European economic and political issues, Vol.6

Book abstract:

This is the sixth volume in a series which is concerned with raising debate on the issues of internal and external change which challenge Europe in its continuing evolution. The volume contains nine chapters addressing a variety of topics.

Chapter one explores Nordic studies of power and democracy and identifies three basic shifts that show why the question of democracy gains importance as a consequence of these shifts. Chapter two examines rent-seeking activity levels in OECD countries. The issues arising from the entry to government of the extreme right Freedom Party (FPO) in Austria and the sanctions taken by the 'EU fourteen' (the other fourteen Member States) are the subject of chapter three. The critical infrastructures of the EU are those large-scale capabilities considered to be of 'vital interest' for Europe, such as banking and finance, energy, transport, information technology, intelligence gathering and defence. Chapter four explores the relationship between the promotion of critical infrastructure capabilities and the need to protect such capabilities.

Chapter five addresses local government issues such as justifying the existence of local government and providing guidance in respect of its functions, size, structure, financing, method of operation, and freedom from central control of its expenditures. The problems and indeed opportunities of introducing the Euro at company level are examined in chapter six. The efforts of the United States and the EU to lower potential barriers to e-commerce are featured in chapter seven, which also comments on the growing trade relationship between the two. Chapter eight examines the effects of a US military presence in Europe and discusses the four elements of forward presence - the logistics air bases, prepositioned weapons and equipment, deployment of Air Force aircraft and personnel, and the location of Army combat and support units in Europe. The final chapter discusses the new EU Drug Approval System by which pharmaceutical companies obtain approval to market their pharmaceutical products in more than one Member State.

Nova Science books are distributed in the UK by Gazelle Book Services.

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