Portugal Perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Portugal Perspective - Essay Example As a result of this kind of enlargement, democracy has been improved and Europe has become more secure. Portugal agrees with European Union enlargement, which has allowed other member countries like Iceland and Turkey to join. Kaiser & Elver (2006) add that when the Union met in Copenhagen, it invited 10 member countries to join the European Union. Portugal thinks that the Union was not only increasing its population and geographical size, but putting an end to the split in the continent which had separated the free world from the communist bloc. Additionally, it emphasizes that the EU enlargement has moral and political dimensions. This process enabled countries like Turkey, Hungary, Iceland, and Poland, which are European countries not only geographically but in their aspirations, culture and history, to join the European Union. As a result, the countries are now partners of EU project. Turkey is NATO member having a long-standing association with the European Union. It has been ap plying for membership since 1987, but its history, political situation and geographical location made the Union hesitate for a longtime before accepting the application. It was until recently that it negotiated with Turkey and at the same time entered into an agreement with another country. Morelli (2011) emphasizes that there are legal requirements that exists for any European country to become a member. The European integration means to make the candidate’s economic and political process open to other European countries, as well as readiness to sign their treaties. Normally, for countries to qualify as members of the Union, they must have a stable institution that guarantees rule of law, democracy, respect for minorities and human rights. Additionally, European enlargement will have a functioning capacity and economy with market forces and competitive pressure in the Union, as well as the ability to take on membership obligation and aims of the Union. The countries undergoi ng negotiations normally receive European Aid, which makes it easier for those countries to catch up with others economically. Sajdik & Schwarzinger (2008) contend that the enlargement of the Union cost a package of 4 billion for funding newcomer’s projects in order to help them fulfill their obligations. Portuguese, therefore, think that when European Union expands its territories, the member states will ensure that the Union is enlarged and as a result it will work democratically and efficiently. This process makes it clear that Europeans have a number of concerns on its identity, as well as the entire EU. Therefore, there are no possible answers as for Turkey, Iceland and other countries’ disputable entry into EU. This is because each country views its economic and geopolitical interests differently. Their entry also raises status question of such countries like Armenia and Georgia. They have fulfilled the European request, but still they are not members of EU since their public opinion is against joining (Claude, 2004). Advantages of the enlargement for Portugal and European economy As for Portugal experience and perspectives, some advantages of the enlargement for Portugal economy and European economy that appear to be relevant are the following: to start with, the economy of Portugal benefited when it joined EU; as a result, it has promoted structural changes and macroeconomic stability in the country. It is also a