ABSTRACT
There can be little doubt that the largest challenge facing the EU over the next ten years is enlargement. The governments of a whole variety of countries are intent on joining. If the EU admits them this will result in a doubling of its membership, and significant changes to its character and dynamics. Before then reforms have to be introduced to prepare the EU for its new members. These reforms, however, are far from complete and are being introduced very slowly. Likewise, accession negotiations with the candidate countries are not proceeding as swiftly as many want them to. All the same, enlargement of the EU is approaching.
