Barroso hails EU enlargement on accession anniversaries BRUSSELS, Jan. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on New Year's Day hailed the enlargement of the European Union (EU), saying it is good for both existing members and acceding countries. "The example of Greece, Spain and Portugal provides good evidence that enlargement is beneficial to the existing as well as to the acceding countries," said Barroso in a statement on the accession anniversaries of the three countries. "It (The accession of these countries) consolidated Europe's Mediterranean and Atlantic dimensions, and opened up new vistas in Africa and Latin America." The perspective of membership helped consolidate democracy and encourage reform in these countries, said Barroso. "Membership led to unprecedented development, the result of which was greater stability and greater competitiveness." Further enlargement, however, is a controversy among EU citizens. After the fifth enlargement in 2004 took in 10 Eastern and Central European countries, an "enlargement fatigue" has gripped Europe. The latest Eurobarometer poll showed that only one third of Britons believe EU membership is a good thing. In Austria, which takes over the rotating EU presidency on New Year's Day, the rate was even lower -- 32 percent.
BRUSSELS, Jan. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on New Year's Day hailed the enlargement of the European Union (EU), saying it is good for both existing members and acceding countries.
"The example of Greece, Spain and Portugal provides good evidence that enlargement is beneficial to the existing as well as to the acceding countries," said Barroso in a statement on the accession anniversaries of the three countries.
"It (The accession of these countries) consolidated Europe's Mediterranean and Atlantic dimensions, and opened up new vistas in Africa and Latin America."
The perspective of membership helped consolidate democracy and encourage reform in these countries, said Barroso. "Membership led to unprecedented development, the result of which was greater stability and greater competitiveness."
Further enlargement, however, is a controversy among EU citizens. After the fifth enlargement in 2004 took in 10 Eastern and Central European countries, an "enlargement fatigue" has gripped Europe.
The latest Eurobarometer poll showed that only one third of Britons believe EU membership is a good thing. In Austria, which takes over the rotating EU presidency on New Year's Day, the rate was even lower -- 32 percent.
Who will say good things about Europe if we don't? In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes
Wait, maybe I should see what Meteor says and make mine a penny more -- can I do that? Is it too late?? ARGH! I want those chocolate shoes! Will they even make them next Christmas? They're in the Unbossed colors and everything. Maybe you should go to that store and ask them... Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes
