European Union Enlargement - An historic opportunity

General overview of the enlargement process and
the pre-accession strategy of the European Union
Edition 2003
“ A new era is dawning for the European Union. Ten new Member
States will join the Union on 1 May 2004 thereby bringing the postwar
division of Europe to a peaceful conclusion. Enlargement lays the
foundations for lasting peace, stability and prosperity for future generations.
It is an inclusive and irreversible process. The members of
the European family are joining their forces and capabilities to further
enhance welfare and prosperity in a widened Union. By enlarging,
the Union will also gain cultural and regional diversity and become an
even more inspiring place to live and work.
However, in order to realise the full benefits of enlargement, the
Community will have to revisit its policies, and make its institutions
more efficient and democratic so as to better respond to the needs
and expectations of the people of Europe.
I am confident that Europeans will wholeheartedly embrace this
enlargement of our Union and seize the many opportunities it brings.”
Günter Verheugen,
Member of the European Commission
responsible for Enlargement