Pampers, Absorption Capacity and how much the EU (should) suck(s)

Now that Ireland voted against the Constitutional Treaty there is serious concern over the prospects for the EU's ability to integrate the Western Balkans. While in recent months the EU has been repeating that there are no obstacles to the EU integration for the countries in the region, there is a risk now that new conditions might be imposed on the countries that have little to do with countries' reforms and more with the reluctance of EU member states to push for enlargement.

After months of pampering the regions with promises of visa liberalization and the signing of the SAA with Serbia and Bosnia next week, except a lot more talk about absorption capacity and vague conditions, which will only further undermine the already rather weak position of the EU in the region.