The Eastern enlargement of the European Union

Perhaps unthinkable in the Communist era, the accession of the six Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) is no longer a question of if, but when and how they will join the European Union.

However, the EU remains reluctant to commit to a date and timetable for accession.

The eastern enlargement will be the EU's most difficult to date.

While there are many obstacles, it is not in the interests of EU nations to abandon its eastern neighbours.

The EU wants Central and Eastern associated states as members for reasons of economic self-interest (having access to growing emerging economies), political self-interest (enhancing democracy and stability in the CEEcs), and the belief that Europe must become one again.