The European Union and globalisation. Towards global democratic governance

Book abstract:

This book addresses the role that the EU has taken in calling for negotiations in the WTO to deal with issues of globalisation. Analysis is provided of the policy issues that require new rules in the WTO as a result of globalisation. The book recommends reforms that would increase parliamentary control of globalisation in the WTO and provides a model for their implementation.

The book comprises seven chapters. An introductory chapter, 'Globalisation - Concepts, Measurements and Actors', is followed by a chapter analysing the relationship between trade and finance and the role of the WTO in further liberalisation of financial services. Chapter 3 examines trade and investment and why the EU is in favour of a multilateral agreement on investment in the EU. Chapter 4 examines the need for global competition rules followed by a chapter on how environmental standards can be integrated into the WTO. Chapter 6 looks at the problems of labour standards and international trade with a final chapter that look at the future for the WTO in the context of its role in tackling globalisation.

The book would be suitable for academics and students of European studies, international relations, politics and business. Brigid Gavin was Lecturer in Economics of European Integration in the Europa Institute at the University of Basel and is now EU Policy Advisor to Greenpeace.