91997E1928

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1928/97 by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE) to the Council (5 June 1997)

Subject: Enlargement of the European Union

Is it consistent with the Treaty on European Union signed by the 15 Member States to put the objective of enlargement of the European Union ahead of the goal of achieving economic and social cohesion in the European Union?

Answer (17 October 1997)

The Copenhagen European Council in June 1993 confirmed that the countries of central and eastern Europe could become members of the European Union. No order of priority was established in that context between the goal of enlargement and that of achieving economic and social cohesion in the European Union.

The Amsterdam European Council on 16 and 17 June 1997 noted that, with the successful conclusion of the Intergovernmental Conference, the way was open for launching the enlargement process in accordance with the conclusions of the Madrid European Council.

On 16 July 1997 the Commission presented its opinions on the accession applications as well as a comprehensive communication ("Agenda 2000¨) covering the development of the Community, including the main conclusions and recommendations deriving from the opinions.

The Council (General Affairs) will examine the Commission's opinions and Agenda 2000 in depth and will present a comprehensive report to the December meeting of the European Council in Luxembourg, which will take the necessary decisions on the overall enlargement process.