From EU Model to External Policy? Promoting Regional Integration in the Rest of the World

Abstract

Abstract To what extent is the EU seeking to replicate the European model of regional integration elsewhere in the world? Statements by senior European officials suggest the policy is being developed with serious intent. Romano Prodi, the former president of the European Commission was vocal in his claim: Our European model of integration is the most developed in the world. Imperfect though it is, it nevertheless works on a continental scale. Given the necessary institutional reforms, it should continue to work well after enlargement, and I believe we can make a convincing case that it would also work globally (Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission, 2000—cited in Rosamond 2002: 473).