LGBT Rights in the EU Accession Process

Abstract: LGBT rights has become an increasingly important part of the EU’s founding values. Yet, large discrepancies exist within the Union regarding the protection of sexual minorities. Using the Europeanization theories of external incentives and social learning, this paper seeks to assess what impact the European Union has on the implementation of LGBT rights during the accession process. By contrasting the 2004 enlargement to the current accession of Croatia to the Union, it is examined whether the EU has learned from its previous experiences and altered its mechanisms. It is concluded that the EU has strengthened its accession mechanisms in a number of ways. It is however to soon to tell whether this will result in enduring post-accession compliance.