19alongside an extension of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Social Fund. The most daring element of those far-reaching changes was an unprecedented increase of "Support to Mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency" which established unified unemployment provisions across the European Union.EU in 2030By 2030, the recently admitted countries are catching up on their normative agenda. Successful asymmetric enlargement boosts internal confidence and transforms into increased economic attractiveness of the EU. Together with enhanced social provisions, there is a growing popular support for the European project. The increased legitimacy of the Union transforms into popular support for vertical integration. Treaty change becomes a reality with unanimity voting being replaced with a "super qualified majority" requiring 85% of EU countries. The Treaty Convention comes as a meteoric milestone. Many previously voiced concerns related to a union of 30+ countries have become obsolete. With veto provisions gone, the road for the remaining candidates to join is open.Impact on EaP, WB and MENAThe new social provisions introduced in the EU become a magnet for the new "European way of life". Candidate states admitted to the accession process rush to undertake necessary reforms before accession. Despite promises of vast welfare provisions, the EU introduces new control mechanisms for the fiscal flows, trying to prevent an outward migration from candidate states to member states. Extended transition periods for opening job markets to newly admitted countries are introduced to further curb migration. At the same time, EU structural funds for welfare provisions are introduced in new member states to reduce push factors. Those welfare provisions will be applicable across the entire EU, but they would correspond to local economies to prevent further migration flows and brain drain offering meaningful incentives at home.With a clear promise of accession delivered by the Union, the Russian and Chinese influence is rapidly dwindling across new member states. Furthermore, these countries undergo major digitalisation, with cyber-security playing an important role.New infrastructure contracts are taken by the EU ensuring enhanced protection of environmental aspects and labour conditions. With increased economic activity, newly admitted countries introduce reforms that can leapfrog older member states, better preparing them for the EU climate policies and promoting sustainable practices.As a newly consolidated powerful economic block with geopolitical ambitions, the EU starts playing a more active role in the Caucasus. Multi-billion euro energy contracts with Azerbaijan come with broad conditionality mechanisms, forcing Baku to normalise its relations with Armenia. The Southern Gas Corridor becomes the symbol of increased European presence in the Caucasus region. At the same time, Georgia falls under the European orbit and receives an accession pathway by 2040. Although Cyprus remains a bone of contention between the EU and Turkey, a new special treaty on a "close neighbourhood" is signed with formidable trade incentives between the two players.
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