| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 戰略暨國際事務研究所 === 98 === EU’s Accession Policies toward Central and Eastern Europe-The Case of Bulgaria
Abstract
Bulgaria has become the latest member of the EU since 2007, but also one of the last member states for the fifth EU enlargement. Therefore, through the case study of Bulgaria, this article focus on EU’s policies toward the Central and Eastern Europe countries and EU’s strategies in Balkans in order to know the accession process of Bulgaria and the reasons for postponing membership. Secondly, this article discusses Bulgaria’s relationship with its neighbors as well as the political interaction between Bulgaria and the EU. It means to make sure whether geopolitical considerations are beneficial for Bulgarian accession and whether Bulgaria’s role is a factor for regional stability in the Balkans. Finally, this article also focuses on Bulgaria’s problems, efforts and progress in preparing for accession.
Since the late 1980s, the EU has gradually developed complete policies toward CEE candidates. However, the EU had not developed a comprehensive policy toward the Balkans until Bosnian crisis and Kosovo crisis occurred. In addition, due to Bulgaria’s negative economic performance, it failed to be the first wave member states of accession. However, since Bulgaria had given the EU a key support for NATO’s action during Kosovo crisis, and Bulgaria has been a factor of stability in South Western Balkans, the EU decided to start accession negotiation with Bulgaria in 1999 based on political considerations. Finally, Bulgaria has made substantial progress in administrative reform, economic reform, judicial reform, and fighting corruption even though the process has been difficult.
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