Expanding the European Union. (Government)

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In the next five years, the European Union can expect the number of its member states to nearly double by the admittance of 13 additional countries, most of which are in eastern Europe. The new member states will enlarge the zone of safety and stability in Europe and contribute to the further development of the continent's political and economic order, according to a new report by the Scientific Council for Government Policy in the Hague.

"There are widespread fears that the eastward enlargement will result in 'erosion' of basic achievements such as internal markets and--as a result of the large number of highly diverse countries--could reduce the ability to take …