Preparing for Membership or The Paradox of Going beyond EU Requirements

Abstract

In this article, the author explains how candidate-countries can become effective members of the EU. He identifies certain tasks which are not formally mandated by the EU and for which the EU provides no guidance. The application of EU directives and regulations depends on the existence of extensive institutional and administrative capaciry. To build that capacity, member states have to innovate. Using Cyprus as a reference point, the author demonstraces that the candidates need to do much more than merely adopt EU law. Paradoxically, they have to do things that the EU does not ask them to do. Their ability to derive the maximum benefits from EU membership will very much depend on their success or failure in influencing nascent EU rules, in complying with them and in re-engineering their economies so as co "exploit" as much as possible EU rules and policies.