First published in 1998, this volume’s approach is intended to be positive rather than normative and to identify criteria for evaluating which countries should join and the probable consequences of EU enlargement, along with the effects of temporary exclusion from the EU. It is a revised and enlarged version of a background paper first presented at the May 1997 meeting of the European University Institute Working Group on Eastern Enlargement, and published as a European University Institute working paper. Enlargement is widely considered to be the way to spread stability, prosperity and security eastward, and has been agreed to by the Union for that end. Susan Senior Nello is responsible for the economic content of this book, with Karen Smith heading the political and institutional aspects.