Economic & Social Development and the benefits of the process of integration in the European Union: the case of Cyprus
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. An internal single market has been established through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states in those matters, and only those matters, where the states have agreed to act as one. EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the internal market; enact legislation in justice and home affairs; and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development. It is widely believed amongst European states, that membership in the European Union brings drastic changes to member states and causes them to develop and provide a better environment for people to live in. In this thesis, I argue that this is true; countries do make major changes to their governance structures in order to qualify for EU membership. The goal of this study is to analyze the changes that take place in new member states during their admission and harmonization process into the European Union and examine whether those changes have an effect in economic and social development in new member states.
European Union, Cyprus, Development, Integration, Admission, Harmonization, International Relations
City University of New York - City College
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