On becoming European
'Europeanisation' is the process by which New Member States come to accept EU values. The concept is applicable to Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) in terms of domestic political and policy reforms. New members accept European values either because they must, or because those values are seen to be best. The EU-funded project 'International development policies of the New Member States – Europeanization and future directions' (INTDEPNEW) explored such changes. Over one year to August 2013, the study aimed to illuminate the emerging Europeanisation of international development policies of CEECs. The project addressed four main research areas. Has Europeanisation occurred in development policies of CEECs? Aside from the EU, what factors affect construction of the policies? How do non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in CEECs differ from development NGOs elsewhere? What do aid-receiving countries think about the re-emergence of CEEC donors? Regarding the first two questions, the team studied CEEC policies towards assistance for developing countries. Effectively, the EU required such policies of its new members, though without hard rules. Hence, Europeanisation in the area of aid seems limited and superficial; in practice, CEECs have little interest in aiding other countries and do the minimum. Furthermore, the project showed that foreign policy goals drive such aid that CEECs provide. Typically, CEECs send aid to their former Soviet eastern neighbours. In some cases, the financial crisis meant dramatic cuts to aid levels, made possible because of the low public interest. INTDEPNEW showed that NGOs in CEECs faced similar challenges to those elsewhere, though with particular challenges. The difficulties included managing relationships with government, how to organise effectively, and maintaining and building resources. Lastly, the project showed that aid-receiving countries prefer CEEC donors. Reasons include the lack of colonial associations, and that CEECs understand transitional issues. Interviewees stressed the importance of the latter, which leads to superior rapport in spite of the lack of professionalism compared to traditional donors. The INTDEPNEW project contributed an improved understanding of development aid policy issues to interested parties, including aid organisations. In addition, the study elaborated general principles of Europeanisation and the role of socialisation.
