El MERCOSUR en la segunda década del siglo XXI: bases y alcances del regionalismo estratégico
The aim of this article is to outline the basis on which to build the MERCOSUR regional process in the present. The theme is central to the process of integration because current databases are based on a modification of thematic priorities and a questioning of the previous model of the nineties. For the analysis of the current basis MERCOSUR part of a brief presentation of the process in the nineties. It includes analysis of the transition that takes place in the XXI century, the details of which are defined by purposeful agreements initialled Lula and Kirchner. The new governments, questioning the neoliberal model of the nineties, there were consequences for the regional bloc, which is expressed in the 2004-2006 Work Program. The implementation of this program decisions that were made possible by designing a different, more politicized MERCOSUR and other priorities on the agenda. The analysis of the political and institutional axis of the shaft relative to external relations enables operation and display the orientation of the block. It is from this analysis that the present basis arise as differential elements in relation to MERCOSUR past century. It also advances the scope of the regional process which includes political, economic, social, cultural and civic dimension.
Los desafíos de la política sudamericana de Brasil
En los 90, el enfasis de la politica exterior de Brasil estuvo puesto en los aspectos economicos de la integracion, en particular el Mercosur. Esto respondio a una estrategia de insercion sudamericana que en buena medida funciono como reaccion al ALCA, y que se ha reforzado durante el gobierno de Lula. En los ultimos anos, Brasil se ha mostrado dispuesto a asumir nuevas responsabilidades en situaciones de riesgo institucional en la region, como ocurrio en Venezuela, Bolivia y Ecuador, al tiempo que profundizaba la interaccion economica con sus vecinos a traves de inversiones de bancos y empresas publicas.
Analysis: The Agenda 2007 Proposals: Evolution or Revolution?
On 10 February 2004 the Commission published its proposal for the financial perspective 2007-2013. A week later it adopted the third report on economic and social cohesion. These two documents form the basis of the so-called ‘Agenda 2007 reforms’. They will be the greatest challenge for the enlarged EU after the intergovernmental conference, since they will determine the financial basis for EU policy-making until the middle of the next decade. The Agenda 2007 proposals certainly hint at courageous reforms, because they place a previously unheard-of emphasis on performance and quality. Under the proposals, structural operations should generate value for money, and the funds should focus on projects which generate added value at a European level. Overall the Commission’s proposals point in the right direction, because they balance, on the one hand, solidarity for the new Member States and weak regions in the old Member States with, on the other hand, investments in future tasks. Moreover, they constitute a paradigm shift. For the first time, the Common Agricultural Policy will not be the dominant expenditure category. Now it is up to the Member States to examine the proposals politically and find a compromise between sometimes very divergent interests. It is to be hoped that, during the debate over expenditure limits and division of funds, national interests do not outweigh European interests.