Explain the terms “widening” and “deepening” in terms of how they apply to the European Union.
Deepening could be defined as the gradual process of formal, vertical institutionalization. On the other hand, widening could be defined as the gradual process of formal, horizontal institutionalization. The European integration process has many different dimensions. It highlights historical, political, economic, sociological and judicial dimensions. Deepening and widening have distinct meanings when applied to the different dimensions of European integration (European Commission, 2009). Deepening and widening are schools of thought showing how the European Union should develop. The European Union has evolved progressively to what is termed as the first-ever close union among European people. Its clear manifestation is ...
