The potential for change : Europeanization, civil society and ethics

Abstract

Europeanization aims to analyse domestic change caused by European integration. The European Union has assumed greater and greater significance over the lives of its citizens as its borders continue to enlarge, its competence increase and its complex network of official and unofficial decision-making become more embedded within a multi-level system of governance that brings governments and civil society from across the twenty-five members into greater contact. In this environment, domestic political systems and actors change and adapt. That change is what dominates current research in Europeanization. The easiest and most recognizable impact of Europeanization is upon government structures, processes and policies. But attention has also come to be focused upon how EU membership impacts civil society and, more importantly, norms and values. While research in these areas is still in its infancy, this paper will seek to outline what Europeanization is, how it impacts its domestic political systems and what consequences it may have for civil society and the values that civil society groups promote.