Suchergebnisse

Slovakia, Croatia, & Slovenia constitute 'awkward states' in the context of EU enlargement because their progress toward membership has been slower than that of some other closely situated countries of Central & Eastern Europe (CEE). This article considers the background & issues relating to EU enlargement, & how the individual 'awkward states' have failed to meet criteria for membership, or to seek it in the first place. A major finding is that political change has been & remains the key factor in turning 'awkward' states into suitable & enthusiastic would be members. In this context Slovakia is already there, Croatia is on its way, but in Serbia such change is only just now in prospect. Economic & human rights issues are important, & the question of the future movement of the gypsy population may delay Slovakian membership, but such factors appear to play a secondary role to that of political change toward more democratic governments & policies. Repression of the media is a common characteristic of states that remain 'awkward' in this context. Adapted from the source document.