European Union Enlargement Argument Report

Outline

This is a report on the topic ‘Size (number of members) of the European Union — good or bad for the cause?’ The paper is designed in such a way that, first, there is an executive summary followed by a table of contents. Then there is a brief introduction of the focus topic, which is the present increased number of the European Union, is good or bad. Then there is the body of the report in which there are some arguments or justifications for the position of the writer, which is a supportive argument. In the end, there are recommendations and a conclusion.

Size (number of members) of the European Union – good or bad for the cause?

Executive Summary

This is a report on the topic the supportive arguments for increasing the number of members of the European Union (EU). The number of members has now reached 27. There is a good side as a bad side for increasing the number of member countries of the European Union. In this report, the arguments supportive of the increasing number of EU members are explained. The report tries to argue that increasing number of members is good, with proper justifications. Some of the justifications include creating a better relationship between the member countries, a common rule for the member countries, the political and economic stability of European regions, smooth trade relation between member countries, Welfare and well-being of the citizens of the member countries, and unity in the European region as a whole, etc. The opinions of the European Union have a significant influence on the world economy. Those who oppose increasing the number of the member of the European Union might have their own justifications like, it may affect the main objective of the Union that is, economic and political stability or the increase in number may result in the absence of individual focus of each member country by the Union. But these arguments are counterfeited by the supportive arguments.

Introduction

The European Union exists for the Welfare of the citizens of the member countries by way of providing different facilities such as reduced barriers between countries, economic, political stability, etc. The present number of European Union (EU) members is very high. There are so many reasons for the increase in the number of EU members. However, the topic of the discussion here is that whether this increased number is good or bad. There are so many people who argue for the increased number and so many people who argue against this. Both the groups have their own justifications for their argument. Here in this report, the writer argues for the increased numbers with proper justifications.

Increasing size (number of members) of the European Union is good

There is a variety of justifications for arguing that an increase in the number of members of the European Union is good. “The European Union is a major economic and commercial power and the world’s biggest donor of development aid to poorer countries.” (The European Union- a Success Story). In the initial stage, the number of members was six. Now it has increased to 27 nations. It was formerly referred to as European Community (EC) or European Economic Community (EEC). Political stability, economic prosperity, border-free single market, and single currency are some of the outcomes of establishing the European Union. Even though all European countries cannot become a member in the EU upon their wish, countries can become a member when the Union invites application for the membership. Increasing the membership in European Union can be regarded as good, and I do support it due to the following reasons:

Close and friendly relationship among the countries, thus reducing disputes among the neighboring countries

Enlargement helps the countries to live in harmony. “ The EU’s external borders should not become a new dividing line in Europe separating the Union from its neighbors — Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, the Caucasus and Balkan regions to the east, and the countries of the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa to the south.” (A Friendly Neighborhood). People have a sense of belonging, and they get to know each other, reducing the disputes among them. “European Union countries are no longer at loggerheads like they were in the past.” (Benefits of European Union)

That is, the EU helped in creating a friendly atmosphere between member countries.

The political and economic stability of the European regions

Europe comprises large countries with different people and cultures. Increasing the membership may increase respect and mutual understanding of the people in member countries in the ethnic and cultural diversity environment. The European Union offers certain rights to the citizen like to move freely and reside among the member countries. A large number of equal employment opportunities is created to increase the number of the working group. There exist legal norms for gender equality and offer equal pay for equal work. “No boundaries among all EU countries, no passwords or visas necessary, easy traveling, possibility to move to any member country and find a job everywhere in a membership country (free transfer of persons).” (Joining European Union, List of Benefits (II))

This may reduce poverty.

Trade relations may become smooth – A single market with a single currency

“Although the EU makes up only 7% of the world’s population, its trade with the rest of the world accounts for approximately a fifth of global exports and imports.” (Economic activity and trade).

It will create a free big trade area among the member countries, thus helping the movement of goods and services under the single currency of the Euro freely. Free movement of people among the countries makes trade easy in the single bigger market with a large number of products.

Protection of minority and Improvement in the living conditions of the people in the countries

“The EU offers a unique example of elaborated and inclusive rules and procedures for its constitutive minorities. Despite this, the Union has little to say to guide states in the protection of their own, national, minorities.” (Tsilevich). EU also provides financial and other support to its member countries. Also, a single rule of law and democracy respecting human rights help in the uplift of people in European countries.

Formation of unity in the European region

Currently, there arises a great disparity among eastern and western Europe in terms of economic, social, etc., factors. So becoming a member of the European Union by the Eastern and Western countries reduces these disparities and gives a platform to compete against the foreigners. Technology can be improved, thus bringing more foreign direct investment to the countries. Thus more regional stability can be obtained in the eastern, western, and central regions. The principle of Subsidiary helps in the reformation of the European countries.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is clear that the European Union can do many things for its member countries, and also it can contribute much in ensuring harmony and peace in the world. When the number of member countries, it can give better results due to the reason that the European Union has become a common platform for more and more European countries. Also, the increase in number can result in can have the effect of becoming the member countries a single country.

Works Cited

1. A Friendly Neighborhood. Europa: Key Facts and Figures about Europe and the Europeans. 12009.
2. Benefits of European Union. Economics Help: Helping to Simplify Economics. 2009.
3. Economic activity and Trade: A Major Trading Power. Europa: Key Facts and Figures about Europe and the Europeans. 2009. Web.
4. Joining European Union, List of Benefits (II): Benefits of Joining European Union: Political Benefits. 2009.
5. The European Union- a Success Story. Europa: Key Facts and Figures about Europe and the Europeans. 2009. Web,
6. Tsilevich, Boris. EU Enlargement and the protection of National Minorityies: Opportunities, Myths and Prospects. Eumap.org. 2009.