European Union Center of Excellence

EXPANDING EUROPE: ROUND FIVE OF THE E.U. BUILDOUT (7 tape series)
The fifth wave of eager entrants into the European Union is expected to include Estonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Cyprus. Program one of this seven-part series takes a broad look at the economic hurdles facing these six candidates, while the rest of the series examines the fiscal health of each country within its cultural context as it prepares for accession into the E.U.

Tape 1: THE EUROPEAN UNION MOVES EAST (EXP1)
(25 mins, 2000) Endowed with a strategic geographic position and a vibrant economy, Germany is playing a key role in the E.U.'s expansion into eastern and central Europe. How is it facilitating the efforts of its neighbors in their bids for statehood? And who is assisting the countries beyond Germany's reach? Featuring an interview with the European Commission's Gunter Verheugen, the program surveys the issues facing Estonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Cyprus, including their need for economic revitalization, industrial innovation, and infrastructure improvements. The E.U.'s relationship with Russia and the Balkans is considered as well.
Tape 2: CYPRUS AND THE EUROPEAN UNION (EXP2)
(25 mins., 2000) Despite the ongoing military standoff between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Cyprus is making a bid for early entry into the European Union. In this program, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, a member of parliament, and others from both the south and the north discuss the benefits and drawbacks of E.U. membership, balancing less economic vulnerability through a combination of the euro standard and increased military security against direct competition with the European countries. The question of reunification is also posed, although all agree that the prospect currently does not look bright.
Tape 3: SLOVENIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION (EXP3)
(25 mins., 2000) Geographically perceived as part of the Balkans, Slovenia is striving for statehood in the E.U. in the hope of differentiating itself from its bellicose neighbors. This program describes Slovenia, a politically stable democracy on a sound financial footing, as a special case among E.U. applicants. The country's record of respecting the rights of its ethnic minorities and its prime location as an economic gateway to southeastern Europe are points in its favor, although the country's low agricultural output and difficult transition to industrial privatization may become stumbling blocks. Observations by Foreign Minister Boris Frlec are included.
Tape 4: HUNGARY AND THE EUROPEAN UNION (EXP4)
(25 mins., 2000) Although Hungary appears to have entered a period of sustainable economic growth, its average standard of living is still relatively low. In this program, representatives from both ends of Hungary's business spectrum consider the country's prospects as a future E.U. state. A young artisan, a self-employed machinist, an elderly street vendor, and an elderly farmer express their concerns over price inflation, low pensions, and an expected flood of imports while a board member of flagship telecom corporation Matav stresses the vital importance of foreign investment to improving life in Hungary.
Tape 5: POLAND AND THE EUROPEAN UNION (EXP5)
(25 mins., 2000) In this program, a diverse cross-section of Poles ranging from President Aleksander Kwasiniewski to laborers, farmers, and students talk about Poland's preparations for entry into the European Union. While the construction and shipbuilding industries are especially optimistic, other groups - most notably the power generation industry and farmers - are less so, citing concerns over meeting E.U. standards while dealing with layoffs and rising debt. Improved relations between Poles and ethnic Germans and the issue of restitution of or compensation for property confiscated from Jews during World War II are also addressed.
Tape 6: THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND THE EUROPEAN UNION (EXP6)
(25 mins., 2000) Since the Velvet Revolution, the western portion of what used to be Czechoslovakia has set its sights on integrating its economy into world markets. Using profiles of car manufacturer Skoda, brewery Pilsner Urquell, and up-and-coming fashion designer Klara Nademlynska, this program assesses the Czech Republic's assets and liabilities as it moves toward joining the ranks of the European Union. It is hoped that E.U. membership will help stabilize the economy, but can challenges such as the environmental remediation of the Black Triangle and the integration of the republic's Roma (Gypsy) minority be met in time?
Tape 7: ESTONIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION (EXP7)
(25 mins., 2000) Committed to swift national reform, Estonia is retooling itself into a free trade-driven parliamentary democracy. This program examines the economic, environmental, and judicial challenges facing the small but dynamic Baltic country in its efforts to become eligible for membership in the E.U. Fiscal and monetary policies, pollution, and legal reform are high on the agenda, as Estonia's young visionaries pursue strategic partnerships abroad while tackling domestic issues such as more fully integrating the country's ethnic Russians. The comments of Prime Minister Mart Siimann round out the program.

Maps

Mapping Europe (MAP2)
Published by the Stanford Institute for International Studies, 2004.
Contrast the Europe of 1989 with the Europe of 2004. Six lessons focus on political (and ethnic) geography then and now, Europe's climate and physical features, and the development of the European Union. Grades 6-10. Includes transparencies.

Books and Guides

Newsweek Focus Units

1992: EUROPE UNITES
This instructional guide discusses the European Community, past and present, and examines its implications, possible results, and relations with the rest of the world.

Political Integration of Eastern And Western Europe. 1992.
A reading packet prepared by the Russian and East European Institute, this text provides over 15 articles surrounding the proposed integration of Eastern and Western Europe.

Western Europe: A Resource Guide to Teachers
This SPICE publication presents a guide to resource materials in the field of Western Europe, with an emphasis on Western European integration and German reunification.

The Shape of the New Europe, edited by Gregory Treverton.
Dubbed "the first book to provide a comprehensive look at the new European agenda," this text examines the challenges that face Europe in the post-Soviet world. Subjects include the feasibility of the dual political and economic transitions in Eastern Europe, the prospects of a pan-European security system, the impact of a Germany reunified and a Soviet Union disintegrating, and Europe's response to the Japanese trade challenge.

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