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Enlargement
Enlargement of the European Union: milestones and future outlook
The European Union has grown from six to currently 27 members – a highly attractive and successful model
Parameters of the enlargement process
According to Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, any European country can apply for membership of the Union. more
The EU enlargement process
The EU accession process is long and minutely planned more
Helping countries prepare for accession
Candidate countries receive support from the EU through accession partnerships and the Instrument for Pre‑Accession Assistance (IPA). more
EU enlargement: Croatia
In a referendum on 22 January 2012, the people of Croatia voted to join the EU. Croatia is expected to become the EU’s 28th member state on 1 July 2013 after it and the 27 current EU member states have completed the ratification process.
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EU enlargement: Iceland
Iceland applied to join the EU in July 2009. Owing to its membership of EFTA and the EEA, as well as the Schengen Agreement, the country has had close ties with the EU for many years.
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EU enlargement: Turkey
On 3 October 2005, the European Union opened accession negotiations with Turkey, which has had candidate status since 1999. The European Council had previously decided in December 2004 that “Turkey sufficiently fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria to open accession negotiations.” more
EU enlargement: the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
In 2004, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia applied for EU membership; in December 2005, it was granted candidate country status by the European Council. more
EU enlargement: Montenegro
Montenegro applied for membership of the EU in December 2008. Two years later, in December 2010, the European Council awarded Montenegro candidate status.
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EU prospects for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Like all the other countries of the Western Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina also has prospects of joining the European Union – as determined by the European Council in 2003. more