The European Union : an enlargement in stages
Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands formed the foundation of the European Union in a complex and uncertain global context characteristic of the period following the Second World War. Since then, five large waves of integration have expanded the European Union to its present composition of 27.
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To unite the citizens of Europe around common values
The European Union of 27 Member States is the result of a gradual process. "To unite people around a common project of peace and stability" was the challenge set by the founding Member States of the EU. What is the present position? What are the principles of the process of enlargement? Into which framework does it fit? How is the EU policy of enlargement managed?
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The Copenhagen criteria
Articles 6 and 49 of the EU Treaty establish the conditions for becoming a member of the EU. These conditions were described by the European Council in June 1993 and are known by the name of "Copenhagen criteria".
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The stages for accession to the European Union
Any European State which respects the principles of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as the rule of law, may apply for membership of the Union. These conditions are laid down in the Treaty on European Union (article 6 & article 49). However, before accession to the EU, several stages must be passed through.
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Future perspectives: Towards another enlargement?
After five large waves of enlargement, the European Union has grown from six to twenty-seven Member States in half a century. Today the EU regards itself as a complete continent and its process of enlargement is still ongoing. Four countries have candidate country status: Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Turkey and Iceland. Three others have submitted an application for candidature : Montenegro, Albania, and Serbia. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo also intend to join the EU.
Focus on candidate countries: Turkey, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Iceland
Turkey
Turkey is a country associated with the European Community since the conclusion of the Ankara Agreement in 1963, supplemented by an additional protocol in 1970, which provide for the progressive introduction of a Customs Union. It received the status of candidate country at the time of the Helsinki European Council of 1999 and started negotiations in 2005. What is the status of the accession negotiations with Turkey? Read more
Croatia
Croatia obtained the status of candidate country for accession to the European Union in 2004. Negotiations were started in 2005. Will Croatia join soon? Read more
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) submitted its application for accession to the European Union in 2004 and obtained the status of candidate country in 2005. The Council has yet to decide when negotiations will start. Read more
Iceland
On 17 June 2010, the Council decided to grant Iceland candidate country status and to open accession negotiations. Read more