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The German elections are critical for the direction of Europe. They are not decisive; they will not decide the future. They will, however, be a strong pressure on the keel of the EU's and Europe's ship.

Some of us maybe do not feel competent to comment since we don't know the situation very well, but we are reading these posts. Please continue them.

We in southeast Europe are getting some disturbing press reports (maybe soj is as well) that Schoeder has stated that maybe Bulgarian and Romanian accession has to be put off. This does not bode well for us.

by gradinski chai on Sun Aug 14th, 2005 at 08:18:06 AM EST
In my opinion, Schröder's statements concerning EU-enlargement are of secondary importance. Although he gained in the polls over the last two weeks, it is still highly improbable that he remains chancellor. But you are right in assuming that Germany is about to change course in its EU policy when governed by a CDU/CSU coalition: towards a slowing-down of East European integration and especially towards preventing a Turkish membership.
The rejection of the European Constitution in France also has repercussions in Germany: People became less enthusiastic about the EU in general and much more critical of EU enlargement in particular. Therefore, demanding a slowing down of the pace of enlargement could become an important part of the conservatives' campaign. But in order to do so, they will first have to agree on a campaign strategy and stop making bad news.
I would also differentiate between Bulgaria and Romania. Romanian membership can be delayed much more easily than Bulgarian membership: A qualified majority of EU membership states can postpone a Rumanian membership, but in case of Bulgaria, unanimity would be necessary.
by Saturday (geckes(at)gmx.net) on Sun Aug 14th, 2005 at 09:05:38 AM EST
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