Europe – Towards the next enlargement

Book abstract:

This book is the third volume in the series International Handbooks on Economic Integration published by Kluwer Academic Publishers. Its focuses on the EU's next enlargement and the cost and benefits of enlargement to the present and future EU Member States.

The book begins with an extensive introduction which emphasises the historic nature of the next enlargement. The book is then divided into five chapters which cover major areas which, according to the editor, will have the most influence on the present and future EU Member States.

Chapter one discusses economic and monetary union which represents possibly the most difficult criteria for the candidate countries to fulfil. This chapter includes an analysis of why the European Community agreed to embark upon such a union and an assessment of the future role of the Euro and its implications for the EU.

Chapter two analyses the opinions of the European Commission on the readiness of the candidate countries based on the Agenda 2000 document, published in 1997 and also the fundamental criteria for accession agreed on by the European Council in Copenhagen in 1993.

Regional policy is the focus of chapter three with an analysis of the regional disparities and problems in the European Union as well as an assessment of the national regional policies in the EU. This chapter also focuses on the ongoing transformation process and regional development in the Central and Eastern European countries and the different regional disparities which will result from the next enlargement.

Chapter four examines the far-reaching consequences on the candidate countries of the Single European Market and industrial policy with the focus on 'openness' in foreign trade, specialisation in intra-Community trade, foreign direct investment, mergers and acquisitions, concentration, firm size and conditions of competition on European markets.

The advantages of a further integration of capital markets in Europe following the creation of the euro are raised in chapter five. The five 'imperatives' for action as laid down by the European Commission are examined with the conclusion that the full implementation of these imperatives would enhance the so-called 'Economic Value Added' and allow for optimum wealth creation in Europe.

This book will be useful for students of European Studies seeking an overview of the implications of enlargement on the EU and the candidate countries.

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