Easing the enlargement process - ESC opinions
In order to give EU enlargement the best chance of success, the European Economic and Social Committee (ESC) is advocating the involvement of the applicant countries in some common policies, including research. Such measures should be taken in order to give the process the best chance of success both economically and in the social sphere, says the ESC. The ESC is also calling for the Commission to give greater attention in enlargement negotiations to socially and environmentally sustainable development strategies for key problem areas, the need for training measures, improving conditions for SMEs by promoting entrepreneurship and extending cooperation in border regions. Community aid must above all help to create a favourable climate for attracting private investment, which alone is able to pull in the resources needed, says the ESC.