Former Soviet Satellites and the European Union

Paper Summary:

This paper states that each country---Hungary, Belarus and Ukraine--- has a long history of special internal concerns, foreign relations goals, and socio-political aims that make joining the European Union a difficult decision. The author feels that Hungary, which is more like the West, is more likely to join the EU. The paper contends that Belarus and Ukraine, whose economies and societies are intertwined with Russia, more likely will turn towards Russia. Several long quotations. End notes.

From the Paper:

"Diplomatic relations were opened between Hungary and the European West in August 1988. This was followed by the Europe Agreement which was signed on December 16, 1991. This gave Hungary the status of an associated state within the European Union. As a result, there began a steady flow of Western funds into the Hungarian economy. Hungary was one of the first beneficiaries of the European Union's new PHARE program, a program specifically designed to render financial assistance to countries seeking admission into the European Union. Since 1990, Hungary has received more than "1 billion under this program. Importantly, these funds do not have to be repaid, and have contributed successfully to the reinvigoration of Hungary's infrastructure: economic development and restructuring, environmental investments, research and development, public administration, human resources development, and various other tasks deems necessary to prepare estate for membership in the European Union. Furthermore, Hungary also benefits from two additional programs, the Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-Accession, and the Special Accession Program for Agriculture and Rural Development. Under these programs, Hungary expects to receive nearly "140 million each year over the course of the next few years. This cooperation with the West has been an extremely positive experience for Hungary."

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