Member-only story

The Nature of the Enlarged European Union: Challenges and Opportunities

John Green

·17.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Europe As Empire: The Nature Of The Enlarged European Union

5 min read

1.3k View Claps

72 Respond

Save

Listen

The recent enlargement of the European Union (EU) to 28 member states has changed the nature of the EU significantly. This article explores the challenges and opportunities that this enlargement presents, examining the impact on the EU's political, economic, and social structures.

Europe as Empire: The Nature of the Enlarged European Union

by Jan Zielonka

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2902 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	304 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Political challenges

One of the most significant challenges facing the enlarged EU is the increased diversity of its membership. With 28 member states, the EU now includes countries with a wide range of political systems, economic development levels, and cultural traditions. This diversity can make it difficult to reach consensus on common policies, and can also lead to tensions between different groups of member states.

For example, the enlargement of the EU to include former communist countries has raised concerns about the commitment of these countries to democratic values. Similarly, the inclusion of countries with large Muslim populations has led to debates about the role of religion in the EU.

These challenges are not insurmountable, but they will require the EU to find new ways to accommodate the diversity of its membership. The EU will need to develop more flexible and inclusive decision-making processes, and it will need to find ways to build bridges between different groups of member states.

Economic challenges

The enlargement of the EU has also created a number of economic challenges. The EU is now a much more economically diverse region, with some member states being much richer than others. This diversity can make it difficult to create a single economic policy that is appropriate for all member states.

For example, the eurozone crisis has highlighted the different economic challenges facing different eurozone countries. Some countries, such as Greece and Portugal, have been hit hard by the crisis, while others, such as Germany and the Netherlands, have been relatively unaffected.

The EU will need to find ways to address the economic disparities between its member states. This will require a combination of economic reforms and financial assistance. The EU will also need to develop new policies to promote economic growth and job creation.

Social challenges

The enlargement of the EU has also created a number of social challenges. The EU is now a much more diverse region, with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds living together. This diversity can lead to social tensions, and can also make it difficult to provide adequate social services.

For example, the influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe has put a strain on social services in some Western European countries. Similarly, the presence of large Muslim populations in some EU countries has led to debates about the role of religion in society.

The EU will need to find ways to address the social challenges created by its enlargement. This will require a combination of social policies and educational initiatives. The EU will also need to find ways to promote social inclusion and tolerance.

The enlargement of the European Union to 28 member states has created a number of challenges and opportunities. The EU will need to find new ways to accommodate the diversity of its membership, and it will need to develop new policies to address the economic and social challenges it faces. However, the enlargement of the EU also presents a number of opportunities. The EU is now a more diverse and dynamic region, and it has the potential to become a more prosperous and inclusive community.

Europe as Empire: The Nature of the Enlarged European Union

by Jan Zielonka

4 out of 5