EU enlargement: finding a balance between growing and deepening

Debattartikel publicerad i European Voice 2006-04-27

Malmström:

EU enlargement: finding a balance between growing and deepening

As we celebrate the second anniversary of the EU's most recent enlargement, we should acknowledge that it has been a true success story. By reuniting eastern and western Europe, we have created a united continent based on democracy, freedom and an open market economy.

EU membership was an important 'carrot' that helped the new fragile democracies to reform after decades of communist dictatorship. The prospect of joining the European community had an enormous impact on the willingness to put up with the sometimes painful changes that were necessary to fulfil the Copenhagen criteria. Likewise, the prospect of membership is of the utmost importance for the reform process in countries such as Turkey, Croatia and in the Balkans.

Enlargement has contributed to a more stable and democratic Europe, thereby demonstrating European 'soft power'. We have a moral obligation to keep the door open for further enlargement. Bulgaria and Romania will be members within a year or two and the process has started with Croatia and Turkey. We must be consistent and show these countries and those in the Balkans that we are serious about membership the day they are ready to join. The open wounds of the Balkans cannot be healed unless these countries sit together on an equal basis around the same table and discuss REACH (the chemicals legislation proposal), structural funds, and milk quotas. I am aware that the road is still difficult and long, but what is the alternative? If we close the door, we risk a nationalist backlash, an end to reform and an unstable neighbourhood. Also, the prospect of membership should remain open for Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. For the oppressed people in Belarus, Europe is the only hope of a better future.

The current mood in the EU is worrying. The unease after the rejection of the EU constitution in the referenda in France and the Netherlands, the wave of protectionism and weak leadership send worrying signals to our European neighbours. Many of my colleagues hide their fear of a Muslim Turkey behind a rhetoric of 'absorption capacity' and 'borders of Europe'. The truth is that a democratic, stable Turkey with a market economy would be a real asset to the Union. Turkey would not only bring its rich culture and history into the EU mosaic, it would also serve as a model for other Muslim countries, showing how democracy and Islam can be fruitfully combined.

It is evident that Turkey still needs to reform - a lot. The country has serious problems with human rights and its Kurdish minority lives under appalling conditions. Obviously, Cyprus must be recognised before membership can be envisaged. The timetable is in the hands of the Turkish government and people, but we can help, encourage and support. The best way to do this is to stick to our promises and not blur the negotiations by introducing alternative concepts such as 'a privileged partnership'.

There is no evidence of a general enlargement fatigue in Europe if you study the polls, but European leaders have failed to explain the benefits of enlargement to their citizens. It is not only about the historical mission of creating peace and stability and spreading European values to more than 450 million people. There is also the advantage of having almost the whole continent involved in solving our common problems and challenges - environmental problems, unemployment, cross-border crime and the fight against terrorism.

The European project is about building a single market and this is a powerful tool for bringing about democracy, peace, wealth and stability among neighbours. We can afford to include more members in this project. Pacta sunt servanda - deals must be respected.