Conclusions the Baltic States and the European Union: Assessment of the Evolving Relationship

Abstract

The process of European Union (EU) enlargement raises numerous constitutional questions, not only in the pre-accession period but also after the date of accession. The limited EU-related amendments in anticipation of the date of accession imply an almost constant revision of constitutional provisions during the first years of EU membership. The ratification of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe passed the parliamentary procedure in the Baltic States without many deliberations and a similar result can be expected with regard to the Lisbon Treaty. The insistence of the Baltic representatives to include a clause on voluntary withdrawal in the EU Treaty, the importance attributed to the principle of 'subsidiarity' and the involvement of national parliaments in the EU's institutional structure all re ect the 'soverainist' nature of the Baltic constitutions, which is largely inspired by the Soviet heritage.Keywords: Baltic constitutions; European Union (EU) enlargement; Lisbon treaty; pre-accession period; Soviet heritage