A Tool in the Toolbox: Assessing the Impact of EU Membership on Party Politics in Slovakia

Although EU accession created some expectations of change, an examination of party politics in Slovakia demonstrates the limited impact of EU membership on party organization and programmes during the first four years of membership. Moreover, distinguishing between ad hoc and coordinated change suggests that only weak Europeanization occurred. Nonetheless, the EU played three roles in the post-accession period: as a source of agreement, a reference point, and a measure of competence.