The paper was presented at the Polish Logistics Congress “Logistics 2006 – Best practices in logistics”. Poznań, May 10-12, 2006.
The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and not of the European Logistics Association or any other organization, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
I can arguably say about myself that I and my generation grew up in the European Union (EU). We witnessed its creation after the signing of the Treaty of Rome, then its expansion and the effects of its operation. We were directly involved in the debate about its purpose and formed quite strong views on it. However, regardless of whether we like the European Union or not, it would probably be difficult for us to imagine Europe without it.
At the same time, we belong to a generation that has been participating in the intensive globalization of trade for twenty years. During this time, the nature of production in Europe has changed beyond recognition, as manufacturing activities have moved outside Europe, attracted by centers offering lower costs. In the face of these changes, the importance and value of logistics and the global supply chain have increased rapidly, significantly changing the traditional cost calculation equation underlying European economies. Europe’s position in the new economic conditions is largely dependent on utilizing the combined strengths of Europe.
Against this generally outlined background, I would like to discuss the issue of the enlargement of the European Union and the challenges facing candidates in the field of logistics. I am speaking here as a citizen of the European Union involved in the field of logistics, not as a politician: I am authorized to speak only by what I consider to be the due concern that every European Union citizen interested in the future of Europe should show. At heart, I am also a pragmatist. And although I am far from being uncritical of the European Union, I sometimes think that without it we would be much worse off, so in our own interest as well as that of the countries seeking membership, we must practically support the enlargement process if we have the opportunity. Therefore, I would like to discuss these issues from the most practical point of view.
In this context, it would be impossible and indeed inappropriate to omit the political aspect of the Union’s enlargement, which gives the ongoing process a real framework. Accession to the Union is a political act aimed at joining a political grouping, although for some this goal may be perceived as equally economic and political. I see no need to dwell on this issue, but I think it should be taken into account. More importantly, the views of citizens are expressed within the political process, and this can be uncomfortable. Many of us working in trade on the front line do not appreciate the need to familiarize politicians and citizens with the realities as we perceive them: I will return to this topic later.
It is also important for our purposes to try to create a definition of what exactly and truly “enlargement” means. There are many interpretations of this expression, both among those countries that already belong to the EU, including, of course, countries that, like Poland, have recently joined it, and in those countries that are only seeking membership in the Union (candidate countries). Within these groups, opinions are further diversified depending on the views of individual people. However, it is possible to adopt reasonable generalizations. In the case of countries already belonging to the EU, I believe in the influence of the past: there is a link between current differences in views and the past. It can be said that the spirit of the EU grew from two essential and complementary sources. First, among far-sighted European citizens, there was a conviction that after two massive global conflicts, something was needed that would allow European states to resolve conflicts more effectively in the future. Second, European states needed a better economic structure so that war-torn countries could recover and not give up in the global economy by joining forces. In general, these priorities remain valid today: a significant part of public opinion perceives the idea of the European Union as an inspiration and a source of combined political unity. An equally large part of public opinion perceives the European Union as an economic body and a way to join economic forces. These two points of view clash with each other – which was particularly visible in recent constitutional debates – and this is an important factor in the issue of enlargement.
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