Political Stability in Europe

Associated with: Future of the European Union in 2030

Description:

Political stability factors have been of fundamental importance in the foundation of the European Union as well as its ongoing enlargement process. When looking beyond economical benefits, there is a strong case to be made that membership to the union brings political stability to each member and to Europe as a whole. When looking in particular at the EU enlargement process it can be seen as a way to bring stability to the neighboring sates as it brings a politico-administrative lock-in on the part of the potential new member states. [1]

Political stability is also perceived as a dynamic issue for the EU, as the failure to stability is seen as merely an invitation to introduce instability. As such, this point relates in particular to the broad acknowledgement of the significant changes that have occurred at the global political level since the end of the Cold War. In particular the process of European integration has been fundamental in bringing stability to the region. [1]

When looking beyond the beginning of the Cold War, Europe has been one of the most instable regions in the world. The past 65 years represent the longest period of peace in European history. This is despite the fact that during these years Europe saw one major ethnic war (the Yugoslavia breakup 1991-1995), and only two minor conflicts (the 1956 Soviet intervention in Hungary and the 1974 Greco-Turkish war in Cyprus). The early years of the Cold War (1945-63) were marked by a handful of major crises, although none brought Europe to the brink of war. Since 1963, however, there have been no East-West crises in Europe. Although, during these 65 years there have not been many instances that Europe has been facing instability, history does not favor that state to continue forever. Therefore, political stability is one of the most vital driving forces behind the European Union. [2, 3]

The objectives of Europe Political Stability:

• Avoid War
• Increase Economic Growth

Enablers:

• Will to avoid war
• Trade
• Economical growth

Inhibitors:

• Boarder Disputes
• Civilian War
• Financial Crisis
• Changes in Religion/Society Makeup

Paradigms:

Due to the history of Europe political stability can be look on as privilege and should never be regraded as a constant state. Therefore, member states have to work in every sense towards increasing stability.

To establish a greater stability in neighboring countries the EU is and will continue to seek continues expansion.

As history of Europe is full of violence that could enable the EU to form a stronger hold on the member states that could lead to EU being a super state.

Experts:

• Politicians
• Global Executives
• Reporters
• Heads of Civil Movements

Resources:

• [1] Could we imagine other future for Europe?
• [2] Instability of Europe after the Cold War
• [3] Breakup of Yugoslavia