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Enlargement of the European Union: milestones and future outlook
Enlargement of the European Union: milestones and future outlook © dpa
The enlargement of the European Union is a uniquely successful model worldwide and one of our most promising answers to the current geopolitical challenges.
Not only does the EU have the largest single market in the world, it also promises a life in security, prosperity and freedom. EU enlargement is thus one of our most promising answers to the current geopolitical challenges. In light of Russia’s war of aggression and the rise of great power rivalry, EU enlargement is an investment in peace, security and stability. It is geopolitics.
Germany strongly supports the prospect of accession by Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans. Our goal in the group of EU member states is clear – we want to work together to ensure that swift progress is now made in the enlargement process.
A strong, united and open Europe does not only promise prosperity and security, but also serves as a bulwark against authoritarian pressure and as a guarantee for the stability of our continent. [...] Now in particular, in a world undergoing profound change, Europe’s strength is reflected in cohesion and clear prospects. We need to offer the EU candidate countries in our neighbourhood clear paths to the Union on the basis of the rule of law, fundamental rights and energetic reforms. Where these prospects do not exist, autocratic powers attempt to gain influence through disinformation, corruption and violence, to turn people against our European project and to create new dependencies. Croatia has shown that the path of EU accession is an opportunity for people and of benefit to Europe as a whole.
- Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul
The enlargement of the European Union from six to 27 members at present is a uniquely successful model worldwide.
Since the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community under the Schuman Plan in 1950, the European Communities and subsequently the European Union have guaranteed their member states peace, prosperity and stability.
What began with the six founding members – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands – and their populations totalling 200 million is now a grouping of 27 members with a population of just under 450 million. Today the EU with its internal market is the world’s largest economic region and also a community of values. Its members are committed to democracy, the rule of law, freedom and human rights, and they conduct many aspects of policy on a community basis.
Rounds of enlargement to date
Seven rounds of enlargement have taken place to date:
- 1 January 1973: accession of Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom (the UK withdrew on 31 January 2020)
- 1 January 1981: accession of Greece
- 1 January 1986: accession of Portugal and Spain
- 1 January 1995: accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden
- 1 May 2004: accession of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia
- 1 January 2007: accession of Bulgaria and Romania
- 1 July 2013: accession of Croatia
Enlargement – outlook for the future
The following nine nations are currently EU candidate countries: Turkey, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia. Kosovo has also applied for membership, but does not yet have the status of an EU candidate country.
The EU’s enlargement policy is an effective foreign policy instrument that has proved to be a crucial agent of transformation in a large number of European countries. The prospect of EU membership has given the candidate countries a major incentive to push ahead with reforms. The enlargement process has made for greater political and economic stability in Europe and strengthened freedom, democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights. The larger internal market has helped increase the EU’s competitiveness and prosperity. The enlarged EU of 27 members at present now carries greater clout in the international arena. As a global player, it is better equipped today to respond to global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, security threats, climate change, environmental protection, competitiveness and financial market regulation.