ABSTRACT
Eastwards enlargement is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges with which the European Union has ever had to deal.1 Never before has it been faced with so many countries wishing to join. As discussed in Chapter 1, the Copenhagen European Council in June 1993 stated that central and eastern European countries (CEECs) that so desired shall become members provided they meet certain criteria, and expectations of accession within each of the CEECs rose. Eastwards enlargement appeared to be firmly on the EU’S long-term agenda. However, although ten CEECs expressed their desire to become EU members and submitted membership applications, there is no guarantee that all will join the EU. Certainly, the candidate states need to overcome many obstacles if they are to accede, but even if they do successfully negotiate these, it could be that the EU proves neither able nor willing to admit all aspirant members.
