Brussels, 30/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - In the conclusions it will be adopting on Tuesday 5 May, the Ecofin Council will praise the economic success created by the EU enlargement of 2004 and 2007. The Council shares the overall analysis of the Commission in its communication “Five Years of EU Enlargement: Results and Economic Challenges” (EUROPE 9844), the Council notes that “enlargement has allowed for considerable improvements in living conditions and stimulated economic growth through better opportunities in trade, investment and jobs, as well as increased financial integration”. The whole of the European economy has therefore been able to “better respond to the challenges created by the current economic and financial crisis, as well as those created by globalisation”. The conclusions illustrate that the remarkable integration and convergence of member states from the last two round of enlargement makes the distinction between “old” and “new” members obsolete. They also call for more effort to be made in order to reap the full benefits of the enlarged EU. According to the Council, it will still be necessary for national policies and implementation of the major Community policies to be strengthened, as well as their cautionary elements. Effort will be required in the arena of structural reform, and improved financial monitoring and economic coordination EU-wide will also be needed. (A.B./trans/rh)