I nuovi Stati e le nuove regioni membri dell'UE: i fatti e le aspettative

I nuovi Stati e le nuove regioni membri dell'UE: i fatti e le aspettative (di Ladislav Kabat) - ABSTRACT: Slovak integration into the EU brings much discussion concerning the readiness of the country for such a serious socio-political step, as well as its ability adapt to this environment. Political representatives view Slovakia?s readiness and its future in the enlarged European context subjectively and their optimism or pessimism is a result of their position in the political scene. This article presents basic characteristics of the current extend of Slovak and other accession countries? social-economic development, these figures are in turn compared to average measures and statistics of previous EU- 15. According to data, these differences are quiet pronounced, not only between old and new member states but also within these two groups. These differences will signi- ficantly complicate and probably slow the process of convergence among EU states. Data further suggest that expectations among accession countries that they will soon equal the level of the EU-15 are over ambitious and non-realistic. These warnings are fully in accordance with Sapir?s Report, which was mandated by Romano Prodi, the chairman of the European Commission. Indications are that more detailed study by academics is required.