Widen Europe
Whether the single currency succeeds or fails, the European Union should speedily open its doors to the east
LIKE an expectant mother in the midst of a difficult pregnancy, the European Union is understandably obsessed by worries about the birth of its single currency. But Europeans should remember that their family grows by adoption as well as reproduction. All the uncertainty about economic and monetary union (EMU) should not put a stop to the Union's other business. It should not mean, in particular, that next week's summit in Amsterdam fails to make the changes that are essential if the club is to bring in new members from the east. EMU and enlargement are two separate undertakings. They should be kept apart.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “Widen Europe”
From the June 14th 1997 edition
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