The European Commission has presented the member states with a updated vision on enlargement. After the large wave of 10 and two new member states in 2004 and 2007 respectively, leading to an EU of 27 member states, it was felt that reflection on further enlargement was highly needed. In many member states citizens feel uncomfortable with an ever-enlarging EU. The Enlargement Strategy is expected on the one hand to be positive of further enlargement and to to clearly state the preconditions on the other hand.

Date: 5 March 2008