"East-Central Europe on the eve of EU enlargement"

Foldes, Karoly. (1997) "East-Central Europe on the eve of EU enlargement". In European Union Studies Association (EUSA) > Biennial Conference > 1997 (5th), May 29-June 1, 1997, pages 11, Seattle, WA.

Abstract

Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic have chances to be among the next countries to access full EU membership within some years. Their recent efforts on the way from association to accession are aimed at applying integration measures pertaining to their economic and other performance, policy, regulation and institutions. It is surmised to be proper to present here a sketchy review of some similarities and a very few particulars of their foreign reorientation and internal transformation. Preparing for full membership goes hand in hand with a profound economic and social change, i.e. a process which is in short and medium term jeopardizing stability. Prospective EU members have been receiving some financial transfers from the Community. As associates they have been getting PHARE benefits. EBRD investments are helping defray a part of transition costs and making a substantial contribution to the preparing of integration conditions. In spite of this the main onus of changes is borne by the three countries themselves. An unbearable burden would endanger not only their economic and political stability, but the whole process of peaceful European development.