The conditions for a successful enlargement of the European Union to Central European countries

On 30-31 March 1998, the European Union's eastern enlargement process was officially launched. This new wave of membership represents a major turning point for the EU, since questions about the nature and future of Europe will inevitably crop up. The joining of Eastern European countries raises thorny questions. What problems will it cause for budget ? And, more importantly, will it worsen the operation of EU institutions as we might suspect ? The EU cannot be expanded toward the East without, first of all, adapting its structures. Even if, given the difficulties to overcome, this expansion does not occur before 2006 or 2007, postponing this process too long could be a risky strategy for all of Europe. With all this in mind, several scenarios for accepting new members are imagined, but since none of them are satisfactory, a new approach to European integration is proposed. Emphasis is placed on a oft overlooked point: the need to lay the basis for regional integration among Central European countries. This is an essential point to be added to the association agreements for the waiting period for full membership.