The 2004 EU enlargement brought huge benefits to all member states

On May 1st 2004 the historic enlargement of the EU from 15 to 25 members symbolised the next step towards the reunification of Europe that had been divided for more than 50 years. The accession of eight former communist countries, two Mediterranean islands - and then later Romania and Bulgaria - improved Europe’s security and stability, consolidated their democracies and helped to strengthen their market economy. For BusinessEurope enlargement meant new member federations enriching our family; for companies both in the old and new member states it opened up access to a wider single market providing new investment and opportunities – said Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BusinessEurope.