European Union enlargement

Abstract:

Many previous works on this subject have addressed the issue from the perspective of the candidate/accession countries. This book looks at the challenges and opportunities presented to the EU by the 10+2 enlargement round.

The work is organised over nineteen chapters which fall into three broad groups. Chapters one to five examine the contextual and historical background. The opening chapter examines why the EU has been willing to enlarge, emphasising the opportunities that enlargement offers, and goes on to explore the challenges to the EU posed by such enlargement. Chapter two reviews the three enlargement rounds prior to 10+2, showing how and why EC-6 moved to EU-15 and considering the impact of that process on the EC/EU. Chapter three explores the unfolding of the 10+2 round, identifying its key distinguishing features, and the three groups of applicant states: the CEECs; the Mediterranean states of Cyprus and Malta; and Turkey (whilst not being part of the round its presence has overshadowed the round through the Cyprus connection). Chapter four examines the distinctive and recurring features of enlargement rounds, while the benefits brought to the EU by the new Member States are the focus of chapter five.

The second broad group, consisting of chapters 6-17, considers the impact of the round on key social, political, economic and external dimensions and features of the EU. The opening chapter poses questions about the future identity of the EU following enlargement. Chapter seven follows with a look at the citizenry and explores such issues as legitimacy and democracy post enlargement. Chapter eight examines the institutional and governance changes that enlargement brings and highlights some of the accompanying governance challenges. Chapter nine addresses the issues arising from intergovernmental politics - what will be the major political cleavages and how will they impact upon decision making in the EU? The key economic dimensions of EU enlargement are considered in chapter ten. Chapter eleven examines the challenges and promises that the workings of the EU’s internal market offer to the new countries. Chapter twelve looks at the influence of enlargement on the budgetary process and financial frameworks of the EU, and asks how funding can be applied to effectively manage the impact of the additional members. Chapter thirteen deals with key aspects of EMU and how they relate to enlargement. Chapter fourteen looks at the impact of enlargement on the third pillar of the European Union - Justice and Home Affairs (JHA). Trade policy and the effects of enlargement on both internal and external commerce are the focus of chapter fifteen. Chapter sixteen examines the role of the EU as an international political player and considers the probable impact of enlargement by the 10+2 round as well as that of earlier enlargements. The future of EU development cooperation policy and practice post enlargement are considered in chapter seventeen.

Finally, chapters eighteen and nineteen present an overview. Chapter eighteen offers analysis of integration theory and its usefulness in helping to explain the enlargement process. Chapter nineteen considers the overall implications of the10+2 round for the EU.

The book will interest scholars, students, researchers and policy makers engaged in European Union studies, International Relations and European enlargement.

Neill Nugent is Professor of Politics and Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration at Manchester Metropolitan University.