Enlargement - a win-win outcome
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A new shopping center in Prague
© European Communities
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2004 and 2007 witnessed the largest ever enlargement in Europe, when 12 countries joined the EU. Five years on, it is time to take stock of this historic event. The ECOFIN Council on 5 May declared that the process has benefited all citizens from new and old member states alike, unifying a divided continent and boosting the economy.
The accession of 12 countries has resulted in a win-win situation for the whole EU, emphasised the Council for Economic and Financial Affairs. It concluded that distinguishing between member states as "old" and "new" has lost its meaning.
The positive results have been abundant. From the beginning of the 90's the then candidate countries aligned their economies, government institutions and legislation with the EU. Democracy, governance, rule of law and security were strengthened. Living conditions have improved. In areas such as the environment, human and animal health, food safety, water quality and nuclear safety the standards of the EU were implemented.
Enlargement has made the European Union more dynamic, stronger and culturally richer. It created the largest integrated economic area in the world, generated jobs and increased trade and investment, leading to economic growth and prosperity. The EU has become a stronger international player.
The assessment shows that this milestone has made the Union more resilient to the current economic crisis, although efforts have to be continued to reap the full benefits of the enlarged EU and tackle the challenges of globalisation and the economic crisis.
More information:
Council conclusions(pdf)
Council webcast of press conference