THE INTEGRATION OF THE EAST AND CENTRAL-E UROPEAN COUNTRIES INTO THE EU

In this contribution aspects of the integration of the East and Centra l European countries into the European Union are discussed. It is assu med that security concerns of the applicant countries in East and Cent ral Europe will ponder heavily when their negotiation positions are de termined As they realize that ''hard security'' is not available insta ntly they will seek ''soft security'' through economic and political i ntegration with the Union. The way in which the applicant countries th emselves prepare for membership will determine who will be where in th e queue for membership.