Suchergebnisse

For the first time in history accession negotiations took place with 12 countries at the same time. The main elements of the process & the different parties involved show the major organizational task on both sides. The candidates had at the same time to reform all the acquis related areas in adopting & implementing it. Different instruments of the European Union comprising important financial aid helped them to introduce the necessary measures which are closely monitored by the Commission. The principle of "differentiation" did not cause discrimination, on the contrary, it motivated applicant countries to speed up efforts. The negotiations started with those (many) chapters, where technical matters prevailed. Also solutions from former enlargements were taken into account. Therefore it is not that surprising, that countries of the second "Helsinki group" were able to catch up with the first group, although they started two years later. The negotiation procedures with crossing over chapter (horizontal) & country structures as well as bi& multilateral meetings with the Negotiation Teams & the Task Force facilitated this 4 years long process. The "road map" prepared by the Commission in 2000 & adopted by the Member States had set a clear strategy up to the end of the negotiations in 2002. Ten countries became members in 2004. This strategy has worked successfully with the Commission & the Presidencies of the Union as driving forces. Three main results can be concluded: First the efficiency of the EU in implementing such a mega project; second the method & approaches of the negotiations had been successful & in time, however, politics should not weaken the conditions; & finally the attraction of the Union has not diminished as the examples of Turkey & the Balkan states show. Appendixes, References.