A study of the reasons lying behind the European Union enlargement process

Abstract

This Master's Essay studies some of the recent developments and changes taking place within the European Union concerning the enlargement process. Together with the introduction of a common currency and common defense policy the enlargement to include Eastern and Central European states is a decisive step toward completion of a process of peaceful and voluntary integration of free nations. The major emphasis in this study is on the post-Copenhagen period developments. Specifically, the level of adjustment of applicant states to the accession criteria, on the one hand, and the willingness of Member States to make concessions to speed the integration, on the other are addressed. It also studies the structural reforms adopted at the Nice Summit to meet enlargement requirements and how they could endanger the role of small Member States within EU. The Irish referendum and its impact on the whole course of enlargement process are also analyzed. Turkey's long and complicated application process to EU is another topic examined in the Essay. Overall, the European Union is robustly moving toward complete integration of Western, Eastern and Central European states. However, the enlargement process has come across very serious problems, which, if not resolved, could result in a Union among unequals and thus destabilize it from within. At the same time, the enlargement of the EU is both political and economic necessity for the whole Europe. For the candidate countries, the EU membership is a means for reinforcing their security and the process of modernization. For the current members of the Union, the benefits of the long-term establishment of Western political and economic principles in their immediate neighborhood will create a zone of stability around them. On the whole, the enlargement will bring new opportunities in addressing the economic and political challenges facing Europe and will help to find positive solutions to issues vital to Pan-European security.