Who's ready for EU enlargement?

After more than a decade of preparation, 10 new members are set to join the EU on May 1st, 2004. However, in the final phase of negotiations, both the candidates and the EU have lost sight of the historic importance of this unprecedented expansion. While they bicker about milk quotas and farm aid, public support for enlargement is declining in several countries. Enlargement will have implications for Europe that go well beyond the budget. The key to making it a success is good preparation. If the candidates cannot cope with the demands of membership, they will disrupt the smooth functioning of the Union and hamper further integration.