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strengthen the vision statement of the projects which are currently directlycontributing to the desired development of the European Union.n 1. 1. 1. Concept of European integration To describe the concept of European integration, we can begin with anexplanation of its essence %u2013 European economic integration. The theory ofeconomic integration studies how and at what cost countries can pass from asituation of total protectionism to a situation of free trade (Altomonote, Nava,2005, p.31). There are several ways in which protection (partial or total) of amarket economy can be achieved. The most commonly used method is toimpose a tariff on imported goods. Other measures include quotas, whichmeans a quantitative restriction on the total volume of imports that are allowedto enter a given market. Another method is represented by non-tariff barriers:rules and regulations on product characteristics, for example, in respect of givenproduction standards or certificates, without which goods or services cannotbe legally imported. A country%u2019s economic integration is a gradual process toreduce various barriers to international trade.A comprehensive answer to the question of barriers and restrictions requiresthe consideration of at least four dimensions. (1) The degree to which free tradeis achieved: restrictions to trade can be totally or only partially abolished. (2)The geographical coverage which applies to the enlargement or disintegrationprocesses of the zone. (3) The extent of free trade: removal of restrictions totrade can be applied for certain goods and/or services in the case of sectorialintegration. (4) The range of effects, such as possible gains from integration:impact of integration on the allocation of resources, on the exploitation ofeconomies of scale, on input productivity, of profit margins, on economicgrowth and income distribution, etc.The first dimension of economic integration is related to different forms(degrees) of economic integration:%u25aa In a free trade area (level 1), the members remove all trade impedimentsamong themselves but retain their freedom to determine their own policiesvis-%u00e0-vis the outside world (non-participants). %u25aa In a customs union (level 2), the participants conduct and pursue commonexternal commercial relations, such as the adoption of common externaltariffs on imports from third countries. %u25aa In a common market (level 3), free factor mobility (i.e. capital, labour,technology, and enterprise) across participating countries is allowed. %u25aa In a complete economic union (level 4), the participants introduce a centralauthority to exercise control over monetary and fiscal policies. %u25aa In a complete political union (level 5), the participating countries literally91.1 Dynamic European Integration Environment