January/February 1981

Pissarro goes to Paris Dilys Powell on her friends the Greeks Why Europe is right for British fanners Gaston Thorn: the task ahead EUROPE81 Introducing

Published by the Commission of the European Communities, 20 Kensington Eight years after our entry into the European Community, the question Palace Gardens, London W8 4QQ. Tel: 01-727 8090 ofBritain's membership is still one ofpolitical controversy. Knowledge and understanding ofthe Community are still inadequate. 'lbo much Editor-in-Chief: George Scott argument is based on prejudice rather than fact. Editor: John Greenwood Associate Editor: Denis Thomas Design: Lawrence Edwards The m~a.zine ofthe UK offices of the Commission has been restyled in an attempt to reach out to a wider readership than before. The basic Printed by Lawrence-Alien Ltd, aim ofEurope 81 will be to spread information about Community Weston-super-Mare, Avon decisions and policies, and to show their impact on the lives ofthe British people and those of other member countries. Europe 81 aims to stimulate awareness and discussion of the EEC and its activities, particularly in regard to the United Europe 81 will carry a number ofnew,regularfeatures. Each issue will Kingdom's role as a member state. It does contain a Personal Column by a distinguished public figure: Lord not necessarily reflect, in all particulars, the George-Brown is our flrst such contributor. The eight-page insert, opinions of the Community institutions. Euroforum, will provide authoritative news and commenta.rles from Unsigned material may be quoted or the Commission in Brussels,while articles like that by Emanuele reprinted without payment, subject to suitable acknowledgement. Gazzo will look beyond daQr-to-daQr issues- ofbutter, offish, ofmutton and la.mb- to offer a broader perspective. DiJys Powell, writing here on Greece and the Greeks, and Dents Thomas's appreciation ofthe Be/fastO/lia: Windsor House, 9/1S Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7EG P1Bsarro exhibition, illustrate our wish to extend our coverage beyond Tel. (0232) 40708 regulations, directives, politics and statistics. Cardiff0ffice:4 Cathedral Road, CardiffCF19SG Tel. (0222) 371631 We hope you will enjoy Europe 81. Edinburgh Office: 7 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH Tel. (031) 22S 2058

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he bubble finally burst for Shonon effects were felt in Chester, Liverpool and 6,420 initial redundancies announced in De­ steelworks, North Wales, just over a Rhyl, but mostof all in the community around cember 1979. BSC contributed £37 million. year ago. Over a 50-mile area, 7,000 Queensferry, Clwyd, which has provided The rest came from government and Euro­ l workers were made redundant. After generations ofsteel workers. pean Community sources. 78 years, iron and steelmaking on Deeside Some were lucky: 3,600 stiU have jobs in the But with the deterioration of trade, a furth­ came to a stop. The British Steel Corporation, finishing works at Shotton, producing coated er 872 redundancies were announced in pro­ faced with massive losses and a shrinking sheets of steel from coils which are made ject Slimline, early in 1980, in order to market, could no longer maintain the heavy elsewhere. But the rest, who had been in­ rationalise the finishing end, adding a few end of its Welsh steelworks or the majority of volved in iron and steelmaking and hot roll­ more million pounds to the cost of the col­ its 10,600 workforce. So Shotton had to shed ing, joined the growing ranks ofunemployed. lapse. In human terms, the cost is impossible two-thirds of its workers: the biggest-ever At Flint, five miles from Shotton, 30 per cent to assess. Some employees, in their early 50s BSC redundancy and probably the largest of of the population are now without jobs. or even younger, will never work again. its kind at one site anywhere in the UK. Counting the costs is difficult. In financial Iron and steelmaking at Shotton had been When Shonon steelworks closed, the terms, £65 million was needed to finance the in the balance for eight years, ever since the publication by BSC of its 10-year develop­ ment strategy in 1972. The steelworkers set up an Action Campaign Committee to fight the Corporation's closure plans which ironi­ cally was, in its way, remarkably successful. As a result of the pressure it brought to bear, government decisions were reversed on two occasions and BSC withdrew its closure prop­ osal totally in 1977. It said the.n that it would not review the situation at Shotton again until 1982. But two years later that promise had to be broken because ofescalating production costs and a world-wide surplus of steel-making capacity. It was taken into account, however, when redundancy agreements were negoti­ ated. The severance pay is considered to be the CRISIS most generous made by BSC in such a situa­ tion - each man and woman received SO weeks' pay. That, together with redundancy payments, which were supplemented by BSC to boost them by SO per cent, meant that many men and women received handsome sums of FOR money. BSC also ignored the statutory earn­ ings limit of £120 a week, at its present level, when calculating redundancy payments. For those lucky enough to be receiving more than that, the payments were based on actual earn­ ings and then boosted by half again. The average is £9,000. In addition, most Sbotton workers bene­ fited from the European Community's Iron and Steel Employees Readaptation Benefits Scheme. For those who did not qualify, such as foundry workers, BSC dipped into its own pocket to ensure they were treated the same. Benefits for ex-steelworkers are provided for in the Treaty of Paris, which set up the European Coal & Steel Community, and are now financed from part of the levy on coal and steel production. Governments and the Euro­ pean Community make equal contributions, and the benefits come in the form of income supplements, not lump sums. The majority of redundant Shotton work­ ers found themselves on the dole after the closure. Those under SS (or women under 50) were able to claim earnings-related supple­ ments for the first six months, to be extended a further six months to a maximum of 52 weeks with the help of ECSC funds. Those over SS also received an earnings-related supplement, if unemployed, and if they were still out of work after six months their money was made up to 90 per cent of their previous earnings, • 3 EUROPE81

fora year ,and up to80percentforafurthersix 90 per cent of previous earnings for a further fees paid, plus a slice of the travelling and months. The over-SSs couJd arrange for the 70 weeks. Slightly longer benefit periods accommodation costs paid, ifnecessary. supplements to be paid into the pension fund, apply to men and women over these ages. BSC operates an early retirement pension which is a popular option. These benefits apply to those who become scheme for men over SS and women over SO, Some former Shonon men did find alterna­ !;elf-employed, too. and the Corporation invited redundant work­ tive employment; but for many it meant a With the world recession in steelmaking, ers whose SS th birthday fell on or before June drop in wages .. ln such cases the European many redundant workers have to face the fact 30,1982, toremaininemploymentinorder to Community benefits are used to make up pay that the skills which have earned them a living receive the increased pension benefits avail­ to 90 per cent of previous earnings for 18 for so long are no longer going to provide an able to them. So there are still up to 200 months (two years in the case of over-SSs, or income. lfthey want to increase their chances workers employed at Shonon who are tech­ women over SO). offinding a new job, they need to re-train. The nically redundant. What with that and natural Similar benefits apply to individuals who European benefits encourage re-training, wastage, the redundancy figures that have are redeployed within BSC to a job with lower making up a man or woman's pay to 100 per been issued do not add up. But the bleak pay: for 20 weeks the under-SSs (or women cent of previous net earnings for a maximum reality of the situation is that, by the end of under SO) had their pay made up to exactly period of one year if they go on an approved August 1980, 6,S78 workers lost the.ir jobs what they were paid before the move, and to training course. He or she also has the course and a further 170 left Shotton at the end of 4 EUROPE81

WREXHAM SKILLS CENTRE has The input ofShottoo workers has made received much ofthe faD-out from the Learning new skills no difference to the Wrexham centre, Shotton closure. By September 1980 just offers hope of except to lift the average age of students over halfth e people taking its courses were geHing another iob from the mid-20s to about40. ex-BSC men. A quick tally of bricklaying, Taking a TOPS course is no guarantee of tool-making, carpentry and joinery, vehicle a job- that is made clear to new students by maintenance, radio and TV, and ten other Derek Tatham, the ce.ntre manager. In the courses, showed a total of 124 Shotton men accommodation ifan applicant needs to go past, seven out often men, once they engaged on training programmes. to another part of the country to find a qualified, succeeded in finding These men are aU benefiting from the course ofhis choice . employment, But that percentage is Community steel funds which make up Not everyone who wants to develop a dropping. The centre sends out follow-up their money to the same level as their new skill can be sure which is the best for forms to its former students to find out how previous earnings for a maximum ofone him. A new wider opportunities course they are doing, and Derek Tatham expect.s year. But European money is also enables men or women to try a variety of the next returns to show that only half of contributing to the cost ofrunning such tasks, so that they and their instructors can them have found employment. training centres-so they enjoy a double decide which course will suit them best. The Wrexham SkiDs Centre is one of European Community benefit. 80-odd training establishments around the Training Opportunities Scheme (TOPS) country. For many redundant workers they After more than 20years at Shotton, is run by the training services division ofthe Anthony Purton {left) and Dove Parry take offer aglimmerofhope. TheShottoo M anpower Services Commission, which advantage of the facilities at Wrexham workers have been quick to appreciate the offers 500 courses nationwide, and will Skills Centre, which is helped from advantages ofleaming new skills, and contribute towards the costs of travel and European Community funds. improving their chances ofworking again.

September 1979. only cushion the blow: no one pretends they and at the height of the operation were coun­ The financial assistance which came from are a solution. Indeed, taking a man's job selling up to 200 people a day. the European benefits scheme for Shouon away with one hand and giving a handsome It was BSC's intention to phase out iron and workers amounted to £17 million. A further lump sum with the other can create problems. steelmaking in the first three months of 1980, £2.5 million was requested for the additional That is why BSC now offers a private but the national steel strike put an end to those Slimline redundancies. The scheme is ad­ and confidential counselling service to the plans. Shotton works closed for the Christmas ministered by a payments agency in Sheffield people it makes redundant. At Shotton, the period in December 1979. The heavy end which began life as a National Coal Board numbers were so great that the counselling never went back into operation after that date. office (it also pays redundant mineworkers had to run like a military operation. It was The strike caused difficulties for the counsel­ and shipbuilders), and a staff of about 150 decided that the best way to cope was to lors, too. Consultations had been arranged look after the iron and steelworkers alone - a appoint and train Shotton workers to counsel through liaison officers in the various depart­ reflection of the scale of redundancies in the their colleagues. Trade unions were asked to ments, but this was no longer practical with industry. Since January 1973, Britain has nominate likely candidates; and out of60 who the works totally closed. However, the coun­ received£! ,743 million from the coal and steel were trained, 28 were selected for the task, selling service continued to operate, relying fund in grants and loans. most of whom were themselves being made on people to make their own appointments by But these sums of money, however large, redundant. Theybegantheirtasklatein 1979, telephone, and being allowed in for interview ..,. 5 EUROPE81 through the trade union picket lines. Community funds for mature students 'with experience of The job of the counsellors was to make sure life'. On that basis Edna Griffiths was that every worker was aware of the alterna­ pay for accepted, and she is now engrossed in a tives open to him (including re-deployment, Edna's course fees two-year course to gain the Certificate of re-training, self-employment and emigra­ Qualified Social Workers. tion) and their financial implications. They During the first year, the European also explained the benefits that were available. Community steel fund is making up her pay A fully-manned job Centre was established, EDNA GRIFFITHS listened to the to the same level as her Shotton earnings, computer-linked to give up-to-the minute in­ worries ofher workmates during three as well as paying her course fees. She will formation on job vacancies within a SO-mile months of counselling, helping to point be applying for a local authority grant to radius. Representatives of the Department of many ofthem in the rightdirection. lt fin ance her during the second year. Employment were on site, too, to register proved to be a rewarding experience. So Like many other households in the area, individuals for employment and take details she vowed to devote her time to social the Shotton close-down has hit the of circumstances for unemployment benefit. work, ifpossible , once her Shotton days Griffithses hard. Both Edna and her T he training services agency oft he Manpower were over. husband Donald, who was manager ofthe Services Commission also set up shop, as did For 19 years she was a clerk with BSC, in instrument department, were made the Professional Register, and the major recent times serving the maintenance redundant. Donald had worked at Shotton banks and building societies were brought in department's melting shop. For the last from the age of 16, when he began serving to give financial advice. eight years she had been a union branch his apprenticeship. For three months the counsellors listened official. This experience, together with Once she is qualified, Edna Griffiths to their workmates' hopes and ambitions, voluntary welfare work, made her an ideal should have no difficulty in becoming a fears and apprehensions, helping them to candidate to be nominated as a counsellor. social worker in or around Queensferry. make decisions. Some, they knew, were likely Enquiry confirmed that there were High unemployment and low incomes in to 'blow' their redundancy money in a spend­ vacancies at Wrexham College for social the years ahead will, inevitably, bring new ing spree. Others would invest it all, aware work training, but it was with some tensions and difficulties into many homes, that, without another job to provide income, misgivings that she applied for the course putting new demands on social services. it would soon be whittled away. because ofher lack of qualifications. Five For her, counselling the ex-steelworkers Because BSC invited its workforce to con­ '0' levels and two 'A' levels were expected could grow from a three-month stint to a sider voluntary redundancy, many people of most applicants but there were openings full-time job for the rest ofher working life. who had not been given notice to quit their jobs also took advantage of the counselling service to see if it could help them too. As a result, almost 9,000 people passed through the hands of the counsellors. The counselling continues, on a very reduced scale, and will do so for just as long (up to three years) as people need help in adjusting to changed circum­ stances while receiving steel fund benefits. T he team supervising the counselling, under Stan Pimblett, are conducting a survey to see what has happened to the ex-Shotton workers. Their preliminary findings, in September 1980, were that 24 per cent had succeeded in finding new jobs outside BSC; 2 per cent had successfully set themselves up in business; 4 per cent were being re-trained; 10 per cent had taken early retirement; and around 60 per cent were unemployed. However, since some workers had decided to take a long rest before looking for another job, it will probably not be until the spring of 1981, when a questionnaire is sent out to the ex­ steelworkers, that a realistic picture of the post-redundancy situation can be painted. No one pretends that the future is going to be brighter. Two-fifths of the former work­ force lived within a mile or so of the works, and there is no other major industry in the area. For many who travelled from the Flint area, Shotton is history repeating itself: it is The European Commission has signed contracts for loans totalling the.ir second dose of redundancy, having lost £3.6 million to support new investment creating jobs in steel closure jobs with Courtaulds not long before. But the Shotton workers accept that they areas. A loan of £2 million, to finance expansion of production and are beuer off than most. The special BSC freezing capacity goes to McKellar Wan Ltd of Glasgow. Another, redundancy terms, bolstered by the Euro­ of £1,600,000, goes to Lightning Fasteners of Birmingham, to pean Coal and Steel Community funds, give modernise their factories at Peterlee, County Durham, and at them a financial advantage over other unem­ Cleator Moor, Cumbria. A further £2,400,000 has been made ployed people and an inducement to rum their handsto other work. For them, at least, there available for use in areas hit by steel redundancies. is a chance to make a new life. e 6 EUROPE81

'non-European'. Yet, such are the terms in which they talk and write, that the most non-European-even anti-European­ PERSONAL COLUMN climate that I have ever known has been built up in Britain. The word 'European' is being distorted to mean bureaucratic, anti-social, obstructive actions directed against the British-in farming, textiles, fishing, steel, or any other area in which we are facing problems. The extent to which we have brought these problems on ourselves is hardly ever examined. The opportunities that Community membership has made available to us, but which we have failed to grasp or exploit, are scarcely ever admitted. The obvious fact that other Western European nations are prospering in precisely the same economic climate, is never examined. But it is not the paucity of respectable economic argument that I most resent. It is the absence from political comment and leadership of any consideration ofBritain's role in the world­ our absolute dependence on the direction world politics is to take. The imperative need is for Britain to influence that direction. The place from which we could hope to influence it is inside Europe. We have influenced world politics throughout our history, and mostly advantageously. But for pretty well all of the time that we did so, it was as a consciously European power. Our glorious 'imperialist' era spanned only a very short part ofour national existence. IJhe place from which we could hope to influence world politics is inside Europe •• .'

I saw-a little later than some, but still as early as 1950-that Britain's future, like her past, would be determined by the way in which Western Europe developed. 'Europe' had to be re-defmed in that way, because decisions so disastrously taken at Yalta and elsewhere had already pre-empted the \vider choice. Through the Fifties-largely out ofarguments , discussions and sometimes dissensions with Spaak and Monnet-I came to see how world changes would be determined by how Europe managed to exert its influence. The limited vision of the advantages for Britain as a leading force in a political and economic European community merged into the wider view ofa world order guided and influenced, culturally and economically supported, by a unified and integrated Europe. Butter lakes, wine mountains, and later Sussex lamb and Golden Delicious apples, seemed to have a very distant relationship to all ofthat ! And so it still seems to me. What is happening in Africa, the Middle East and Asia will determine Britain's-and Europe's­ future. Not the temporary trivia about which so many are disputing. Not whether Mrs Thatcher's £750 million -or was ita billion? - actually gets handed over on the due date in 1981. My Lord George-Brown grandchildren 20 years from now will know little, and care less, about that. But their whole lives will be conditioned by today's ne of the saddest things, to my mind, about present political events-events in which Western Europe is playing attitudes in Britain is the unwillingness of those in the hardly any part. best position to give our people a lead. Major political, The case for a federated, political Europe, with effective social or economic issues are reduced to trivialities. You division of powers and responsibilities between its centre and its O component parts, has never been more strongly pointed-up in can count almost on the fingers ofone hand the politicians, and industrial and trade union leaders, who are willing to commit modern times. Theessenceofthecontribution that Britain, as themselves to a solid review ofour options, much less commend the off-shore island, could make to that Europe was never more a choice among them. clear. Yet we never even discuss it. Why? Is it because we already This seems to me to apply in all kinds ofpublic policy, both know theanswer -andare afraid to proclaim it? e domestic and external- but not, perhaps, more clearly or damagingly than in the question of our relation to the rest of Western Europe. If one disregards the Russophile left, few­ 0 The Rt Hon Lord George-Brown was Deputy Leader of the from the Prime Minister to the most superficial political writer­ Labour Party from 1960 to 1970, Minister for Economic Affairs are willing to convict themselves ofthe charge of being from 1964to l966, andForeignMinister, 1966-1968. 7 EUROPE81 Keeping it clean

Progress is being made in the EEC's efforts to clean up the environment and cut down waste. Two directives are now before the Commission, encouraging member states to bring forward policies for re-cycling and waste management. The head of the EEC's environmental ser­ vice, M. Michel Carpentier, has revealed that two major environmental initiatives are already in the pipeline. One urges member states to re-<:ycle paper and board, and to develop uses for waste paper other than as raw material for making paper and board. The other would instruct EEC members to im­ prove their packaging, promote returnable containers, and use more re-fillable contain­ ers in an effort to cut out waste. They would also be urged to encourage the re-cycling of constituent materials. EEC countries consume about 30 million tonnes ofpaper and board a year, but less than half the material used originates inside the Community. Some 9 million tonnes comes from re-cycled fibre- a recovery rate of about 32 per cent. The draft recommendation says that only 10 million tonnes of the 25 million Europe's households throw away 90 million tonnes of waste every year . •• Beer cans and soft-drink bottles make up one tenth of the total that could be recovered each year is actually being collected. In Britain alone, as much is spent annually on importing paper and pulp as is earned from car and bus exports. And, to take just one example of conspicuous waste, 5 billion drinks containers out of the 6.8 billion used each year are thrown away. It is believed by the Commission's experts that the ring-pull tabs on drink-cans are SCOTLAND 'QUICK OFF THE MARK' dangerous when thrown away carelessly. They can cause cuts on beaches, and are The Foreign Secretary, Lord Carrington, stressed the benefits of Britain's sometimes eaten by cattle and other animals. membership of the European Community in a recent speech at Edinburgh. He Officials say that the ring-pull system creates admitted that the agricultural budget system needed 'urgent' reform, but said the two pieces of litter instead ofone, and that the EEC was making benefits available to Scotland which could lead to the creation of mixture ofmaterials hampers re-cycling. new jobs, and to a build-up of industry with the help of the regional development According to EEC figures, Europe's house­ fund. holds throw away 90 million tonnes of waste Lord Carrington listed six projects that are currently receiving Community every year, and the amount is growing. Beer support. Scotland had been 'quick off the mark', be said, in securing loans of£500 cans and soft-drink bottles make up one-tenth million so far from the European Investment Bank. ofthat total. Ifonly half the throwaway bottles New EEC policies now in the pipelioe offered 'tangible benefits to the ordinary used in Europe were made returnable, says citizen', Lord Carrington added. Among them were cheaper air fares, mutual the Commission, the EEC countries between recognition ofpro fessional qualific.ations, and interchangeable social benefits them would save the equivalent of 800,000 between member states. tonnes ofoi l a year, in terms ofth e energy used to manufacture them. • 8 EUROPE81 Northern Ireland: a Community region in travail

An obvious question, therefore, is the extent to which, ifat all, the The European Commission office in European Community can advance the prosperity of the region. At N orthem Ireland began its first full year of the parliamentary level in the Community, relationships between the operation on January 1st. Geoffrey Martin, three Northern Ireland members of the European Parliament, who incidentally are returned from the single Northern Ireland Euro­ head ofthe Belfast office, reports constituency, and their colleagues are good, and tend to encourage other Euro-MPs to begin to look upon Northern Ireland in a new light. There has been no honeymoon period since the Belfast office opened to Yet the three Euro-members are not the only stimulus for recognis­ the press late last May. The major problems confronting the Northern ing a fresh economic framework for Northern Ireland within Europe. Ireland economy, and the underlying political checks and balances in At the formal opening of the Commission office in Belfast last the province's relationships with both Britain and Ireland have already October, Roy Jenkins, in the presence of the Secretary of State for conditioned the office's essential role as the only direct link with Northern Ireland, the political leaders in the Province, and visitors Europe. The official line of communication must always go through from Dublin, departed from his text to address both parts of Ireland London, and the press, already fallen victims to cuts in the expenditure within the European fold. Remarking upon the significant benefits oftheir parents in London or Dublin, have a relationship with Brussels which have accrued to the Republic as a direct result of membership, which operates always at second remove. No Northern Ireland news­ and emphasising the economic base of the Communities' existence, he paper or radio or television station has representation in Brussels. nevertheless touched upon the theme of Franco-German reconcilia­ In the official jargon, the Northern Ireland Commission office is an tion, which he insisted was founded on economic rather than political 'antenna' of London. At the same time, its direct Brussels link, association. Noting the relative prosperity of the Republic since 1973, and the necessarily close relationships between it and its Dublin and by implication the deprivation ofthe North, he invited comparison counterpart, have already tested the capacity of the small staff to with the northern confidence displayed so remarkably in the handle the most sensitive of Northern Irish issues. architecture of the Belfast City Hall, until relatively recently a bastion Northern Ireland, constitutionally part of the UK but geographi­ ofUnionistsupremacy in Ulster. cally separate from Britain, confronts basic issues of unemployment, The subtlety of the Jenkins message did not go unnoticed by the energy costs, terrorism and political stalemate on a daily basis. Its television-viewing public on that occasion. Perhaps the Community economy is based on agriculture, the major natural resource is grass, will have an opportunity to implement the principles of European and its climatic as well as topographical factors have more in common co-operation in this disadvantaged region. e with the Republic than with the rest of Britain. Its government departments, especially commerce, seek to attract industrial invest­ ment internationally, yet its shipbuilding, gas and electricity services do not have the advantage of association with their mainland counter­ parts. These paradoxical realities have led to a feeling of great frustra­ tion in the province, which is leading to particular inquisitiveness 'Northern Ireland isoneofthefive least-advantaged regions of the Community-on a par with the Mezzogiorno, the Irish Republic and Greenland'

about participation in the European Community, and which the presence of a Commission office has tended to raise to a higher level of interest. In social matters, unemployment, at a total of nearly 100,000, is much worse than many of the equivalent 'assisted areas' in Britain. Housing problems, illustrated dramatically in a recent stateme.nt by the chairman of the province-wide housing executive, are on a parallel with the worst conditions anywhere in the Community. As seen in the context of Europe, the Northern Ireland region has had little real benefit from membership so far. It is, of course, one of the five least-advantaged regions of the Community - on a par with the Mezzogiorno, the Republic and Greenland. Its constitutional status is disputed by one other member state, which gives it special status from the other regions. Its political leaders have recently rejected once again UK Government initiatives to encourage the development of more satisfactory governmental institutions. And in strict financial terms, the Government continues to draw attention to the £2 billion flowing Northern Ireland's housing problems are among the worst from the Exchequer to fund N orther Ireland every year. in the Community. 9 ' -~ .. ' EUROPE81 'I am a great believer in the European institutions. But I do regret that they have not yet really learned to live and work together'

GAS TON THORN has just taken over as refer the problems to their specialised colleagues. This is no way to arrive at European policies. President ofthe European Commission. 'I remember the time we used to tease Maurice Couve de Murville In this interview he gives his views on what because he would telephone General de Gaulle every time a difficult problem cropped up. Yet it was quite natural that he should turn to the should be done to solve the present crisis in person holding the decision-making powers. And the General would the European institutions. decide. Today, the specialized ministers do not even dare telephone their colleagues at the Treasury - so their patiently worked-out compromises risk being reduced to dust by junior Treasury ministers at their next meeting. 'How do we get out of this impasse? The first thing to be done is to he newColll1pissionPresident takes up office after eleven years face our problems squarely instead of beating about the bush. Basical­ as a member of the European Parliament and another eleven ly, the Council ofMinisters stopped working properly when ministers years on the Council of Ministers-which he has presided over stopped speaking frankly to each other. Nowadays, whenever things for ·no less than four six-monthly periods, one of which has just get too difficult, there is always someone who will suggest postponing 11ended. He knows the European Council equally well from his period as discussion to the next meeting. The same ambiguous tone is used when Luxembourg Prime Minister between 1974 and 1979. What lessons addressing the outside world. "The Council was unable to take a has he learned from this vast experience? decision," a spokesman announces. But what really happened? Which 'When I try to weigh up the different European institutions, I don't country refused to agree? And on what particular point? No one knows view them precisely from the vantage point of one or the other. This -or at least, no one says. complicates matters, but it also helps, since the truth lies somewhere in 'The only way that politicians, and the press, can thrash out these the middle, even ifnot exactly in the geometric centre. difficulties and overcome them is for them to be brought out into the 'To take the Parliament first, it has clearly not found it easy to come light of day. This also means there can be no hiding whose fault it is to terms with the other institutions. This occasionally leads it to make when there is persistent failure to agree. impossible demands through sheer frustration. The real cause is the 'It is far too easy to blame the civil servants. Yet ifthey do not do their attitudeoftheCouncilofMinisters, whichhaslittlerealsympathywith job properly, it is surely the responsibility of their political masters to the Parliament. It does not understand Parliament's problems and remove them. Nor is it helpful to refer problems up to the European sometimes even behaves as ifit were oblivious ofits very existence. To Council, the next decision-making level. As President Giscard start with, things would be vastly improved if ministers attended d'Estaing has rightly said, the European Council is bogged down with sessions more often and were more ready to listen to members' technical matters, instead of getting on with its proper job of laying problems. down broad policy guidelines for the Council ofMinisters. 'I discussed this problem with the late Georges Pompidou who tentatively suggested having a department of European affairs in each Powers of the Parliament government, with the job of drawing together the scattered threads of 'I have many times reminded my colleagues in the Council of the specialised ministries. I think this is still a good idea, provided that Ministers that it was they who wanted the Parliament to be directly the department is headed by a minister sufficiently senior to have real elected, and yet they still persist in reminding all and sundry that it has authority over his colleagues. no real powers. This is a mistake. I can thinkofnosurerwayofdrivinga 'The third institution is the European Commission. Sometimes I parliamentary assembly to schizophrenia. It would be far better for the feel like making people read the Treaty of Rome because they seem to Council to establish clear and constructive relations with the Parlia­ misunderstand its texts or, all too often, to ignore them. It is clearly laid ment. It should ·guide Parliament's business by seeking concrete suggestions, within definite time limits, on this or that major problem, IJhe Council of Ministers such as the common agricultural policy. Otherwise the Parliament will only be provoked into asserting itselfby developing its nuisance value. sto~ped working properly when 'To be able to do this, the ministers must in turn play their proper ministers stopped speaking role. The Council is not really a Council any more. Primarily, this is because it insists on reaching unanimous decisions. This means that, frankly to each other contrary to the Treaties, it is always obliged to search for a consensus. I made this point recently to Helmut Schmidt, who asked my views on • how to resolve the present crisis in the European institutions. I wondered how efficient he thought the Gemlangovernmentwould be, down in the Treaty that only the Commission has the power to propose for instance, if the Bonn cabinet had to approve every decision legislation. Yet over the last few years, it has used these powers unanimously. frugally. I agree that its motivation has been !audible - only to put 'The system has another defect. There is not just one Council, as forward proposals likely to be accepted by the member states. there should be, but a whole series of specialised Councils, with the 'There are, however, two extremes to be avoided. One is to adopt a result that soon the Foreign Ministers themselves will hardly be provocative attitude and denounce the Emperor's nakedness by put­ prepared to discuss anything beyond political co-operation. As soon as tingforward proposals which the Commission knows very well will not subjects like agriculture, energy or monetary matters come up, they be accepted by the "wicked governments". The other extreme is no 10 EUROPE81

After long experience in the council chambers of Europe, was to unite Europe around its more modern industries. 'Ifwe carry on Gaston Thorn faces urgent problems as head of the devoting most of our energies to industries in crisis,' says Gaston European Commission. He says: 'We have just two years Thorn, 'the Community will end up as a hospital for lame ducks.' in which to succeed.' Another consideration which has struck Gas ton Thorn is that it is the chapters in the Rome Treaty on 'negative integration' which are more desirable to my mind, and that is to get together the national worked out in most detail - that is, removing barriers to the free experts as soon as the Co!JUl'tission has a bright idea and ask them what movement of goods, services and people. When it comes to 'positive form they would like it to take. The Commission is not a secretariat to integration', developing common policies, the texts are largely silent, the Council of Ministers, any more than it is to the European Parlia­ except for the articles on agriculture, transport and development aid. ment. It must accept its responsibilities. How can this gap be plugged? The fate of the Tindemans report or the 'Ofcourse it would be gratifying ifthe Council ofMinisters accepted more recent one by the 'Three Wise Men' is hardly encouraging, thinks the Commission's proposals just like that. But that is not the object of Gaston Thorn. Nor does he feel it would be useful to convene another the exercise. The Commission's first duty is to draw up clearly what it Messina-typeconference, like the one which led to the TreatyofRome. considers to be in the Community interest. It is then, and only then, that it should consult Herr Mi.iller in Bonn, Mr Smith in London, Monsieur Dupont in Paris, to find out what their governments think. Joint plan for Europe? Today, the European Community is all too often reduced to the sum of 'Why not make better use of a body we already possess, the the views of national experts. European Council?' says Gaston Thorn. 'We could make enormous 'The Treaty of Rome specifically confers another function on the progress if Mrs Thatcher, President Giscard d'Estaing, Chancellor Commission: to ensure that Community decisions are properly carried Schrnidt and their colleagues got down to drafting a plan ofhow Europe out. Yet an alarming number of decisions remain more or less dead should develop over the next five to ten years, and identify the letters. Of course, if any special interest is affected by decisions not implications for national policies.' being enacted, it can take the matter to the Court of Justice and get it But this is not Gas ton Thorn's immediate problem as he moves from put right. But for the others ...' presiding over the Council to heading the Commission. He warns: All the Treaty, yes; but does that mean nothing but the Treaty? 'Over the coming months, there are urgent problems to be solved­ Gaston Thorn has no intention of accepting such limitations. For a the budget and its funding, the CAP, further enlargement and rela­ start, he realises that European unification cannot be assumed to follow tions with the countries bordering the Mediterranean. It would be on automatically from economic integration, as Jean Monnet thought shortsighted to dismiss these as just economic problems: after all, ifwe at one time. In one of their last conversations together just before cannot solve even these problems, how can we expect to cope with Monnet's death, they came to the conclusion that an essential ingre­ political ones? It would be blindness itself to think that we can rely dient for effective development of the Community was a constant comfortably on inter-governmental co-operation to resolve these dif­ injection of political will. ficulties- to say that we will think about Europe tomorrow, later on, Furthermore, in Gaston Thorn's view, it would be an insult to the when we have time. In the dangerous world of today, Europe is of memory of the founding fathers to believe that if they were starting prime importance. We must devote ourselves to it here and now. again now, in 1981, they would do the same as in 1950. In those days, 'It is in this spirit that I take up my new functions in Brussels. We the biggest problem was the Ruhr, even though Monnet's basic idea have just two years in which to succeed.' e 11 EUROPE81 Our men in Brussels Christopher Tugendhat lvor Richard

he last Commission, which I had the privilege to work in, had uring the past weeks, as I have been preparing to take up my the difficult task of beginning an adaptation of the Community appointment as one of Britain's EEC commissioners, I have o the needs ofa new era. It provided a new focus for the work on not only been reviewing the recent history of the Community Teconomic and monetary union through the establishment of the Dbut also thinking about some of the problems Europe will be European Monetary System. It had t!) deal with the new budgetary facing in the next four years. Given the multiplicity of problems the problems arising from the increased authority of a directly elected Community has had to face in just the past eighteen months it is not Parliament, the escalating costs ofthe CAP, and the particular difficul­ surprising that doubts are being expressed about the future. These ties for the UK. It had to prepare for enlargement. It had to represent doubts must be examined and resolved. the trading interests of the Community in a world of increasing As the Community grows, with Greece now a member and with the protectionist pressure. It had to carry out a major reassessment of its likelihood of Spain and Portugal joining during the lifetime ofthe new own organization and methods ofwork. Commission, it is to be hoped that the next four years will be a period of It is not possible to prophesy what the next four years may hold for radical and constructive change. Enlargement of membership ought the Community. But one may perhaps attempt to identify some of the to be regarded as an additional reason for us to re-appraise the aims and likely major challenges which will face us. policies of the Community. First, and immediately, there is the need to carry out the mandate to It is quite clear that if the Community is to succeed-and I believe it produce, by June 1981 , a report on the re-structuring of the Commun­ can- then some fundamental changes will have to be made. Due to a ity budget, designed among other things to prevent the recurrence of combination of historical and political factors, the EEC is, as Roy unacceptable situations for any member state. The work on this was Jenkins once said, 'a largely agricultural community with political begun in the last Commission, but the key decisions will be taken by the trimmings and an incomplete common market in industrial goods'. new one. This report will, I hope, spell out the options and point the Consequently, the bulk of Community resources go to benefit farmers way ahead in an imaginative and independent way. The credibility of and food processors. This leads to considerable distortion ofcosts and the Commission-and indeed the future harmony of the Community­ benefits between the various member states. depends to a large extent on our doing so. Over and above this, Community resources are not being used to The Community also faces major economic problems, which the solve the real problems now facing Europe. In the 1980s these are likely Commission will have to tackle. The decline of old industries- steel, to be industrial rather than agricultural. Against the background of a shipbuilding, textile-carries implications for Community action both major world recession, the challenge facing the Commission will be to intemallyandextemally. TheCommissionhastorepresentthetrading develop more effective economic and social policies; to meet the interests of the Community in dealings with Japan, the USA, and challenge of industrial re-structuring and the development of new developing nations. It has to seek to direct our attention to the need for techniques. There will have to be a change in emphasis from agricul­ more industrial innovation in Europe, to an increased application of ture to industry and budgetary changes must be made to achieve this. our skills and technology to areas where we can be competitive and Importantas these economic questions are, they should not divert us where our future lies. It has to ensure that national pressures do not from Europe's political context. The ideals ofa united Europe rest on lead to the erection ofnew barriers to a free market for goods within the political as well as economic considerations. The world of today, with Community. It has to seek to secure co-ordinated action on the its problems of Afghanistan, the Middle East and Poland, is a danger­ problems of energy shortage. ous place. Super-power rivalry, the scramble for energy resources, and The list could go on. It is clear that we face a challenging period. We the widening gulf between North and South, make the coming decade will depend on support in the European Parliament and the Council of hazardous. But it is a world in which Europe can play an 1mportant Ministers for success. But in times ofdifficulty it is sometimes the case part. My experience as British Ambassador to the United Nations that a new sense of cohesion, of common purpose and of vision can be convinces me that the more closely the Community can work together, found. It is my hope that such will be the experience ofthe Community the greater its influence becomes. in the years immediately ahead. IJhe Commission 'Community has to ensure resources are that national not being used pressures do not to solve tne real lead to the problems now eredion of new facing Europe' barriers within the Community'

12 mitted themselves to most policies. Some member states would thus be more equal than others, and the present balancing mechanisms enshrined in our procedures would effectively be set aside. There is already talk of this or that axis within the Community. A Conimunity to which member states had different degrees of commit­ ment would surely end by destroying the Community. .?'\ ~ .... ROYJENKINS President ofthe European Commission 1977-80

TALKING POINT Like any of its citizens, the Europe. ala carte European Community can look back on the past year with a mixture of satisfaction and regret. Similarly, it surveys the prospects The idea ofwhat has been called Europe la carte, or two- or of 1981 in much the same way as a most households, with a three-or four-speed Europe, has a certain spurious attraction. combination of anticipation and This idea has proved tempting in the past, particularly for anxiety. those who wished to enjoy the benefits ofmembership without accepting the necessary disciplines. On page iii, retiring Commission President Roy Jenkins lists some of the recent achievements but In my judgement, acceptance of such a budgetary difficulties of the United also identifies some of the notion would ineluctably lead to the Kingdom, we firmly maintained the problems which will have to be end ofa real Community. principle of the present budgetary sys­ faced this year. Prominent among Without a common discipline or tem while looking to its future reform. these is one to which none of us is readiness to make sacrifices for the The same point applies to agricul­ a stranger, balancing the books. common good, the elaboration of com­ ture. To abandon common prices in favour of national prices would mean The Community's budget caused mon policies, which inevitably requires no small amount of problems last give-and-take, would be virtually im­ the creation of barriers to trade be­ year, before a solution was finally possible. In particular, the system of tween member states and the eventual found to what was called 'the common financing which we now enjoy abandonment ofthe common market in British problem'. But the issue at would become unworkable. agriculture. This would quickly make stake was, and is, more sweeping Earlier this year the row over the it difficult to maintain the common than that. budget threatened the common system market in industrial goods. We have in this sense; for if one member state already seen the way in which the sys­ While the details are complicated, made it clear it would like to see a tem of monetary compensation in agri- the problem in its broad outlines is ceiling on its putative deficit in respect a simple one. Twoofthe of the Community budget, then others Community's three sources of indicated they might like to see a ceil­ income-customs duties and 'A Community to which agricultural levies-are declining, ing on the putative surpluses enjoyed member states had different while a ceiling has been placed on by others. degreesofconurndtment the third source, VAT receirts. At Obviously, no member state could would surely end by destroying the same time, the range o accept a large and permanent im­ the Community' potential spending options widens balance; but to have a rule whereby all all the time as Community countries paid into the budget no more solutions to the member states than they took out, orwherebytheirnet common problems are more and receipts or contributions were limited culture has set up tensions and centri­ more perceived to be appropriate. to a fixed annual amount, would make fugal forces which at one time an absurdity of all financial discipline threatened to tear the policy apart. RestorinQ balance, not only by breaking the link between policies Equally important is the political between 1ncome and expenditure, and their budgetary consequences. It argument. A Community in which but also between the choice of areas for spending the limited would subject the sense of Community some states did some things and others funds, could well be the to intolerable strain. did others would tend to produce groups outstanding issue of 1981. It was for this reason that, in finding a ofallianceswithintheCommunity,and temporary and ad hoc solution to the a workingdirectorateofthosewho com-

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1981 (i) ~~.-.... ------~££--.~--.------~~--. EUROFOR~.------,~ THE MONTH IN EUROPE

ment for approval, since they are re­ every country to choose and freely de­ Co-operation to sponsible for approving the Commun­ velop its own political, social, economic ity's budget. and cultural system. This statement make our skies safer In addition to financiji]. assistance, was issued amid reports that Eastern the Community sent specialist teams bloc troops were surrounding Poland's Community member states are to from its joint research centre at lspra in frontiers. help one another free ofcharge to the north ofltalyto help with the rescue )Uterreviewingtheprogressmadein investigate accidents involving operations. their Middle East peace initiative, large aircraft. This was agreed by Roy Jenkins said of the tragedy: launched at their last meeting in Transport Ministers when they met 'Nothing can make up for the human Venice in June, the heads of govern­ in Brussels on December 4th. and material losses so tragically suf­ ment agreed to have another round of fered by the people ofthe afflicted area. contacts with all the interested parties Modern aircraft are becoming in­ The Community and the Commission intheNewYear. creasingly complex, and individual wish, by the actions we are proposing Turning to the economic situation, member states cannot afford to main­ and taking, to demonstrate our feelings they noted that the repeated increases tain specialist staffand technical facili­ at this difficult time and to bring im­ in the price of oil forced upon the con­ ties on permanent stand-by to investi­ mediate relief of the needs of the sumer countries were the main cause of gate major accidents. Pooling resources population, in addition to the contribu­ the world recession. therefore make sense. tions ofnational governments.' The Community leaders also stress­ In addition t

Community help The Conqnunity's Foreign Ministers agreed just before for 'quake victims Christmas to sell food worth up to £140 million to Poland, with External relations Emergency aid was promptly subsidies amounting to £17 million. voted by the European The Poles will also be offered loans Commission to help victims of the on advantageous terms to help EFTA favours Italian earthquake last November. them pay. Commission representatives have closer links been in close touch with the Italian Facing an economic crisis, the Poles Government on the uses to which had earlier asked the Community for The 20-year-old European Free the aid is being put. details of its surplus beef and butter Trade Association is keen to stocks. further economic co-operation Themoneywasprimarilyto cover the It has been reported that the member with the European Community, immediate provision of transport and states are prepared to se1120,000 ton­ according to a statement issued temporary housing, as well as the costs nes of butter and 40,000 tonnes of beef after a recent EFTA ministerial of 15,000 tons of cereals, 1,000 tons of to Warsaw. The sale would be financed meeting in Geneva. meat and 900 tons of olive oil. Im­ by bilateral subsidised credits between mediately after the disaster struck, the individual Community governments EFTA, which groups Norway, Commission had announced an initial and the Poles. Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Austria, amount of 1.5 million ECU in emerg­ The heads of government, in their Portugal and Switzerland, is the Com­ ency aid. final communique after their thrice­ munity's most important trading part­ In addition to these two amounts, the yearly meeting, also repeated key pas­ ner. In 1979, EFTA countries took just Commission has proposed that provi­ sages of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act under 25 per cent of Community ex­ sion should be made under the Com­ designed to promote detente in Europe. ports, while more than halfofEFTA's munity's budget for a sum to beset aside In particular, they pointed out that exports went to the Community. to finance interest rebates on long-term 'very serious consequences for the The Community and EFTA collec­ loans which could be made to Italy from future of international relations in tively make up a free trade zone com­ Community funds to help rebuilding of Europe and throughout the world' prising 17 countries and more than 300 the disaster zone. woUld ensue if the signatories, which million consumers. Their mutual trade · This proposal was sent to the Council include the Soviet Union, broke their accounts for a quarter of total world of Ministers and the European Parlia- commitment to respect the right of trade.

(ii) I ..... J EURO FORUM r Newsmakers on November 24th, to underline her Renewed Interest? strong support for the goals of the Norway's Prime Minister, Odvar European Community. Nordli, recently paid an official visit Jenkins assesses to the European Commission in 'It would be difficult to exaggerate Brussels. The visit coincided with achievements of the importance of the Community's a call from the European task of bringing together the peoples of Movement for re-consideration of his presidency Norway's position outside the Western Europe,' she said. Community. Norwegians rejected Her Majesty paid tribute to the Community membership in a Roy Jenkins, President of the founders of the Community. She said referendum in 1972, after the Oslo European Commission for the past that 35 years of peace had prought a government had negotiated four years, identified five principal deeper co-operation and understanding membership terms. achievements ofhis Commission's between old allies, but also a lasting term of office when he spoke to the friendship between old adversaries. press after his last European Dearer living She added: 'Coming together in this The OECD has reported that in its Council meeting in Luxembourg. way has given our countries a new 24 member states, which include weight in the world. Economically, the the Community countries, The first was the establishment, Community has made its mark in world consumer prices rose by 12.6 per largely on Mr Jenkins' personal initia- production, trade and finance, and as cent over the year up to tive, ofthe European Monetary System friend and helper of those countries September. The mostfortunate in which the Member States' currencies which are still in the early stages of were the Swiss, with a mere 3.8 -with the exception of sterling-:fl.uctu- per cent rise, compared with the material development. Turks at the other end of the scale ate within agreed margins. MrJenkins 'Politically, the pooling of the tradi- with 86.7 per cent. the Germans also pointed to the direct election, for tions and experience in world affairs of fared. best among the Community the first time, of the European Parlia- nine separate nations has given an countries, managing to keep the ment, and he warned that the Parlia- authority to their common policies and increase to 5.2 per cent, while the mentwouldnow have to be treated with views which individually they could Greeks recorded a figure of a proper degree ofrespect. not have been expected to wield. Both 24.4 per cent. On the international front, he listed the Community and the world are gain-· the successful conclusion of the multi- ers from this. national trade agreement in the 'Evidence of our success lies in the framework of GATT, and the signing of desire ofother free nations in Europe to the second Lome Convention with 60 join our great enterprise. We shall wel- THE NEWS African, Caribbean and Pacific states. come them, confident in the knowledge He also felt that protectionism had been that this will strengthen democracy IN BRIEF successfully held at bay. and stability on our continent.' The fourth achievement, he felt, was the completion of the negotiations which enabled Greece to become the Parley with Peking tenth member of the Community on The Community and China are January 1st last, as well as the steady Keeping the chair ~anning to sta~e a trade week in russels next pril, the first of its progress made in the negotiations for kind. Community businessmen the accession of Spain and Portugal. Mr MichaelMurphy, an Irishman, will have a chance to discuss trade Finally, Mr Jenkins said he was has been re-elected President of expansion with a 100-strong pleased with the increased momentum the Community's Court of Chinese delegation. achieved in the field ofpolitical coopera- Auditors. Mr Murphy was the first tion, the system whereby the member President ofthe Court which was Target date states co-ordinate their foreign policy. established in October 1977 to January 19841ooks a likely date However, he emphasised a number of audit expenditure of the for Spa1n and Portugal to join the areas of difficulty, in particular regard- Community's budge~ Community. Lorenzo Natali, who ing the imbalance between spending on is conducting the negotiations with agriculture and on other policies in the the two Iberian neighbours on Community's budget. behalf ofthe Eur"crnan Commission, sai in Madrid The institutions recently that this date would be realistic for Spain. Adapting to a Gaining ground Queen expresses Community of Ten When the 1980 figures have been finally tabulated, the United her support for Now that Greece has become the Kin~dom is expected to show a tra e balance with the other Community tenthmemberofthe Community, member states for the firsttime the Community's institutions have since i~oined the Community in taken on a new look. 1973. his is due to increased H.M. the Queen took the exports and a reduction in opportunity of her first official visit The European Commission has 14 imports. to the headquarters ofthe members instead of 13, Mr George European Commission in Brussels Kontogeorgis being the first Greek to

(iii) ~------~ELT.ROFOR~LI ------~....~-~~~·•~------~------~•~-2--~

have been treated as nationals of their / adopted country when they apply for 'The obvious decline in / social security benefits. But, until now, Europeans' interest in Europe­ / self-employed workers have been ex­ especially that of the Germans-is in stark contrast to the benefits that cluded. all members of the European The social security benefits include Community have already take his place sickness and maternity, invalidity, old acquired'. Helm ut Kohl, Chairman around the table on age, death and, under certain condi­ ofthe German CDU party. the thirteenth floor of tions, unemployment. the Berlaymont building Family allowances are not yet 'If anyone wishes to halm the ~ in Brussels, where the Com covered becausetheMinisterscouldnot European Community, all he has /.: mission holds its regular agree on a separate but related issue as to do is allow the common / Wednesdaymeetings. to whether the family of a migrant agricultural policy to carry on-no good will ever come of that.' Hans The Council ofMinisters is now worker should be paid allowances at the Apel, German Defence Minister. being attended by 10 Ministers instead level which applies in the country of 9. Greece will hold the six-month where the family resides or in the coun­ rotating presidency for the first time in try where the workers is employed. the second half of 1983. Similarly, 10 At present, all member states apart heads of state or government now take from France apply the latter system, part in the thrice-yearly meetings of but a number of member states, includ­ the European Council or'summits'. The ing France, are now in favour of the Greek Prime Mipister, Mr George Ral­ other form ofreckoning. lis, attended the last European Council, At the same meeting, the Ministers which was held in Luxembourg on agreed to extend for a further two years December 1-2. special aid from the Community's There are now 24 Greek members in Social Fund for certain categories of the European Parliament, bringing the workers. 'How much longer is the Council of total to 434. They have been nominated Ministers going to allow the The measures, which were intro­ Parliament to wander about by their national. parliament, but they duced a number of years ago but were among three cities like a circus?' will be directly elected, like their col­ due to expire at the end of this year, Willy Brandt, Chairman of the leagues from· the other nine member provide for special re-training pro­ German SPD party. states, once elections can be arranged. grammes for workers in the crisis-hit The Economic and Social Committee, textile and clothing industries, for 'I am convinced that Britain can which has an important consultative migrant workers, women and young only realise her full potential as a role in the Community's decision­ people under 25. member of the European making process, and which brings Community.' Lord Carrington, together representatives of industry, British Foreign Secretary. the trades unions and special interests, 'Britain would become an has welcomed 12 new Greek members, Environment industrial wasteland if the country bringing its total strength to 156. withdrew from the Common Both the Court of Justice, which is Market." John Raisman, thefinalarbiterofCommunity law, and Demand for more Chairman of Shell UK. the Court of Auditors, which watches over the management of Community care in siting finances, now have 10 members each. earlier this year, for the implementa­ nuclear plants tion of strict safety standards and for a consultation procedure between states. The European Parliament has lent The Parliament would also like to see a · Social Affairs its support to a proposal by the system of conciliation where prior con­ European Commission that a sultation fails to produce agreement. Community member state which German Christian Democrat Hanna More security for the plans to build a nuclear :iruttallation Walz, who chairs the Parliament's near a border should consult energy committee, stressed the import­ self-employed neighbouring countries in ance of agreed standards for nuclear advance. plants ifthe Community is to make any Self-employed Community citizens headway in meeting its ehergy short­ who move to another member state Such a consultation procedure is seen fall by nuclear means. to work are to enjoy the same social as necessary because an increasing Although the resolution before the security benefits as nationals of the number of nuclear power plants are Parliament had broad support, it was country where they settle. being built in border regions. At strongly opposed byanumberofFrench present, a quarter of the 120 nuclear members who felt there was already This important extension of agree­ stations which are being planned, adequate provision for consultation. ments between the member states to which are being built or which are But Luxembourg Socialist, Victo reciprocate social security benefits was already in operation are located within Abens, coUld not agree with them.H reached by Social Affairs Ministers 25 miles of a frontier. pointed to a nuclear installation bein who met in Brussels in November. The Parliament has come out in sup­ built only 10 kilometres from the Gran Since 1959, employed workers who port of the Commission's proposal, pre­ Duchy, and he reckoned that if ther moved to another Community country sented to the Council of Ministers were a serious accident two-thirds o

.• ~,. (iv) • • 4&4 -a EURO FORUM'------___]

Luxembourg's population would have hauling their own industries but also to be evacuated and four-fifths of its by taking a greater interest in the economic activity would be affected. Japanese market. A great many Com­ At present, member states are munityjobs are dependent on a success­ merely obliged to inform the Commis­ ful outcome. sion of investment projects relating to new nuclear installations, or to replace­ mentor conversion of plant. It was be­ causeofthislimitedsystemofconsulta­ Energy tion that the Commission decided to Agriculture act. It is now up to the Council of Minis­ Reflections of the Commission on ters. No oil shortage the CAP. The Commission examines the principles and despite Iran­ results of the policy and presents its orientations for future reform. Iraq conflict Ref: COM(80)800 Trade Although world oil production has Fisheries A Commission Review of the Strategy agreed to been cut by between one million Common Organisation of the and one and a halfmillion barrels a Market in Fishery Products. tackle huge day-total world production is Ref: COM(80)724 around 65 million barrels-because deficit with Japan of the conflict between Iraq and Harmonisation Iran, there is no immediate Proposal for a first directive on Faced with a mounting trade prospect of shortage. trade marks. Ref: COM(80)635 deficit with Japan which could External Relations climb to $10 billion this year, the The Community has about 125 days The Community ofTen: Welcome Community's Foreign Ministers supply in stock, compared with an to Greece. Ref: European File, agreed at a meeting in Brussels on agreed minimum requirement of 90 17-18/80 November 25 to act together to days supply. persuade the Japanese to restore Community Energy Ministers have Regional Policy balance in their trade with the called on the oil companies to use the oil Commission Report on social and Community as a whole. they have in stock so as not to upset the economic developments in the market. EEC Regional Policy. This is the first ~eneral assessment made of The decision followed a series of They made it clear that the present Reg1onal Development in the EEC meetings with Japanese government market situation cannot justify any since 1973. Ref: COM(80)816 representatives over preceding months further price increases. They agreed to which failed to satisfy Community rep­ take all necessary measures in liaison Industry resentatives that the situation would with the oil companies to avoid import­ Small and medium sized industry. be remedied. ing oil at abnormally high prices and to The Commission outlines, in this The Community maintains that the ensure that the oil companies do not communication to the European Japaneseexportdrive,andparticularly purchase abnormal quantities. Parliament, a framework for its concentration in a small number of The Ministers also reaffirmed their Community action. COM(80)726 resolve to further encourage measures sectors which are sensitive in the Com­ Social munity-televisions, for example-puts to save oil and its substitution by other Council directive on the protection a strain on the normal development of forms of energy, particularly domesti­ of workers from the risks relating to world trade. It fears a further surge of cally-produced. exposure to chemicals, physical Japanese exports to compensate for and biological agents at work. balance of payments problems brought This directive consists of a series about by increased oil prices. of framework measures which The Ministers have given the Euro­ Third World should serve as a basis for future pean Commission a mandate to engage legislation in this field at both national and Community levels. in further talks over the next two Dutch want food Ref: Official Journal of the months, with the Japanese, aimed at European Communities, L327 of persuading them to moderate their ex­ 3.12.80 ports to the Community as a whole and aid stepped up not simply to certain member states. Economic The Community is also demanding A substantial increase in food aid Annual Economic Review that no new measures be taken by the to the developing countries is to be 1980/1981. Ref: European Japanese to restrict imports of Com­ a major priority of the Dutch Economyno. 7/1980 munity goods. Indeed, it wants a com­ government during its six-month mitment from the Japanese to a sub­ presidency of the Community's Further information available from stantial and early increase in imports Council of Ministers in the first half the Information Unit, Commission from the Community. ofthis year. It has called on other of the European Communities At home, greater efforts will be made countries to join it in meeting the London Office, 20 Kensington to persuade European industries to de­ UN target ofincreasing aid to the Palace Gardens, London W8, velop more positive attitudes to developing nations to 0. 7 per cent Tel. 727 8090. Japanese competition, not only by over- of their gross domestic product.

(v) ...... EUROPE AND YOU

mission's special Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on Nuclear Learning the lessons of Safety pointed out that, in March 1980, the Council of Ministers approved the new 1980-83 research programme for the Community's Joint Research Three Mile Island Centre (JRCl which includes the set­ ting up of a European Equipment Re­ liability Data Bank. The accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear power station in The JRC also has a project, dubbed Super Sara, to simulate the Three Mile Harrisburg, USA, in April1979 sent a warning shiver down the Island accident, and is examining the spine ofpublic authorities both in America and Europe. There feasibility of the establishment of a was an immediate increase in public concern over the safety of standardised system for rapid ex­ nuclear power stations within the Community, most ofwhich, change of information on abnormal like the Three Mile Island plant, use pressurised water events, which would supplement the data bank on equipment failure and reactors. accidents. The European Commission re­ System which would pool knowledge on On the question of a common sponded to the coflcern by setting up a the types and frequencies of failure approach to siting, the CCSN noted high-level group of independent ex­ occurring in different kinds of equip­ that since the TMI incident, both the perts in the nuclear safety field. The ment or complete nuclear power sys­ US and certain European countries group was charged with advising the tems; tended to take account in their choice of Commission on all problems relating to - the establishment of a system for sites accidents whose probability was nuclear safety in the Community, in­ the rapid exchange of information on very low but whose consequences for cluding its implications where radia­ abnormal events, or accidents occur­ health and safety ofpopulations would tion protection is concerned, and to ring in nuclear power stations, to allow be extremely serious. evaluate the way the Community is fellow operators to check their own sta­ The Commission's Energy Director­ currently handling these problems tion for similar abnormal occurrences; ate has in the past convened a special with a view to suggesting improve­ - attempts to find a common working party for exchanges of in­ ments. approach to the tricky problem of the formation on siting ofall types of power In their report, published in Decem­ siting of nuclear reactors, especially stations, not just nuclear. ber, the experts point out that although those sited near borders with other Finally, on the recommendation for European reactors are designed so as to member states. The Commission has better technical help for the local news make them less vulnerable to the type already proposed a mandatory con­ media, the CCSN has asked the Com­ of operator error largely responsible for sultation procedure. mission's Information Directorate to the Three Mile Island accident, the inci­ -the compilation of a list of conven­ take what action it deems fit. dent did provide some important les­ tions and agreements between member sons for designers and operators of nuc­ states on information and assistance in lear power plants. The report calls on the event of an emergency. The group the Commission and the member states also advised the Community countries Butter: mountain to review both aspects. to review their own contingency plans The experts' report makes a large in the light of the Three Mile Island number of recommendations, some of accident and to ensure that nuclear or molehill? which support measures that the Com­ emergency plans are closely integrated Recent press reports alleging that mission is already taking or planning to with other emergency plans; the European Commission had undertake, and others which the Com­ - the organisation of seminars on agreed to sell large quantities of mission feels could provide a very use­ simulators and control room .layout, to subsidised butter to the Soviet ful basis for new activities. exchange information and expertise Union, sparked a new row in the Among other things they recom­ and to ensure that power station staff European Parliament over the mend: have adequate emergency drill; Commission's policy of subsidising - the development of a common pro­ -the promotion ofregular exchanges European exporters to sell surplus cedure for recording individual radia­ of information on improved mainten­ Community farm products abroad. tion exposure levels accumulated by ance procedure between reactor design­ nuclear power station maintenance ers and operators in various member Agriculture Commissioner Finn workers, who travel throughout the states; Olav Gundelach denied the allegation Community to work. The Commission - if necessary, the provision, in and firmly rejected criticism of the is currently examining the problems advance of any accident, of technical Commission's management of the and plans to study the possibility of. help to the news media, in particular Community dairy market. recording this data at Community local radio and television networks, Mr Gundelach pointed out that sur­ level; which are able to spread emergency pluses were kept down in 1980 in spite -the establishment, in consultation information quickly over a wide area, ofincreasing dairy production, and that with the power station operators, of a including across national frontiers. the cost ofdisposing of surpluses did not European Equipment Reliability Data Commenting on the report, the Com- increase. Over the last two years the

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.• ..... ------,EUROFORUM.-MMMM-.~======~

Commission's dairy management poli­ vicemen and their families get a similar cy has reduced very high intervention reduction on their butter purchases. stocks to almost working levels, the Finally, there is the Christmas but­ Commissioner told members of the ter scheme itself, which was used in European Parliament. 1978 and 1979 because of the high level Compared with the position a year of Community stocks. All member ago, public stocks of butter are now 43 states were eligible for the scheme, but per cent lower; skimmed milk powder under different conditions. The average stocks are 27 per cent lower. The Com­ Community subsidy was around 56 m~ity's dairy export drive has streng­ pence per kilo (26 pence per pound). thened world prices, which has enabled The Commission has not ruled out the Commission to cut the level of ex­ bringing back the Christmas butter port refund it pays to exporters to make subsidy which is available for poorer scheme in later years, but has worked up the difference between the Com­ consumers, again provided the member out that the cost of the scheme to the munity price and the generally lower states make use of it. Only Ireland has budget could be as high as £567 million world price. As much as 25 per cent has so far done so. The Community con­ this year, and it feels that this is just too been knocked off the butter export sub­ tributes a subsidy of 38 pence per kilo high. This figure includes not only the sidy and 48 per cent off the refund for (17 pence per pound). A total of 5,000 cost of subsidising cheap butter at .skimmed milk powder exports. The tonnes of butter were covered by this Christmas but also the cost ofbuying in Commission has also been able to re­ scheme in 1979. normal supplies ofbutter which are left duce aid it gives to farmers to use excess Thirdly, there are schemes subsidis­ unsold because the cheaper Christmas stocks themselves as animal feeds. ing the use of butter in food manufac­ butter is available. 'With a record like this, I am not turingwhich cuts the costs of cakes and Comparing the cost to the budget of willing to accept any criticism of how biscuits, for example, and the use of disposing of each extra tonne of butter, we manage the market,' Mr Gundelach butter fat in ice cream. the Commission has found that while said. Cheap butter is also available for Christmas butter costs around £1.28 The Commissioner also sharply ob­ charities and other similar bodies per pound and the general butter sub­ jected to the link being made in the throughout the Community. Last year, sidy between £1.08 and £1.90 per public debate between sales of subsi­ 24,000 tonnes of butter, subsidised at pound, exports at current refund rates dised butter to the Soviet Union and the the rate of£1.07 per kilo (or 49 pence per cost the Community taxpayer only ab­ decision not to operate the cheap pound) was covered by the scheme. Ser- out 45 pence per pound. Christmas butter scheme at the end of last year for European consumers. Export is still by far the cheapest nisation of technical regulations gov­ means of disposing of surplus butter Riding on the erning CB sets. But since this was only stocks, Mr Gundelach said. To subsi­ a recommendation; considerable dis­ dise Christmas butter would have cal­ parities have continued to exist be­ led for a large supplementary budget, CB wave tween legislation in the different mem­ which was politically out of the ques­ Cars, vans and lorries all over ber states. tion. ·we cannot have it both ways,' Europe are sprouting new aerials The European Commission is cur­ declared Mr Gundelach. 'We cannot as the citizen's band-CB-radio rently studying the different rules gov­ save money as we are asked to do and craze catches on. Hundreds of erning the use of CB sets. The French finance Christmas butter.' thousands of European motorists government recently proposed legalis­ Mr Gundelach pointed out to the par­ have now fitted small ing CB radios with a maximum liamentarians that the Community transmitter/receiver sets in their strength of two watts, fewer than 22 does subsidise very large quantities of vehicles, adopted personalised channels and broadcasting on a fre­ butter for European consumers. code names and can now chat to quency of27 megahertz. Around 700,000 tonnes - one third of each other to while away the long In some Community member states total Community consumption and hours on the road. all types of CB sets are legal, although twice the quantity of total Community the user is required to buy a licence each exports-was subsidised in 1979. CB has become a truly large-scale year, rather like a TV licence. In other Firstly, there is a general butter sub­ phenomenon, resembling the spread of member states, where there is as yet no sidy from which all European consum­ free or pirate radio stations and reflect­ legislation, a court order is required ers can benefit ifmember states decide ing, it seems, an obvious and authentic before broadcasting is allowed. to take advantage of it. Only four gov­ need for freer and closer communica­ When the Commission has com­ ernments (Denmark, Ireland, Luxem­ tion outside the established channels. pleted its study it will look into the bourg and the UK) have done so. The But CB users pose a number of tech­ possibility of making a proposal to the Community contributes up to 31112 nical and legal problems to the author­ Council of Ministers harmonising the pence per kilo (or about 14% pence per ities. Most Community member states standards and rules governing CB sets pound) with the member states adding showed considerable hesitation at first used in the Community. a quarter again. In the UK the govern­ when faced with a flood of CB-ists This will help open up a Community­ ment gives nothing and the Commun­ threatening to home in on radio fre­ wide market for CB sets, which should ity contribution is therefore lower- 28 quencies normally reserved for ambu­ help to keep down prices and give en­ pence per kilo (around 13 pence per lances, taxis, model airplane enthu­ thusiasts a greater choice of equip­ pound). In 1979,37 4,000tonnesofCom­ siasts and even television broadcasts. ment. Community legislation is also mu~i.ty butter was subsidised in this In 1977, the European Conference of desirable because, by their nature, CB way. Postal and Telecommunications Admi­ fans are mobile, frequently driving Secondly, there is the social butter nistrations recommended the harmo- from one member state to another.

(viil EUROPEAN REVIEW

Better wine but still total absence ofprice member VincentAnsquer in Moulinex and the German firm too much competition on most routes, support. Bauknecht have agreed to and also that airlines who A British Socialist, Richard provide this Community-wide The European Community's would like to offer price Balfe, who is related to the guarantee at the instigation of vine growers are producing competition are being excluded Irish composer ofthe same the European Commission, more and more quality wine. from the market and are name, proposed that the which is trying to reduce trade · But they are still producing too refused permission to operate European Music Year be barriers between the ten much ofboth good and cut-price services. sponsored both by the member states. mediocre red, white and rose. Recently, Sir Freddie Laker, European Community and by The goal pursued by the This is the conclusion ofa who introduced cut-price the Council ofEurope, which Commission is to persuade report drawn up by the services on trans-Atlantic has already organised manufacturers ofdomestic European Commission which routes, was refused permission European Conservation Year appliances who do not already surveys the situation ofthe to introduce similar services on and European Architectural do so to extend the guarantee Community's vineyards. more than 30 European routes. Heritage Year. This view was they give to customers in those The acreage under vines is He may take his case to the endorsed in the resolution member states where they continuing to fall in favour of Community's Court ofJustice adopted by the Parliament. organise their distribution to more concentrated cultivation in Luxembourg. all appliances which bear their ofgood quality grapes. · The European Commission Orphans helped trade mark, wherever they However, a further cut-back has already produced a Green come from. will be necessary ifwine Paper setting out some ofits to continue The first European firm to surpluses are to be,done away ideas on cheaper and more their schooling give such a guarantee was the with because production is still flexible air fares, and is Italian group Zanussi in 1978. increasing and consumption is currently working on the A Community fund which sliding. details. enables children ofworkers Community and Since 1976, around 100,000 killed in the coal, iron ore Arabs in new talks hectares have been taken out of Number ofjobless mining and steel industries to production, partly as a result of now well over finish their education has just The so-called Euro-Arab Community measures aimed at announced a number ofnew dialogue which is designed to cutting costly surpluses. There 7million scholarships. The Paul Finet promote closer co-operation are now around 2.5 million Foundation is to make grants between the Community and hectares yielding wine. More Having topped the 7 million to 218 children over 14 years of the Arab states was than halfofthe land taken out mark for the first time last age who are in secondary or re-launched at a meeting in of production was in France. September, the number out of vocational schools, or who are Luxembourg at the end of The production oflower work in the Community rose by attending university or other November. Thetwosidesfirst quality table wines continues a further 350,000 in October. higher education came together five years ago to fall, but the yields on higher The largest number of establishments. but no meeting had taken place quality vines are growing. unemployed is in the United Paul Finet scholarships are for two years. In the 1979/80 season, around Kingdom (just over 2 million), available to the children of The Luxembourg meeting, 175 million hectolitres were with Italy (1.8 million) and workers in the iron, coal and which was held at the level of prpduced, while consumption France (1.6 million) close steel industries who have died junior ministers and officials, was only 126 million behind. either as the result of an was significant not only for the hectolitres. Around 6. 7 million industrial accident or relaunching ofthe dialogue but hectolitres were exported. occupational disease. also for a number ofother The Foundation does not reasons. Claude Cheysson, Striking a chord for automatically assist all memberofthe European Europe children, but reserves its Commission, was able to point Consumers urge available funds for those who out that, for the first time, the changes in air fares Musically-minded members of really need them and who are Arabs had agreed to include the European Parliament have the most likely to benefit from energy questions in the scope of The Bureau ofEuropean won the support oftheir their studies. The scholarships the dialogue. Consumers (BEUC) has called colleagues for the declaration are awarded annually and are It was also the first time that on the European Commission of1985 as 'European Music renewable, so that the recipient the Community had official to press ahead with its efforts to Year.' 1985 was chosen because can rely on the Foundation to contact with the Palestine introduce greater competition it marks the tercentenary of help him or her for the full Liberation Organisation. The between the Community's the birth ofthree ofEurope's period ofeducation. Arab delegation was led by a airlines. greatest composers -Johann representative ofthe PLO, BEUC, a lobbying group Sebastian Bach, Georg which currently holds the which represents national Friedrich Handel and Euro guarantee chairmanship ofthe Arab consumer organisations at Domenico Scarlatti. League. Community level, wants the The proposal, which had for electrical In a communique issued competition rules ofthe wide support on all sides ofthe gadgets after the meeting, the Arab Community's founding Treaty House, was made formally in a delegation urged recognition of ofRome applied to air travel. report drawn up by a German Housewives-or their the PLO by the Community as These rules were drawn up to Christian Democrat, Professor husbands-who buy domestic the 'sole legitimate ensure free and fair trading in Wilhel'mHahn. 'Culture appliances from two ofEurope's representative ofthe all sectors. should be a link between the leading manufacturers will Palestinian people' as an BEUC claimed that, because peoples ofEurope,' he told his now have the benefit ofa essential step towards a just ofagreements between colleagues. 'Music transcends European guarantee. and lasting peace in the Middle established airlines, there is a frontiers,' said Gaullist The French company East.

(viii)

.·· •. EUROPE 81 L n

I can find little evidence for the view that our support prices would have been higher if we WHY EUROPE had in fact been outside. But the green currency situation has changed. The scope for action by the Govern­ ment to increase British farm prices is clearly IS RIGHT FOR subject to considerable restraint imposed by membership of the EEC. It is a matter of judgement whether that is a real constraint or not- whether the Govern­ BRITAIN' ARMERS ment would want, as a matter of continuing policy, to establish a significantly higher level of support prices. We have some evidence. The Government's view of an adequate price guarantee for lamb (15Sp for 1980/81) falls significantly short of what the EEC is pre­ pared to finance (181p). And where the Gov­ ernment still retains freedom of action - in determining the liquid milk price - its per­ formance in the industry's interest has been such as to result in a continuing erosion in the net incomes of producers. But there are other considerations which are relevant - and these relate to import arrangements. For the main agricultural pro­ ducts, membership of the EEC has meant the introduction in Britain - for the first time since the Repeal ofthe Corn Laws-ofvariable levies on imports designed to ensure that imported produce cannot be sold in this, or in any other Community country, below a pre­ determined threshold price. Further, since intervention prices within the Community are linked to threshold prices, imports should not, in principle, come ·into Britain from its partners in the EEC at prices unrelated to the threshold price for third country imports. This was, of course, distorted during the period when all institutional prices in Britain An industry view by ScottJohnston -including threshold prices-were held down by the British Government's green pound , y:w;;& ..A. policy. That, in effect, resulted in the sub­ sidising of imports into the UK from other n parts of the farming industry, recent ory-whether we are in Europe or not. EEC member states. experiences have given currency to the Throughout the greater period ofour mem­ What seems clear, however, is that no Brit­ view that British farmers would fare better bership of the EEC, British producers - ish government, outside the EEC, would be Ioutside the European Community. On the through the operation of the green currency prepared to adopt the degree of management contrary, I believe that all the evidence tends system - have been denied the price levels over imports (the degree of preference for to the view that farming in this country would which membership of the EEC should have home production) which is central to the be ill-served by Britain's withdrawal. entailed. The green currency system was in­ Common Agricultural Policy. Even for Some would argue-within the EEC or out troduced as a consequence of the wide di- sheepmeat, where no variable levies are either ofit-that the United Kingdom should seek to . vergencies which began to appear in the early in existence or contemplated, membership of return to the old deficiency payments prin­ 1970s between the value of the currencies in the EEC meant moving from a UK tariff of ciple. This view is often advanced by consum­ member states and the continuing instability 0.83p per lb. on New Zealand and other er and other non-farming interests. of exchange rates. imported lamb to a 20 per cent tariff ad Indeed, it is seen as something of a triumph Its effect, wholly unforeseen, was to give valorem from July 1977 ( 10 per cent under the that we maintained the deficiency payment back to governments of member states discre­ new regime - but linked to higher internal principle to a limited extent under the beef tion in fixing farm support levels for their own guaranteed price). variable premium scheme; that we have a producers. There is a widespread belief amongst the full-blooded deficiency payment scheme Given this freedom of action- and despite public in general that the sole result of joining available for those countries which wish to opt pressure from the CommissiQn to restore the EEC has been to put up food prices in the for it under the new sheepmeat regime. And ·unity to the market and phase out the distor­ shops. So withdrawal from the EEC would be there is certainly, in some quarters, the view tions created by different price levels in mem­ seen by the public primarily as a means of that this might .lead ultimately to a wider ber states - British governments consistently reducing food prices to consumers; and the acceptance within the Community of the de­ set farmers' prices at levels which the industry most probable scenario in that event would be ficiency payments approach. regarded as unacceptably low. the introduction of measures designed posi­ I believe that hopes of a return to a deficien­ Thus, over wide and significant areas of tively to reduce food prices to consumers. cy payments system on any terms which policy determination, government had free­ That would clearly involve dismantling the woul~ be at all acceptable to farmers are ill us- dom toactasifitwasnotin theEECatall. And existing arrangements for imports from over- ~ 13 ···- .. I •• .. IIEUROPE81 seas. Indeed, it is perfectly possible to envis­ chequer rose and standard quantities were age imports into Britaih of surplus commod­ progressively introduced or proposed in an ities from its erstwhile Common Market part­ effort to limit Exchequer liability. Where we Why ners subsidised by EEC export refunds. attained complete self-sufficiency - as with These are an integral part of the CAP and are eggs- the government got out of the support instrumental in securing, for example, the business altogether. And it is worth noting Europe controversial export of EEC butter to the that, for commodities in which we have al­ USSR. ways been self-sufficient or near it - notably In short, I believe it is illusory to suppose liquid milk and potatoes-we always operated that withdrawal from the EEC could possibly a system more akin to the managed market needs insulate British farmers from the effect of than a deficiency payments system. commercial pressure imposed by the sheer The attempt to maintain a full-blooded magnitude of farm output in Continental deficiency payments system was in fact aban­ the Europe. doned in the early 1970s by the then Conserva­ It might be argued that it would not matter tive Government, whose agricultural policy­ to producers-in or out of the EEC-ifa much quite independently of whether or not we British more liberal import regime were to be intro­ joined the EEC - was to move to a managed duced, provided that farm incomes were se­ market system. cured by a system of deficiency payments - The reason was simply that the increase in EMANUELE GAZZO and it is sometimes argued that the CAP might agricultural output in Britain had made that be developed in this direction. system too costly in terms of public expendi­ puts in a word for the But what are the realities? ture. Indeed, it is possible to argue that once member state whose The deficiency payments system was intro­ deficiency payments are being made on, say, duced in Britain follo;ving Ministry of Food 80% of total consumption, it is more of an insularity is 'a positive de-control in 1954. In essence, the system instrument of social policy (the rich paying factor' allowed consumers in Britain to take advan­ through taxes to keep food prices down) than tage of the cheapest food prices on offer on an instrument of agricultural policy. world markets, whilst the taxpayer contri­ It is precisely because the EEC is at or near buted the difference between the world price self-sufficiency for the major commodities and the British guarantee. that the prospect of the introduction of any­ Ifwe want the European Community to have But it was a system which, however suc­ thing like a full deficiency payments system its own cohesion, and to become the ex­ cessful in stimulating ·output from British would be quite prohibitively expensive-and a pression of the sum of converging wills, farms, had within the seeds ofits own destruc­ return to such a system in Britain outside the each of us must make his own contribution tion. EEC would be equally unimaginable in Ex­ to it. Throughout the 1960s, as we increased our chequer terms. If this benefits one particular partner or own self-sufficiency ratio the cost to the Ex- We are at the start of what is bound to be a another, so much the better, since that difficult debate on the future of the CAP. partner will soon have the occasion to re­ Meanwhile, it would be unrealistic, in ciprocate. The enrichment is therefore 1 present circumstances, to suppose that with­ mutual, even if it is not necessarily quanti· lt is illusorY to suppose drawal from the European Community could fiable. that withdrawal could offer any real or lasting solution to the current This is how the idea of a Community ceases problems facing British agriculture. e to be theory and becomes a reality. Let us insulate British farmers remember what Jean Monnet said in a speech from the sheer D Scott Johnston is Director and General at Harrogate in October 1957: 'We know that Secretary, National Farmers' Union of Scot­ you British respect facts, not theories.' Those magnitude of farm land. This article is abridged from the who worked for Europe from the beginning of output in Europe' November 1980 issue ofFarming Leader. the 1950s have built a factual reality. No-one can deny their success. In January 1970 the President of the Italian Republic, Signor Saragat - a socialist - said that Britain was necessary to the Community because it was a great democracy whose pre­ sence brought with it a guarantee ofthe demo­ cratic evolution of European society: a con­ tribution of great moral value. Britain also brought to the Community something else-a dowry made up of all the political, economic and cultural ties created during centuries of history, with peoples from other continents. The presence of Great Britain in the Com­ munity gives it the size necessary for it to speak and be heard in the world at large. This contribution of knowledge and experience is indispensable if we wish to create a European foreign policy, a policy of detente from a position of strength, and a generous policy of co-operation with the Third World. Britain's contribution is of decisive importance. For two centuries Great Britain was the country of free trade, and at the same time of 14

.• .... EUROPESlr I industrial innovation. The first commercial ~e know that you tion.' The capacities ofthe people are the same computer in the world was built in Manches­ as the character of the people. Their insular~ ter in 1950. In the years 1965 to 1970 there was British resped fads, ity, contrary to what is sometimes thought, is much talk of a technological community for not theories' a positive factor, since it introduces some­ which Britain would supply the expertise and thing that is lacking in most Continentals: the the rest of Europe the market. The situation -Jean Monnet characteristic of independence, the feeling of has changed; but Britain remains a technolo­ something rounded off. The distancing, the gical giant. Outward-looking policy, tech­ feeling of being set apart, involves a high nological innovation, and fall-out from Brit­ degree of sensitivity in communication, and ish research, are valuable assets for making Economically, the high degree of sophis­ strict control over the activities of central the Community the open and exemplary body tication and prestige over a whole range of government. which its founders envisaged. activities in the service sector - in particular If the British will abandon certain pre­ The Community expects much of the Brit­ money markets and commodities, insurance judices and suspicions - if they make the ish. They have a lot to contribute, in part­ and transport-is a guarantee of the potential European adventure their adventure, a jour­ nership with the other member states, in contribution Britain can make to the Com­ ney into a new world in which they will some­ drawing the features of the Community's munity. times be able to show us how the ship can be face. Their country is considered by many But there is still something else-something steered or the sails can be filled-then they will people as the country ofreform, ofcourageous that is not measurable, which goes beyond come to see that Europe is also their Europe. experiments in social policy and human rela­ foreseeable calculation. To quote Jean Moo­ tions, which can enrich a Europe that seeks net once more: 'Western civilisation needs D Emanuele Gazzo is founder and director­ reform not through dogma but through England, and Europe needs the capacities of general of the Europe International Press change in the relations between nations and the English people, to maintain the unique Agency, Brussels, and a well-known com­ peoples. contribution they have made to this civilisa- mentator on international affairs. e •• Under-or over-the Channel?

Will the Channel Tunnel ever be built? And been holding meetings in recent weeks to if it is, who will find the resources to make it discuss ways of fmding the money, possibly a success? withsomeformofEECback-up. Though it has not been publicised in recent The alternative contender would be a months, the project is still very much a starter. bridge. This option has many supporters, Expert opinion is hardening on the practical­ including one of the world's major bridge­ ity of building either a tunnel or a bridge-but builders, Freeman Fox and Partners. In the in either event a fixed link that will at last join view of FFP's Dr William Brown, a bridge Britain to its Continental neighbours. with unprecedently long spans would mini­ As for the finance, EEC involvement is mise risks to shipping - the most common thought to be inevitable. A Channel link objection to the bridge idea- and a design is would be an important part of the Commun­ ready for a structure using only eight piers, ity's common transport policy. There is an sr; with spans of2000 metres each. acknowledged Community interest in trans- i Light-weight wind deflectors fixed along port development across frontiers, and a j the edges of the carriageway would protect readiness to set up a financial mechanism to g vehicles from side winds. Toll charges based help make it happen. 1 on present-day ferry rates would bring in Transport accounts for 6 per cent of the 3 some £300 million a year, based on a capacity Community's gross national product, 15 per 1 of at least 80,000 vehicles a day. cent of all capital investment, and nearly 40 Q The engineering technology is available for per cent of capital investment in the Com­ either alternative. One obstacle could be munity's economy. Transport demands will 'I'm all for reviving the Channel Tunnel, but not if it still comes out in France, opposition by some trade unions. The Trans­ double by the year 2000, and the networks Will dammit!' port and General Workers' Union, the biggest have to take account of increasingly complex in Britain, opposes plans for a tunnel. The trade patterns. union's deputy general secretary, Alex Kit­ The Channel tunnel project could qualify smaller service tunnel alongside. son, has told MPs on the Commons select as a project of Community interest, defined as However, of the various schemes under committee considering the project that he can being of value over and above the benefits it review, the most favoured is reported to be an see no economic or social advantages in it for would provide on a purely national level. Anglo-French proposal to drill a single rail­ theUK. Increasing economic integration requires a way tunnel under the Channel, for which The TGWU, which is opposed to Britain's more global approach than individual govern­ British Rail has drawn up detailed plans. BR membership of the EEC, regards a Channel ments can provide on their own. And the . estimates that the single-tunnel scheme, oper­ tunnel as a scheme for integrating Britain long-awaited 'Chunnel' would be a spectacu­ ated jointly with the French railway network, more closely with Europe. The union's trans­ lar example of economic integration ofa mate­ SNCF, could carry some 8 million passengers port group are also reportedly uneasy about rial, concrete kind. and 8 million tonnes of freight a year. Raising the effect on jobs in other sections of the A study by the European Channel Tunnel the necessary capital-something over £800 transport industry if a tunnel is built. How­ Group (ECTG) has come out in favour of a million-would not be too difficult, it is ever, the National Union of Railwaymen and tunnel between Dover and Calais, comprising argued, even in the present state of the Euro­ the Transport Salaried Staffs Association a passenger and freight rail tunnel with a pean economy. Five merchant banks have both support the proposal. e 15 -_- :.__ - -. - ~ ...... !_!___ - .L

EUROPE81

But will this be enough to satisfy the This argument does not go down well in English growers? Theirs is an up-and-down, France. 'It is quite unfair,' says the Agricul­ precarious business. There is often either a tural Attache to the French Embassy in Lon­ bad crop or a glut, depending on the be­ don, M. Jacques Dane!, 'to lead the British THE BIG haviour of our unmentionable weathe.r. public to believe that there is great over­ Either way, the fruit farmer loses. When we production of apples in the EEC, when in fact went into the Common Market, it was obvious the figures available for the last seven years that some Continental growers, with their show that there is an overall balance between much better fruit-growing climate, would production and demand. have the edge on us. 'Every apple which comes to Britain is For six years after Britain joined the EEC, bought by the British trade before it leaves APPLE English growers were shielded from direct France,' adds M. Dane!. competition by financial compensation. He admits that French orchards yield 16 When that agreement was phased out, and the tonnes of apples per acre, compared with market lay open, the French were ready with England's S tonnes, thanks to 'efficiency and the now-famous Golden Delicious. It had, as high investment'. But France, he tells us, has they say, a lot going for it. It grows without RUMPUS effort; it gets nice and big; it is resistant to blight, easy to pick, grade, pack and de­ spatch. Add to those advantages the back-up 'If British growers These are not exactly of a professional marketing effort and you think thatnidden have a typically modern product - mass­ subsidies are their mouth-watering times for produced, quality-controlled, and competi­ English apple-farmers, tively priced. only problem, they French apple-growers qualify for the kind are kadding themselves' faced with a renewed assault of EEC price-support that ensures food pro­ on their home market by the ducers stay in business. So, ofcourse, do ours. -Peter Walker, But last year, only 8,000 tonnes of British Minister of Agriculture French Golden Delicious. apples were bought-in under the CAP support In this report, JOYCE scheme-far less than the Golden Delicious. BETTS-getting to the The 'intervention' price is so low, in rela­ tion to production costs, complain some UK 'absolutely no intention of destroying the core ofthe argument- tries fruit farmers, that it is hardly worth their apple industry in England. That would be bad to be fair to both sides while carrying on. Solastyearafurther 1,000 for us too'. hectares ofBritisb apple orchards were turned Less diplomatically, perhaps, the leader of over to other use. the French apple growers, M.Charles CaJleja, What is more, say the English growers, the has been telling us that, just as other tastes and y greengrocer is one of an increas­ French are also helped by government sup­ products change over time, so must it be with ing number who have been trying port and advantageous interest rates, which apples. If this means grubbing out the Cox's to boycott the Golden Delicious. helps them to keep their prices down. They and planting Golden Delicious, he adds, that MHe says he doesn't believe in sup­ would like the same kind of help from the porting a takeover by the French apple­ British Government. Finally, the Golden De­ The effects of over-production can mean growers. Anyway,headds, the public haven't liciousissohigh-yielding, they complain, that scenes like this- French fruit growers1 in got a taste for the French apple-they keep it distorts the whole idea offair competiton, in the Vaucluse district of France, dumpmg asking what has happened to the good old a market where - as it seems to the English their unsaleable apples in giant !?its. last English varieties like the Cox's, the farmers- the more you produce the more you autumn, thousands of tonnes of Golden Blenheim, the Brarnley and the Worcester. make, whether you sell it all or not. Delicious met a similar fate. From my inquiries, I find they are still very much around. Last year, in fact, they accounted for nearly two-thirds of all the apples consumed in the United Kingdom. Most of the other one-third went to the French 'invader', Golden Delicious. So English apples are to be found in the shops. But it's those French ones that seem to get all the publicity. Compared with their rivals' sales drive, English fruit farmers have been slow off the mark. Lately, though, there have been signs that they are beginning to make more ofa fight of it, by sharpening up their marketing. Mr Richard Venables, head of the Apple and Pear Development Council, based in Tunbridge Wells, has called for 'more orderly marketing, and more careful grading' of English apples. He says the apple-growers are to bring in a scheme which will help to avoid inefficient merchandising, so as to 'bring top-quality fruit to the consumer in the condition that she has a right to expect'. 16 EUROPE81 could be the way for British fruit farmers to West Midlands; the rest is in Hereford, big apple-grower whom I spoke to at his stay in business untill999. Worcester and Kent. farm shop near Matfield, Kent, grows Golden Some have already gone in that direction. I To these farmers, at least, the old saying Delicious as well as a wide range of English learn from the Apple and Pear Development applies- if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. One varieties. 'There's no getting away from it,' he Council- a non-political body, by the way - told me, 'the Golden Delicious is a very good that about 700 hectares, or 1700 acres, of apple. Actually, I think it tastes even better English farmland is now given over to grow­ Where the crunch comes-the when it's grown over here. In France they ing Golden Delicious. Half of this is in the local greengrocer's shop. have to irrigate their orchards. In England we've got God's lovely rain. That's what makes the difference.' But there are signs that British apple­ growers are becoming more aware of the need to improve their own performance, under pressure from their French competitors. A new body, the Central Council for Agricul­ tural and Horticultural Co-operation, has been called in to give advice on how to cope with the swings and roundabouts of the fruit­ farming business. When prices of English apples fell two years ago, growers were advised to start growing bigger- and if pos­ sible better-apples. They did just that- but the French got in early in the season with apples that were a good deal cheaper than the British farmers' new, improved product. There were mutterings about 'unfair com­ petition', which the French growers denied, and the cry went up for some kind of subsidy to help the farmers out. But these are not the best of times to go to the Government for money. And Mr Peter Walker, the Minister of Agriculture, went so far as to say that 'if British growers think hidden subsidies are their only problem, they are kidding them­ selves.' The fruit farmers seem to have got the message. They have turned to better organisa­ tion and marketing as the most practical way ofgetting themselves out oftheir difficulty. In this they are being helped by a formidably active body, the Women's Farming Union, who have made a start in helping to pull the fruit farmers' operation together. There is to be a big effort to promote the English apple in terms of a brand. At the same time there is to be a drive to keep inferior English apples out of the shops and markets: patrols of volun­ teers will keep a look-out for sub-standard, misshapen home-grown apples, and point out to the offending shop-keeper or stall-holder the need to show the English product at its fPolish up your best. The signs are that more and more people are coming round to the view that the only way to secure a prosperous future for English apples EnglisH is to match the competition all down the line­ with tighter quality control, improved pre­ sentation, and professional marketing. At the Conservative Party conference in October, the Agriculture Minister called the English apple 'a splendid example of a pro­ duct where every consumer test has shown that it is the best available in Europe'. But he added that we have failed to market, package, present and promote that product as we should. It all costs money. But, say the activists, if you've got a good product, why not invest in it? I doubt ifany French apple-grower would disagree with that. e 17 EUROPE81

ADAM FERGUSSON, Member of the it is hard to imagine a pleasanter town), or indeed in Luxembourg, is whether the Commission itself would be prepared to move there European Parliament for West Strathclyde as well. The choice of seat, in short, should not be a matter of symbolism, or horse-trading, or national pride, or civic pride-all ofwhich have dictated the present nonsense. Accessibility from all corners of the Community, from Greece to Gree.nland, is only one of the criteria which must govern a final choice. For it cannot be sensible to promote as the future capital of a united Europe a provincial town whose external communications must remain so poor, where no permanent international press corps or media offices are likely to be established in this century, to which only minor permanent diplomats are likely to be appointed, or from where the Community's own executive could be absent. A parliament with the most rudimentary power to initiate legislation-confined by the Treaty to suggesting its own method ofelection- must depend on its physical ability to exercise moral and political authority to be effective at all. If nobody listens to it, or can hear and read what is said there, it might as well go home. And ifits members are so run off their feet that their words are not worth listening to in the first place, it might as well stay there. The Council has until June IS to think about it.

'We have challenged the Council here are two fundamental axioms of Community to make its mind up once and for development. One is that only crisis produces change. all on a single seat, in accordance The other is that, when decisions are taken by consensus, with the Treaty of Rome' 11difficult ones either cause a crisis or are indefinitely postponed. These propositions aptly apply to the seat of the European Parliament. After more than two decades of procrastination the nettle remains resolutely ungrasped, the bull's horns The arrival at the January plenary in Strasbourg of24 Greek MEPs determinedly ungripped. gives rise to speculation about the physical changes needed there. Crisis, fortunately, can itself be induced. Eighteen months of For the present- perhaps until they are replaced with traipsing round Europe like a travelling circus have wrought a new directly-elected members later in the year-they are expected to sit determination among a majority of the Members. The clowning, together. Since the chamber is already full to bursting, they will they believe, must cease. And our mood in 1981 is to carry to its presumably be gathered behind the Council or the Commission, in conclusion the autumn initiative in which we challenged the one of the extreme sectors reserved for functionaries. Council to make its mind up once and for all on a single seat, in From there, almost out ofsight of the President of the accordance with Article 210 of the Treaty of Rome. 'If they won't,' Parliament, the Greeks will be able to study at leisure the features we have said, 'we will.' And nothing but a truculent silence has and behaviour of the various parliamentary groups who have spent followed so far. the past months wooing them as political partners. I fancy they Will we, though? could change their minds several times before the August recess. We all know how lunatic the present arrangements are- the The accession ofanother language will make for bigger expense, the inefficiency, the strain on the staff, the fatigue, not to difficulties. Not only will a new interpreter's box be needed in the mention the general wonderment at home that we are prepared to chamber and in every committee room, but each existing box will put up with it. And we see the danger (just as the enemies of have to be equipped with machinery and personnel to provide an Community development see it, all too clearly) that through extra service. declining public interest, falling attendance and the inability to do As all parliamentary documents are printed on paper whose our work, inefficiently or otherwise, the Parliament will dwindle colour differs according to language, an extra colour now joins the to a constitutional cipher. parliamentary spectrum. New space will be required for laying out It should all be enough to concentrate our minds pretty and collating documents. And the general work-load on the effectively, with the prospect ofanother battle with the parliamentary machinery will increase by something like another collectively narrow-minded Council. But there are doubts. 12 percent. These centre on whether the loudly-trumpeted symbolism of Because of the language problems, last year the number of Strasbourg will provoke the same equivocation within the separate parliamentary publications amounted to more than l 01 Parliament as has been evident in the Council. The difficulties million items. The mind boggles, though, at the physical which certain German delegates had last year, in crossing the problems ofwe lcoming Spanish and Portuguese delegates to Rhine frontier from Kehl, are a commentary on Strasbourg as a Strasbourg in due course. symbol ofFranco-Germanrapprochement. That apart, the only Is it not time to consider the construction ofa new, larger question that ought to concern those who would like the chamber, with commensurate offices, somewhere else? In Parliament to settle down permanently in Strasbourg (than which Brussels-just for example?

18 EUROPE81

Within a couple of years the ent;ire There should be no fear of dairy The lovelorn British bull has The challenge for Mr Michael Foot financial foundation of the farmers in Greece adding to the sparked off a new Common Market remains. When our trade with Community will have to be Common Market's problem of a row. French breeders have refused Europe, notwithstanding the constructed afresh, because the old surplus in dairy products. There is to mate their cows with British recession, is better than our trade bricks and mortar have crumbled. obviously scope for tremendous bulls-amove described by with the rest of the world, when That will be the real moment of improvement in the cows' milk Yorkshire Euro MP Tom Megahy industry is in grave difficulties and decision. Either the EEC is an yield in that country which at as illegal. Not so, decided a French unemployment mounting over the agricultural benevolent society and present averages only 330 gallons. judge. 'Regulations refer to free 2 million mark, is this a time when a Franco-German mutual Indeed, its cow milk production movement of goods,' he said. 'This he will risk losing whatever remains administration association-or it cannot be much more than one per is a service. ' of the confidence of our European still has something of the potential cent of the EEC's annual milk partners, and, ultimately, throwing we saw so long ago. Only when production. However, lest it be -Daily Mirror away the advantages that our trade those re~ negotiations, for thought that here is a further enjoys within the Community, so everybody, from scratch, are market for dairy products from the According to comparative jeopardising the jobs of thousands complete will we know whether the rest of the Community, the point statistics covering 1977 which of workers? This is a question Mr dreams are dust and whether the should be made that sheep and have just been published, Footmustaskhimselfwith the moment has come for Britain to goat's milk still account for more Denmark is the European country utmost seriousness if he is to have slink away from its 'European than half the country's milk with the highest proportion of any credibility. destiny'. production. The Greek consumer women who work up to the age of will not necessarily wish to change 40, and Britain has the highest -The Tablet -Guardian his taste to suit the requirements of proportion between the ages of 40 other Community states. and60. The TUC is to tell the European Commission that it does not believe that British equal pay legislation The suggestion that the EEC should complies with Community law. It use its food mountains (now largely argues that the Equal Pay Act of mythical) to aid the Third World 1970 does not contain a clear shows a lackofknowledge definition of equal pay for work of unfortunately shared by too ma~ty equal value, and therefore does not Britons. 'effectively eliminate The European Community already discrimination on grounds of a gives away vast quantities offood to worker's sex.' poor countries. Last year it gave one The Act makes it illegal to and a quarter million tons ofwheat, discriminate by paying less for 45,000tonso[butterloil, 150,000 similar or like work done by men or tons ofmilk powder, and 720,000 women, and in the TUC's view this tons ofcereals. has made it possible for In Cambodia, where the power discriminauon to continue widely. politics ofrival Communist factians The European Commission has have caused the death ofperhaps half already said that it is of much the the nation, the European Community same opinion as the TUC. Last July has contributed 40 per cent ofall aid it informed the British Government since help began last autumn. The that this country was in default of 150,000tonsofEuropeanmilk Article 119oftheTreatyofRome powder have saved the lives oftens of because of the failure to legislate for thausands ofchildren who would 'equal pay for work of equal value'. otherwise have starved to death. The butter, which has been sold -Guardian cheaply to Russia, is also available in this country at halfthe shop price to The British glass industry, already old people's homes, hospitals, etc, and Most Britons, desJilite eight years A group of anti-EEC Conservatives of EEC membership, preserve the suffering from the recession, £11 million worth were bought by has tabled a motion, entitled' 1066, yesterday attacked EEC demands such establishments last year. most paranoid conception of how the Common Market, And All the Community works. that Britain should import Ifpeople knew the true facts, That' which lists English victories heat-treated milk from the opinion polls might not be so won against countries now in the -Guardian Continent for sale in cartons in disheartening to those who regard the Community from Boadicea's supermarkets and shops. European Community as a bulwark campaign against the Italians in AD The Glass Manufacturers' ofsecurity in an increasingly 61 to Waterloo in 1815. Mr Angus Maude, Paymaster Federation said that while the dangerous world. The motion goes on to urge that British Government wanted the DerekPrag General: The purpose of the the House of Commons 'does not Government information service in glass industry to maintain the Member, European Parliament. believe that history came to a full returnable bottle systems for Hatfield,Herts. respect of Europe is to make clear stop when the United Kingdom the economic facts to the British drinks, the EEC Directorates of joined the Common Market; will people. I am perfectly satisfied that Agriculture and Competition were -Letter in the Daily Telegraph continue to remember the defeat of trying to force the Government to the Armada in 1588evenifSpain if the Labour Party wishes to have a confrontation at the next general accept the import oflong-life milk subsequently joins; would much in non-returnable cartons. sooner learn its history from Messrs election on the question of withdrawal from Europe, the good W. C. Sellar and K. J. Yeatman -Financial Times British employers' total opposition than from the Common Market sense of the British people will to the EEC plan for worker Bureaucrats'. defeat them even more handsomely participation is perplexing to other than it otherwise would have done. The Common Market is already Europeans. They think that we -London Diary, The Times protecting employment, and have the worst industrial relations -Hansard Europe's economic weight is now in the Community. being mobilised more effectively to The Germans in particular (on negotiate trading agreements with whose two-tier board structure the More than 20 per cent. of British the rest of the world. Although the EEC's original fifth directive was For the first time, a British manual workers work more than 48 deals with Taiwan shirt-makers and based) consider that our approach Government will be engaged in hours a week. This means an American chemical firms never to industrial relations is negotiations on the reshaping of the average of eight hours overtime, by satisfy everybody in Manchester old-fashioned. The French, Dutch, Community from within. All far the highest of any EEC member. and Milan, they have kept the Belgians and Danes, who also have previous re-negotiations have In Italy, by contrast, only 9. 9 per world's trade routes reasonably well-established formal structures involved special pleading, however cent. work more than 48 hours, in open. In practical terms this is for worker participation, are justified, on Britain's part. Now the France 8.6 per cent., Germany 6.3 probably the most important single equally puzzled by their absence in Government can join m as a full and per cent., with the rest trailing thing that the Community has done Britain. equal partner. away to around 3 per cent. recently.

-The Times -Financial Times -Daily Mail -Sunday Times 19 ... -... EUROPE81

He took lodgings in Palace Road, Norwood (then known as Chatham Terrace) until his From London to Paris- return to France in June 1871. He found Norwood 'charming', and the suburban streets most paintable. Among the paintings he took back with him were views of the Crystal Palace, Dulwich College and the rail­ way station that then existed at Lordship Lane. With Monet, he discovered Constable and Turner on visits to the National Gallery. Both painters submined pictures to the Royal Academy in 1871, and both were re· jected. However, the Paris dealer, Durand­ Ruel, who was also in London at the time, managed to place a couple of works by each artist in the French section of the Inter­ national Exhibition at the South Kensington Museum. Pissarro received his first English notice, in the Art Jounuzl: 'By C. Pissarro there are two winter subjects of much natural truth.' A valuable collection of Pissarro drawings, etchings and papers passed, by descent from the painter's son Lucien, to the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. It was there that the idea of the big Pissarro commemorative exhibition was originally proposed, to be welcomed by the Arts Council, by the Reunion des Musees Nationaux, and by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where it will be shown after Paris. Pissarro, the last Impressionist to be given his due, would be pleased.ln a lenerto Lucien two painters at the Grand Palais a few weeks beforehedied,hereported that he was having no luck in exhibitions: 'What do I get for all the trouble of sending my works, running risks, re-gilding old, ruined frames, If the art scene is anything to go by, cultural relations between Britain insuring the parcels? Isn't it idiotic?' and France have never looked more cordial. The past twelve months Ever philosophical, the old man added: have seen a succession of major exhibitions, each of them involving the cThis doesn't surprise me; it is not easy to two countries in close professional collaboration. understand how to look at pictures. It will probably be the same story in London, if not he 1980 Post-Impressionist exhibi· scenes have delighted visitors to the South worse. For they really don't care for anything tion that packed the Royal Academy Bank. For all the Englishness in Gains­ in painting except a brilliant brush stroke!' until the end of March was supported borough's work, his first teacher was a French That was in 1903. He might think that, by by no fewer than 40 French museums artist resident in London, Hubert Gravelot. now, London has made amends. andT private owners- the biggest single group Gravelot was noted as a draughtsman and of lenders, representing many of the key engraver who brought wit and flair to the art of DENISTHOMAS paintings of the Post Impressionist move­ English book illustration. He took on the ment. In May came the highly-acclaimed Sal· young Gains borough, just up from Suffolk, as vador Dali exhibition, direct from the Pompi­ a pupil, and schooled him in the rococo style. dou Centre. In London, as in Paris, it was a From Gravelot, too, the youthful Gains­ huge popular success- a quarter of a million borough seems to have acquired the habit of people saw it, and the crowds of the last day dressing wooden dolls to help with the figures were as big as they had been on the first. in his compositions. The French influence is In October it was London's turn to mount apparent in the Boucher-like artifice of his an Anglo-French art event: the Pissarro ex­ early portrait settings, and in some of the later hibition at the Hayward Gallery, marking landscapes. the 150th anniversary of the painter's birth. Gainsborough was never in France. But The biggest Pissarro exhibition for 50 years, it Pissarro visited England on several occasions is now on its way to Paris, where it will be over the years, and declared himself at home shown at the Grand Palais from January 30 to there. At one time in his life, he even con­ the end of April. It will be joined there from sidered settling in London, which he admired February 7 by the distinguished Gains­ for its order and good sense, though not for its borough exhibition, which has been on view flagrant commercialism. He first crossed the at the Tate Gallery since last October. Channel in 1870, when, likeMonet, besought Both artists- Gains borough and Pissari'o­ refuge from the Prussian advance on Paris. are highly regarded on either side of the Chan­ nel. But there are Gallic elements in Gains­ Top: Pissarro's 'La Place du Theatre borough which may intrigue the French pub· F ran~ais , Paris, 1898. Right: lic, just as Pissarro's paintings of London Gainsborough self-portrait, 1754. 20 EUROPE81

DILYS POWELL gives a personal assessment ofthe country and people who have now become the tenth members of the European Community

No country moves into the future with more independence. Only in Athens were things enthusiasm than Greece. The advance has been beginning to stir. But life was gentle and easy. sudden and swift. In the mid-1920s Greece still slept At its centre it was a ravishing city, set in its trio of in the shadow of time. Mter the Balkan wars and mountains and frequented by flower-sellers leading liberation from Turkish occupation, after the donkeys with brilliant loads of almond blossom, problems of the Great War and the shock of the Asia anemones and wild tulips. Perhaps it really was the Minor disaster, she had scarcely learned to assert her Paris of the Mediterranean ...

n fifty years Greece has transformed her­ had become easier and, with airplanes, faster. You may think that such virtues belong to self. Athens today is a busy modern city: Young people had more money, and a trip to the past, that Greekdelightin the modern will wide boulevards, fashionable hotels, Greece no longer seemed like an excursion to have erased the old traditions of simple Iseductive shops, dense traffic. And the Hindu Kush. Perhaps the war itself had friendship. But newcomers to Greece are still Athens, in the manner of modern capitals, something to do with the new popularity. astonished by the welcome they encounter. spreads. Suburbs creep out towards the foot­ Greece had fought and starved; there was a People might suppose that Greece is becom· hills of H ymettos, the coast is populous all the kind of antique heroism in Greek resistahce, ing a commercial country, and it is true that way to Sounion (where Byron scratched his first to Mussolini's Italy, then to Hitler's Ger­ districts once dark and distant now are bright name on the marble ofPoseidon's temple) and many. The world became sharply aware of with shops and booths-and can be reached by far beyond. In summer the beaches and their Greece. And the disaster - for few countries plane. ln the old days a coastal steamer arriv­ bathing establishments are crowded for miles underwent suffering as appalling - re­ ing at night at an Aegean island would be with Greeks as well as tourists. established the idea of Greek splendour. greeted by a porter or two, the shouts of No doubt the transformation was already But, more and more, it has been contact boatmen and the misty halo round the shore showing itself in the 1930s. The more adven­ with the people which has strengthened ties lamps. Today electric lights glitter above the turous foreigners were thinking of an un­ between Greece and the rest of the world. souvenir stalls. Business is brisk. But nobody familiar place for a holiday. People who earlier Hospitality to a Greek has a meaning far presses a sale; manne.rs are quiet; and it is not would have unhesitatingly gone to Italy for art beyond the polite formal gesture. Travellers unknown for the boss's wife in the restaurant galleries and museums and architecture were off the beaten track will know that the word where you have complained about being kept considering the possibility of temples and can imply opening the best bottle of wine in waiting to come over and sit with you and classical sites. But it was not until after the last the house for the stranger who arrives in the invite you to stay in her house. And she war that Greece became popular with sun­ village. Climb the bare slopes of Crete's means it. lovers and swimmers, walkers and campers, Mount Ida and shepherds, hungry for talk It is the persistence of perspnal warmth many of whom had only the remotest interest and news, will feast you on sheep's cheese and beside the bustle of the lOth century, it is the in the country's great past. Travel, ofcou rse, what else their frugal means afford. co-existence of past and present, which gives • 21 EUROPE81

Greece much of its special charm. The past is therein Athens. Desmond MacCarthy used to say that one of the beauties of the metropolis was that at the end ofevery street you saw the Parthenon. With new building, with the • eruption of tall blocks of flats that is no longer true; but the Acropolis is still there, and its museum, together with the National • Museum, has the noblest classical sculptures Coping with the 'new legal greatly enhanced. Within a purely national in the world. Outside Athens the mountains context, Parliament can and frequently does and the plains speak of history and myth­ order' in Europe legislate to reverse court decisions. One can ology. Here the Greeks defeated the Persians, point to several instances of this in connection there Herakles slew the Hydra; Pausanias with court decisions felt to threaten or weaken came this way; here Agamemnon drove up The Substantive Law ofthe EEC By Derrick trade union power. Within the context ofEEC from the sea to meet his death. Wyan and Alan Dashwood. Sweet & Max­ law, superior as it is to national law, the The memories are sometimes more recent. well, £13.00. rulings ofthe European Court cannot easily be Between Corinth and Mycenae there is the site over-ruled, although they may be, for a time at of a famous banle in Greece's War of Inde­ European Community Law in the United lease, defied. To over-rule the European pendence. And the monuments are not all Kingdom By Lawrence Collins. Buner­ Court by amending Community legislation is classical; the Crusaders were here, and the worth,£14.50. not at all easy, because of the cumbersome envoys of Constantinople. Mistra on its hill nature ofdecision-making in the Community. dreams of Byzantine glories. In some tiny European Commuaity Treaties Advisory As for amending the Treaty itself, this would chapel hidden in a Cretan valley you may find Editor K. R. Simmonds. Sweet & MaxweiJ, be a major political operation, to say the least. dark smokey frescoes, the emblems of devo­ £11.50 (hardback), £8.50 (paperback) Can we, then, regard the European Court as tion. There are the monasteries: the an embryonic supreme court of a United whitewashed severity of Patmos, the secrecy Human Rights and Europe By RaJph Bed­ States of Europe? The similarities are clear. ofNea Moni on Chios. Greece may hurry into dard. Sweet & Maxwell, £8.25. But there are also important differences. The the age of the factory and the mine - and she most important of these differences is that the has great natural resources-but she constant­ Is there a great divide between the United Court of justice of the EuroPean Communi­ ly draws spiritual strength from her past. Kingdom and the other member states of the ties is, for the most part, a court of reference­ It is easy to be deceived by the serenity of European Community? Legally speaking, at not a court of final resort. Many of its most the Hellenic landscape. Greece has been torn least, therearesomeimportantdifferences.ln important decisions, outside the field of com­ by wars and by earthquakes, but also by all the other member states the legal powers of petition policy, have been those referred to it politics. In the Second War there was lethal the government are defined in a wrinen docu­ by the national courts. An example of this is dissension among the guerrillas who fought ment, as are the legal powers of the European the De.fmme case, which established the against the Nazi occupation. The aftermath Community itself. Here in Britain there is no direct right of EEC citizens to equal pay for was a civil war of terrifying intensity, fought wrinen constitution. The British Parliament equal work referred to above. Interestingly, in Athens itself as well as in the mountains is supreme and not confined within any the national courts are not compelled by the which today watch with such aloofness the framework ofwritten rules. Treaty to refer points of EEC law to the labourers in fields and vineyards. But the For Mr Enoch Powell, Mr Tony Benn, and European Court, at least not until a case Greek spirit has survived; the warmth has almost certainly Mr Michael Foot, this com­ reaches the level in national terms from which always survived. At the time of the Cyprus pletely unfettered and supreme power ofPar­ there is no appeal. In practice, ofcourse, they troubles (it was before the Turkish invasion liament is one of the hallmarks of British are often willing to refer at a lower level. brought troubles of another sort to Cyprus) political genius. For others, it is a potential This leads us to a most important point the British were unpopular in Greece and threat to the liberty and rights of ordinary about the 'new legal order', as jurists like to especially in Crete, which is always sensitive people, particularly if Parliament is taken call it, created by the Treaties. This is that, to the situation of another island. (wrongly, in my view) as synonymous with primarily, EEC law is for the natiotull courts to Nevertheless, a solitary Englishwoman the House ofCommons. apply. The recent litigation over the so-called travelling in the Mount Ida country was re­ How, more particularly, has entry into the lamb war between Britain and France, for ceived with every kindness, sheltered and European Community modified the absolute instance, was adjudicated by the European cared for, and at a subsequent visit treated as if sovereignty of the British Parliament? Court on an initiative by the Commission. she were a member of the families she had Under Article 2 ofthe European Communi­ When the Court pronounced against France, earlier visited. Perhaps something in that ties Act 1972, rights arising from the Treaties, it seemed to most people to involve a hopeless­ landscape is partly responsible for the indi­ including secondary legislation, 'are without ly unequal confrontation between the French viduality of the Greek character. There is no further enactment to be given legal effect' in State and a rather obscure EEC institution landscape quite like it, no country where the the United Kingdom. What has followed with even less battalions than the Pope. crests of the mountains echo one another in from this is that British citizens can now rely A much more balanced impression of the such an elegance of line, where the ranges rise on the Treaties as a guarantee of certain per­ effectiveness of EEC law might have been -out of the sea with such an air ofinviolabi lity. sonal freedoms, such as the right to be allowed gained if the French importers of English And the constant presence of the sea has to leave the country in search of work else­ lamb had brought an action in the French shaped the lives of men; sea carves into the where in the Community. Other rights in­ courts. To take on their own national courts is mainland, sea breaks the islands into fantastic clude the right to import or export goods, and not something governments do lightly. And many-fingered forms. ln calm weather those arguably, to transfer money. Article 119 ofthe on the whole, the national courts in the mem­ islands seem not so much to float as to balance EEC Treaty has established the right, as be­ ber states have not been slow to enforce within above the surface. Then fury, sudden and tween men and women, to receive equal pay their own borders the Treaty and the legisla­ unpredictable. It takes courage to live so for equal work. tion made under the Treaty. This is the real closely with the sea. The Greeks have ac­ One effect of having a wrinen constitution, strength of Community law, and it is re­ quired suddenness of temper. But they have even in the limited sense implied by the EEC inforced by the equal readiness of national learned also the stability oftheir mountains. A Treaties, is that the role of the law courts is courts to accept the rulings of the European friend in Greece is a friend for life. e 22 EUROPE81

Coun on maners of EEC law, as called for by Article 177 of the EEC Treaty. One for the road Notwithstanding the views of some jurists to the contrary, it seems difficult not to con­ clude from any comprehensive study of the Treaties that EEC law is deeply entrenched in the legal systems ofall the member countries. It would seem to follow that the British courts are no longer directly subject solely to the national legislature. In practice, cenainly, both the making of law and its interpretation are increasingly becoming the work ofa more or less close partnership between national institutions and the institutions of the EEC. Enough has now been said I hope to show how very important is this whole subject of EEC law and its impact on the ordinary citizen. The books listed above make an admirable introduction, and discuss in depth the issues mentioned above. Lawrence Col­ lin's European Community Law in the United Free movement of labour within the EEC is to be made easier by the Kingdom has an excellent analysis ofthe direct introduction of a common European driving licence for private and applicability of Community law and of the goods vehicle drivers. By 1986 our familiar green licences, issued from relationship of the European Court to the Swansea, will be replaced, for newly-qualified drivers, by the new pink national courts. Wyatt and Dashwood's book European version. provides a useful summary of EEC law as a whole. Sweet & MuweU's Europum Com­ rmmity Treaties is an up-dated version ofa very successful compendium. Last but not least, he idea of a Euro-licence has been swap it for a British licence entitling him to Beddard's HIIIMn Rights and Europe con­ under review for five years, but Bri­ drive a 40-tonne vehicle without further test­ cerns a subject which is becoming increas­ tain has been pushing for various ing. The 'proof of experience' requirement ingly important in the field of European Com­ amendments to the Commission's which has been wri nen into the draft directive Tdraft directive. This is because the British removes this objection. munity law also. ROBERTSHEAF believe their own regulations, particularly Under the draft scheme, governments would still determine the minimum age at O Robert Sheaf, barrister, is Legal Informa­ those covering lorry drivers, are most condu­ which driving licences would be issued; so tion Officer at the Commission's London cive to road safety. office. Even now, following the June agreement, other EEC countries could reject the validity approval has been withheld until the Euro of British or Irish licences, for example, that licence has been debated by the British Parlia­ were issued to drivers under the ageof18. Power & Decision in Europe By Stanley ment. But there is more to the proposal than a Henig. Europotentials Press, £8.95 The plan is that from January 1, 1983, common licence to ease the flow of European The author, a former MP who is now head of anyone moving from one EEC country to live labour and traffic. The Commission's draft the School of Social Studies at Preston in another will be able to exchange his private directive also sets out the test requirements Polytechnic, examines the political institu­ driving licence for that of his new country of for EEC citizens, and that would mean tions of the European Community and con­ residence. At present, in the UK, he is re­ changes for UK drivers. To get the new cludes that, far·from amounting to a supra­ quired to take a new driving test. This would licence a driver would have to pass a theor­ national or federalist organisation, they leave no longer be necessary. In the three years etical as well as a practical test and satisfy basic decision-making powers in the hands of following January 1, 1983, a common for­ certain minimum standards of physical and member states through the Council. 'The mat Community driving licence will be intro­ mental fitness. main future change is likely~ be a bigger role duced for newly-qualified drivers, printed in The British Government, however, is in no for the European Parliament.' the language or languages of the country hurry to harmonise the driving licence which issued the licence. arrangements. Though it has agreed to licences eventually being issued under a com­ European C.Operation Today Edited by Those countries which insist on special mon format, it regards the Brussels directive Kennethj. Twitchen. Europa,£12.95 tests for heavy goods vehicle drivers - princi­ as a short-term measure which would have An up-to-date commentary on all the princip­ pally the UK-would,after January 1st, 1983, 'very little impact on our lives, apart from al European organizations, from the Euro­ issue licences without testing to EEC immi­ cutting down red tape for the ordinary motor­ pean Communities to the Warsaw Pact, dealt grants who could produce proof ofexperience ist who changes his or her country of resi­ with by specialiast contributions, and with a ofdriving such ve.hicles. dence,' as the Transport Minister, Norman bibliography on European regional institu­ It is the new heavy goods vehicles regula­ Fowler, put it recently. tions. tions that have caused most concern for Bri­ tain. ln the UK we divide drivers into 25 He said in the Commons: 'I think the sys­ categories and carry out stringent tests to tem we have developed in this country is right The Faces of Europe Edited by Alan Bul­ ensure that they are qualified to drive vehicles for us and useful for road safety standards.' lock. Phaidon Press, £16.00 of particular types and sizes. The new licence He added that members of the Community A handsome tribute to the cultural entity of would have only five categories. were not yet ready for the more ambitious Europe, from politics to fine art, produced to British objection to the Euro-licence licence which the European Commission en­ the highest standards of one of Europe's most scheme in the past has been that an EEC visages. That may come, eventually, said Mr distinguished publishers. immigrant who qualified for his heavy goods Fowler, 'but only on the basis of a general vehicle licence on a 7'12-tonne vehicle could raising of testing and licencing standards.' 23 '-~ ------

EUROPE81

Members of the new Commission assemble at Gaischel, throughout Europe is reflected in used to exploit new reserves and to Luxembourg. Front row, left to right: Kari-Heinz Narjes the fact that 39 per cent of the 1980 extend the surface plant at Longan­ Germany); Frons Andriessen (Netherlands); Etienne Davignon Social Fund grants went to under- net, a series of mines which serve a Belgium); Christopher Tugendhat (Great Britain), 25s. major coal-fired power station. Ortoli (France); Gaston Thorn (President); The work will extend the life of ~ ran~ois-Xovier £20 million EEC loan the pits and reduce the cost of pro­ Georges Kontogeorgis (Greece); Cloude Cheysson (France); duction by £1 per tonne, meaning a Lorenzo Natali (Italy). Second row,leftto right: the late The state-owned British Nuclear saving of £2.5m a year at present Finn Gundelach (Denmark); Wilhelm. Haf.er~~mp (Germany); Fuels is to receive a £20 million prices. Michael O'Kennedy (Ireland); Antonro Grolrlfr (Italy); Common Market loan to help lvor Richard (Great Britain). finance major works at Capenburst, Cash for Freightliner Cheshire. M me Veil hits at the Community becomes more unified.' The money will go towards the The EEC Regional Development pessimists Mme Veil added: 'We have cost of the company's share in the Fund has awarded Freightliner, the reason to hope, therefore, that the Urenco Gas centrifuge uranium en­ world's largest overland container Madame Simone Veil, president of Nine, and now the Ten, will join richment plant which is being built carrier, a total of £1.2 million for the European Parliament, said on together to build a stronger Com­ in co-operation with German and three improvement projects in Scot­ her recent visit to London that she munity. When I say "together" I Dutch mterests. The European In­ land, including on eat theirterminal was convinced the European Com­ mean with the United Kingdom in vestment Bank has already loaned in Edinburgh. munity's foundations would be particular.' £10 million for the project. undermined if Britain left the Com­ mon Market. Finn Olav Gundelach Speaking at a dinner given by Mr. Finn Olav Gundelach, the Lord Hailsham, the Lord Chancel­ Danish Vice-President of the lor, Mme Veil said that, in the pre­ COMMUNITY BRIEFS European Commission re· sent climate of uncertainty, citizens sponsible for agriculture and of the European countries were Social fund grants EEC backs Scottish fisheries, died suddenly after a right to expect the Community to heart attack in Strasbourg on 13 help them by joint action. Young people are the major be· coal January, while anending a ses­ However, she added, because of neficiaries of the latest Social Fund sion of the European Parlia­ domestic problems, each of the grants made to the UK. The second The National Coal Board is to bor­ ment. Mr. Gundelach, aged 55, partners had little room for man­ allocation of the 1980 Fund, row £48 million from the European had been a member of the Euro­ oeuvre in Community negotiations. announced by the European Com­ Coal and Steel Community to pean Commission since 1973 It was nor easy £O find compromises mission, gave £71.87 million to Bri­ finance development work at the and in charge of agriculture for without which common solutions tain, of which £37m was earmarked Longannet colliery complex in the last four years. could be achieved. Mme Veil con­ to be used for the benefit of the Scotland and purchase of under­ Paying tribute to Finn Gun­ tinued: youn$. The fund was set up to assist ground plant and equipment. delach, British agriculture 'These difficulties, of which we vocauonal training, re-training and The loan, on low-interest terms, minister Peter Walker said: are all aware, undoubtedly explain re-setdement schemes in EEC coun­ is the first to be agreed by the Com­ 'No man dedicated his life the picture ofdisillusionment which tries, particularly for school-leavers munity under an arrangement more to the European Commun­ the pessimists are only too ready to and the unemployed. to stimulate the mining industry, ity. He had the toughest and put forward, namely of a Commun­ The UK grant also included re­ which is seen by the Commission as most arduous of jobs which in­ Ity paralysed, incapable of ~ional aid (£24m); help for the hand· having a growing role to play in volved an unbelievable burden shouldering its responsibilities and 1capped (£8m) and migrants meeting Europe's energy needs. of travel, study, paperwork and hence depicted as the scapegoat for (£1.2m); and a grant for those in­ Christopher Tugendhat, EEC negotiation. A burden that national problems. volved in the textile industry Commissioner for Budget and Fi­ probably cost him hls life. 'It is essential that in future, prog­ (£38,000). £7.6m had already been nance, who announced the loan, 'He was a person of consider­ ress on political co-operation should given to the youth opportunities said in Edinburgh that, bytheendof able personal charm and kind­ go hand-in-hand with progress on programme in Wales for 1980, in the century, coal production in the ness and a man with a genuine the Community's domestic front. recognition of Wales's 'exceptional Community would have to rise by 25 vision for the future of Europe. The gradual co-ordination of the ex­ problems'. per cent if energy targets are to be He will be difficultto replace and ternal policies of the member States Since Britain joined the European achieved. will be greatly missed by those of clearly presupposes that there exists Community, over £537m in grants The UK now produces half the us who have worked with him between the latter a convergence of has been given to the UK from this Community's coal. over the past years. ' interests which will grow as the fund. Concern about young people Of the loan, £22 million will be

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