Since ancient times, the European countries have strived for unification. They have gone through many wars and alliances while trying to get to the idea that a unite Europe would be of everyone’s favor. In 1992 with the signing of the Maastricht contract, the two already existing European organizations- European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC), form the European Union. In its essence, the EU is a general framework for the development of integration between countries. Among its main goals are to guarantee political freedom and economic prosperity, to ensure the free movement of people and goods throughout the Union and to establish a single currency and enrich every nation with the cultural values of the others. Any state which is a member of the European Union (or wishes to join it) should respect its values, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and respect for human rights. These main goals of the European Union are important to mention, as first it should become clear why a country would like to join such an organization. Only then we could continue to investigate the reasons for the different development of each country and its path leading to European integration.
With the adoption of the 10 countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the transformation of the Union into EU-27 the beginning of a new historical period in the development of European integration has been set. This analysis will focus on two transition countries, which after the collapse of communism in 1989, have been facing a great deal of issues concerning their future in Europe. Since 2004 (respectively 2007) Poland and Bulgaria belong to the European Union. Both countries had a relatively equal starting position after the transition to democracy, but a series of factors have been the reason for the faster and much more efficient development of Poland which in turn contributes to its earlier accession in the EU and its adjustment to the West European standards. The aim of this comparative analysis is to try to find out which factors have played a significant role in shaping today’s prosperity of Poland over Bulgaria. By using the comparative method we would be able to clearly distinguish between different variables and discover some national characteristics which might have influenced the dependent variable, namely the level of European integration.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- European integration- essence of the concept and influential factors.
- Political integration
- Economic integration
- Social integration
- Political model
- Economic model
- Social model
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This comparative analysis aims to investigate the factors contributing to the different rates of development of Bulgaria and Poland on their path towards European integration. The analysis seeks to identify and explain why Poland has achieved a higher level of integration than Bulgaria, despite their similar starting points after the fall of communism.
- The concept of European integration and its various dimensions (political, economic, social)
- The impact of political models, including democratic systems and governance structures
- The role of economic factors, such as privatization, foreign investment, and GDP growth
- The influence of social policies and public perception of European integration
- Comparative analysis of Bulgaria and Poland, highlighting key differences and similarities
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces the concept of European integration, exploring its historical context and key goals. It also highlights the significance of understanding why countries would seek to join the European Union. The second chapter delves into the essence of European integration, outlining different theories and perspectives. It emphasizes the distinction between political, economic, and social integration, which will serve as the framework for the comparative analysis of Poland and Bulgaria. Chapter two also examines the political integration dimension, focusing on democratic institutions, party systems, and corruption levels in both countries. The chapter concludes with a discussion of economic integration, examining factors such as privatization, European funds, and foreign direct investments. Finally, Chapter two explores the social integration aspect, considering cultural adaptation, social policies, and public perception towards European integration.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This analysis focuses on European integration, political and economic models, social policies, comparative analysis, Bulgaria, Poland, transition countries, post-communist transformation, democratic systems, governance, economic development, and public perception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Poland integrate into the EU faster than Bulgaria?
Despite similar starting points after 1989, factors like more efficient economic models, faster privatization, higher foreign investment, and stronger political governance contributed to Poland's earlier accession.
What are the three main dimensions of European integration?
The analysis categorizes integration into political (democracy, rule of law), economic (GDP growth, single currency), and social (cultural values, human rights) dimensions.
What role did corruption play in the integration process?
The comparative analysis examines corruption levels as a variable in political integration, noting that lower corruption and better governance structures aid faster EU adjustment.
How does public perception affect EU integration?
Social integration depends on public support. The analysis considers how the citizens of Poland and Bulgaria perceived the benefits of joining the EU and how this influenced national policy.
What was the significance of the 1992 Maastricht Treaty?
The Maastricht Treaty formed the European Union from existing organizations, establishing a framework for political freedom, economic prosperity, and the free movement of goods and people.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2013, The rates of development of Bulgaria and Poland on their way to European integration, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/455463
