Competitiveness Implications for Ireland of EU Enlargement

Ten states, primarily from Central and Eastern Europe, acceded to the EU in May 2004. Another 2, and possibly 3 CEE states are likely to join in 2007. We assesses the competitiveness implications of this phase of EU expansion for Ireland. Four specific topics are considered: the opportunities for trade and investment expansion, the implications for Ireland's ability to attract FDI, the likely levels and consequences of immigration from Central and Eastern Europe, and the budgetary implications for the Irish Exchequer