Their behaviour sends a strong signal, and they therefore have to be aware of their particular responsibility and also act accordingly. The restoration of compliance with the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact must not be permitted to become a target which is put off ad infinitum. Fiscal consolidation agreements need to be adhered to.
Over the last half century, Europe has followed an impressive path of voluntary integration of nations. In parallel to the successive deepening of Economic integration, the European Union has been gradually enlarged. At present, we are at the threshold of a further historic enlargement stage.