Volume 2, Issue 2   Problems of EU Economic Integration

Problems of European Union Economic Integration By Bradley Podliska

Abstract:

Since its inception more than four decades ago, the European Union (EU) has made significant gains in fostering trade and economic cooperation between European states. The 15 member nations have developed rules and laws, which have encouraged economic growth. The EU, however, has recently been hampered by a series of political, cultural, social, regulatory, labor, and immigration impediments. The process toward economic integration has been difficult, as it must cross the ethnic and national boundaries of 15 distinct societies. The intra-socialization of Europe has caused a backlash, which is based on fears of globalization and forced cultural integration.

About the author:

Bradley Podliska is a Political Science Ph.D. candidate at Texas A&M. As a Masters student at Georgetown University, he participated in an EU program at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. At the University of Antwerp, Bradley collected data for this paper, "Problems of European Union Economic Integration." Bradley plans to finish his doctorate degree and return to a career in government.