” “"The reunification of Europe is not only a great political achievement, but also an economic success": Joaquín Almunia, commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, outlined a balance of the first two years of the 25-state EU in Brussels today. On the occasion of the anniversary, the Executive Committee adopted a note, with the title "Enlargement, Two Years After – An Economic Success", which focuses on the economic aspects of the enlargement of the EU boundaries, without forgetting legal and political considerations. According to Almunia, "we all benefit from the improved lifestyle of the citizens of the new member states. The EU companies benefit from new business opportunities, strengthen their efficiency and therefore become more competitive on the world-wide markets". The Commission’s figures show that "the accession to the EU sped up economic growth in the 10 new member states, which was badly needed right now, since these countries had recorded an abrupt rise in their unemployment rates as a consequence of their huge structural adjustments to the market economy". The enlargement "caused no economic problems in the EU and triggered no massive migratory flows from the new to the old member states". (to be continued)” “
