) After nearly fifty years, with four waves of accessions, the EU today has fifteen member states and is currently preparing for its fifth enlargement . However, the above definition does not reveal exactly what functions the European Union undertakes. The mission objectives of the EU include: promoting economic and social progress, to assert the identity of the EU on the international scene, to introduce European citizenship and to develop an area of freedom, security and justice. Therefore, I now find myself asking this question: What does the Czech Republic have to gain from joining the international scene, adopting European citizenship, becoming part of an area of freedom, security and justice and becoming a target for economic and social progress? I shall now examine just what the Czech Republic has to gain from EU membership.
"For the Czech Republic, the European Union is a natural partner with who it shares similar civilization values of democracy, solidarity, respect for human rights and protection of minorities. Very important is also the geographic proximity of the EU; the Czech Republic shares the longest part of its border with two EU member states, Austria and Germany. The EU is at the same time the major market for most of the Czech exports; and, as early as the 1990's, the EU has become the country's biggest trading partner and investor. Furthermore, the Czech Republic is ready to participate in the decision-making on the peaceful future of Europe and is prepared to assume it's portion of responsibility." - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
As mentioned above, the most significant gain resulting from formal EU membership is access to European markets. EU enlargement will create the largest single market for trade and investment in the world. Incorporating 500 million consumers, the EU market will symbolize a market force greater than the USA and Japan combined.