The Eastern Enlargement of the European Union: Fears, Challenges, and Reality

Jacek Więcławski
Department of International Political Relations
Lazarski School of Commerce and Law, Warsaw

Abstract: This essay focuses on the Eastern enlargement of the European Union (EU) and its impact on internal and external relations. Considering the analyses and forecasts available before enlargement, it presents the real consequences of the process, as well as challenges the EU has faced after the accession of new members from East-Central Europe.
The article analyses the most important consequences, including problems in the area of decision-making and management in the EU, social consequences of the enlargement, as well as the effect of the accession of East-Central European members on the international position of the EU. Considering the opportunities, chances, and dangers of the Eastern enlargement for the future of European integration, the article seeks to address the concept of globality in its regional European context.

Keywords: East-Central Europe, Eastern enlargement, European integration, EU foreign policy, labor migration, regional globality, social fears

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