A test of European Union post-accession influence

Comparing reactions to political instability in Romania

Bibliographic Data

ID7743686
AuthorsGherghina (0000-0002-6627-5598, Goethe University Frankfurt, corresponding author), Sorina Soares (0000-0003-3689-2496, University of Florence), Sorina Soare (0000-0003-2967-4538, University of Florence)
Year2016
Volume23
Issue5
Pages797-818
Publication date2016-07-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueDemocratization (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1351-0347 • E-ISSN: 1743-890X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13510347.2015.1020792
OpenAlexW2258794956
LanguageEN
Citations received19
References cited24

The positive role of the European Union (EU) in the democratization process in post-communist countries has been amply documented. The pre-accession conditionality was to a large extent the tool used to enhance adoption of norms, and implementation of policy. In this context, it is less clear what happens after countries join the EU and conditionality is no longer an option. This article seeks to provide an answer by analysing how the EU can influence democratic governance after accession of a new member state. In particular, it focuses on the reactions of EU actors in two institutional conflicts (the 2007 and 2012 presidential impeachment referendums) in Romania. The main findings indicate how EU leverage on domestic politics remains possible, though the effectiveness of involvement, monitoring and evaluation of respect for democratic principles depends on a complex interaction of international and domestic actors

Accession · Conditionality · Context (archaeology · Corporate governance · Democracy · Democratization · Economic system · Economics · European union · International trade · Leverage (statistics · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Presidential system · European and International Law Studies · European Union Policy and Governance · Law · Social Policy and Reform Studies