A comparative analysis of baltic states membership to the EU

Abstract

The enlargement of the European Community-then the European Union- and the enlargement periods of the Community and its approach to enlargement in historical perspective are briefly discussed in this work. EU membership of the three Baltic States can significantly contribute to long- term stability in Europe's North. Even if the Baltic States have made considerable progress in their economic and political integration with the EU, they still need to strengthen their reform policies in the areas of state institutions, citizenship, environmental policies and justice and home affairs. On the other hand, it is the EU, which must continue with its financial and technical support for the Baltic States. One problem here is that the EU, due to the incremental nature of its enlargement policy, lacks a coherent strategy for the full integration of the Baltic States in the not too distant future. Such a strategy would necessarily include the development of the future relationship with Russia since this would politically facilitate the Baltic states' accession to the Union, increase their security and reduce potential conflict with Russia over borders, minorities and perceived economic losses once Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are members of the EU. The Baltic countries will bring a large number of ethnic Russians-^about 1.5m, a fifth of their total population- into the EU. The biggest problem for all the Baltic States is a different one; tackling the Soviet legacy. These three were part of the Soviet Union itself, not just region it controlled. Working that out of the system is though. But it will be a lot easier if the Baltic States are safely anchored in a democratic, prosperous West while they get on with the job. They are close to being so; and, given their battered history and precarious geography, that is more than most people hoped a mere ten years ago.