The EU Model of Integration - Relevance Elsewhere? Jean Monnet/Robert Schuman Paper Series Vol. 5 No. 37, December 2005

Cameron, Fraser. (2005) The EU Model of Integration - Relevance Elsewhere? Jean Monnet/Robert Schuman Paper Series Vol. 5 No. 37, December 2005.

Abstract

[Introduction]. By any standard the European Union (EU) is a successful model of integration. But can it be replicated, even partially, elsewhere? The EU model is highly regarded elsewhere in the world and the attempts to imitate parts of the EU system are perhaps the sincerest form of flattery. In Africa there is the increasingly important Africa Union, as well as a number of regional (e.g. ECOWAS) and sub-regional organizations. In Latin America there is the Andean Pact and Mercosur as well as the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The North American Free Trade Agreement covers the US, Canada and Mexico. In the Middle East there is the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In Asia there is the association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Asian regional forum (ARF). There is now much speculation about an East Asian Community and a summit is planned for Malaysia in December to discuss such a development. But no regional organisation has come close to matching the achievements of the EU. What are the key elements that made the EU such a success? This paper reviews some of the factors that are essential for regional integration and examines global trends including the relations between the EU and regional organisations.