Aid in the European Neighbourhood Policy

Why differentiated integration is such a common practice in Europe: A rational explanation

“…The stronger the interdependence and the higher the bargaining power of the EU in a given policy field, the more likely it is that a non-member state will adopt a rule (Schimmelfennig and Lavenex, 2009). Likewise, the higher the financial incentives provided to countries, the more likely the European Commission is ‘to give ownership to the countries and to “buy” reforms from the neighbouring governments’ (Bossuyt et al, 2017: 420; see also Börzel and van Hüllen, 2014).…”

“…The adoption of EU rules entails adjustment costs for the target governments. If necessary, the ‘EU’ is willing to balance these costs with tangible incentives, such as direct budget supports (see Bossuyt et al, 2017). T, however, is free to accept the offer of EI or not, with or without compensation.…”

“…The EU itself supports opting-in frequently: for example, the non-EU countries of the European Economic Area (Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland) are required to apply the respective EU law. Another example is the European Neighbourhood Instrument, providing financial incentives to European neighbourhood countries in an attempt to induce them to align their policies with the EU (Bo¨rzel and van Hu¨llen, 2014;Bossuyt et al, 2017). In these cases, the EU strives to export its policies to third countries and induce them to join in for specific sectors.…”