The European Union in the 1990s - Ever closer and larger? [antikvár]

PREFACE Deepening and/or widening has always been a vital subject for any integration strategy during the history of the EC To combine the "vocation européenne" and the "finalité politique" was perceived as a difficult task, especially in relation with countries which might not be geared to an "ever closer union". The debate in this volume reflects some basic considerations which were highly important during the post-war period for West European policies. Of course, they also reflect the moment in which they were put forward, namely when deepening, at least in terms of the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty, seemed to be guaranteed and when the demands for enlargement by the EFTA and Central European countries became more and more important. This volume offers an insight into the debate concerning the "saut qualitatif of the Community of the Twelve (deepening) and the opening of the Community for new members (widening). Scholars, diplomats and EC civil servants discussed and examined these problems at a conference, organized by the Institut für Europäische Politik and the College of Europe in cooperation with the Arbeitskreis Europäische Integration and the Trans European Policy Studies Association in July 1991 in Bruges. Looking at the content of the discussions, different schools of thought are connected with the development of the EC towards a European Union. "Widening first", "deepening first", "widening and deepening by differentiated and affiliated membership" or "deepening for also widening". Institutional and procedural aspects play an important role in this context. Furthermore, accession to the EC implies a fundamental decision for both, the applicant country and the Community. In four closely linked chapters the above mentioned issues will be presented. For the analyses of "Institutions and Procedures" the increase of effectiveness has to be regarded. "The Economic Dimension" is not only relevant in conjunction with the creation of the Single Market, but also for the integration of countries from EFTA and Eastern Europe. Institutional and procedural aspects play a major role in the effort to achieve a "Common Foreign and Security Policy" and in the corresponding proposals I I