    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 3, 2004]
    [Page 723]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Enlargement of the European Union
    May 3, 2004

        I applaud the action by the European Union (EU) to welcome into
    their membership 10 new countries from Central Europe and the
    Mediterranean. This enlargement will bring opportunity and hope to
    millions of Europeans. Along with NATO's expansion, the EU's enlargement
    further unites the new and the established democracies of Europe and
    helps create a Europe whole, free, and at peace. We welcome the prospect
    of further enlargement of the EU to qualified countries, including
    Romania and Bulgaria, and we support Turkey's European Union
    aspirations.
        This new European Union will more effectively play its essential
    role as a force for democracy, prosperity, and stability. This action
    strengthens the enduring partnership between the United States and
    Europe and marks a major advance for the common values and purposes of
    our transatlantic community.