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...go abroad and study two semesters at place like the University of Cracow, one of Europe's oldest universities, was almost unthinkable. Co-operating and exchanging ideas with academics from universities in the new Member States in research projects was difficult to say the least.
Besides the business opportunities for companies, the enlargement of the Internal Market brings a number of new opportunities for citizens to travel, study, and work abroad in ten new EEA countries. In other words, enlargement is of direct relevance in one way or another to some 460 million citizens living in the enlarged European Economic Area. Many of them may not yet be fully aware of these new opportunities because they have so far been hardly involved in the enlargement process: for the past decade, it has been mainly politicians and civil servants that have been planning and negotiating this historic enlargement. In making a success of enlargement, however, it is primarily the citizens that will play a crucial role in reuniting Europe and recreating a bond.
Since 1 May 2004, some 5 million citizens living in the EEA EFTA countries have been enjoying the same rights and benefits as the 455 million EU citizens living in the 25 Member States with respect to the Internal Market and other forms of co-operation. The Internal Market is a cornerstone of European integration and the free movement of workers is one of the most fundamental and visible freedoms for citizens. This freedom, coupled with the possibility to participate and co-operate in a wide range of EU programmes and exchange and mobility programmes in areas such as education and research, gives citizens a direct taste of and experience with the EU.
As a result of fifty years of division in Europe, many citizens today still have only little knowledge of the new Members States and vice versa. Participating in EU co-operation programmes and exchanges of people will increase mutual understanding among Europe's citizens. These networks are also a powerful means of instilling shared values and a sense of European identity.
This section looks in more detail at some of the new opportunities and networks available to workers,...
NOTE: All illustrations and photos
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More articles from EFTA Bulletin (Switzerland)
The EEA financial mechanism & the Norwegian financial mechanism (2004-..., September 01, 2004
Enlargement from a local government perspective., September 01, 2004
The Swiss-EU bilateral agreements and enlargement: a business view., September 01, 2004
Political outlook: the EEA EFTA states' relations with the new neighbo..., September 01, 2004
Appendix: facts and figures on EFTA and enlargement., September 01, 2004
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