A Wider Europe: The Process and Politics of European Union Enlargement

by Michael J. Baun Valdosta State University

Overview

This clear and engaging text examines the process and politics of the European Union's 'Eastern' enlargement, beginning with its initial response to the 1989 revolution up through the Helsinki summit decisions of December 1999. Michael Baun explores such topics as the EU's original decision to enlarge, the pre-accession strategy for prospective members, the key political decisions on launching and expanding the accession negotiations, and the actual progress of the negotiations. He also examines the EU's efforts to reform its policies and institutions in advance of enlargement. Throughout, Baun weaves in understandable explanations of the complex multilevel process of EU decisionmaking. He concludes by considering the limits of enlargement and its consequences for the EU's future development.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847690367
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	08/09/2000
Series:	Governance in Europe Series
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	6.16(w) x 9.22(h) x 0.81(d)

About the Author

Michael J. Baun is Professor and Marguerite Langdale Pizer Chair in International Relations at Valdosta State University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 The Challenge of Enlargement Chapter 3 Opening the Door Chapter 4 The Pre-Accession Strategy Chapter 5 The Road to Luxembourg Chapter 6 Preparing the EU for Enlargement (I): Agenda 2000 Chapter 7 Preparing the EU for Enlargement (II): Institutional Reform Chapter 8 Beginning the Accession Process Chapter 9 To the Helsinki Summit Chapter 10 The Accession Negotiations Chapter 11 Conclusion: Toward a Wider Europe

Editorial Reviews

As an EU institutional 'insider,' I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Wider Europe. It brings together, in a narrative and easy-to-read way, all the key issues currently forming part of the European Union's enlargement process. The book is full of well-researched insights and offers readers an excellent historical reference to an extraordinary political process.

Christopher Piening

A clearly written, detailed, and accessible volume on the current enlargement process. Apart from its historical detail, this work is generously referenced and includes a useful list of further reading on the topic.

Political Theory

Michael Baun provides a wide-ranging, highly informed, and penetrating account of the most important issue currently on the European Union's agenda. The book is well organized, well written, and a pleasure to read.

Neill Nugent