Integration In An Expanding European Union

The European Union is on the brink of fundamental change. Just as the EU is about to enlarge radically, the Convention on the Future of Europe may transform it into a political entity governed by a constitution. This timely volume brings together a world-class group of scholars and practitioners to examine the fundamentals of integration in an expanding EU. A timely examination of fundamental questions about the future of Europe. Written by a top-class group of contributors. Combines contributions from theorists and practitioners. Spans all the principal disciplines with an interest in the EU.

This book explores one of the central challenges facing the EU today – how to reconcile enlargement with the pursuit of a stronger and more effective European Union. While the relationship between widening and deepening has been recognized for years as one of the big questions in the field of European integration, existing theoretical and empirical analyses of this relationship suffer from a variety of shortcomings. This book brings together a group of EU scholars who significantly advance our understanding of the relationship between widening and deepening. The contributors challenge a variety of ‘common wisdoms’ concerning the relationship between widening and deepening and offer nuanced theoretical and empirical analysis of the relationship between these two vital dimensions of European integration. Collectively, the contributors to this volume offer the most comprehensive picture available to date of the multi-faceted relationship between widening and deepening. This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of European Public Policy.

This compelling volume, from the Centre for Economic Policy Research, examines the discussion surrounding expansion of the European Union (EU). The contributors address the key issues in the debate, including the implications of expansion for the global trading system, enlargement-related pressures to reform EU decision-making, and the economic consequences of membership for entrants. Using theoretical techniques to report results and insights, this book not only sheds light on the consequences of Austria, Finland and Sweden joining the EU, but also discusses and evaluates the possible membership of Central European ex-socialist countries. This is an important book for students and scholars interested in regional integration, and also for policy-makers in the new EU member countries and in applicant countries.

The effects of the Eastern enlargement, the biggest so far, are still felt across the European Union (EU). Many warned the EU was about to overreach the limits of its integration capacity. More than a decade later, this book presents a broad-based and systematic evaluation of the 2004–2007’s enlargement and its impact on the EU. In contrast to widespread scepticism, our results show that the EU’s integration capacity has been strong. Credible accession conditionality and pre-accession assistance have had a positive impact on democracy, governance capacity, and economic transformation, at least before accession. After accession, EU institutions have proven resilient. Eastern enlargement has not affected negatively the legislative capacity of the EU. It has not led to a deterioration of compliance and implementation of EU law either; initial differentiated integration has quickly returned to normal levels. This generally positive assessment stands in stark contrast with increasing public opposition to future EU enlargements. We identify some less known sources of such opposition: the lack of communication and political debate about enlargement between EU leaders and their citizens. Public opposition undermines the credibility of EU conditionality, which is crucial for having a positive impact on neighbouring countries in the future. The chapters in this book originally appeared in a special issue in the Journal of European Public Policy.

Laura Cram takes a fresh view at attempts to conceptualize the process of European integration. Her book explores the impact of the day to day work of policy maker, interest groups and bureaucrats in influencing the environment in which European Treaty formulation and ratification are taken. She sheds new light on the wide range of policy areas in which institutions such as the Commission of the European Union and the European Court of Justice have succeded in expanding the scope of EU competence despite national government opposition.

The second edition of Recreating Europe analyses the progressive integration of central and eastern Europe with the expanding European Union. The European Union will be deeply affected politically, economically and in its institutions by the first enlargement to the region in 2004: similarly the new member states are undergoing a profound transformation in preparation for membership. The Union is also strongly influencing the 'wider Europe' notably in the western Balkans and in eastern Europe and some of these countries aim to join the Union in the coming decade. The book has been completely revised and updated to take account of the changes which accompany the first enlargement of the Union to this region. In addition, new chapters have been added on relations with the western Balkans and with the western CIS countries as well as on the significance of enlargement and the 'wider Europe' for the debate about the 'future of Europe'.

Despite all efforts to create a political union capable of improving European citizens’ quality of life, there are several barriers to the European Union’s (EU) expansion to the Balkan Region. The EU enlargement and expansion to the Balkan Region is one of the Union’s greatest challenges and political objectives in recent years. In the turmoil of economic, social, and sanitarian crises, where is the space to debate the enlargement of the EU? Challenges and Barriers to the European Union Expansion to the Balkan Region presents the EU’s structure, the process of enlargement, and the challenges related to the Balkan region. This book addresses critical issues and challenges in the EU and the emerging trends for the EU’s future. Covering topics such as enlargement policy, integration, NATO, and political challenges, this book is a valuable resource for post-grad students of political science and international affairs, faculty of higher education, researchers, academicians, politicians, world leaders, and policymakers.

The second edition of Recreating Europe analyses the progressive integration of central and eastern Europe with the expanding European Union. The European Union will be deeply affected politically, economically and in its institutions by the first enlargement to the region in 2004: similarly the new member states are undergoing a profound transformation in preparation for membership. The Union is also strongly influencing the 'wider Europe' notably in the western Balkans and in eastern Europe and some of these countries aim to join the Union in the coming decade. The book has been completely revised and updated to take account of the changes which accompany the first enlargement of the Union to this region. In addition, new chapters have been added on relations with the western Balkans and with the western CIS countries as well as on the significance of enlargement and the 'wider Europe' for the debate about the 'future of Europe'.

The Economics and Politics of European Integration offers a comprehensive history of European integration, from the conceptualization of a United States of Europe, to the present day. The special role of the United States in this process of integration, and the expansion and evolution of the European Union, is critically analyzed. The book also thoroughly discusses the current view of the EU and the complex crises emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. While the book focuses primarily on Europe, the role of other countries is also examined. The rise of hostile enemies from Turkey, Russia, the US and China is explored, and the history and outcome of Brexit also receives unique focus. Maps are used throughout to clearly depict the enlargement process. This illuminating text will be valuable reading for students and researchers across international economics, economic history, political economy and European studies.

This work explores the interrelationship between democracy and regional integration. Although centred in Europe, the volume shifts terms of discussion on integration and democracy by including case studies outside of Europe. It also analyzes the European Union's democratic deficit, the impact of regional integration of national democracy, and the dynamic interactions between democracy and integration elsewhere in the world.