The small state enlargement of the EU: Dangers and benefits

Abstract

The European Union has expanded once again. Unlike those in the past, the future enlargements of the EU will be very different and of an unprecedented order. The overall size of applicant states in terms of its number is huge with ten new members in 2004 and more to follow. Moreover, those applicant states acceding to the EU are quite different from the current member states in economic, political and historical terms and this has been emphasised as the unique feature of the future enlargements. Last but not least, it is also important to point out that most of the applicant states can be considered small, (although depending on the perspective the precise number of small states varies)’ and, consequently, the EU will be developed into an organisation in which the members are predominantly small states. It is therefore difficult to underestimate the potential effects of the growing number of small state members on the future development of the Union.