Institutional Harmonization in the Context of Relations between the EU and Its Eastern Neighbours: Costs and Benefits and Methodologies of Their Measurement

Abstract

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Institutional Harmonization and Its Costs and Benefits in the Context of EU Cooperation with Its Neighbors: An Overview

“…Probably one of the most important benefits that institutional harmonization is going to bring is reduction in corruption. As discussed in detail in Kolesnichenko et al (2007), the ENP countries inherited from the Soviet system a peculiar economic and societal structure called "limited access order", in which power is preserved through paternalism and limitations on entry into the power circles. This contrasts with "open access" societies, characteristic of the Western countries, where access to power is based on political and economic competition.…”

“…Finally, as the discussion in (Kolesnichenko et al, 2007) demonstrates, the success of harmonization will depend on whether it is accompanied by the transformation of the postcommunist systems into the open access societies typical of western democracies. Indeed, the two processes are mutually reinforcing: the approximation with EU norms supports the development of the effective institutions, and in return, the better institutions will be conducive to further harmonization.…”