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F ALL 2013: WEEK OF D ECEMBER 12 TH EU/EAU W RAP -U P E DITION Upcoming Events: General Body Meeting: 12/12
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E DITOR : C OLE LENNON P RINT EDUCATION COORDINATOR C ONTRIBUTORS : B EN R OWLES , C ADY B OUCHER , C OLE L ENNON , L EAH G ALAMBA , R YAN S OSNADER

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ALONE IN THE NORWEIGIAN WOODS

Norway, a medium-sized Scandinavian country in the northwestern portion of Europe, has no plans of joining a union. The nation applied for membership in the EU twice, and both times it backed out due to referendums by its own people. Norwegians have a long history of being ruled by other countries, and many citizens are uncomfortable giving up their newfound independence. Additionally, Norway has always dealt primarily with other Scandinavian countries and the UK; thus, it is wary of getting involved with so many other European nations. In a poll conducted in 2013, only 19% of Norwegians were in favor of joining the EU.LG
Check out the article: bit.ly/18AS5hV

Norwegians appear to value their independence.

TALKIN ABOUT BELARUS

Talks are underway between Belarus and the EU on its admittance to the union, along with streamlined visa procedures. Belarus President Vladimir Makei made the announcement at the Eastern Partnership Initiative Summit this past weekend. The nations relations with the EU show its strength as an energy super power, but the nation is currently struggling to become modernized. A stronger relationship with the EU will allow the union to benefit from Belarus energy supply and will also help to modernize the nation. Although negotiations have not concluded, it is clear that this partnership will be positive for both parties. CB

Belaruss needs may overlap with those of the EU.

Check out the Article: bit.ly/IDS1V8

P OLAND AND U KRAINE : W ORKING IT OUT

Poland, which joined the European Union in 2004, recently urged Ukraine to reconsider signing a trade deal with the EU. Poland itself has benefitted greatly from joining the union; in 2009, for example, when EU GDP shrunk 4.5%, Polands actually grew 1.6%. As a part of the EUs 2014 -2020 budget, Poland will receive 107 billion ($144 billion). Poland will use these funds to bolster an economy that without them would likely grow at its slowest rate in 10 years. Polands government expects the economy to grow at about 2.5%, which they have called a conservative estimate. RS
Check out the article: bloom.bg/J3iHhM

Poland is faring better than their EU counterparts.

T URKEY IN THE EU WITH G EORGIA

Two potential EU candidates, Turkey and Georgia, appear to be approaching EU membership status after recent events. Turkey's path to the EU has been in the works for decades, but prospects have brightened as an agreement is set to be signed on December 16th. It allows Turkish residents to travel to the EU without visas. Georgia's path to the EU is all but assured, as their recent agreement for membership in the EU appears set for approval. These two countries' moves toward EU membership have brought optimism for the larger European project, as their paths contrast with those of other countries that refuse to join. CL CHECK
OUT THE ARTICLE: BIT . LY /1 BV I C SI

An alliance is in the works.

T HINKING B ACK TO THE USSR

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich sparked protests throughout Ukraine by refusing to sign a long-expected agreement with the European Union at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania on November 28th and 29th. Analysts contend that Yanukovichs refusal was influenced by Russias competing offer, which includes more money that Yanukovich needs in order to pay off Ukraines national debt before the 2015 elections. The delay of a deal between Ukraine and the EU calls attention to Russian President Vladimir Putins influence on Ukraine and desire for a Eurasian Union that recalls the power of the USSR. Putins dream and the general balance of power depend on Ukraines allegiance. BR
Check out the Article: bit.ly/1d7cL0h

Ukrainians are thinking of reuniting with an old partner.