2023-10-05 12:05:56
The EU integrates new members through the expansion process, when they meet a series of criteria related to political and economic conditions. The process provides an incentive to undertake democratic and economic reforms in countries wishing to join the EU, and promotes greater stability and prosperity in Europe. Any European State that respects the democratic values of the EU and supports the promotion of these may apply for membership.
What conditions must be met?
Los accession criteria —also called ‘Copenhagen criteria’, in reference to the European Council meeting held in Copenhagen in 1993 in which they were defined— are the essential conditions that all candidate countries must meet to become members of the EU. There are three conditions:
• The existence of stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and respect and protection of minorities.
• The existence of a market economy functioning and the ability to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the EU;
• The ability to assume the obligations arising from accession, including the ability to effectively implement the norms, standards and policies that form the acquis communautaire, and accept the objectives of political, economic and monetary union.
The EU capacity to admit new members without diminishing the European integration process is also an important factor to take into account.
What are the steps for membership?
Once a State has requested accession to the EU and this application has been approved by all EU Member States, the process can begin. accession process. The beginning of the formal accession negotiations requires the approval of all EU Member States. These negotiations help prepare the candidate for future accession and focus on the adoption of existing EU legislation and the implementation of the necessary judicial, administrative and economic reforms.
Once negotiations have been completed in all areas of action, and once the EU is prepared for enlargement in terms of its Absorption capacitythe terms and conditions for accession – including possible safeguard clauses and transitional provisions – are incorporated into a accession treaty. In order for all EU Member States and the candidate country to sign this treaty, the approval of the European Parliament and the unanimous approval of the Council are required.
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Once all contracting parties have ratified the accession treaty in line with their respective constitutional rules, the candidate becomes an EU Member State on the date stated in the accession treaty.
Who are the current candidates?
The current candidates for membership are:
Montenegro. In accession negotiations since June 2012.
Serbia. In accession negotiations since January 2014.
Türkiye. In accession negotiations since October 2005.
North Macedonia. Candidate since December 2005 waiting for the start of negotiations.
Albania. Candidate since June 2014 waiting for the start of negotiations.
Ukraine. Candidate since June 2022 awaiting the start of negotiations after meeting a series of conditions.
Moldavia. Candidate since June 2022 awaiting the start of negotiations after meeting a series of conditions.
Bosnia y Herzegovina. Candidate since December 2022 waiting for the start of negotiations.
Georgia. Potential candidate waiting to obtain candidate status after meeting a series of conditions.
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