The slow-running process of expanding the European Union is enlivened this week by the publication of the European Commission's annual reports on the progress of eastern candidates. A good assessment will bring smiles and celebration, negative comments will produce gloom.
Stakes are high, in that a positive report can help a candidate into the front row for membership.
Correspondent Breffni O'Rourke reports. The European Commission's eagerly awaited reports are considered an indicator to which of the candidates could be in the first wave of expansion in the next few years. The reports cover all 12 candidates with whom negotiations are already underway, and there will also be a document on Turkey, which is a formal candidate but is not yet included in negotiations. EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen has said the purpose of the reports is not to form any kind of ranking among the candidates, but is rather to help them to better pursue reforms and overcome persisting shortfalls. However, it's perhaps natural that the atmosphere around the candidates' diplomatic missions in Brussels at such a time can resemble that at school when exam results are about to be announced.