ABSTRACT
Introduction Absorption capacity is a commonly used concept in discussions about the future enlargement of the European Union (EU). Oli Rehn, European Commissioner responsible for enlargement, defined this concept as the EU’s ability to “take in new members while continuing to function effectively” (Rehn 2006). However, nowhere are the criteria of this effectiveness revealed, nor is there a consensus on the components where this effectiveness can be measured. For instance, the European Commission (2004a) divides the concept into the following components: geo-political dimension, economic dimension, internal market and related policies, agriculture, veterinary and phytosanitary issues, fisheries, regional and structural policy, justice and home affairs, and institutional and budgetary aspects. Elsewhere, however, the Commission indicates that “[t]he capacity of the Union to maintain the momentum of European integration as it enlarges has three main components: institutions, common policies, and budget” (European Commission 2006b).
