Overview

Ensuring stability and prosperity for post-Cold War Europe will depend heavily on successful eastward enlargement of the EU. But enlargement raises difficult issues for the EU and the applicant countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Is the EU capable of reforming its institutions and policies to cope with 25 or more members? Which Central and East Europeans will join, and when? How can it be ensured that enlargement will bring the economic and security benefits expected of it? This study examines in detail the political, economic and security implications of eastward enlargement for both East and West, presenting analyses of policy issues (such as the EU budget and pre-accession strategy) and of the economic integration likely before and after accession. Based on an extensive series of interviews with ministers, diplomats, policy-makers, academics and journalists throughout Europe, the book also provides an overview of expectations and attitudes towards enlargement within the EU and in the applicant countries.