simultaneously with this transition to a new EU foreign investment regime, has the potential to influence the final shape of this regime by exerting both centripetal and centrifugal pressures.

16Sep 2014

Job Vacancy: PhD Position in EU Research Project, University of Salzburg

Job Vacancy: PhD Position in EU Research Project, University of Salzburg

Deadline: 8 October 2014

http://bit.ly/XnsVAF

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