Evaluation of the Impact of European Integration on Civil Society of The Baltic States

The paper aims at analyzing the impact of European integration on civil societies of the Baltic states in 1988-2004. Identified are 4 mechanisms of the impact of the integration into the EU on the development of civil society of the Baltic states: the Political Accession Criterion of Democracy and the Rule of Law; the EU programmes for democracy promotion and the direct aid; reforms and adaptation of acquis communautaire; transnational networks and interest representation at the EU level. Along with these mechanisms, the impact of the integration into the EU on civil societies of the Baltic states is analyzed as the process of socialization and learning. The criterion of democracy has played a modest role in the Eastern enlargement process. Direct financial aid of the EU to civil society in the Baltic countries has been relatively small-scale. On the other hand, the demonstration effect, social learning and the exchange of ideas and experiences have played an important role in the democratic consolidation.