Prospects and Risks Beyond EU Enlargement

Werner Weidenfeld Since the signing of the Treaties of Rome in 1957, Western European history has been an ongoing process integrating and enlarging European institutions. Over the course of that time, the institutions now known as the European Union have become a major pil­ lar for the security and stability for Europe as a whole. These essential functions can only be perpetuated if the Union can project its capacities and capabilities beyond its current borders. Today's European agenda is defined by integration. Offering prospects for membership in the EU has been a successful instrument for helping shape the tran­ sition in East Central Europe The imminent first round of enlargement also calls for a deepening of EU integration, which should be resolved through the EU Convention. While the European Union is preparing for ten new member states, developments in Europe are far from standing still. The countries beyond the EU's future borders in Eastern Europe and the Balkans are undertaking a threefold process of national con­ solidation, transition to a market economy and strengthening parliamentary democ­ racy. These processes entail risks that range from authoritarian regimes to armed es­ calation in Southeastern Europe. These risks have a direct impact on European secu­ rity and stability. At the same time, some areas of internal transition are making seri­ ous strides toward Western standards. For this reason, simply reducing Eastern and Southeastern Europe to a set of risks threatens to create a self-fulfilling prophecy.

With the European Union´s upcoming eastern enlargement, Europe is confronted with the necessity of creating security and stability beyond the EU borders in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. This task includes not only numerous risks but also opportunities to face the challenges of the 21st century. This volume provides policy-oriented recommendations and differentiated insider knowledge about the regional situation in Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. Authors from the region analyze policies by state and by key issues such as energy, transportation, the future of Kaliningrad or the regional hot spot in Trandniestria. A concept for a "Multi-Layered Europe" is developed for the strategic dilemmas concerning the current debate on "WIder Europe." The unique alliance between analytical output and strategic thinking makes the book valuable for the academic community and for persons responsible for Europe´s future.