Europeanization of Civil Society in the Baltic States: Promotion or Constraint of Democratization?

Abstract

The paper deals with the impact of European integration on civil societies of the Baltic states in 1988-
2004. The research applies an analytical framework derived from theories of civil society, democratization,
and Europeanization. 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.