Security Implications of the European Union Enlargement

Abstract

The study looks at what the European Union enlargement implies for the current structure of European Union security. Despite a negligible involvement on the ground and an expected minimal security interest, the accession of New Member States has an impact on European Union security. The study has further implications for European Security policy. The European Union does not seem ready to assume its position as a political player or only to a certain extent. The institutional adjustments made to the CFSP over the past years are insufficient to absorb the new entrants. Ideologically, there are certainly conflicting perceptions of what European security should be. Militarily, an effort in further cooperation and rationalization needs to be made. The European Union has certainly a true potential to be a 'hard power' if necessary, but not without streamlining its capacities. Finally there is no clear leadership from a diverse enough group of countries.