Part 4: Europe still in works (since 1992)
How the EU tries to reform its institutions to face up successive enlargements?
1. The European enlargement
- Too fast process? In 1995, Austria, Sweden and Finland joined the EU. In 2004 (accession of 10 countries), and 2007 (accession of Romania and Bulgaria), the Union opened its doors to former socialist countries and the islands of Cyprus and Malta. The transition from 12 to 27 members forced him to rethink the way it operates, its policies and funding. It should, for example, redefine the voting mechanism to council of ministers and distribution of Commissioners by the Member States.
- The boundaries of Europe. This expansion also raises the question of the limits of Europe. Where does it stop? Does Turkey belong to ? its eventual membership divides opinion and the political class. Supporters of membership argue that the entry of Turkey into the EU would be a major asset in geopolitical relations with the Middle East and a chance for the European economies. Those who are against insist on human rights and cultural differences.
2. Necessary reforms
- Europe failure. European partners are trying to adapt institutions to an enlarged Europe. But the divisions in negotiations allow only limited progress under the treaties of Amsterdam (1997) and Nice (2001). The UE has tried to develop a proper constitution to unify European law. But the treaty was rejected by referendum in France (55% of no,May 2005) and the Netherlands (61% no,June 2005). This rejection plunged Europe into a period of doubt.
- Advances in Lisbon. The Lisbon Treaty signed in 2007 came into force in 2009, facilitated the functioning of the Union including the decision-making process. It has strengthened the legislative powers of the European Parliament and has tried to make the EU a major player on the world stage.
3. An unfinished political process.
- A diplomatic and political dwarf. Despite this, the lack of unity in the international arena is obvious. In his defense, the EU still depends on NATO, an organization dominated by the U.S. The EU is struggling to speak with one voice. This example was divided on the course of action against the war in Iraq led by the United States in 2003.
- A Europe on demand. These divisions may decrease if the Europeans chose the form to the EU, but they still hesitate between federation and intergovernmental simple cooperation. Several states in the name of sovereignty, refuse to participate in certain European programs. Britain thus remained outside the Schengen area and the euro area.
- A small European feeling. Despite strong symbols such as the flag or currency, European identity is still in its infancy. But European integration begins with the people themselves. They seem little concerned even though EU law, which takes precedence over national law governs increasingly their lives.