University:
University College London
Course:
LAWS0014 | European Union Law
Academic year:

2024
Views:

324

Pages:

2
Author:

Nam B.

Name : Date : 1. What dimensions define a “successful” EU integration? Answer: Success is measured along four dimensions: economic performance, legal alignment (acquis compliance), domestic/popular acceptance, and external validation by EU institutions. Integration is multi-dimensional and not reducible to economic indicators alone. 2. How is economic integration assessed? Answer: Through GDP growth, market access, and adaptability to EU competition. Examples like Slovakia (adopting the Euro) and Czechia (retaining Koruna) offer natural experiments for comparison. 3. What does legal alignment require beyond legislation? Answer: Post-2004, it requires not just adopting EU laws but ensuring their implementation and enforcement, measured via CJEU rulings and infringement procedures. 4. Why is internal acceptance vital for integration? Answer: Public support ensures sustainability of reforms. Without domestic legitimacy, EU laws may be resisted, or become politically weaponized, undermining long-term cohesion. 5. How do external actors gauge readiness for accession? Answer: Via ex-ante conditionality and regular monitoring. Over time, the EU has introduced more criteria, lengthening the process and creating more hoops for candidates. 6. Why does the author describe integration as “easy” when one understands it? Answer: Because successful integration depends on clarity of objectives and genuine political will. Ambiguity about the EU's future direction breeds hesitation or selective compliance. 7. Is there a definitive model of EU integration success? Answer: No. Success varies by context. What works for Estonia may not work for Romania, depending on societal cohesion, administrative capacity, and political leadership.