Post-Communist States and the European Union

In: The Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics, Band 23, Heft 4, S. 461-477

Abstract

Since the collapse of the state socialist systems of Central and Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union at the end of the 1980s, the countries of the region have undergone a variety of transformation paths, in some cases involving integration into the European Union through a continuing process of enlargement. Three major groups of countries in the region can be identified: Central European and Baltic states, South-East Europe, and the Commonwealth of Independent States, with different experiences and prospects; Turkey is also part of the process of engagement with the European Union. Various problems can be identified that make it unlikely, except for small countries in Central Europe, that further enlargement will take place. Realistic political alternatives for countries at present and possibly permanently left outside are new forms of association not leading to EU membership. Adapted from the source document.