The enlargement of the European Union, scheduled for May 1, is expected to provide increased trade opportunities for India.

"A single set of tariff rules, administrative procedures and a single currency are some of the benefits that will accrue to countries trading with the EU, like India," Philip McDonah, Ambassador of Ireland, said at a press conference on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador, head of delegation of European Commission in India, Francisco da Camara Gomes, said developing countries could benefit from the single tariff plan for goods and agricultural products.

The EU, which currently comprises 15 members, is being enlarged to 25, with the inclusion of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta.

McDonah also said the EU would encourage India and Pakistan to carry forward the dialogue process. "The EU is encouraging both India and Pakistan to pursue a dialogue with each other to a successful conclusion," he said.

On the possible expansion of the UN Security Council, he said the EU considered India as a strong candidate for council membership. The Indian government is also of the opinion that the enlargement of the trading bloc will benefit exporters as it will help them reduce transaction costs.

"Instead of separate paper work and entry requirements for the 10 states joining the European Union, one set of documentation will solve the purpose," a commerce ministry official said.