Publication

This article considers how the accession of ten new member states in May 2004 will affect the European Union. The author bemoans the general lack of enthusiasm and the mood of fear prevailing among the consisting member states and among EU officials. Further, the paper briefly assesses the political situation within each new member state, examining their particular interests in EU membership as well as the likely implications each member's accession will have. According to the author, the ten new members will bring "fresh air" and new impulse to the Union. The author argues that they will defend their interests concerning their respective representation as do the old members. However, some discrepancies might appear in matters of security policy and a common European defense policy.