EU enlargement - an exciting journey

1.01.05pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 30th Apr 2004

Sarah Ludford hosting a recent event in Ealing to celebrate EU enlargement which was attended by Ambassadors of accession States including Dr Stanislaw Komorowski, the Ambassador for Poland

London LibDem Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford celebrates European Union enlargement to 25 countries by attending a double celebration at the Polish embassy, marking both Poland's national day and its accession to the EU.

"This is a marvellous moment, finally healing the 60-year division of Europe caused by Nazism and Communism. European Liberal Democrats have been unswerving in our commitment to welcoming the Central & Eastern European countries, plus Cyprus and Malta, into the EU."

"Their accession anchors democracy and freedom across the continent. It will invigorate our efforts to ensure that Europe is a beacon for respect of human rights and the rule of law, on which there is still work to be done in all 25 countries."

"Poland's double celebration of its national identity and its European vocation perfectly illustrates that Europe does not crush diversity, but on the contrary helps it to flourish."

"This enlargement is a 2-way street. 'Old' Europe has much to learn as well as teach 'New' Europe; it is going to be an exciting journey."