In a comment in Le Figaro, the president of the Turkish think tank, Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), points out the that the concept of “absorption capacity” is part of the Copenhagen criteria for member states to join. They include democratic standards, a functioning market economy and acceptance of the Community acquis.
But even though, the criterion of “absorption capacity” was not taken into consideration with the 2004 enlargement, it is increasingly seen as a decisive factor for public opinion. Meanwhile, the concept still lacks a clear definition.
Moreover, this criterion, unlike the other, is the only one that is completely independent from the candidate country’s performance. Since the success of enlargement is largely based on the linking of domestic reforms with the accession perspective, Ülgen argues, the new criteria might weaken this incentive for reform.
Accordingly, the author asks the hard question: If the criterion of “absorption capacity” is applied only after the technical negotiations have been closed and the candidate country meets all the requirements for accession, how can it then be refused accession?
The author therefore argues that the criterion of “absorption capacity” should be applied before the opening of accession negotiations, just like it is the case with the other Copenhagen criteria.
The Commission is to publish a paper on the issue of “absorption capacity” on 8 November 2006. The paper is expected to provide a clearer definition of the concept and its application to future enlargements.
