The EU's expansion to include Central and Eastern European countries has brought both gains and challenges. From 2000 to 2016, these new members saw economic growth, increased trade, and more foreign investment. However, they also accumulated high levels of debt to fund their development. This debt, along with factors like demographic changes and uncertainty about the EU's future, could hinder their progress. The benefits of EU membership have not been evenly distributed, and there are concerns about whether these new countries will truly benefit in the long run.