Waiting for accession (TT Sept02 p48-50)

The European Union (EU) will shortly be facing its most extensive enlargement since its foundation, at least in terms of the number of new members. Up to 10 countries are likely to join simultaneously in 2004 – that is, all candidates currently conducting negotiations, except Bulgaria and Romania. These two countries are expected to join later, and for Turkey, which has also been awarded the status of candidate for membership, a date to commence negotiations has still to be announced.