Pros and cons of Lithuanias integration to the EU Essay Example

Pros and cons of Lithuanias integration to the EU Essay In 1999 Lithuania was invited to negotiate for the EU membership. Lithuania was recognized as an equal partner , thus the door to the EU, one of the most powerful political and economical unions, was opened. Although Lithuania strives to join the EU structures and the markets of the West economy, controversies surrounding the necessity of Lithuanias integration to the EU have reached its peak of debates. This question can be solved considering the main economical problems of Lithuania and the ways to solve them. They can be defined as relations with Russia, problematic situation in agricultural sector , fear to be inadequate to compete with the West. The first problem of Lithuania is relations with Russia. In spite of increased integration with the EU, Russia remains Lithuanias main trading partner. The crisis could therefore worsen the trade balance and slow down growth in the industrial sectors exporting to Russia. Even if political aspects of these relations the imperialist ambitions of Russia, the fluctuation of democracy and political stability could be denied, Lithuania still should admit that the crisis of Russia proved how it is ruinous to have affairs with such unforeseen partner. So, in comparison with Russia, the EU remains progressive and successful economical union that guarantees for each member their place in European market. The second reason of integrations to the EU enmity is problematic situation in agricultural sector. We will write a custom essay sample on Pros and cons of Lithuanias integration to the EU specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Pros and cons of Lithuanias integration to the EU specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Pros and cons of Lithuanias integration to the EU specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In fact, the majority of farmers are still incapable to compete, their labour productivity is low, the cost price is high. Lithuania still cannot implement and enforce the Community veterinary and sanitary requirements and upgrade the establishments to meet Community standarts. In addition, little progress is made in land reform and privatisation. Delays in land titling have seriously constrained the development of a proper land market. Further restructuring is needed for a more efficient and viable farming sector. On the other hand, if Lithuania does not join the EU, the number of farmers will have to decrease anyway. However, Lithuania will have to solve the problems of farmers employment and competition. So, in this case the question , whether Lithuania is able to solve it with its own means and to cope with all problems alone, can be derived. The EU allies claim that the EU subsidies more means than Lithuania will have to contribute to the EU budget. In conclusion, despite the EU promises to solve such problems of its future members, the agricultural sector remains the key area, which Lithuania has to improve itself. The third and final problem of Lithuania to join the EU is inadequacy to compete with the West. Some interest groups have already felt problems that are waiting after Lithuanias integration to the EU. The enterprises that at the moment get the financial support of the state, will incur losses. The enterprises trading with Russia also will incur losses , because the import barriers will increase. On the other hand, the barriers joining the common EU interior market will be abolished. According to some of the EU allies, although Lithuanias participation in the common EU market will increase competition, this will induce business and enterprises to reformation, cause the maintenance of Lithuanias economy and increase the level of livelihood. The best thing that the membership can offer to Lithuania is the restriction of bureaucracy in business sector and the concession of more freedoms and opportunities for initiative businessmen. In conclusion, despite the fact that the future membership to the EU will cause for Lithuania competitive pressure and it will condemn Lithuania to reform and revive its industry and agriculture, but in the long period the membership to the EU should guarantee for Lithuania both economical and financial stability. Summing all pros and cons in controversies surrounding Lithuanias integration to the EU, it is useful to remind that Lithuanias integration is delayed, because such state as Lithuania presents many problems. The most important of them are difficult relations with Russia, problems in agricultural sector and inadequacy to compete with the West. To decide whether such state as Lithuania has to join the EU, is a very debatable question. Indeed, the fact that integration causes not only positive, but also negative effect propose a conclusion that Lithuania, in comparison with other stronger states, still should wait.