The Theory of Europeanization: Main Issues and Concepts

Abstract

The theory of Europeanization dates back to the 90s of the last century and is related to the description of the integration processes in Europe after the Cold War. It should be noted that the study of Europeanization very often involves the study of EU enlargement, and a number of authors, such as Olson, also refer to Europeanization as Europeanization.

It should be noted that the study of Europeanization very often involves the study of EU enlargement, and several authors, such as Olson, also refer to Europeanization as EU-zation.  Europeanization is bounded geographically and includes, along with the European continent, also part of the post-Soviet space (including the countries of the South Caucasus). It should be noted that the theory of Europeanization implies the study of EU enlargement directly, as well as the study of the spread of EU influence in countries whose accession to the EU is not yet on the agenda.

Many scholars through the theory of Europeanization, study the transfer of standards of governance and political decision-making in the EU to other - target countries, which by their own decision try to align their political agenda with the political agenda in EU countries. This is possible at the level of legal norms, laws, institution building and transformation, which can be both voluntary and mandatory, and may be based on a bilateral document, such as the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia.

Under this agreement, Georgia has committed to significant changes in public policy, and these changes are still reviewed annually under the auspices of the Association Agreement.