Ben is currently researching his PhD on EU eastward enlargement
The developing schism across the enlarged EU over further expansion is a unique opportunity to reshape it from within.
Enlargement has expanded the EU deep into the former Soviet bloc. It has 25 diverse Member States (and with Bulgaria and Romania joining in January, 27), ranging from Germany (population 80 million) to Malta (population just 400,000) and everything in between.
Each has its own history, its own agenda, and its own priorities. This became clear with the Constitution fiasco and the negotiations over the EU’s 2007-2013 Budget. While 2004’s enlargement was a success, it has brought the EU to a fork in the road.
Many believe that the EU has reached (even surpassed) its capacity to integrate new Members. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso added his voice to those calling for a halt on Monday, saying that “it would be unwise to bring in other member states…before we have sorted out the institutional question”.
In other words, once Bulgaria and Romania are in, we should shut the door – for now.
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