The Impact of Neoliberal Policies on the EU's Expansion into Eastern Europe

Öz

This study examines the impact of neoliberal policies adopted by the European Union (EU) in its relations with Eastern European neighbours, particularly following the 2004 enlargement. This enlargement significantly altered the EU's eastern borders and reshaped the geopolitical landscape. The study focuses on the emergence of a neoliberal approach in the EU's interactions with newly joined Eastern European countries, where market principles and competition have become dominant ideologies. By analysing both qualitative and quantitative data, the article explores how these neoliberal policies have influenced the economic and political structures of the affected countries. It assesses the effects of the EU's neoliberal policies and the challenges faced by new member states during the integration process, highlighting sustainability issues that have arisen. The study concludes that the EU has utilized neoliberal policies to enhance its influence in Eastern Europe, contributing to a better understanding of the effects of these policies on new member states. It provides insights into the integration challenges and sustainability concerns, making significant contributions to the relevant literature on EU relations and neoliberalism.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• EU
• Eastern Europe
• Enlargement Policy
• Neoliberalism
• Europeanization

AB'nin Doğu Avrupa'ya Genişlemesinde Neoliberal Politikaların Etkisi

Öz

Bu çalışma, Avrupa Birliği'nin (AB) doğu komşularıyla ilişkilerinde benimsediği neoliberal politikaların etkisini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Özellikle 2004 yılında gerçekleşen genişleme süreciyle birlikte Doğu Avrupa ülkelerinin AB'ye katılması, AB'nin doğu sınırlarında önemli değişikliklere neden olmuştur. Bu dönemde jeopolitik yapılanma da yeni bir şekil almıştır. Çalışmanın merkezinde, AB'nin birliğe yeni katılan doğu Avrupa ülkeleri ile ilişkilerinde öne çıkan neoliberal yaklaşım yer almaktadır. Neoliberalizm, AB içinde pazar ve rekabet prensiplerinin egemen olduğu bir ideoloji haline geldiği varsayılmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, makale, AB'nin doğu komşularıyla ilişkilerinde uygulanan neoliberal politikaların nasıl şekillendiğini ve bu politikaların belirtilen ülkelerin ekonomik ve siyasi yapılarında nasıl değişikliklere yol açtığını nitel ve nicel verileri birlikte kullanarak analiz etmekte ve bu sayede AB'nin doğu komşularıyla ilişkilerindeki neoliberal politikaların etkileri değerlendirilmektedir. Çalışmanın literatüre katkısı; AB'nin yeni üye ülkelerle ilişkilerindeki neoliberal politikaların etkilerini daha iyi anlamak, bu politikaların söz konusu ülkelerin AB'ye entegrasyon sürecinde karşılaştıkları zorlukları ve sürdürülebilirlik açısından ortaya çıkan durumları değerlendirmektir. Çalışma sonucunda AB'nin Doğu Avrupa ile ilişkilerinde neoliberal politikaları araçsallaştırdığı ve Doğu Avrupa'daki etki kapasitesini arttırdığı kanısına varılmıştır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• AB
• Doğu Avrupa
• Genişleme Politikası
• Neoliberalizm
• Avrupalılaşma

Kaynakça

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