Expansion of the EU

Reuters (16/4/03) reports that the EU welcomed 10 new members: "The European Union welcomed 10 new members to its ranks in a lavish signing ceremony rich in symbolism at the foot of the Acropolis, ancient cradle of Western democracy. Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis warmly greeted leaders from the mostly ex-communist candidates to the Stoa of Attalos, a long two-storey colonnaded building dating back to 150 BC, which is the venue for the 135-minute ceremony. "This is a historic day. This is an achievement which creates new obligations on us to look to the future with optimism and creativity," Simitis told the assembled leaders of the 15 current members and of the candidate states. The EU is especially keen to look to the future after the war in Iraq exposed deep divisions in the wealthy bloc. Many candidate countries backed the decision of the United States and Britain to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein by military force, while EU core members France and Germany fiercely opposed the war".

Ronald Hilton - 4/17/03