The integration of Eastern and Central European Nations into the European Union

This essay analyzes the challenges posed by the European Union's expansion into Central and Eastern Europe. It is divided into three main sections. The first studies institutional challenges faced by the EU and underlines the extent to which enlargement is both necessary for integration, and an obstacle to be overcome on practical terms. This section also examines some of Europe's most pressing internal problems, such as unemployment, and external problems, such as common security. The second section focuses on the process of integration for Central and Eastern European Nations, as well as the Baltic States, into the EU. It revises existing mechanisms for cooperation and exchange, (the PHARE program, European Accords) as well as the strategy designed by the EU for the adhesion of the aforementioned Nation’s. The third section concludes with an analysis of the costs that will be imposed, in the short and medium terms, by the amplification of the EU. It also underlines its importance to achieve a lasting European stability, as well as the promotion of development throughout Europe.