Europe's Blackhole

Hopeful signs across the Balkans: The diplomats’ big idea is to absorb into the EU the whole of the western Balkans—ie, all of what used to be Yugoslavia plus Albania (the former Yugoslav republic of Slovenia is already a member). EU citizens’ concerns about enlargement aside, this is a long-term project. But you
need only look at the map to see why the diplomats think it necessary. Once Bulgaria and Romania join the Union, probably in 2007, the whole region will, in effect, be an awkward enclave surrounded by EU countries. This “black hole”, say the strategists, is a recipe for disaster. Better to have the former troublemakers inside the tent rather than outside.