Schroeder insists that Poland should be in first wave of new EU members

German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has insisted that he wants Poland to be in the first wave of new European Union (EU) members in 2004. Speaking after a meeting with Polish prime minister Jerzy Buzek in Frankfurt-an-der-Oder, Schroeder said, "Poland has set itself the goal to be there by 2004, and I think this is a good target and we will help where possible." Poland is among a dozen countries, mostly from the former communist Eastern Europe, that are lining up to join the EU. However, Poland's rejection of a German-led demand for restrictions on the movement of eastern workers after enlargement, as well as its insistence on restricting land sales to foreigners for 18 years after its EU entry, have delayed its progress in accession talks. In his speech, made before a gathering of young Poles and Germans at a forum in the city's university, Schroeder said, "We agree there is much need for efforts by Poland and other candidate countries to reach this goal. We have the unique chance to make the whole of Europe a place of lasting peace and democracy. Nobody should miss this chance." (Reuters)