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European Business Studies Assignment Introduction This assignment is based on Cyprus joining the European Union. Cyprus, along with 9 other countries in Europe has applied to join the EU in 2004. In this assignment I will critically evaluate whether or not Cyprus is ready for membership of the European Union. I will also assess the social, political and economic consequences of its agreement to the EU’s policies and laws. Criteria that Cyprus has to meet (Copenhagen Criteria) In June 1993, the Copenhagen European Council recognised the right of the countries of Eastern and central Europe to join the European Union (EU) when have successfully fulfilled three main criteria: i. Political – stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for minorities; ii. Economic – a functioning market economy; iii. Incorporation of the “Community Acquis” - compliance to the various political, economic and monetary aims of the EU. The above criteria were confirmed in December ’95 by the Madrid European Council, which also stressed the importance of the applicant countries adapting their administrative structures to create the chance for a gradual, harmonious integration. However, the EU reserves the right to decide when it will be ready to accept new members. The 3 Pillars of the EU People often refer to the 3 pillars of the EU Treaty. These are: 1. The Community dimension, comprising the arrangements set out in the EC, ECSC and Euratom Treaties, i.e. Union citizenship, Community policies, Economic and Monetary Union, etc (Pillar No.1) 2. The common foreign and security policy, which comes under Title V of the EU Treaty (Pillar no.2) 3. Police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters, which comes under Title VI of the EU Treaty (Pillar No.3) (europa.eu) Accession Negotiations The accession negotiations examines that applicant country’s capacity to fill the requirements of a Member State and to apply the body of Community laws (the “Acquis”) at the time of their entry, in particular the measures required to extend the single market, which will be implemented immediately upon entry. The negotiations also look at the issue of pre-accession aid the EU may have to provide in order for that country to be able to apply the incorporation of the “acquis”. The negotiations can be concluded even if the “acquis” has not been fully transposed, as transitional arrangements can be applied after membership. The negotiations take the form of bilateral intergovernmental conferences, i.e. the EU and applicant country, in this case Cyprus, bringing the ministers together every 6months and the ambassadors every month. The common negotiating positions have been defined by the Commission for each of the major areas relating to matters of Community competence and approved unanimously by the Council. The results of this negotiating are then incorporated into a draft accession treaty.
Approximate Word count = 1811
Approximate Pages = 7.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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