1. The challenge of EU enlargement 2004 and 2007 Enlargement to Central and East European states

2. The process of joining 1999: Helsinki Council agreed to open negotiations. “Differentiation approach” – each application to be considered on its merits 2000: Nice Summit sets target of 2004 for first new members to join. Coincides with European elections. 2002: 10 applicants set to complete negotiations. Copenhagen Council agrees to their admission

3. 2003: Referendums in applicant states to approve entry Malta March 8 th : 53% Slovenia March 23: 90% Hungary April 12: 84% Lithuania May 10-11:91% Slovakia May 16-17: 92% Poland June 8: 77% Czech Rep June 15-16: 77% Estonia Sept 14: 66.8% Latvia Sept 20: 67% Cyprus: A special case

4. ECE Public Opinion and the EU Elite opinion: strong consensus in favour, main exception right-wing nationalist groups. Sought to bargain hard for national interest Popular opinion: More uncertain but generally mirrors the range of attitudes in EU 15. Concern amongst potential losers, e.g. Polish farmers

5. National and European identities % seeingCzech RepHungaryPolandSlovakiaUKEU15 Themselves As Nationality Only373932256440 Nationality & European395360492444 Mainly European116619712

6. Public Opinion CountryPositive view of EUFor joining: % YES % 1990% 1996199619992003 Czech R4933436455 Hungary5133475658 Poland4658706462

7. What challenges does enlargement pose? Quantity & quality 8 + 2 poor, weak & agricultural compare with Mediterranean expansion 1980s Raises question of ‘widening vs. deepening’ 2 speed Europe?

8. Immigration & security policy Fears of mass migration Increase issues of trafficking? Pressure to manage these policies from the centre

9. Institutions built for 6 Requires reform & modernisation ↓ The proposed constitution UK committed to a referndum

10. The future: questions for discussion Does the future success of European integration require a Europe a la carte? Should the EU deepen it’s policy (e.g. develop a single defence policy) before widening membership further? Is the proposed Constitution necessary institutional modernisation or the precursor to a super state?