Abstract

EU accession and transition processes are two sides of the same coin. The heart of the transition process is a transformation from a one-party political system and a centrally planned economic system to a democratic, multi-party political system and a functioning market economy. This is also the heart of the EU accession process. According to the June 1993 Copenhagen European Council ‘accession will take place as soon as a country is able to assume the obligations of membership by satisfying the economic and political conditions. As far as economic conditions are concerned, the membership requires: (i) that the candidate country has achieved stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; (ii) the existence of a functioning market economy, as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the EU; (iii) the ability to take on obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union’.