EU Enlargement as Process of Peripherilisation

Abstract

This text aims to answer the question of why the Western Balkans, despite development of relations with the EU and gradual integration in the common market, fell short from achieving economic success and satisfactory social standards. For this reason, author evaluates the Poland’s experience in the EU integration. The Polish model of integration, which is often referred to as a success story and a guidance for the newcomers to the EU , has three disadvantages. Firstly, it hides a number of significant social problems, which resulted in general discontent in the society, reflected, most visibly, during the recent presidential elections. Secondly, economically and internationally Poland and the Western Balkan states represent two very different cases. Finally, it is important to emphasize that the EU integration has been based on the liberal paradigm, which failed in its economic dimension, leading to (re-)peripherilisation of the new member states and their weak economies. Therefore, the Polish “success” cannot be repeated in these circumstances for a number of reasons. Subsequently acceding states need to adopt another strategy for the EU accession.