State of the Nation (2004): Former Communist states are welcomed into the EU, but some fear it is ‘much too soon’.
In a seedy street in Berlin, a group of Polish artists are discussing the future. “In Poland, joining the EU is perceived with a great deal of mistrust,” explains one. Poles are angry that, like other new members, they have to wait seven years before they’re able to work abroad. “The EU is withdrawing on the promises it made before.” Across the border, Germans are also worried by the EU’s expansion. They fear they will be flooded by cheap labour, drugs and weapons. “This expansion is coming much too early,” complains MP Marcus Nonninger.