1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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