EU enlargement proved successful

EU enlargement proved rather successful both for the new members and the EU as a whole, analysts say after the first year of full membership of ten new member states in the Union. Most fears concerning the effects of enlargement proved unfounded as new member states integrated with community institutions quite smoothly.

There was no massive migration to the old members. Foreign direct investments expanded in new member states yet many investors stayed in the old ones as well. EU institutions function more or less well with 25 members. On the other hand, GDP growth has not yet picked up as a result of enlargement but tax competition substantially increased. (VG)