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The challenge of EU enlargement

The challenge of EU enlargement. 2004 and 2007 Enlargement to Central and East European states. The process of joining. 1999: Helsinki Council agreed to open negotiations. “Differentiation approach” – each application to be considered on its merits

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The challenge of EU enlargement

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  1. The challenge of EU enlargement 2004 and 2007 Enlargement to Central and East European states

  2. The process of joining • 1999: Helsinki Council agreed to open negotiations. “Differentiation approach” – each application to be considered on its merits • 2000: Nice Summit sets target of 2004 for first new members to join. Coincides with European elections. • 2002: 10 applicants set to complete negotiations. Copenhagen Council agrees to their admission

  3. 2003: Referendums in applicant states to approve entry • Malta March 8th: 53% • Slovenia March 23: 90% • Hungary April 12: 84% • Lithuania May 10-11: 91% • Slovakia May 16-17: 92% • Poland June 8: 77% • Czech Rep June 15-16: 77% • Estonia Sept 14: 66.8% • Latvia Sept 20: 67% • Cyprus: A special case

  4. ECE Public Opinion and the EU • Elite opinion: strong consensus in favour, main exception right-wing nationalist groups. Sought to bargain hard for national interest • Popular opinion: More uncertain but generally mirrors the range of attitudes in EU 15. Concern amongst potential losers, e.g. Polish farmers

  5. National and European identities % seeing Czech Rep Hungary Poland Slovakia UK EU15 Themselves As Nationality Only 37 39 32 25 64 40 Nationality & European 39 53 60 49 24 44 Mainly European 11 6 6 19 7 12

  6. Public Opinion Country Positive view of EU For joining: % YES % 1990 % 1996 1996 1999 2003 Czech R 49 33 43 64 55 Hungary 51 33 47 56 58 Poland 46 58 70 64 62

  7. What challenges does enlargement pose? • Quantity & quality 8 + 2 poor, weak & agricultural compare with Mediterranean expansion 1980s Raises question of ‘widening vs. deepening’ 2 speed Europe?

  8. Immigration & security policy Fears of mass migration Increase issues of trafficking? Pressure to manage these policies from the centre

  9. Institutions built for 6 Requires reform & modernisation ↓ The proposed constitution UK committed to a referndum

  10. The future: questions for discussion • Does the future success of European integration require a Europe a la carte? • Should the EU deepen it’s policy (e.g. develop a single defence policy) before widening membership further? • Is the proposed Constitution necessary institutional modernisation or the precursor to a super state?

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