United Nations University Comparative Regional Integration Studies Research Institute for Asian Integration Introducing European Experiences Dr. Brigid Gavin United Nations University Comparative Regional Integration Studies United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 06/12/2018
Outline Role of research in policy making The European ‘model’ Relevant EU experiences for Asia FTAs vs. Customs Unions The European Internal Market Regional policy: equitable development Governance and institutions United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 06/12/2018
Role of Academic Research Academic research: scientific rigour Policy makers needs: the right information in the right form at the right time How research helps policy making United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 06/12/2018
European experiences Robert Schuman: no single plan EU built on concrete achievements EU was constructed by action No model, or theory to follow EU provides ‘living laboratory’ Not a ‘model’ for imitation A model to stimulate new thinking United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 06/12/2018
FTAs and Customs Unions Europe chose CU from the start ‘Political’ interpretation Economic research- no difference New research in 1990s CUs superior for economic welfare Result from EU living laboratory Implications for Asia? United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 06/12/2018
The EU Internal Market EU internal market: deep integration Asia moves to deep integration now Deep integration: non-tariff barriers Example: Standards Conflict of national standards EU & Asia at same starting point United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 06/12/2018
Regional Policy- Equity East Asia: large economic disparities Challenge: equitable development Regional integration and equity? EU evidenced at end of 1980s Regional policy now central in EU Lesson: operates as ‘partnership’ United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 06/12/2018
Institutions in Europe Paradigm change after War From rule of force to rule of law History/culture influence institutions Current change in Europe and Asia? ‘Formal’ and ‘informal’ institutions Convergence in practice? United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 06/12/2018
Conclusions EU: 50 years of experience Each region has ‘specific’ factors But many similarities too United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 06/12/2018