Developments in the Member States

The year 2002 proved critical for several of the most powerful states of the EU, including France and Germany. Amongst other things, new elections brought about very surprising results, substantial discussions on enlargement took place, and the euro came into as a physical currency in the 12 new members of the euro area. In comparison, 2003 was expected to be a relatively calm year in electoral terms. None of the largest European Union Member States was expected to hold general elections, and public attention focused primarily on the Swedish referendum on the single currency, announced in the autumn of 2002 and to be held a year later. Perhaps yet more importantly, 2003 was permeated by political and public opinion discussions in the Member States about such topics as the proposed new draft Constitutional Treaty and the growing tension - and ultimately war - in Iraq.