Explain the terms “widening” and “deepening” in terms of how they apply to the European Union.
Deepening could be defined as the gradual process of formal, vertical institutionalization. On the other hand, widening could be defined as the gradual process of formal, horizontal institutionalization. The European integration process has many different dimensions. It highlights historical, political, economic, sociological and judicial dimensions. Deepening and widening have distinct meanings when applied to the different dimensions of European integration (European Commission, 2009).
Deepening and widening are schools of thought showing how the European Union should develop. The European Union has evolved progressively to what is termed as the first-ever close union among European people. Its clear manifestation is based on transition to a common political, legal and economic framework. The concept of widening is considered to expand membership. The European Union managed to widen itself by enlarging from 15 countries in 2004 to 28 in 2013.
Would business benefit more from further widening or deepening of the EU?
The EU would benefit from deepening and widening by focusing on ideas and concepts that foster the unity of the European Union (European Commission, 2009). This would bring togetherness among the EU countries. Due to the series of deepening integration strategies implemented from the late 1960s onwards, institutional reforms, foreign policies and initiatives within diversified local policies have been scrutinized for the benefit of businesses within the EU. Deepening of the European Union proceeded in steps and intervals and increased interactions with the European Union.
Deepening and widening strategies ensured that even if there was no qualitative leap in the development mechanisms of bringing togetherness, pragmatic and agreeable solutions (to common institutions and political problems) were sought out and agreed upon amicably. These reforms paved the way for the next wave of more significant and fundamental project reforms to be established to enhance business.
European benefited from the stability and peaceful coexistence of development that had prevailed for quite some time over the years. The involvement of the internal market of more than one hundred million consumers, which had high purchasing power, required company products from the member states and this assisted in the creation of jobs to various homesteads. For example, Germany would sell machines to Poland and the transactions would be carried out by Dutch Banks. Therefore, all these activities benefitted the member states economically.
The addition of new members to the European Union benefited its members by improving their health standards. For example, the safety of food and animal health were improved during accession. Processing plants and diaries which did not meet the set standards were shut down before accession (Tatham, 2009). Alternatively, if the respective companies met the set standards, they were granted a chance to sell their products to the internal market. This led to the improvement of the quality of water, which was used mainly for drinking and bathing. Citizens also benefited through enhancement of business opportunities and greater possibilities to work abroad.
Imagine that you are the CEO of a Turkish corporation producing Turkish delights. To what extent does the Customs Union with the EU enhance your international business opportunities?
The Customs Union with the EU would enhance the international opportunities of the business. The business would have access to a bigger market, and that would be a good platform to market its goods and services. Good commercial relations with EU customers would also be maintained. This would help build a long-term business relationship with the customers.
What would full membership to the EU mean for your company?
The company would be in a position to access the rich EU market without any restrictions. It would also ensure that the company has access to funds provided by the EU institutions. Additionally, there would be less tax across the borders.
References
European Commission. (2009) (1st ed., pp. 1-14). European Commission. Retrieved from
http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/publication/screen_mythfacts_a5_en.pdf
Tatham, A. F. (2009). Enlargement of the European Union. Alphen Aan Den Rijn, Netherlands:
Kluwer Law International.
