Editorial of the issue "International Reports 1/2011"

The accession of more countries, particularly from the former Yugoslavia, into the European Union is a project which deserves our support. We are also accompanying the reform process in the new member states of Bulgaria and Romania, a process which has not made as much progress as hoped. In future entry criteria need to be fulfilled before becoming a member. The next steps in the expansion of the EU will depend on the speed and effectiveness of ongoing reforms in the countries of South East Europe.