1. The enlargement of Europe
- A process too fast? In 1995, Austria, Sweden and Finland joined the EU. In 2004 (accession of 10 states) and then in 2007 (accession of Romania and Bulgaria) and Croatia in 2013, the Union opens its doors to the former socialist countries and to the islands of Cyprus and Malta. The transition from 12 to 28 members forces it to rethink its mode of operation, policies and funding. For example, it is necessary to redefine the voting mechanism in the Council of Ministers and the distribution of commissioners according to the Member States.
- The borders of Europe. This enlargement also raises the question of the limits of Europe. Where does it stop? Is Turkey part of it? Its possible membership divides the opinion and the political class. Supporters of accession argue that Turkey's entry into the EU would be a major geopolitical asset in relations with the Middle East and an opportunity for European economies. Those who oppose it insist on human rights and cultural differences.
2. The necessary reforms
- Europe in failure. European partners are trying to adapt the institutions to an enlarged Europe. But the divisions in the negotiations only permit limited progress as provided for in the Amsterdam (1997) and Nice (2001) Treaties. The EU tries to create a genuine constitution to unify European law. But the treaty is rejected by referendum in France (55% no in May 2005) and then in the Netherlands (61% no in June 2005). This rejection plunges Europe into a period of doubt.
- Advances in Lisbon. The Lisbon Treaty, which was signed in 2007, enters into force in 2009, it facilitates the functioning of the Union, in particular on the decision-making process. It strengthens the legislative powers of the European Parliament and seeks to make the EU a major player on the world stage.
3. An incomplete political process.
- A diplomatic and political dwarf. Despite this, the lack of unity on the international scene remains flagrant. In its defense, the EU still depends on NATO, an organization dominated by the United States. It is difficult for the EU to speak with one voice. For example, it was divided over the conduct to be adopted in the face of the US-led war in Iraq in 2003.
- A Europe "à la carte". These divisions could be alleviated if Europeans choose the form to be given to the EU, but they still hesitate between federation and simple intergovernmental cooperation. Several states, in the name of their sovereignty, refuse to participate in certain European programs. Thus, Great Britain remained outside the Schengen area and the euro area.
- A weak European feeling. Despite strong symbols, such as money (economic integration) or the flag, is the European identity still in its infancy? However, European unification first passes through the people themselves. They seem little concerned, even though European law, which takes precedence over national laws, is regulating their daily lives more and more.
-The rise of populism in Europe. Since 3 years, popularises movements are getting stronger in Europe. They are fiercely opposed to the EU, making it responsible for unemployment, strong bureaucracy and unable to control immigration flows among the members countries. The Syrian crisis and its consequences in terms of refugees coming to Europe has shown that the EU cannot speak in a single voice for a common immigration policy.
Moreover, The Brexit (june 2016) shown that a major failure in the European construction and the EU must reform itself now to avoid a new country exit.
Vocabulary:
Populism or popularism: is a political doctrine that proposes that the common people are exploited by a privileged elite, and which seeks to resolve this. Its goal is uniting the uncorrupt and the unsophisticated "little man" against the corrupt dominant elites (usually established politicians) and their camp of followers (usually the rich and influential). It is guided by the belief that political and social goals are best achieved by the direct actions of the masses.