The new Eastern members, Central and Eastern Europe has been steadily catching up with the Western part of the Union, although at a rather slowish pace. The current depression has seroiusly hit some old and new member states, and less severely other ones, so the picture will be more varied at the end of this year. The next possible candidates, Iceland and Croatia are fitting well into the club.

After fierce demonstrations against the government the prime minister had resigned on Monday. The new government may apply for EU-membership, which will be viewed very favorable by the European Union. The head of the new caretaker government is lead by Johanna Sigurdardottir, who is also the first openly gay female premiere in the world.
Iceland will [...]

The financial and money markets have closed with a huge plus today after news came out that the IMF has reached a broad agreement with the Hungarian government. The scheme will involve the EU and possibly some EU member states, too.
“A substantial financing package in support of these strong policies will be announced when the [...]

Iceland may join the EU as a result of the world financial crisis. However, the member of the European Economic Area and NATO had to turn to Russia for an emergency loan. The EU is as much challenged in the West as in the East from Russia.
Iceland is one of the world’s most competitive country, [...]