ON THE ROAD TO INTEGRATION - A HUNGARIAN POINT-OF-VIEW

The study deals with selected high-priority issues of Eastern enlargem ent of the European Union (EU), following the decisions at the Madrid summit meeting. Special attention is devoted to the ''integration matu rity'' of Central European countries. After reviewing the already achi eved objectives in the political and economic areas, the author argues in favour of a comprehensive national strategy in order to get adequa tely prepared for full membership as soon as possible. In this context , special emphasis is laid on investment-based growth, budgetary and i nstitutional reforms. Analysing the key areas of the preparation for, and future negociation on accession to the EU, the author highlights t he development of trade relations, agricultural adjustment, issues of financial transfer, and the movements of manpower. In all cases, the a rticle makes use of a differentiated approach, underlining the substan tial differences among the individual candidate countries, and calling attention to the high risks of a ''block approach and mentality''. Th e process of Eastern enlargement is embedded into a prospective and gl obal framework. The final conclusion is that Eastern enlargement has t o be considered as a strategic task of all countries involved in order to sustain the European balance of power and to enhance Europe's glob al competitiveness. Finally, some remarks are made on Hungary's integr ation strategy, focusing on the possibility of gradual enlargement in geographic terms, and improved cooperation possibilities with CEFTA.