Analysis and Promotion of Policy Debate on the European Future of Turkey and Ukraine in Four Central European States

Project Manager: David Král

Timeframe: completed (2006)

Executive Summary:

The project was intended to meet four broad objectives. First, to map the state of current expert and public debates in the four countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia) so as to identify the prevailing social attitudes on the questions of both the desirability and feasibility of further enlargements to include Turkey and Ukraine in the EU. Second, to shape the civil society agenda in all four countries by informing the new Europe debate and raising the profile and common voice of independent policy institutes on this issue. Third, to identify possible opposition to enlargement to Ukraine and Turkey, and assess the relevance and weight of arguments for and against their EU accession in each national debate. Finally, to address public concerns by presenting the relevant facts on issues such as civilizational and historical differences, financial costs, shift in political balance, "democratic deficit" and human rights concerns.

The comparative aspect of the project enabled the researchers to assess the possible similarities and differences among the positions of the national policy makers and the public in the four central European states and assess the extent to which they could be relevant for shaping EU policy on these issues, and especially whether there are any particular points by which each of the countries can contribute to the EU-wide debate. The recommendations from a Ukrainian and Turkish partner constituted an important part of comparative base of the project.

 Outputs:

• Publication EU Accession Prospects for Turkey and Ukraine. Debates in New Member States. Published by the Institute of Public Affairs. 
• Publication Turkey and Ukraine: wanted or not? 
  

Analysis for individual coutries:

• Analysis for the Czech Republic: Czech debate on the EU membership perspectives of Turkey and Ukraine.
• Analysis for Hungary: Report on Hungary.
  
• Analysis for Slovenia: Report on Slovenia. 

Partners:

Institute of Public Affairs (Poland) – leader of the project

Center for Policy Studies CEU (Hungary)

Peace Institute (Slovenia)

Donors:

Local Government and Public Service Reform Initiative  - Open Society Instittue

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