Conclusions: Generalizations and Patterns

Abstract

The tension between differentiated and unitary integration has come to be one of the defining characteristics of contemporary Europe both at the macrocontinental level (in which the EU is ‘core’ Europe) and within the EU itself. At the macro level EU enlargement (alongside NATO and Council of Europe en largement) has served to reduce differentiation, though often by re configuration of relationships in terms of graduated membership around the EU (and NATO) as continent-wide poles of attraction. This change at the macro-European level reflects the narrowing of ideological space consequent on the end of the Cold War and the associated division of Europe into rival blocs. Broad acceptance of the principles of liberal democracy and of the market economy made the EU in particular the sole pole of attraction.