the expansion of the eu. 5 th expansion the treaty of accession, signed in athens on 16 april 2003
TRANSCRIPT
The Expansionof the EU
5th expansion
The Treaty of Accession, signed in Athens on 16 April 2003
10 Additional Countries 8 Central and Eastern European
Countries
3 Baltic states, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, SloveniaMalta and Cyprus, both members of the Commonwealth.
They represent 75 million inhabitants, 15% of the EU’s population before expansion (and 19% of its territory and 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The expanded EU has 25
members, 450 million inhabitants
France has supported the expansion
from the very beginning, for political
reasons
For NZ
A challenge due to less familiar relations with the new members
Risk of a EU more difficult to influence
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES
A slight increase in growth
But an increase in the disparities in living standards
In France’s view, no increase in EU taxes
The Euro
New members will be able to adopt the euro but not immediately, nor at a predetermined date
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
Total integration of the new members after 10 years.
Maintenance of agricultural subsidies at the same level until 2013.
The EU is NZ’s second largest
trading partner
SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES
Complete adherence to existing community regulations,
including environmental norms
Reciprocal fears
Massive land purchase Industrial relocation Movement of people (migration)
Except for Cyprus and Malta, joining the EU
does not give immediate rights to reside in
Schengen states.
However, this will be possible once the outer
EU borders are deemed secure and adequately
controlled
Extending EU borders to the East
For France, the cost of expansion will
be 1 billion euros per year between 2004
and 2006, or 15 euros per year, per person
INSTITUTIONAL CONSEQUENCES
The expanded EU must be able to function
For France, three objectives
1- More democratic
The incorporation of the Charter of fundamental rights in the constitution The extension of the European Parliament’s powers The election of the President of the Commission by Parliament, on the Council’s proposal citizens’ right to initiate legislation
2- More effective
New definition of qualified majority Quasi-generalisation of qualified majority Reinforcement of the Commission by reducing its composition and reinforcing the authority of the President of the Commission Stable Council presidency Creation of a Minister of Foreign Affairs, reliant on a European diplomatic service Increase in the EU’s powers
3- Closer to citizens
Simplification of controls and procedures
Transparency of the Council’s work
Clearer division of powers
For NZ
Interest in the decision simplification process
CONSEQUENCES ON THE PLACE OF THE EU IN THE WORLD
Development of an European Defence Policy
Agreement between France/UK/Germany to develop an autonomous planning/steering capacity of operations EU military intervention in Macedonia and Ituri Creation of a weapons agency in 2004 compatible with the Atlantic Alliance
FUTURE BORDERS
The Expansion continues ...
Bulgaria and Romania Turkey: 70 million inhabitants. 99: “is a candidate
state destined to join the Union on the basis of the same criteria as applied for the other candidates.”
Croatia has applied For new members’ neighbours, to the East (Ukraine,
Byelorussia, Moldavia, Russia) and to the South (South Mediterranean), redefinition of relationships
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
Public opinion in France: poll at the end of 2002, only 27% against expansion (but only 12% completely in favour). EU 66% in favour, 22% against Victor Hugo, in 1849: “A day will come when all of the continent’s nations, without losing their distinct qualities and their glorious individuality, will merge closely into one greater unity and form the European brotherhood.”