to what extend have the member states of the european union benefited
from regional integration?discuss making reference to at least two
states

<Ireland has benefited enormously from EU membership. This can be seen
by comparing its GDP before and after membership.  In 1973, when
Ireland joined the EEC, its GDP at current market prices per head of
population equalled 58.8% of the average of the Community partners. In
2001, its GDP equalled 111.7% of the EU average. Ireland has also
benefited from increased employment. One third of a million jobs have
been created since 1997. In addition the common currency of the Euro
has provided financial stability.

EU membership has benefited business in Britain. 58 % of its trade is
exported to Europe.The single market has removed trade barriers. The
UK also receives 23 per cent of inward investment into Europe. The
single market has also benefited consumers as many products are now
cheaper and safer (as a result of European directives). The quality of
the environment has also improved with cleaner beaches, lower sulpur
emission and lead-free petrol. Poor areas of the UK have received £10
billion to improve conditions.

EU membership has also benefited member countries on the world stage
as the EU is now an important negotiator that represents the interests
of its members. >


<Additional links:>

<Benefits to Ireland.>
<http://www.europeanmovement.ie/Submission%20no2.htm>

<Mary Harney.>
<http://www.euro.ecb.int/en/news/events/dublin.GeneralPar.0017.filelinkFile.download/mharney.pdf>

<Britain>
<http://www.britainusa.com/eu/xq/asp/SarticleType.1/Article_ID.671/qx/articles_show.htm>


<Search strategy:>

< "european union" "benefits of membership">
<://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=%22european+union%22+%22benefits+of+membership%22+>


<Hope this helps.>