https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/70413 2026-03-13T04:29:52Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123035 Title: Schengen acquis : building a fortress Europe? Abstract: This dissertation focuses on the Schengen Acquis and how its objectives were carried out throughout the years. After going through a brief historical outline of how and why the Schengen Acquis came around, the dissertation concentrates on the different perspectives that member states have on this agreement. These diverse outlooks where key in forging a common free movement area between twenty-four member states. Cooperation on the Schengen has been characterized by a continuous debate on the degree of security enjoyed by European citizens when the internal borders are abolished. In fact 'old' member states, such as France, being one of the initial countries to sign the Schengen agreement in June 1985, still pushed for a more 'military' Schengen to protect better its people, and had its was concerned about the repercussion France might suffer when it came to the opening of internal borders of the new Eastern member states. Furthermore, the dissertation explores why the United Kingdom has chosen to opt-out of this agreement and decide to keep border-checks within its own ambit. The latest enlargement to the Schengen Zone has been distinguished by enthusiastic Central and Eastern EU member states. The dissertation unveils the extended preparations that countries like Malta, Slovakia and the Czech Republic had to go through before being admitted into the 'club.' Moreover, it also discusses how the opening of borders had been a means of reunification in spite of certain security concern, and how this reunion was translated into erecting a new barrier with the other neighbouring countries. Furthermore, the Schengen Zone is expected to expand and extend its scope also to non-EU countries. The dissertation uncovers the path which Switzerland took with the aim of achieving a closer link with the EU on issues of free movement. However there is still a degree of uncertainty circling around if the Swiss will eventually join the Schengen area or not, especially since the Swiss give substantial importance to the safeguarding of internal security. Description: B.A.(HONS)EUR.STUD. 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123034 Title: The development of local industry and exports following Malta's EU membership Abstract: This dissertation deals with Malta's trade performance after EU Membership with particular reference to the fisheries and the iGaming sector. Data for the fisheries sector also included data on aquacultural produce. Data on the Alis, Entertainment and Recreation sector as well as the entire services sector are also produced and analysed since it was not always possible to give separate statistics for the iGaming industry. The study starts with a brief summary of developments that led to the creation of the European Union (EU). It is followed by a brief chronological account of Malta's relationship with the EU and the resulting general implications on Malta's foreign trade during the various stages of this relationship. The Literature Review chapter gives an account of the EU' s Single Market and the EU's Common Commercial Policy. It goes on to explain - the various trade theories of international trade, including the Ricardian Theory of Comparative Advantage and the Heckscher-Ohlin model which focuses on the factor endowments of different countries. The Krugman new trade theory which focuses mainly on economies of scale and network effects is also reviewed. A section in the Litertaure review is dedicated to fisheries while another section is devoted to the iGaming industry. This chapter ends with some extracts from some studies cmTied out locally on the impact of EU membership on Malta's economy. The Methodology chapter describes the scope of the study and the research design together with an explanation of the trade theories' formulas and some trade terminologies that have been used in the analysis chapter. This third chapter also explains how the two specific sectors of fisheres and iGaming have been analysed. The Analysis chapter starts with a general account of Malta's trade in 2003 and 2012 both as regards its geographical distribution and commodity groupings. This fomih chapter then goes on to analyse in detail the two sectors of Fisheries and iGaming following Malta's accession to the EU and also offers some analysis on the services sector since EU membership. The Conclusion Chapter summarises the main findings of the study. It specifies that it is difficult to explicitly assess to what extent, any changes in Malta's foreign trade strncture are a direct consequence of its EU accession or to the progressive globalisation of the world's economy and international trade liberalisation or to other special factors. It clearly states that while EU Membership provided a stimulus to Malta's economic operators to grow and internationalise, it is up to local businesses to rise to this challenge through increased efficiency, high productivity levels and improved quality products to exploit the arising opportunities. Description: B.A.(HONS)EUR.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123033 Title: A privileged partnership as an alternative to membership of the EU for Turkey Abstract: This dissertation attempts to assess critically Privileged Partnership as an alternative through analyzing the process of Turkish membership and current political atmosphere both within the EU and Turkey. It evaluates the obstacles that paralyzed this process and the attitudes of European Union and Turkey concerning the membership talks. In addition to negotiations between Turkey and The EU Institutions, the main argument of this dissertation suggests that, Turkey can fly to maneuver the barriers to benefit from its assets as a pivotal state with an important geo-strategic location in the Middle East and Central Asia. Turkey is also witnessing a foreign policy reorientation within the changing international system resulting from its rising regional status. These changes are likely to qffect the negotiating talks in any possible manner and make many future scenarios and strategies applicable. Description: B.A.(HONS)EUR.STUD. 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122726 Title: The practice of neutrality in a post-Lisbon EU Abstract: This historical type of research enables us to understand the meaning of the concept of neutrality. Hence, the qualitative study starts with a historical overview of the meaning of 'neutrality'. The concept of neutrality is quite broad. The first chapters build up on the examination of the meaning of the concept itself thus enabling a better understanding of the foundation of the dissertation. The term is derived from the word 'neuter' which is the Latin word for 'of neither side'. History shows that neutrality is a very sensitive practice in which those countries adhering to it were often forced or persuaded out of this status. Neutrality is a policy instrument intended to restrict and regulate armed force. It can take different forms namely: permanent, neutralism, armed, differential and non-alignment. In fact one of the reasons why the concept has survived is because it was able to adapt to different situations through these five fonns. When we come to Europe, the presence of neutral countries within the EU changed its significance over time. In fact the EU operates the CFSP and the Lisbon Treaty's framework which aim for collective security and defence measures for the benefit of its member states. Even more the practice of neutrality today changed in a way that rather than neutrality being linked with the sovereignty of each country, it is being linked to the EU as a whole. A further understanding of the concept in international law is supported through the study of non-alignment which is another form of neutrality. Non-alignment which is not directly related to war is regarded as a political concept and a policy of peace-time relationships. Article 42.7 of the Lisbon Treaty, also known as the mutual defence clause, explains the defence and security measures of the EU. This Article is regarded as a mechanism for aid and assistance in cases of armed conflicts in which all the member states are obliged to adhere to. On the other hand Article 222, known as the solidarity clause, urges all member states to help and assist each other in case of crises, disasters and emergencies that might erupt. Its scope is related to Article 42. 7 with many common nuances evidently shown. The last chapter analyses six neutral/non-aligned countries members of the EU (Austria, Finland, Ireland, Malta, Sweden and Cyprus) to show how their status of neutrality throughout history has shaped their decisions and policies. It is revealed that their traditional adherence to neutrality and their practice changed in recent years mainly through the EU' s policies not least by the Lisbon Treaty's framework. Description: B.A.(HONS)EUR.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z