EU Integration of the Visegrad Countries

Abstract

This paper analyzes the prospects for integration of the Visegrad countries—Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland—into the European Union. It argues that integration of the Visegrad countries will be a lengthy process that will not be concluded for at least 15 to 20 years, based on two observations. First, the transitions of these four eastern countries to democracy and capitalism, which are preconditions for EU membership, are not yet complete. Second, the admission of the Visegrad countries creates unique problems to which the EU member states have not yet found appropriate solutions. The paper argues that the Visegrad countries are not primarily responsible for the obstacles to integration; rather, the EU is making integration of the Eastern countries more difficult than it need be. Finally, the paper notes that integration is by no means an absolute necessity. The Visegrad countries should consider alternatives to European integration not only because of difficulties posed by the EU but also because the alternatives could prove more beneficial for stabilizing their democracies, economies, and the region as a whole.