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Big Brother is still watching Prospective members get their knuckles rapped

If the ten countries due to join the European Union in May 2004 thought it was all over when they signed their accession treaties last April, they have been rudely awakened. For years they jumped through hoops at Brussels's behest. On November 05th, the European Commission issued a sharp reminder that they cannot afford to relax, when it issued a new series of reports consisting of long "to do" lists – and pointing out that countries could lose cash and even market access if they do not shape up.

Three further candidates were also told what they need to do to join. Bulgaria and Romania were both criticized for corruption and failure to implement administrative reforms. Romania was told that it was still not a "functioning market economy". And Turkey, which has yet to receive the go-ahead even to begin negotiations, was dismayed that the commission linked its membership to a settlement of the Cyprus dispute.

Among the ten new members, Poland, by far the biggest, also got the most black marks. The commission identified no fewer than nine areas of "serious concern", where it feels that Poland has yet to live up to its treaty commitments. The Poles (with five other miscreants) are chastised for failing to introduce "minimum training requirements" for several professions, including healthcare workers. This, the commission says, could threaten their prospects of working in the rest of the EU.

Polish agriculture also comes in for a bashing: controls on the movement of live animals, animal waste, food processing and the spread of disease are all deemed inadequate. This, the commission says, could lead to "restrictions on the production and marketing of (Polish) products". Computer systems and legal procedures for handling EU money are also found wanting, which could delay longed-for cash from Brussels.

All this comes at a sensitive time in relations between Poland and the EU. After the initial euphoria that followed the end of negotiations and Polish voters' approval of membership in a referendum, things have gone downhill. The Polish government and parliament have both sworn to strike out provisions in the draft EU constitution that would dilute Poland's voting weight in the Council of Ministers. But they appear all but isolated. Combine a disagreeable new constitution with threats to bar Polish goods and professionals, and to delay EU cash: Poland may enter the Union next May in a seriously bad mood.

Give Russian equivalents

Prospective members; to jump through hoops; at smb’s behest; market access; to shape up; to implement administrative reform; to receive the go-ahead; by far; to live up to commitments; to come in for a bashing; longer-for; to go downhill; provision in the draft EU constitution

V. Suggested activities for students:

  1. The motto of the EU is "United in diversity". It first came into use around the year 2000. Do you think this motto to be still relevant nowadays? What, in your judgment, does it mean? What arguments can you provide to support your stance?

  2. Prepare a short report about the EU aimed at familiarization with its cultural peculiarities. (e.g. Europe day; the flag)

  3. One of the major challenges the EU is facing is the introduction of a common currency. This development in the process of European integration has provoked opposition in several states. Why does this happen? Can this hamper further European integration? Would you object to having your national currency replaced by a common transnational currency? Give your reasons.

  4. Analyze the economic situation in the EU. Did it change since 1999? What helped the euro strengthen its positions?

  5. How do you see the EU's future? Can it become a counterweight to new emerging superpowers? Give your arguments and reasons.

  6. How do Europeans feel about the processes of integration? What kind of integration does the EU need? Should it continue admitting new members, or should it extend its influence within itself?

  7. Discuss the factors that will determine the future of the EU

  8. Write an essay on the topic: “United Europe of States or United States of Europe. How do you see it?”

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