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List of contents for the analysis model
Origins and contents of the model
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From where does the model come? |
Careful scrutiny of preceding EU enlargements and the processes involved has shown that there are five factors that have always played a important role and that the course and outcome of these factors have been a huge influence on the whole process. We want to use this knowledge to create a small model designed to help us to understand the enlargement process better. |
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Contractual basis |
One of the first determining factors is the contractual basis, that is, the internal EU rules that are used to determine how the enlargement process should proceed in detail. When it comes to making an enlargement decision, for example, it is is important to remember that it makes a large difference whether unanimity has to be reached or whether a majority of votes will suffice and whose agreement is needed.
We have provided more details about the contractual basis at the end of this section. But let us first take a look at the other factors so that we can line up all the components of the model next to each other. |
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Tension caused by enlargement vs. deepening. |
Although the contracts have always contained rules on enlargement, it would be quite wrong to get the impression that the EEC, EC and now the EU and their member states have always been working tirelessly and continually towards expanding its membership numbers. The reason for this is clearly to be found in concerns held by the existing members that expanding the membership would lead to more heterogeneity and make cooperation considerably more difficult. Indeed, it is for this very reason that discussions about new applications have always been set against the question as to how far enlargement would have a negative effect on progress toward further integration. This tension between enlargement on one side and closer cooperation (deepening) on the other forms the second determining factor for our model.
Having said this, however, previous European expansions make it very clear indeed that decisions on whether to admit new members have never been solely based on objective considerations between enlargement on the one side and deepening of the integration process on the other. No, the position adopted by existing members has always been dependent on three other core aspects or issues:
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Particular sectorial interests |
The first of these factors is the special interests held by member states in individual areas, such as real fears that certain areas of a national economy could be placed at a competitive disadvantage because of more competitive products coming from new member states. Agriculture is a good case in point when thinking back to the resistance demonstrated by France against enlargement to the south.
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National
Interests |
"National interests" are another factor, that is, that enlargement can limit the possibilities of individual member states to influence the decision-making process. An example of this reflected in the issue of how voting should be weighted in the Council, which is a reoccurring subject throughout the Basic Courses.
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Decision-making
ability of the EU
system |
The last factor is fears held by member states and all other players such as the Commission and the European Parliament as to what degree enlargement might impact on the ability of the EU system to make decisions. |
Determining factors of the enlargement process
This is how a graphic overview of the analysis model looks taking into account the factors we have mentioned.
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The contractual basis
Before the model is ready to be applied to phase 1, the period of time between the UK's first membership application in 1961 and the so-called EFTA enlargement taking in Finland, Austria and Sweden in 1995, we still need to summarize the contractual rules that apply to enlargement.
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Treaty of Rome: Preamble and article 237 |
The Treaty of Rome mentions enlargement in a number of places. In the preamble there is wording to the effect that a real desire needs to be established as the basis for ever closer cooperation between the people of Europe. It also calls upon the other peoples of Europe who share their ideal to join in the efforts outlined in the preamble.
In addition to this, Article 237 is a special article aimed at governing the admission of new members. According to this article, any European state can apply for membership. Applications have to be made to the Council, which, after it has consulted the Commission, makes its decision based on a unanimous vote. The terms of admission are governed by an agreement between the member states and the nation making the application. This agreement is subject to ratification by all member states in accordance with their constitutions.
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Since the SEA: EP must approve |
This Treaty situation with regard to the application procedure changed significantly with the first large treaty revision, the Single European Act, in as far as consent by the European Parliament was made absolutely necessary.
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Developments since Maastricht |
This rule was also written into the Treaty on European Union (Treaty of Maastricht), in article O of the EU treaty, which replaced article 237 of the Treaty Establishing the European Union. And, following the coming into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam, it is still valid in the form of article 49 of the Treaty on European Union.
The large number of supplementary rules in the
Treaty of Nice, in particular in the so-called „Protocol on the Enlargement of the EU“, are mainly designed to regulate the way in which the different bodies of the EU are composed and the majorities needed in a Union made up of 25 members - soon to be 27 members.
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An graphic illustration of the contractual basis |
The contractual basis of EU enlargement is displayed as follows the graphic overview:
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We have now put together all the knowledge that is necessary to begin scrutinizing the very complicated enlargement process. We will begin our scrutiny with a brief overview of phase 1, the period of time between the UK's first membership application in 1961 and the EFTA enlargement in 1995. Click on the following link to go straight to this section.
[Author: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schumann]
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