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The New Europe

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On May 1, 10 new countries joined the European Union, including the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Cyprus and Malta. Following the largest expansion in its history, the EU grew to a population of 450 million people, creating the largest single market in the world. It also means the EU's decision-making bodies, from the European Commission to the European Parliament, are all required to operate in a whopping 20 languages.

There are still a handful of countries waiting in the wings for EU membership, with Bulgaria and Rumania slated to join in 2007 and debate over when to start negotiations with Turkey seemingly never-ending.

What will EU expansion bring? Where do the opportunities lie, and what are the risks? DW-WORLD offers answers to the most fundamental questions in this special report.

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Reports & Analysis

Where Is Europe Headed?

Will expansion bring more unemployment and immigration? Is it affordable? Will it increase crime? Martin Brusis of the Center for Applied Policy Research (CAP) in Munich answers 12 questions about expansion.

Verheugen: EU Expansion Brings Peace and Profit

On May 1, the EU will grow to a 25 member bloc of states. DW-WORLD content partner Tagesschau.de spoke to Günter Verheugen, who has been responsible for designing the current round of EU expansion.

A Final Report Card for New EU Members

In a last report card for the 10 new countries joining the EU, members of the European Parliament praised progress in adapting national laws to those of the union but also pointed out remaining problems.

Is Germany Missing the EU Boat with Tough Work Rules?

With Europe's borders moving east, Germany wants to create new ones by restricting the influx of workers from the new member states. But experts say the rules may mean Germany is turning away immigrants it needs.

Ten New Countries to Join European Union

Euro Goes East

After 10 countries join the EU in May, they will adopt the euro as their currency. While some are likely to fulfill the criteria for entering the monetary union soon, others still have a long way ahead of them.

The Eve of Enlargement

On May 1, the EU will accept 10 new members. The historic enlargement of the bloc is being hailed as a chance to spread political stability and economic prosperity, but it will also bring a host of challenges.

Glossary: The European Union from A-Z

Getting the Green Light

The ten candidate countries joining the European Union in May face a daunting list of environmental requirements that must be met as stipulated in the bloc's membership criteria.

Eastern European Economies Revving their Motors

The ten new EU members, mostly in Central and Eastern Europe, have set themselves on a path of strong economic growth. Low wages are attracting western companies and home-grown firms are attracting global attention.

Europe's New Age of Enlightenment?

With the 10 new EU member states, the religious map of Europe is also changing dramatically, bringing aboard Catholics, the Orthodox Church and Protestants. What role do churches play in these countries today?

Homegrown Giants: Companies To Watch in Eastern Europe

In the post-Communist run-up to membership in the EU, Eastern European countries have learned the ropes of capitalism. Some companies are now thriving on a global scale. Here's a look at a few of them.

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