European Union says the enlargement process can begin on January 1, 2003

After a compromise was reached on Monday concerning the breakdown of votes among existing and future members, the EU has finally set the date for EU membership to commence on January 1, 2003. The largest member countries agreed to give up one vote each in the European Council, making it possible to pass on these votes to smaller countries. Poland would thus have 27 votes in the new European Council, the same number as Spain, placing it behind the four heavy weights, Germany, Italy, France and the UK, which would hold 29 votes each. EU members also decided not to part with individual member countries' right to veto decisions concerning critical issues such as levying taxes, defense, and structural aid. This, some observers say, is beneficial for Poland as it will give it a say in making such important decisions when it joins the Union. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p.1)