Eastward Enlargement By the European Union and Transnational Parties

Abstract

In this article, the Ostpolitik of European transnational parties is examined as a process within the process of the eastward enlargement of the European Union. First, the Eastern politics of major European transnational parties is analyzed within the framework of their development and institutionalization processes. Then, the European transnational party-level dimension is examined as part of the development of party systems and party politics in the postcommunist candidate countries, with specific references to the EU enlargement policy and a focus on Central Europe.