Entry into the EU: a long, complex process subject to rigorous controls
The EU asserts that expansion is crucial for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe, as well as creating business opportunities. Over the course of history, there have been seven occasions in which the community club has expanded. The process of enlargement is extensive, intricate, and subject to stringent scrutiny by European institutions.
Which countries are eligible to join the European Union? The fundamental requirements for a country to obtain candidate status include being located in Europe, demonstrating a commitment to democratic values, possessing stable institutions that ensure democracy and the rule of law, and having a free market economy. Furthermore, the country must be capable of assuming and fulfilling the obligations imposed by the EU on its partners. These aforementioned requirements are known as the Copenhagen criteria.
What are the steps involved in the enlargement process? Accession consists of three stages, and all countries wishing to join the EU must navigate this process: obtaining candidate status, initiating negotiations, and finally, achieving accession. The first step involves formally applying to the EU Council, which then requests the Commission to assess the candidate country’s ability to meet the accession criteria. If the Commission provides a favorable opinion, the Council can unanimously decide to grant candidate status.
After negotiations commence, the candidate country must prepare to implement the 35 chapters that encompass EU legislation (known as the Union acquis). Progress on each chapter is evaluated by the Council, and if deemed satisfactory, the Commission may recommend “provisionally closing” the chapter. The Council then deliberates and decides once again by unanimous agreement.
Once negotiations are concluded, which can take several years, and if the Commission deems the candidate country ready, an accession treaty is drafted between the Member States of the EU and the acceding country. This treaty can only be signed upon approval from Parliament and unanimous support from the Council. Subsequently, the accession treaty is subject to ratification by all Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional rules, either through parliamentary or referendum approval.
What assistance do candidates or potential candidates receive? Candidate countries and potential candidates receive EU funding, comprehensive policy advice, and Association Agreements (AAs), which facilitate access to the EU’s internal market. These agreements encompass political, commercial, social, cultural, and security connections. To be classified as an AA, an agreement must meet various criteria, including a clause emphasizing respect for human rights and democratic principles as a fundamental element.
What benefits does EU membership entail? Joining the EU provides new members with political stability, the freedom for citizens to live, study, or work anywhere within the EU, enhanced trade opportunities through access to the single market, increased financing and investment, and adherence to higher social, environmental, and consumer standards. The institutions argue that enlargement benefits the entire Union by promoting prosperity, offering more opportunities, strengthening the EU’s voice on the global stage, fostering cultural diversity, and investing in peace and security.
What role does Parliament play in the enlargement process? The European Parliament monitors the progress of candidates and has the responsibility, alongside the Member States and the Commission, of giving approval for accession. MEPs engage in debates and votes on the Commission’s annual country progress reports. This provides the candidate country with additional guidance on meeting the obligations of membership and assures existing members that the candidate is meeting the necessary conditions. The European Parliament supports the ongoing enlargement process, which President Roberta Metsola describes as “the EU’s most influential geopolitical tool”. In addition to supporting the entry of Ukraine and Moldova, MEPs continue to endorse the accession of Western Balkan countries to the EU.