post cold war enlargements Flashcards
1995
austria
swedan
finland
2004
Czechia, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia
2007
bulgaria
romania
2013
croatia
Eligibility to join
Article O of TEU treaty of the european union - ‘Any European State with a system of government
founded on the principle of democracy may apply to join the Union’
article 49 of the teu - ‘copenhagen criteria 1993’ - which is -
- Stability of democratic institutions
- Guarantees of rule of law, respect for human rights, protection of minorities
- Must have a functioning market economy
- Ability to assume obligations of membership
how does enlargement effect the EU
New external borders and neighbours
change institutional structure
- european parliament
- council
- ECJ - european court of justice
Change policy agenda:
Reform existing, policies; add new ones
implications of past enlargements
Positive
- Consolidated Democracy
- Protected Peace and Enhanced Prosperity
- Boosted EU Prestige and Bargaining
Position
- Expanded EU Competence and Forced Reform
negative
- Increased Heterogeneity - Diversity
- Institutional Pressure
- Budgetary Implications
- Country-specific Issues
- Implementation Problems
summary
This enlargement process, driven by the desire for stability and prosperity, transformed the EU into a larger, more diverse union. EU expansion brought economic benefits through increased trade and investment, but also political challenges. While enlargement reunited Europe and fostered development in new member states, it also raised concerns about decision-making efficiency and cultural integration within the expanded bloc.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) also expanded during this period, with many Central and Eastern European countries joining both organizations
Each stage of enlargement required extensive negotiations and reforms in candidate countries to meet EU standards
Accession process involved screening, opening and closing of negotiation chapters, and ratification by all existing member states
Pre-accession assistance programs (PHARE, ISPA, SAPARD) provided financial and technical support to help candidate countries prepare for membership
economic impacts
created a larger single market, increasing trade and investment opportunities for both new and existing member states
Free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the EU boosted economic integration and growth
Foreign direct investment (FDI) increased in Central and Eastern European countries as they became more attractive destinations due to EU membership and improved business environments
Economic reforms and privatization in candidate countries helped modernize their economies and increase competitiveness
Some existing member states, particularly in Western Europe, experienced increased labor competition and migration from new member states
Enlargement contributed to the overall growth and resilience of the European economy, but also exposed it to new challenges and disparities
political challenges
Concerns about the EU’s decision-making efficiency and institutional capacity with a larger number of member states
Fears of loss of national sovereignty and identity among some populations in both new and existing member states
Rise of Euroscepticism and populist movements in some countries, challenging the EU’s legitimacy and integration efforts
Difficulties in reaching consensus on key policy issues due to the increased diversity of interests and priorities among member states
Concerns about corruption, rule of law, and democratic backsliding in some new member states (Hungary, Poland)
Balancing the interests of new and old member states in EU budget allocations and policy priorities
Adapting EU institutions and decision-making processes to accommodate a larger and more diverse membership
Ensuring effective implementation and enforcement of EU laws and regulations across all member states
social and cultural changes
Increased cultural diversity within the EU as a result of enlargement, with a wider range of languages, traditions, and histories represented
Free movement of people led to increased mobility, with citizens from new member states seeking employment and educational opportunities in other EU countries
Brain drain concerns in some new member states as skilled workers and professionals moved to higher-wage countries
Social tensions and discrimination issues in some host countries, particularly regarding the integration of Roma communities from new member states
poland
Poland’s successful integration into the EU, benefiting from economic growth, infrastructure investments, and increased political influence within the bloc
Poland became the largest beneficiary of EU Structural and Cohesion Funds, supporting its modernization and development
Polish workers contributed to the economies of other EU member states, particularly the UK and Germany
Hungary
Hungary’s democratic backsliding and conflicts with the EU over rule of law and fundamental rights
Hungarian government under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán implemented controversial reforms that challenged EU values and principles
EU launched Article 7 proceedings against Hungary for breaching the rule of law, highlighting the challenges of ensuring democratic standards in all member states
estonia
Estonia’s successful digital transformation and adoption of e-governance, becoming a model for other EU countries
Estonia’s advanced digital infrastructure and e-services improved public administration efficiency and transparency
Estonian experience showcased the potential for technology-driven modernization and innovation within the EU
EU perspective on central and eastern european countries CEECs
Moral obligation to assist
Border security and immigration pressure
Potential insecurity ‘spillover’
Consolidate democracy
Economic opportunities
CEEC PERSPECTIVES ON EU
MEMBERSHIP
Security
Principal source of economic and
technical assistance
Help legitimise and consolidate
nascent democratic systems
Enhance international influence
Economic opportunities
problems with CEECs
Importing insecurity?
New discriminatory frontiers
Budget increases?
Disagreement re. revising existing
redistributions
Limit to CEEC willingness to fall into line (Poland and EU constitution)
SIXTH and SEVENTH
ENLARGEMENT
OF EU, 2007; 2013
‘South-Eastern Enlargement’
EU External Border now reached Black Sea
Weak administrative capacities
Policy problems considerable:
Competition, state aids, judicial reform, corruption,
crime, management of EU funds
2013 – Croatia. First of the SAP countries (Stabalisation and association process)
