The Enlargement of the European Union and NATO

This book explores the challenges and successes faced by Eastern and Central European countries during their integration into the EU and NATO, highlighting key policy decisions.

In 2004, the European Union and NATO expanded their memberships by adding ten new states, primarily from Eastern and Central Europe. This significant enlargement marked a pivotal moment in the post-communist landscape, as these nations undertook extensive reforms to align with Western standards. Professor Jacoby delves into the complexities of this transition, highlighting both the achievements and setbacks experienced by these countries as they sought to modernize their institutions and legal frameworks within a remarkably short timeframe.

The book, The Enlargement of the European Union and NATO, emphasizes the strategic choices made by policy elites in Central and Eastern Europe. Many of these nations adopted a 'menu' approach, selectively implementing established practices from Western Europe. This raises essential questions about the effectiveness of such emulation: in which areas did these countries successfully adapt, and where did they encounter significant challenges? By analyzing various sectors, including agriculture, regional policy, and healthcare, Jacoby provides a nuanced understanding of the factors that influenced outcomes.

Through empirical case studies from Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, The Enlargement of the European Union and NATO engages with critical debates in institutionalist theory. It explores concepts such as conditionality, Europeanization, and the external influences shaping democratic and market transitions in the region, offering valuable insights into the broader implications of this historic enlargement.