The European Union as a catalyst of modernization? The experiences from the Southern enlargement
The European Union as a catalyst of modernization? The experiences from the Southern enlargement

Summary/Abstract: One of the most important lessons which could be learnt from the Southern enlargement was the fact that nationally conducted policies of modernization were most decisive for success or failure of a country that had entered the EC (in the case of Portugal and Spain we can speak about relative success, and in the case of Greece about a relative failure in this regard). What the new member states need is a consistent policy of modernization which converges with the institutional arrangements, rules and regulations of the EU. The candidate countries which are the most prepared for the EU (like Hungary) have to take into account not only the long-term benefits, but also the short-term adaptation costs.

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