<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Twenty years have passed since the largest enlargement of the European Union in history. During the eastern enlargement, 10 new member states entered the union, seven of which belonged to the former Eastern bloc. The new members have since experienced astonishing growth rates, closing the large gap between them and the rest of the EU. The GDP growth rates were consistently higher than those of the original members. Now, the EU must once again look east: the integration of the West Balkan countries would be a crucial step in the future development of the EU, not only economically, but also politically, provided the formal provisions of an accession are satisfied. A strong united Europe benefits all.</p>
</abstract>

Twenty years have passed since the largest enlargement of the European Union in history. During the eastern enlargement, 10 new member states entered the union, seven of which belonged to the former Eastern bloc. The new members have since experienced astonishing growth rates, closing the large gap between them and the rest of the EU. The GDP growth rates were consistently higher than those of the original members. Now, the EU must once again look east: the integration of the West Balkan countries would be a crucial step in the future development of the EU, not only economically, but also politically, provided the formal provisions of an accession are satisfied. A strong united Europe benefits all.

„United in Diversity“ – The Economic Situation in the New Member States After 20 Years in the EU

Wirtschaftsdienst

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

„In Vielfalt vereint“ – Die wirtschaftliche Lage in den Beitrittsländern nach 20 Jahren in der EU

Twenty years have passed since the largest enlargement of the European Union in history. During the eastern enlargement, 10 new member states entered the...

„United in Diversity“ – The Economic Situation in the New Member States After 20 Years in the EU

Published Online: Jun 20, 2024

Page range: 368 - 371

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/wd-2024-0100

© 2024 Grega Ferenc et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.