EU Conditionality and Anti EU Conditionality and Anti-Corruption Corruption PDF
Preview EU Conditionality and Anti EU Conditionality and Anti-Corruption Corruption
EEUU CCoonnddiittiioonnaalliittyy aanndd AAnnttii--CCoorrrruuppttiioonn The case of Bulgaria and its incentive game Johanne Lie Tærum Master’s thesis in Political Science Department of Political Science UNIVERSITY OF OSLO May 2014 EEUU CCoonnddiittiioonnaalliittyy aanndd AAnnttii--CCoorrrruuppttiioonn The case of Bulgaria and its incentive game © Johanne Lie Tærum 2014 EU Conditionality and Anti-Corruption The case of Bulgaria and its incentive game Johanne Lie Tærum http://www.duo.uio.no Print: Reprosentralen, University of Oslo To my dear grandmother, Else Haldis Lie 05.11.30 – 22.04.09 I II AAbbssttrraacctt This master’s thesis analyzes the role of EU conditionality and the fight against corruption in Bulgaria. The thesis aims at explaining why anti-corruption measures in Bulgaria have failed. By looking at external factors and the role of EU conditionality, as well as domestic factors in Bulgaria, the thesis provides conditionality-studies with an original in-depth investigation of the topic. The EU has for the last two decades acted as a democratic and judicial advisor for its candidate- and member states. Conditionality is the EU’s instrument to direct policies in these states, mainly prior to a state’s accession. Bulgaria is a special case due to the fact that EU decided to extend its conditionality to the country once it became an EU member in 2007. High levels of corruption and organized crime were one of the main reasons for this act. Curbing corruption in the country therefore became a priority for the EU and Bulgaria, yet corruption is still a widespread issue here. The thesis applies elements from conditionality theory and legal transfer theory. This allows for a thorough investigation of potential factors that may prevent anti-corruption measures from taking hold in Bulgarian society. Invaluable empirical data are collected through in- depth interviews in order to shed light on the research questions. The main findings of the thesis suggest that EU conditionality has not been strong enough as to influence Bulgaria in its fight against corruption. The findings more importantly indicate that domestic factors play a crucial part for the lack of implementation of and commitment to establish anti-corruption measures in the Bulgarian society. III IV AAcckknnoowwlleeddggeemmeennttss As this roller-coaster journey has come to an end, there are many people that I am indebted to who deserve words of love and gratitude for making this thesis happen. First and foremost, a wholeheartedly thank you goes to my supervisor Åse Berit Grødeland. You have taught me to be fearless and to walk my own path and have provided this thesis with ambition. Thank you for your timeless work, patience and impeccable expertise. I would also like to express my gratitude and a special thanks to all the respondents who have played a crucial role by contributing to this work. Without their willingness to share their knowledge and time, this thesis would not have been. I am sincerely grateful to each and every one. Also a special thank you to all that I have met along the way, who willingly have directly or indirectly contributed and assisted me in my work and spent of their precious time. Thank you to my closest family for your never-ending support throughout this project, Mor and Far, my brother Teodor and sister Mathea. Without them I would not have been where I am today. A special thanks to my parents for your care for and presence in my life. Thank you for always being there for me, showing patience with my despair and contentment with my success. Words of gratitude also go to my aunt Eli Ragna, for constructive feedback and for sharing practical knowledge, thoughts and contacts in order to lift this thesis to another level. I am grateful to all my dear friends. Whether in absence or presence, you have motivated me to complete this journey. My co-students also deserve thanks, my friend Ingvild in particular. Thank you for unforgettable moments together, for moral support and constructive conversations. You are an extraordinary person who inspires me every single day to follow my heart. Words of gratitude go to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Sofia. To H.E. Guro Katharina Vikør and Frode Rognan in particular, and all of the Embassy’s staff who has contributed to this thesis with joy and curiosity. The happiness associated with returning to former colleagues has been a motivation in itself. Last but not least, I would like to thank my dear Alberto. For the endless love, support and invaluable encouragement you have shown me throughout this process. Our fairytale can now continue! The responsibility of any idea or argument developed in the following lies with the author herself. Johanne Lie Tærum Oslo, May 19th 2014 Word count: 34,711 V VI
Description:The list of books you might like
