Tumpel-Gugerell, Gertrude; Mooslechner, Peter --- "Introduction: structural reform and competitiveness – the position and future of an integrated Europe" [2003] ELECD 99; in Tumpel-Gugerell, Gertrude; Mooslechner, Peter (eds), "Structural Challenges for Europe" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2003)

Book Title: Structural Challenges for Europe

Editor(s): Tumpel-Gugerell, Gertrude; Mooslechner, Peter

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781843764748

Section Title: Introduction: structural reform and competitiveness – the position and future of an integrated Europe

Author(s): Tumpel-Gugerell, Gertrude; Mooslechner, Peter

Number of pages: 5

Extract:

Introduction: structural reform and
competitiveness ­ the position and
future of an integrated Europe
Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell and Peter Mooslechner

In trying to analyse the position Europe is in today, one has to take note of
the fact that after the devastations of World War II and in the 45 years that
have passed since the signing of the Treaty of Rome, Europeans have
accomplished great economic success and European integration has made
huge strides forward.
The European Union will soon consist of 25 member states extending
the zone of peace and stability far into the continent, finally repealing an
artificial barrier across Europe that had been imposed by the Cold War.
In comparison to the USA the European Union is often criticized for
being less dynamic and competitive. But let us not forget the fact that
Europe places much more importance on values like social security, lower
crime rates and a more equal income distribution. Geographic and cultural
heterogeneity enriches the Union, but, of course, constitutes a certain
obstacle to labour mobility. Coordinating the political decision making
process among 25 member states is certainly a more difficult process than
in the US with its homogeneous economic and political structures.
On the other hand, a major compromise on agricultural issues and struc-
tural and cohesion funds was reached at the 2002 Brussels European
Council and confirmed at the Copenhagen Council in December 2002. This
decision confirmed the ability of the EU member states to resolve impor-
tant issues in a pragmatic ...