The making of EU foreign policy. The case of Eastern Europe, 2nd ed.

Abstract:

The ambition to support the economic and political transformation of Eastern Europe has been the central plank of EU foreign policy towards six countries of Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia). This book examines the process of foreign policy making within the EU.

Chapter one presents the background and theoretical framework to the book. Chapter two offers a review of relations between the European Community and Eastern Europe through 1988. The following five chapters cover the period since 1988 and are divided according to the different policy instruments used by the EU to support the East European reforms and ensure security in the region. Chapter three looks at the 1988-89 period and the trade and cooperation agreements negotiated with the fastest reforming states in the region. Chapter four explores the measures employed by the Community to extend financial support to the reforms. The further strengthening of relations between the Community and the Eastern European countries are covered in chapter five.

Integration and enlargement debates are examined in chapter six, while measures to restrain conflicts in Eastern Europe are considered in chapter seven. Chapter eight is by way of conclusion and examines the reasons why the Community agreed on a common foreign policy towards Eastern Europe, this being the most wide-ranging EU foreign policy to date which has set several important precedents. Chapter nine, new to this edition, explores the foreign policy implications arising from further enlargement.

The work will interest scholars, students, policy researchers and policy makers engaged in European Union studies and enlargement issues.

Karen E. Smith is a senior lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science.