Adjusting the Common Agricultural Policy for an EU Eastern Enlargement: Alternatives and Impacts on the Central European Associates

Ten of the Central European countries expressed their intention to become members of the European Union (EU) and signed the Association Agreements. In these treaties the EU stated its interest to grant these countries, called the Central European Associates (CEAs), such membership. Some of the reasons for seeking membership are market-related while others are determined by political factors. To the former belong economic development, efficiency, security of market access, competitiveness and stability in economic policy settings. The latter comprise aspects such as historical links, political security and stability and observing minority rights.