Association: Stepping-stone or Alternative to Eu Membership?

Association provides the main basis for relations between the EU and those states currently seeking membership. This book explores the potential scope and purpose of association and assesses the role it plays in promoting integration with and accession to the EU. Association is presented as a flexible form of relationship which can result in a highly developed alternative to membership. Yet, although association may be flexible, an examination of both the various associations created and the experiences of the associates shows that it involves associates becoming de facto satellites of the EU. Questions are also raised concerning the value of association as a stepping-stone to membership. Associations may be perceived as such, but rarely do they fulfil such a function. This title is published in conjunction with UACES, the University Association for Contemporary European Studies. UACES web site can be found at www.uaces.org

David Phinnemore is Lecturer, Institute of European Studies, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.