- The EU will enlarge from 15 to 25 member states on May 1, 2004 with the accession of 10 central and eastern European countries. This will create a single market of 455 million people worth €9.7 trillion. - The enlargement will have implications for third countries like India through a common external tariff for the EU, common trade policy, and extension of EU trade agreements and preferences to the 25 members. - While India's current trade with the acceding countries is small, the EU enlargement could create new trade opportunities for India in sectors like textiles and chemicals by removing some barriers within the enlarged EU market. However, the impact on Indian exports appears limited and will depend on competition with other