The UK is strongly committed to the European Union’s enlargement process. And so on 9 March the UK’s Minister for Europe David Lidington will give a keynote speech on EU Enlargement in the Hague.
We are not only convinced about the value of enlargement but have played a leading role in driving it through. We have seen since 2004 that enlargement has extended the Single Market by an additional 104 million consumers, creating greater trade and investment opportunities within Europe and making us more competitive in the global market. In the UK we believe that the European Union will remain strong only if it is outward-looking and continues to grow. An enlarged EU also gives us stronger influence when responding to today’s challenges and the opportunities of globalisation.
In his speech the Minister will underline the importance of a dynamic, outward-looking EU and the UK’s commitment to an ambitious agenda for enlargement. He will also take this opportunity to highlight the business, trade and economic opportunities that further enlargement will bring. You will able to read about his visit to the Netherlands and read his speech on the Hague’s British Embassy website or on his FCO blog.
The Hungarian EU Presidency is also a strong supporter of enlargement. We are working closely with them to help drive forward this agenda and ensure that our European friends are not excluded from the EU of the future.