M.

Phil Synopsis

The European Union and Democratization in Romania Since 1989

Submitted by:

Mukesh Shankar Bharti

Under the Supervision of

Dr. Bhaswati Sarkar

Centre for European Studies

School of International Studies
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067
2011-2013

BACKGROUND
In 1989 following the collapse of socialist systems, countries of Central and Eastern Europe
opted to establish liberal democratic states. All countries of the region went through a process of
democratization which may be defined as a process of transition to a more democratic political
regime. It may take the form of transition from an authoritarian regime to a full democracy,
transition from an authoritarian political system to a semi-democracy or transition from a semiauthoritarian political system to a democratic political system. The outcome may be consolidated
democratization or it may face frequent reversals. Democratization itself is influenced by various
factors, including economic development, history, and civil society. Consolidated democracies
need to have in place five interacting and mutually reinforcing arenas, each with its own
organizing principle: a state apparatus, rule of law, political society, civil society, and economic
society.
The process of democratization of the Romanian society started in December1989. The end of
communist rule in Romania was marked by the execution of the deposed head of the state
Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena on 25 December 1989. There after Romania opted to
establish a liberal democratic state and be part of European structures and institutions. The
constitution of December 1991, declared Romania to be a semi presidential representative
democracy with a bicameral parliament that consists of a Senate and Chamber of Deputies, each
with a four- year term. The Chamber of Deputies, the power house of parliament, hold 334 seats,
are filled through a proportional representation electoral system. The Senate is a 137 member
body. The president is directly elected to a five year terms, through a two-round majoritarian
ballot. Though the constitution clearly specifies the democratic institutions and structures of
post-1989 Romanian state but to consolidate rule of law was a far greater challenge.
In the elections of 1990 held after the abolition of one-party dominance, the National Salvation
Front came to power in Romania. Political parties represent a crucial element in a functioning
democracy. Their primary role is to provide the electorate with alternative visions, policies, and
priorities to choose from. They form the government after competing in elections. Romania has
multi- party system with ideological divide along a left- right spectrum - The Social Democrats
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on one end, the Liberal and Democrats in the middle, National Liberal Party and the Greater
Romanian Party on the other end. The two main parties in the parliament are the Democratic
Liberal Party and Social Democrats. Romania since 1989 has faced seven parliamentary
elections. No party has been able to come to power on its own and coalitions have been forged.
In 2007, for the first time, Romanians also elected their representatives to the European
Parliament. The last legislative elections were held in Romania on 9 December 2012. The Social
Liberal Union of Prime Minister Victor Ponta won an absolute majority in both the Chamber of
Deputies and the Senate.
The research intends to study the process of democratization in Romania after the decline of
communism. It seeks to focus on how EUs impending membership impacted Romanias
democratization process and also how since Romanias accession to EU in 2007 has Romania
faired in taking that process forward. The European Union has been an important player in
encouraging democratic system building and democratization in Central and Eastern Europe as
these countries struggled after systemic collapse of communism. As the EU in recent years
moved from projecting itself as a trading bloc to an international actor it has been emphasizing
on democratization, human rights, pluralism, rule of law. These concerns were reflected in the
European Council declarations dating from 1991, Association and Partnership Cooperation
Agreements with former Communist states, the Maastricht Treaty, Lome convention and
Copenhagen criteria specifying membership requirements. EU development aid for recipients
was made increasingly conditional on respect for human rights, the PHARE ( Poland and
Hungary Assistance for Restructuring of the Economy for instance was a used as a mechanism to
support democratization of the countries. Apart from specifics the desire of all Central and
Eastern European countries for EU membership was used by the EU to encourage them to
initiate democratization and stay the course.
Romania signed its Europe Agreement in 1993 and submitted its official application for
membership in the EU in 1995. It was the third of the postcommunist European countries to do
so after Hungary and Poland. Along with its official EU application, Romania submitted the
Snagov Declaration, signed by all fourteen major political parties declaring their full support
for EU membership. The enlargement has been the most important and successful EU strategy of
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democratization and Europeanization. The European Commissions successive Regular Reports

on Romania from 1997 to 2004 tracked democratic standards in the country during the accession
process. Judicial reform and corruption were two recurrent areas of major concern. The 1999
Report for instance indicated that the increased use of ordinances as a cause of concern. It
observed that further measures were needed to ensure the independence and efficiency of the
judiciary. Other areas which needed attention included the fight against corruption, where
institutional responsibilities and functions should be consolidated, and, despite some positive
developments, the situation of the Roma. It called for adequate budgetary resources allocation
for Roma coupled with efforts to fight discriminatory attitudes in society.
In 2004 when 10 Central and East European countries joined EU, the Regular Report for
Romania observed that so far as the political criteria was concerned Romania has launched major
reforms in the field of public administration, the fight against corruption and the judiciary with
the aim of reinforcing democracy and the rule of law, progress had also been made in the area of
human rights and protection of minorities. At the same time it observed that attention needed to
be focused on the implementation of these reforms and on the enforcement of existing
legislation. A considerable amount of work still remained to be done.
Romanias accession to the EU has been plagued by relative slow reform and poor performance
by comparison with the other CEE candidates. Even when the Commission reached its final
decision to admit Romania, it was tempered by concern that the country had not completed
necessary reforms. In fact, the Commission threatened to impose penalties unless the government
continued necessary reforms of the justice system, taxation and agriculture. These include the
possibility of withholding 41 billion in development fundsearmarked for the two countries until
2013. High-level corruption is also an issue of concern, exemplified by the 2007 debacle in
Romania between President Tarieanu and PM Basescu. Romania's Labour Minister was sacked
for bribery in September 2008.
Since 2007, the Commission country reports repeatedly pointed out shortcomings in meeting the
benchmarks, feet-dragging in addressing systemic corruption, lack of administrative capacities
and non-transparency in dealing with EU funds, particularly agricultural subsidies, After
4

accession Romania continues to have many problems inside the country. One issue raised time
and again by the European Commissioner is that of corruption. Given the absence of a
comprehensive and coherent European anti corruption policy, which includes clear benchmarks
and transparent monitoring systems, the Commission recommended that more emphasis should
be put on the actual implementation and enforcement of policies formally adopted prior to
accession.
This study proposes to assess Romanias democratic progress, specifically focusing on the
contribution of the EU to the process through its membership conditionalities as embodied in the
Copenhagen criteria.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The relevant literature is reviewed under the following themes
Central - Eastern Europe after the decline of communism
The edited book by Karen Henderson ((1999) Back to Europe, central and eastern Europe
and the European Union deals with challenges of eastern enlargement of EU, with special
emphasis on Romania. The book is divided into three parts. Part I deals with examines the
significance of the European Union and eastern enlargement in the context of the new European
security order. The second part looks at structural problems of enlargement and the final part
deals with domestic political debates on enlargement in CEE countries. For the purpose of the
research, the chapter by David Phinnamore dealing with problems of Romanian accession to EU
is of importance. Generally, the book argues that accession of CEE countries should be studied
more from social and economic sphere rather than political benefit and democratic policymaking communities, particularly when it comes to security policy, are essential, therefore, to the
evolution of central and eastern Europe and central to the role of the EU.
Democracy and Enlargement in Post-Communist Europe :The democratization of the
general public in fifteen Central and Eastern European countries, 19911998 by- Christian
W. Haerpfer (2002) analyses political transformations in 15 communist countries for the period
1991-1998. The book devises an index of democracy using 9 criteria. According to the index,
5

Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary can already be labeled as consolidated democracies,
because more than 60 per cent of the general public in these Central European countries are
already democratic post-Communist citizens. A clear-cut majority of the general public is also
democratic in Slovenia and Slovakia, and Slovenia in particular is very close to the position of a
consolidated democracy. The second level of democratization is visible in post- Communist
Southern Europe: Romania, Croatia and Bulgaria can be characterized as emerging
democracies, because in all three Southern European countries more than 50 per cent of the
population can be described as democrats. The lowest level of democratization of the general
public was identified in Eastern Europe. In the Ukraine and the Russian Federation, less than 20
per cent of the population is Democrats (142-143). There are main three approaches of
democratic transformation, democratization toward democracy, marketization toward market
democracy and creation of civil society.
Post- communist democratization, Political discourses across thirteen countries, by- John
S. Dryzek and Leslie T. Holmes (2004), analysis political transformation of Romania since
1989.Romania was the last domino state to fall in 1989, differing from its predecessors primarily
in the violence associated with its transition. Prior to December 1989, there had been virtually
nothing in the way of organized protest against or overt opposition to the communist regime. In
Romania during 199798, and so followed soon after the landmark 1996 elections that had
brought the three-party alliance to power. Then democratic process ran in across the Romania
during that period. The discourse was very committed to the market economy, private property,
individual rights, minority rights, and equality of opportunity, and constitutional government
with a separation of powers, representative multi party democracy, and a politics of compromise.
Second Romanian discourse, Civic Fundamentalism, appears to embody a paradox, reflected in
our title for it, which seems like a contradiction in terms.
The edited book by Sharon L. Wolchik and Jane L. Curry (2011), Central and East
European politics: from communism to democracy talk about of the idea for this book grew
out of our common difficulty in finding up-to-date, accessible materials about the politics of
Central and Eastern Europe after communism. This book has two main parts, first talk about the
policies and issues, and second part discusses about of case study. Romania case study written by
John Gledhill and Charles King talk December 1991, revised in 2003, Romania is a semi
6

presidential representative democracy with a bicameral parliament that consists of a Senate and a
Chamber of Deputies, each with a four-year term. The president, who shares executive power
with the prime minister and his government, is directly elected to a five-year term, through a
two-round majoritarian ballot. Romania is a medium-size country with a relatively poor but
developing economy, look like many other new EU member states. It is being rather
unexceptional within a united, peaceful, and prosperous Europe may not be such a bad thing.
The Eastern Enlargement of the European Union by John OBrennan(2006) described
the eastern expansion of the EU through a tripartite structure, developing an empirical,
conceptual and institutional analysis to provide a rounded and substantive account of the largest
and most challenging enlargement in EU history. This book discusses why the EU decided to
expand its membership and the factors that drove this process forward, the key roles played by
individual EU institutions, such as the Council, Commission and European Parliament, in the
enlargement process, the relative importance of geopolitical, economic and normative factors in
the EUs enlargement decisions. The book argued for an emerging Kantian environment in the
interstate and supranational politics of pan-Europe, characterized by deep and still developing
economic interdependence and a high level of cooperation between states.
Communism and the Emergence of Democracy by Harald Wydra (2007) argue the study of
democratization in Eastern Europe and Russia to the emergence and crisis of communism.
Harald Wydra argues that the communist past is not simply a legacy but needs to be seen as a
social organism in gestation, where critical events produce new expectations, memories, and
symbols that influence meanings of democracy. Wydra argues in this book that the communist
experience must be central to the study of the emergence and nature of democracy in postcommunist countries. There is quotation discriminate between socialism and democracy, Joseph
Schumpeters realist theory of democracy discarded the idea of a public good embodied in a
general will. The book assessment of communist regimes as peoples democracies was often
ridiculed, communism bequeathed symbols such as the dictatorship of the proletariat or the
transition to communism as well as an unfulfilled desire for democracy. The absence of political
democracy as an institutionalized logic of the liberal type must not be reduced to a general claim
about Eastern Europes undemocratic tradition.

Romania after 1989

The edited book by Henry F. Carry (2004) Romania since 1989, this book attempts to
elucidate the key aspects of a country undergoing a profound transformation from a repressive
totalitarianism to an as yet unreached and undefined democratic future. The book divided into
five parts. Part first described about Legacies of Ceausescus Socialism and post-communist
development in Romania. The second part looks toward state formation and party system. The
third chapter talks about civil society and social issues like ethnicity, education, and others
problem. Generally book argues that electoral transfers of power occurred twice, in 1996 and
again in 2000, through general election.
Nations in Transition: Romania, By Mark Sanborne(2004) discuss the book divided into two
major part the first part covers the countrys history from ancient times through the end of
communism, knowledge of which is vital to any understanding of the Romanian mystery. The
second part deals with Romanias rocky transition to democracy and with life in the country
today. Book also talked about Romanias growing acceptance in Europe helped improve its
relations with the United States as well. November 23, Bush reached in Bucharest and spoke
briefly before a large crowd in Revolution Square. He suggested that because Romanians had
seen the face of evil under Nicolai Ceausescu. There are 10 countries on track become a
member of European Union from 2004, but Romania and Bulgaria desire to joined by 2007.
Romania's Politics of Dejection by Pop-Eleches, Grigore (1999), article says it is mentioned
that Romanias November and December 2000 election had been conducted free & fair for both
parliament and presidency. There were so many changes regarded by many foreign and domestic
observers as serious set-back for Romania toward democratic consolidation it is big milestone of
central-eastern Europe. The 2000 election Party of Social-Democratic in Romania was winner
whose leader Ion Iliescu back in power one second. Romanian economy and democracy will
largely on the PDSR and its leader, President Iliescu. Iliescu was also ex. Communist leader and
ally of Ceausescu. Through democratization in Romania NATO expansion able to recognize and
help to economic partnership in hauls Europe.
The End of Post communism in Romania by Peter and Tismaneanu, Vladimir (2005), article
describe Romania has successfully completed the first phase of the transformation from an
8

electoral to a liberal democracy; it is long process with the election of a truly democratic
government in Romania. Since 2004 under the leadership of President Beasescu and finally
break the post-communist trend which is main problem for activated and planted a democratic
culture in Romania. But there is long road ahead maintain to stable set of democracy in Romania.
This article also saying about post-communist government did not success too much because
many leaders working in government as a communist mind set up. Post- communist government
also did not restrict corruption and state scam so Romanias democratic process did not catch up
firstly.
Late lustration programmes in Romania and Poland: supporting or undermining
democratic transitions? By Cynthia M. Horne (2009), article shows it is saying about of the
dominant explanation is that lustration is a tool of party politics and is a threat to democratic
consolidation. However, the late lustration programmes do not fit this hypothesis neatly. The new
laws have been restructured and packaged with other reform programmes, specifically anti
corruption programmes. Late lustration has evolved to include economic and social, as well as
political concerns. As such, some post-communist governments in Central and Eastern Europe
appear to be trying to use lustration as a way to further the democratic transitions by addressing
remaining public concerns about corruption, distrust, and inequality. Article argues critics have
charged that lustration laws are egregious examples of revenge politics, and therefore likely to
undermine the democratic transition process.
Democratic Musical Chairs? Romania's Post-1989 Electoral Geography, by Aurelian
Giugal, Ron Johnston & Stefan Constantinescu (2011): article described Romania is one of a
number of states that experienced a rapid shift to representative democracy after the fall of the
Berlin Wall in 1989. The experience of Romania over its first six elections since its 1989-90
transition to democracy fits the first part of that model: no party elected to power won the
subsequent election and there has been considerable change in the structure of the party system.
The article argues comparable volatility in the countrys electoral geography the last election in
the sequence so far in 2008 saw the geography change somewhat, however, consequent on the
decline of strident, populist Romania nationalism and a decline in support for parties built on the
communist foundation. To date no post- communist Romanian government has won re- election.
Romania's Roma Population: From Marginality to Social Integration, by Remus Crean &
David Turnock (2008): article describe, it is concern with Roma among several groups
9

vulnerable to discrimination in 21st century Europe, Roma loom large because the poorer,
traditionally-minded elements continue to resist integration and remain on the margins of society.
Most of the people involved have become EU citizens as a result of recent accession by East
Central European countries where marginalization has been tolerated, with varying degrees of
discrimination, ever since the 19th century abolition of feudalism. In the interest of a more
inclusive society, Roma are now being encouraged to strive for living standards comparable with
those enjoyed by the mainstream population. This article concentrates on Romania, which has
one of the largest Roma communities in Europe.
Romania and European Union
The EUs Transformative Power: Europeanization Through Conditionality in Central and
Eastern Europe by Heather Grabbe(2006), discuss in this book examines how the European
Union (EU) uses its conditions for membership to influence the policy choices made by
candidate countries. The author argues that the EU has enormous potential influence on public
policy in candidate countries, but that its influence in Central and Eastern Europe did not full
these criteria because of the inconsistency and lack of precision in the Unions membership
criteria. The EU policy incorporated of domestic discourse, identities, political structure and
public policy. Europeanization in the Central-Eastern Europe countries involved so many other
process policy transfer and regime transfer. Europeanization is principle of EU for unity of haul
European Countries and better achievement. And last book saying in the longer term, the
shortcomings of the accession process could affect debates about democratic accountability in
the enlarged Union.
Romania and the European Union: From marginalization to membership by-Dimitris
Papadimitriou and David Phinnemore (2008) discusses and explores the dynamics behind
Romanias relationship with the European Union, from the collapse of the Ceausescu regime in
1989 to its recent accession to the EU in 2007. And a completely up-to-date and detailed study, it
identified key developments in EU-Romania relations, as well as the challenges Romania has
faced in its efforts to move from the margins of the European integration process to EU
membership. This book identified the EUs role in promoting reform, but equally the limits of
EU influence. It reveals the obstacles Romania has had to overcome in meeting the demanding
prerequisites of accession to the EU. Romanias accession to the European Union represents a
10

tremendous fundamental strategic goal for the Romanian Society on the democratic and market
economy principles so as to assure the social stability and the prosperity of the citizens and of the
nation. (Government of Romania, 1995a: 1).
The edited book by Joan DeBardeleben and Achim Hurrelmann Democratic Dilemmas of
Multilevel Governance (2007) talk in this book and discuss the transformations of democratic
self-governance that ensue as modern nation states. The book divided into four major parts, first
part analyses of Multilevel Governance and Democratic Legitimacy, second part described
Social Underpinnings of Democracy in the EU, third part discusses Political Participation in the
EUs Multilevel System and finally last chapter argue of EU Enlargement, Democracy and
Multilevel Governance. David Ost talked in this books 10 th chapter about of multilevel
governance in the EU as Seen from the East. Even if the EU represents as strong par excellence
the complex decision-making structure and the ensuing problems of democratic legitimating
associated with multilevel governance, these problems are not unique to the EU.
EU Enlargement and Anti-corruption: Lessons Learned from Romania, by Mihaiela Ristei
Gugiu (2012), article shows, the European Union is key factor in Central-Eastern Europe for
establishment of promoting democracy set-up. Mid 90s EU got clear-cut ideology for
democratic promotion, whose principle according to Copenhagen criteria, included the stability
of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, protection of minority right, a
functioning market economy and the capacity to manage the competitive pressure of the EU
common market. Those countries will be committed with full guarantee then granted full EU
membership. Romania continue removed corruption through combat and will not be allow such
kind of corruption threatening across the country, continue work with European Union with its
legacy.
Stuck in the grey zone'? Fears and frustrations in Romania's quest for EU membership,
by David Phinnemore (2000), article describe it is Romania that the EU has little intention of
extending their membership to include Romania and look set to consign the country to a 'grey
zone' of economic, political and social instability in south-eastern Europe. In recent years these
concerns have intensified as the EU has introduced renewed differentiation into its relations with
central and Eastern Europe (CEE) through its approach to enlargement. The article examines a
series of issues which are likely to figure in the development of Romania's membership
prospects and which could result in frustration persisting as a hallmark of Romania's relations
11

with the EU. These issues clearly cast doubt over whether Romania will accede to the EU within
the foreseeable future. Romanias Foreign Minister Roman's target date of 2007 appears
optimistic then country will be able to get high development and stability of democracy.
Romanias Integration into the European Union, by David Phinnemore (2010), article
mentioned that the case of Romania shows, the EUs use of conditionality is far from consistent.
Relations can develop and accession take place without the requisite conditions being met. This
follows from the use the EU makes of the flexibility evident in its evolving and generally vague
definitions of the conditions that need to be met. These factors include the geopolitical and
strategic interests of the EU and its member states, the actions of the Commission and the agenda
setting and constraining effects of rhetorical commitments and timetables, and the dynamics of
the EUs evolving approach to eastern enlargement. Article talked about of Romania joined the
EU on 1 January 2007 few observers were convinced of its state of preparedness. For sure, there
had been substantial progress in making the country ready for membership but problems, some
severe, remained. According to a strict interpretation of the formal requirements of
conditionality, accession should not have taken place.
Romania's travails with democracy and accession to the European Union, by Monica
Ciobanu (2007), article talked about the reforms mandated by the EU in the justice system have
not fundamentally altered the nature of the political elite. For the past two years the political
establishment has been unstable and political parties continue to hinder the development of an
accountable and transparent political system. The article saying about of EUs emphasis on
speedy implementation of reforms has resulted in an inconsistent application of political
conditionality, which has left Romanias democratization process incomplete. At last in this
article mentioned that Romania's past is not good but now through Europeanization country will
get better development and stable economic process.
Europeanization and new patterns of multilevel governance in Romania, Ana Maria Dobre
(2010): the article describes it is argues about of Romania and, specifically, considers the extent
to which there is a process of Europeanization characterized by emergent features of multi-level
governance. In particular, it brings forward a number of explanatory factors which account for
the process of regions creation in a centralized unitary post-communist state such as Romania. It
shows that the regional reforms and rationalization have occurred in a very functional way and
mostly as a means of accessing and managing regional-level structural funds. It concludes by
12

illustrating the emergence of new patterns of multi-level governance in the context of

socialization and engagement with the EUs cohesion policy. Article link with engaging the EUs
cohesion policy and related pre-accession instruments, the Romanian polity has become more
compound and exhibits features of multi-level governance.
DEFINITION, RATIONALE AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY:
Recently, in 2012 the European Commission censured and criticized Romanias failure to deal
with corruption and progress on judicial reforms. Mr. Barroso warned that the recent
exceptional events in Romania, including challenging judicial decisions, undermining the
constitutional court, overturning established procedures and removing key checks and balances,
had shaken our trust. Party political strife cannot justify overriding core democratic
principles, Mr. Barroso said, alluding to the bitter rivalry between Mr. Ponta, who leads a
center-left coalition, and the center-right president.
The EU Regular Report of 2006 the year before Romania became a member observed that
progress in the area of judicial reform and the fight against organised crime and corruption was
insufficient. The EU, therefore, ensured that even after accession based on Articles 37 and 38 of
the Act of Accession progress in these areas would be monitored. Barrosos observation was a
part of that exercise.
The EU also announced its decision to withhold 500 million euros ($648 million). These funds
were meant to reimburse part of the costs of transport, regional, economic development and
environmental projects undertaken in Romania. The Commission said it had also decided to
block the bulk of future EU structural funding under three of the four programs because of
"serious deficiencies" in Romania's management and control systems. It may also be mentioned
that Romania remains excluded from the passport-free Schengen area.

In the light of these developments the proposed study will look at the democratic journey of
Romania since 1989 in two phases of pre and post EU membership. It attempts to assess what
were the drivers of the democratization process in Romania and how important a factor has the
13

EU been in ensuring Romanias democratic progress.

Research Questions

How far has Romania progressed on democracy?

What role do the constitutional provisions play in promoting and strengthening

democracy in Romania?

What is the nature of governing institutions in Romania?

What role have multi party system and elections played?

Did Romania successfully comply with the EU conditionalities on democracy and human
rights?

What steps has Romania taken to combat corruption and reform of judiciary on which the
European Union time and again has censured it?

What has been EUs role in boosting democratization in Romania?

To what extent has been success democratization in Romania?

Hypothesis
Neither prospective EU membership nor subsequent induction in the EU has resulted in
successful democratization of Romania.
MethodologyUsing analytical approach, the research will briefly outline history of Romania under the
communist rule till the disintegration of USSR. In some detail the research will study the impact
of accession on political institutions in Romania. The research will also study the public attitude
to political change in Romania. The research will be based on both primary and secondary
sources. The main primary sources studied will be those that deal with the process of
democratization in Romania, EU Regular Reports, reports published by National Democratic
Institute for Global Affair, which conducts periodic surveys on civil governance and political
organizations, and also of Freedom House Country specific reports.
The main indicators studied will be civil and political participation, and democratic governance.
14

The functioning of political institutions in Romania can be studied from the official website of
Government of Romania, at www.gov.ro which contains major policy news of Romania. The
research will also derive specific data on Romania and democratic aspects from the Euro
barometer surveys and Euro stat figures. Newspaper articles and also news websites such as
BBC and CNN would also be consulted. It will also deal with the official documents and policy
pronouncement of the EU pertaining to Eastern Enlargement.
The main secondary sources will be books and articles. Literature dealing with post-communist
transition to democracy will be studied, and special emphasis will be given to the Romanian
case. Also, the research will study books and articles that show the impact of changes in
democratic structure in Romania after its accession to European Union in 2007.

TENTATIVE CHAPTERIZATION:
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter will give a background of the theme and present the framework of the thesis and
this conceptual chapter will define some of the key concepts such as democratization process in
all central-Eastern countries,
Chapter 2: EU and Democratization
This chapter will discuss and the impact of EUs enlargement process of democratization of
prospective member countries. It will give abroad overview of how EUs membership
conditionalities encouraged and reinforced the democratic agenda of Central and East European
countries in the post-communist transition.
Chapter 3: EU and Democratization in Romania after 1989
This chapter will discuss Romania democratic process since 1989 to till date, and the problems
and challenges of its accession to the European Union. A brief description will also be provided
leading to Romanias membership of the EU. It will attempt an answer to the question that has
15

Romania fulfilled the Copenhagen criteria and others norms for a membership.
Chapter 4: EU and Democratization in Romania since 2007
This chapter will describe how democratization has led to transformation of political structure
and process in Romania and how the EU has shaped national politics in Romania. It will also
discuss the changes in political structure that have happened in Romania post 2007 i. e. after
accession.
Chapter 5: Conclusion
This chapter will summarize the key findings and arguments made in previous chapters.

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