S7 Topic 04 - Case studies Flashcards
(5 cards)
Case study of enlargement
1. Name, location, background
2. Criteria in favour of the EU
3. Criteria against EU accession
4. Evaluation
Türkiye
**1. Name, location, background
**
Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Asia, with a smaller part in Europe. Turkey formally applied to join the European Union in 1987 and accession negotiations began in 2005, but progress has stalled due to concerns over democracy, human rights, and rule of law.
**2. Criteria in favour of the EU
**
*Political: * Turkey is a NATO member and a strategic partner in regional security and migration control. It also has a strategical Geolocation, being at the border of Europe and Asia.
Economically: It has a largest economy of the current candidates (still growing and a customs union with the EU since 1995, benefiting EU trade). GDP $1,323,255 million.
*Aquis: *Turkey has adopted parts of the EU legal framework and continues aligning with EU laws in areas like competition and environment.
Other: Turkey has a young population and a large labour force that could help balance Europe’s aging demographics (Population of 84.78 Millon).
3. Criteria against EU accession
*Political: * there are concerns with the rules of law, the judicial independence and freedom of expression (human rights, freedom of press, minority rights and treatment of political dissidents) in Türkiye. They also have problems with Cyprus (Military Invasion)
Economical: Türkiye experienced high inflation and currency depreciation, which creed uncertainty for investors. Much lower GDP per capita than EU average.
Acquis: cover numerous policy areas (environment, agriculture, justice and home affairs), if Türkiye were to be adopted the changes would be crucial.
4. Evaluation
Türkiye’s EU accession is unlikely at present.
Key issues: democracy, rule of law, frozen negotiations.
Positives: large economy, strategic location, strong military.
Challenges: major reforms needed, Cyprus dispute remains unresolved.
Case study of a transport project helping widening
1. Name, location, background
2. Aims
3. Impacts
4. Results
5. Evaluation
TEN-T Croatia
1. Name, location, background
Located in southeastern Europe, on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea
Some of its neighbours are Slovenia and Hungary
It declared independence in 1991 and became an EU member in 2013
TEN-T aims to improve and modernise transportation and accessibility to infrastructure across the EU
In Croatian the four TEN-T corridors run through: The Baltic-Adriatic Corridor, The Orient/ Western Balkan-Eastern Mediterranean Corridor, the Mediterranean Corridor, the Rhine-Danube Corridor
2. Aims
EU - modernisation of transport is a key factor of competitiveness of a country in the region
Croatia - Better integration of Croatian transport networks with European corridors (railways and inland waterways).
More balanced development of the transport network by ensuring a more equal ratio of investment regarding railway sectors -> increase the accessibility of regions
Develop environmentally sustainable transport network
3. Impacts
Railway - Develop and upgrade Croatia’s railway network to connect it to the TEN-T Network
Harmonise the technical standards with those of the EU and increase compatibility
Develop a sustainable transport system
Upgrade the regional and suburban railway network
Waterway - Rehabilitate the river Sava –> improve river dynamics (restoration)
Modernise ports, Better economic integration
Improve navigability and safety on inland waterways, less polluting transport means
Align with the EU river information system
4. Results
3800 habitants have access to better transportation + decrease in travel time
54 km of reconstructed railways
534 km of monitored inland waterway networks
5. Evaluation
Investment of over 221 million Euros was worth it
Helped Croatia become part of the EU, ensured free flow of the four freedoms, reduced carbon footprint and improved interconnectedness
Enabled greater trade with the EU and other international markets –> more wealth
Critical Thinking: Do the benefits really outweigh the costs?
Case study of CAP towards sustainability
1. Name, location, background
2. Sustainability aims to CAP
3. Impact
4. Effects
5. Evaluation
Dunderrow, County Cork, Ireland
1. Name, location, background
Dunderrow is a small rural village located in south-west Ireland, along the R605 road between Kinsale and Cork City. It is part of a traditionally agricultural region where farming remains a vital part of the local economy.
2. Sustainability aims to CAP
Social sustainability aims *
* Support farmers and improve agriculture productivity, ensuring a stable supply of a affordable food.
Economic sustainability aims
* Keep the rural economy alive by promoting jobs in farming, agri food industries and associated sectors
* Environmental sustainability aims
* Safeguard European Union farmers to make a reasonable living
3. Impact
Neilie’s farm overview
Suckler beef farm (Cows for meat)
23 hectares in size (Small so receives more support)
Sadly he is too old (more than 40) to care for it effectively
Soil health
Clover (nitrogen fixing) plant
Green architecture
Plants hedgerows (for biodiversity and carbon capture)
Woodland acts as a shelter for crops receives extra financial support from CAP
4. Effects
Environmental
* Increased planting of hedgerows and woodland boosts biodiversity and provides carbon sinks.
* Reduced reliance on chemical inputs improves soil and water quality.
* Sustainable farming practices contribute to climate goals.
Social
* Small farms remain economically viable, keeping rural populations stable.
* Young farmers receive special support, although age limits mean older farmers like Neilie are excluded
* CAP rules ensure farmers meet sustainability standards, encouraging long-term stewardship of the land
4. Evaluation
Farmers like Neilie Hurley are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of agriculture. His practices reflect CAP’s push toward sustainability. While CAP payments provide essential support, they also create a level of financial dependency. Larger farms benefit more due to land-based payment structures, raising questions about fairness. Still, the policy promotes a balance between economic viability and environmental care.
Overall, CAP in Ireland supports sustainable food production by funding eco-friendly practices, maintaining rural livelihoods, and enforcing environmental rules. The challenge remains in balancing support with independence and fairness across farm sizes.
Case study of EU policy influencing regional inequalities
1. Name, location, background
2. Types of investment
3. Impacts of investment
4. Evaluation
Romania
1. Name, location, background - Romania is located in Southestern Europe, some of its neighboring countries are Ukraine and Hungary. It’s geography includes the Romanian plain extending to the Black Sea in the southeast nd the Carpathian Mountains in the central region.
Romania’s GDP per capita was €14790 in 2022, and its life expectancy was 76. Bucharest is in position 223 out of 252 EU regions for its life expectancy.
2. Types of investment
Cohesion Policy - €31.5Bn -> promote economic, social and territorial cohesion of its region and its green and digital transition
ERDF - € 4.33 bin -> support innovative and smart economic transition, helps to increase the competitiveness of SME’s (Small or medium sized economies)
TEN-T, JFT, EMFAF - €2.14bn from the Just Transition Fund, to reduce impact of green transition towards a climate neutral economy. Targets the Romanian regions most negatively affected by phasing out coal (the regions which need the most support)
ESF+ - €7.3bn ->access to employment (youth employment), quality education training, promotes social inclusion
3. Impacts of the Investment
Towards sustainability- sustainable transport
Will further develop multi-modal and more sustainable modes of transport
Focus on trains and railways, as well as the expansion of sustainable public transport
TEN-T will improve the links with peripheral regions over mountains and industrial centres. Sustainable fisheries
aquaculture
Conservation of aquatic biological resources the Black Sea and enforce fisheries control activities
Reducing social inequalities
3.5€ billion will develop social entrepreneurship and support capacity buildings for social partners
Fund will improve access to early childhood education and care
Labour market will be improved 3.3€ billion will fight child poverty and address material deprivation
Funds will improve access to and quality of social services, develop integrated social, educational and health services in 2000 rural communities
Developing economic competitiveness -> helping to develop competitive SMEs, improved digitalization in companies & education
4. Evaluation
The EU’s cohesion policy’s aim is to build a greener, more connected and social Europe.
It support economic, social, and territorial unity by reducing imbalances among regions.
Although €31.5bn is really large budget, it is useful to spend it on crucial social issues like poverty. It could be seen as a smart investment in sustainable projects and improved competitiveness improving the EU for example economically, socially, and sustainability.
Case study of national energ policy
1. Name, location, background
2. Existing energy mix
3. Future developments
4. Evaluation
Denmark
1. Name, location, background - A case study of the Denmark energy mix
Denmark is a country locate in the north of Europe surrounded by the Baltic Sea. This location gives it major advantages concerning renewable energy. The access to sea leads to it having many offshore wind parks and due to the proximity to major European energy market leads to it exporting a lot of clean green energy. Mainly to Germany Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands. But the proximity the sea and the northern location also has disadvantages, including less solar explosion, no easy way to produce hydroelectric energy and because without much diversification reliance on the Wind and the other European countries for constant energy transfers.
2. Existing energy mix
* changes in electricity generation* - electricity generation from renewable energy&biofuels increased- other resources have decreased
- biofuels 1350000 tj
- use of coal decreased by 138000 = highest decreas
Denmark is moving towards a sustainable nation whil decreasing depletin and poluting reources like coal and while increasing renewable sources like wind &solar energy
3. Future developments
Energy policy video - 5th of the country’s electricity means
20% of the power supply comes from wind
40% of wind manufacturing happened in Denmark
Individual and small wind turbines are normal, and the price offshore is higher than inshore
20% of Denmark electricity achieve from wind and 6% of Denmark total energy is produced by biomass.
Energy policy video (CHP) - 2/3 of energy thrown away once reached the houses.
Decentralised energy and it enables the use in local district.
Smaller than normal power plants, otherwise wasted heat from electricity generation.
This energy production creates job, export income. It researches and develops building factories across the world.
EnergiNet - National transmission system Operator for electricity and gas in Denmark.
Ensures reliable energy supply and Integration of renewable energy sources.
It focusses on expanding green energy Infrastructure and supports the green Transition by balancing electricity and gas supply.
Energy Islands - Denmark builds an energy Island – largest
Is an artificial island
34 billion € are invested in the island
- Distributed to nearby nations
4. Evaluation
Denmark is working towards a towards a totally renewable Energy System by 2050, but more Research must be done to research this goal. It is also trying to be more sustainable by increasing ergo from offshore wind farms and using combined heat and power. On track to meet 2050 targets (EU green deal). Good mix of energy source. Wave power potential for the future.
