1st Edition

European Union Council Presidencies A Comparative Analysis

Edited By Ole Elgström Copyright 2003

    This book describes, analyses, explains and compares the role performance of different presidencies. The expert and international authors ask why member states have different approaches and play the role differently, prioritising different functions and using a variety of strategies to realise their aspirations. The book consists of three parts i) describes the functions of the presidency, ii) compares nine different presidencies and iii) a concluding section comparing media images, and summaries looking at member state characteristics and behaviour.

    1. Introduction Ole Elgstrom2. The Agenda-Shaping Powers of the Council Presidency Jonas Tallberg3. 'The Honest Broker'? The Council Presidency as a Mediator Ole Elgstrom4. The Council Presidency and External Representation Rikard Bengtsson5. The Netherlands' Presidency of 1997: Between Ambition and Modesty Mendeltje Van Keulen and Jan Q.Th.Rood6. The British Presidency of 1998: New Labour, New Tone? Ian Manners7. The Finnish Presidency of 1999: Pragmatism and the Promotion of Finland's Position in Europe Teija Tiilikainen8. The French Presidency of 2000: An Arrogant Leader? Oliver Costa, Anne Couvidat and Jean-Pascal9. The Swedish Presidency of 2001: A Reflection of Swedish Identity Bo Bjurulf10. The Belgian Presidency of 2001: Cautious Leadership as Trademark Bart Kerremans and Edith Drieskens11. The Spanish Presidencies of 1989, 1995 and 2002: From Commitment to Reluctance towards European Integration Francesc Morata and Ana-Mar Fernandez12. Conclusion: Rationalist and Sociological Perpectives on the Council Presidency Ole Elgstrom and Jonas Tallberg

    Biography

    Ole Elgström is Professor in the Department of Political Science at Lund University, Sweden.