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The challenge of EU enlargement

This text explores the challenges posed by the EU enlargement to Central and Eastern European states in 2004 and 2007. It discusses the process of joining, public opinion, national and European identities, and the future implications. The focus is on immigration, security policies, institutional reform, and the debate around the proposed EU Constitution. Key questions for discussion include the need for a Europe a la carte, deepening policies before widening membership, and the role of the Constitution in institutional modernization.

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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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