” “As he presented the report on the second anniversary of the EU accession, Olli Rehn, commissioner in charge of the matter, stated: "Before the accession of the East, many catastrophic scenarios had been suggested, none of which came true. A clear proof that all EU member states benefit from the positive impact, which should dispel any wrong impression that may persist". "We must give the reunification of Europe the credit it deserves. It was a deep economic and political transformation according to Rehn which improved the security and welfare of the EU citizens". The document drawn up by the executive commission headed by Barroso shows that "with an average economic growth of 3.75% per annum between 1997 and 2005, these countries have recorded better results than the old member states (2.5% in the same period)". Yet, "their unemployment rate, equal to 13.4%, is still 5.5 percent points higher than that of the 15-state EU". Positive results are recorded, according to the EU Commission, in trade flows and investments, while the "delocalisation" phenomenon seems to be "unimportant". The 10-state EU has finally promoted "structural changes all over the EU, at a particularly suitable time, which coincides with China and India becoming formidable competitors".” “
