Enlarging the European Union: Reflections on the Challenge of Analysis

Abstract

The articles in this special issue provide welcome stimuli to the debate about EU enlargement - and yet the refinement of the questions that are the product of these new articles leads in a way to yet more questions. This commentary identifies four sets of further questions. First, it comments on comparisons with other international organizations and different enlargement episodes, as well as with enlarging or dissolving federations. Second, it discusses alternatives to EU integration for potential members and alternatives to enlargement for existing member states. Third, it draws attention to the vectors of integration, namely the relative weight of economic and political factors in propelling and inhibiting integration. Fourth, it raises issues of political consent with regard to electoral and public opinion.