Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)

There have only been five enlargements in the history of the European Union, the most recent in May 2004 with the accession of ten new member states. The dynamic that has driven the Union since the collapse of the Berlin Wall appears to be weakening. The decision taken on 16 May 2006 to delay final judgment on both Bulgaria's and Romania's readiness to join in 2007 is another sign that enthusiasm is waning for adding new member states to the existing 25.

There is nothing new in this. Everybody wanted in, but many were loath to take in new members. We observed this when Spain and Portugal requested admission and there was concern about what this would do to the Union. However, in fairness the EU Commission cannot be accused of inventing reasons to slow the momentum of Bulgaria's and Romania's accession. It is an open secret that both countries fall considerably short of the standards expected of EU member states in the areas of justice, policing and corruption, which are the central planks of democracy. These issues must be addressed.

The Commission is correct not to shut its eyes to serious problems with regard to the governance of both countries in order to facilitate their early accession. Lower standards in justice, human rights and the rule of law are inclined to be infectious and would not leave existing EU states untouched. We cannot turn a blind eye to this. The European Union has shown a rock solid commitment to the accession of both countries, so much so that the delay in their accession is not likely to exceed the 12 months maximum. Reform in the areas I mentioned will have to continue long after both countries join. It is an open secret that much of the corruption extends to the politicians. Many people believe considerable money is at stake and they would claim to have large political influence with some of the groups in these countries.

A more serious malaise is beginning to affect the entire EU enlargement project, which is enlargement fatigue. This enlargement fatigue is the product of many different problems, some real and others widely perceived but unfounded among the EU. Anxieties about immigration linked to the previous enlargement have soured the debate on the EU constitution, helping to defeat its ratification in the French and Dutch referenda in May and June 2005. Migration has been a positive development for the economies of most host countries. However, this migration has created problems in the countries of origin leading to skills shortages required to maintain the enlargement economic boom in those countries. I saw a television programme about people emigrating to get experience in the hope of subsequently returning. In many cases those people may wish to remain in the countries to which they have migrated. No doubt we will see the eventual accession of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007 and that of Croatia by approximately 2010. This will be followed by a transitional period of several years before they can play a full part in the EU labour market.

I welcome the re-launching of the Lisbon strategy, with its emphasis on knowledge and innovation, which we recently addressed. We have committed a considerable amount to research and development, which is where we must invest if our economy is to progress. It also addresses the issue of integrated EU energy supply, an issue the EU as a whole and Ireland must now tackle.

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