Composition
Composition
Composition
Illustration charting the successive stages in the enlargement of the European Union (1 November 1992)
ImageIllustration charting the successive stages in the enlargement of the European Union, from the ‘Community of the Six' to the ‘Union of the Fifteen'.
European Union: Member States and candidate countries - Key figures (2000)
MapMap showing the surface area, population and per capita gross domestic product of the European Union Member States and candidate countries in the year 2000.
Member States of the European Union: chronology of enlargements and candidate countries (2015)
MapMap illustrating the European Union’s changing composition following the successive enlargements of the European Communities, from the six founding countries to the Union of 28 Member States. This map also shows the candidate countries currently in accession negotiations, the other candidate countries and the potential candidates.
Member States and EU applicant countries: chronology of EC/UE association and accession agreements
TableChronological table on Member States and EU applicant countries showing the date of the agreements preceding accession (Association or Europe Agreements) as well as the various stages in the admission process.
EFTA Member States: Chronology of free-trade and accession agreements with the EC/EU
TableChronological table on Member States of the European Free-Trade Association (EFTA) showing the date of their accession or withdrawal from the organisation, as well as the date of the free-trade agreements concluded between them and the European Economic Community (EEC) [to become the European Community (EC) after the Treaty on European Union came into force on 1 November 1993].
Flags of the Member States of the European Union (2004)
ImageThe flags of the 25 Member States of the European Union after enlargement on 1 May 2004.
Balance between large and small Member States
Jean-Louis Bourlanges, Vers un nouvel équilibre entre petits et grands pays
TextMembre du Parlement européen et président de la section française du Mouvement européen, Jean-Louis Bourlanges explique dans cet article comment, au sein des institutions de l'Union européenne, le principe de l'égalité entre les citoyens complète et corrige le principe de l'égalité entre les États membres dans une recherche empirique d'équilibre entre petits et grands pays.
Henning Christophersen, Le changement est inévitable, pas la perte d'influence
TextVice-président de la Commission européenne de 1985 à 1994, Henning Christophersen plaide dans cet article pour l’introduction du vote à la double majorité (des États et des citoyens) au sein du Conseil comme moyen pour préserver l’équilibre entre petits et grands États au sein d’une Union élargie à davantage de petits membres.
"Grands et petits États dans l’Union européenne: collision ou coalition?" dans Luxemburger Wort
TextLe 4 juillet 2000, le quotidien Luxemburger Wort résume les différentes contributions des intervenants au colloque sur le sujet "Grands et petits États dans l’Union européenne: collision ou coalition?" organisé par la représentation de la Commission européenne au Luxembourg dans la capitale du Grand-Duché.
"Grands et petits Etats à couteaux tirés" dans Le Figaro (16 octobre 2000)
TextLe 16 octobre 2000, le quotidien français Le Figaro commente le désaccord qui s'est manifesté entre grands et petits États membres lors du Conseil européen de Biarritz des 13 et 14 octobre au sujet de la composition de la Commission et de la repondération des voix au sein du Conseil dans une future Union élargie.
"Le risque d'un affrontement entre petits et grands pays" dans Le Monde (24 avril 2003)
TextLe 24 avril 2003, le quotidien français Le Monde analyse les points de divergence entre grands et petits pays dans les discussions menées au sein de la Convention européenne sous la présidence de Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.
"Juncker, l'arme ultime des petits pays" dans Le Quotidien
TextLe 7 mars 2003, le journal luxembourgeois Le Quotiden commente les efforts du Premier ministre luxembourgeois Jean-Claude Juncker pour rassembler autour d’une position commune ses homologues des petits États membres de l’Union européenne à la veille du Conseil européen de Bruxelles des 20 et 21 mars.
"Europe: la révolte des petites nations" dans Le Monde
TextLe 10 mai 2003, le quotidien français Le Monde analyse la controverse entre les grands et les petits États membres de l’Union européenne au sujet de leur représentation au sein de l’organisation.
"Grands et petits Etats: un clivage artificiel?" dans Le Monde diplomatique
TextDans un article paru dans le mensuel français Le Monde diplomatique en avril 2004, Jean-Claude Boyer, professeur émérite à l’Institut d’études européennes de l’université Paris-VIII, relativise l’importance du clivage par la taille entre les États membres de l’Union européenne – qui porterait exclusivement sur les questions institutionnelles — et accorde plus d’importance à d’autres clivages relatifs aux enjeux économiques, politiques et sociaux de la construction européenne.
Conditions for accession
Report by Willi Birkelbach on the political and institutional aspects of accession to or association with the Community (19 December 1961)
TextOn 19 December 1961, the European Parliamentary Assembly unanimously adopts the report drawn up on behalf of the Political Committee on the political and institutional aspects of accession to or association with the European Economic Community (EEC).
Conclusions of the Commission's Opinion on the applications for accession received from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and Norway (29 September 1967)
TextIn its preliminary Opinion, submitted to the Council on 29 September 1967, concerning the applications for accession to the European Communities from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and Norway, the Commission reiterates the conditions that each of the countries must fulfil, with particular reference to the acquis communautaire, the body of Community legislation adopted hitherto, and compliance with the economic criteria. In particular, the United Kingdom must restore a sustainable balance in its economy and its balance of payments and adjust the role of sterling so that the pound may be integrated into a Community monetary system.
Eduardo Martino, La mise à jour de l'avis de la Commission sur l'élargissement de la Communauté
TextDans son éditorial au Bulletin des Communautés européennes de novembre 1969, Eduardo Martino, membre de la Commission, analyse les idées essentielles de la mise à jour de l’avis de la Commission sur l’élargissement de la Communauté, présenté au Conseil le 2 octobre 1969, dont notamment l’acceptation par les pays candidats du principe du renforcement.
Final communiqué of the Hague Summit (2 December 1969)
TextMeeting in the Hague on 1 and 2 December 1969, the Heads of State or Government of the six Member States of the European Communities reaffirm their agreement on the principle of enlargement, provided that all ‘applicant countries accept the Treaties and their political finality, the decisions taken since the entry into force of the Treaties and the options made in the sphere of development.’
Joint Declaration by the European Parliament, Council and the Commission concerning the protection of fundamental rights and the ECHR (Luxembourg, 5 April 1977)
TextOn 5 April 1977, the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of the European Communities sign a joint declaration in Luxembourg affirming that they will do their utmost to protect the fundamental rights enshrined in both in the constitutions of the Member States and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Declaration on democracy at the Copenhagen European Council (7 and 8 April 1978)
TextOn 8 April 1978, the European Council meeting in Copenhagen declares that respect for and maintenance of representative democracy and human rights in each Member State are essential elements of membership of the European Communities.
Commission Opinion on the application for accession to the European Communities by the Hellenic Republic (23 May 1979)
TextIn its Opinion of 23 May 1979 on the application submitted by Greece for accession to the European Communities, the Commission recalls that the principles of pluralist democracy and respect for human rights form part of the common heritage of the peoples of the States which constitute the European Communities and are therefore essential elements for membership of the said Communities.
Conditions for accession
Conclusions of the Maastricht European Council: extract concerning the Treaty on European Union (9 and 10 December 1991)
TextThe Maastricht European Council of 9 and 19 December 1991 recalls that the Treaty on European Union provides that any European State whose systems of Government are founded on the principle of democracy may apply to become members of the Union.
Commission report, Europe and the Challenge of Enlargement (24 June 1992)
TextSubmitted to the Lisbon European Council of 26 and 27 June 1992 and annexed to the Presidency’s Conclusions, the European Commission report ‘Europe and the Challenge of Enlargement’ lists the conditions for accession to the European Union which applicant countries must satisfy and warns about conditions which must be fulfilled to safeguard the effectiveness of an enlarged Union.
Conclusions from the Copenhagen European Council: excerpt on the EU accession criteria (21-22 June 1993)
TextThe Copenhagen European Council of 21 and 22 June 1993 defines the economic and political conditions for accession to the European Union.
Copenhagen European Council (Copenhagen, 21–22 June 1993)
ImageGroup photo taken during the Copenhagen European Council of 21 and 22 June 1993. In the front row: Helmut Kohl, Federal Chancellor of Germany; François Mitterrand, President of the French Republic; Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark; Henrik, Prince of Denmark; Ingrid, Princess of Denmark; and Konstantinos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece. In the second row: Felipe González, President of the Spanish Government; John Major, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Jean-Luc Dehaene, Prime Minister of Belgium; Aníbal Cavaco Silva, Prime Minister of Portugal; Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Denmark; and Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, President of the Italian Council of Ministers. In the third row: Jacques Santer, Prime Minister of Luxembourg; Albert Reynolds, Prime Minister of Ireland; Edouard Balladur, Prime Minister of France; and Ruud Lubbers, Prime Minister of the Netherlands. In the fourth row: Dick Spring, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs; Jacques Poos, Luxembourg Minister for Foreign Affairs; and Jacques Delors, President of the European Commission.
Communication from the Commission on Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union (15 October 2003)
TextCompliance with the common principles set out in Article 6(1) of the Treaty on European Union constitutes a condition for any State wishing to accede to the European Union. In this communication, dated 15 October 2003, the European Commission reviews the implementing procedures laid down in Article 7 with a view to ensuring compliance with those principles, as well as the tangible means of action available to the Union’s institutions.
Recommendation of the Commission on Turkey’s progress towards accession (6 October 2004)
TextOn 6 October 2004, given that Turkey sufficiently fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria and provided that it brings into force any outstanding legislation, the European Commission recommends the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey.
‘How far? The forbidden debate’ from Le Monde (9 December 1999)
TextIn an article published on 9 December 1999 in the French daily newspaper Le Monde, Alain Lamassoure, Member of the European Parliament, argues that the ‘European’ nature of a country as a condition for accession to the European Union should only be assessed according to the criterion of geography, independently of historical, religious or cultural considerations, with the aim of establishing objective limits to the enlargement of the European Union.
‘The Fifteen impose their conditions on the Balkans’ from Le Figaro (20 June 2003)
TextOn the eve of the European Union–Western Balkans Summit, due to be held in Thessaloniki on 21 June 2003, the French daily newspaper Le Figaro reports on the Fifteen’s desire to support the possible accession of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro on the condition that the accession criteria are strictly respected and by initially encouraging the stability and association programme.
‘Is Turkey up to meeting European Parliament accession conditions?’ from the Europe Daily Bulletin (6 January 2005)
TextOn 6 January 2005, Ferdinando Riccardi, Editor-in-Chief of Agence Europe in Brussels, draws attention to the European Parliament’s demands relating to Turkey’s accession to the European Union resulting, in particular, from the Copenhagen political criteria.
Interview with Charles Rutten: the Community’s first Association Agreements (The Hague, 29 November 2006)
VideoIn this interview, Charles Rutten, former Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the European Communities, discusses the negotiations on the Association Agreements between the EEC and Greece and Turkey and recalls the position of the United States on this subject.
Accession negotiations
Décision du Conseil sur une procédure uniforme pour les négociations d’adhésion (8 et 9 juin 1970)
TextLors de sa session des 8 et 9 juin 1970, le Conseil des Communautés européennes définit une procédure de négociation uniforme pour les Communautés, sur la base du communiqué final du sommet de la Haye de décembre 1969 qui prévoit l’établissement d’une base de négociations commune.
Commission press release on the post-Helsinki enlargement negotiations (Brussels, 8 February 2000)
TextOn 8 February 2000, a few days before the official opening of accession negotiations with six new applicant countries (Helsinki Group), the European Commission issues a press release recalling the various stages of the accession procedure.
First enlargement (1973)
Preliminary Commission Opinion on the applications for accession submitted by the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and Norway (29 September 1967)
TextOn 29 September 1967, the Commission, not being in possession of all the information that is required if it is to deliver the Opinion provided for by the Treaties, delivers a preliminary Opinion on the applications for accession to the European Communities submitted by the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and Norway.
Preliminary Commission Opinion on the applications for membership submitted by the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and Norway — update (1 October 1969)
TextOn 1 October 1969, the Commission, updating its Opinion of 29 September 1967, delivers a new Preliminary Opinion on the applications for accession to the European Communities submitted by the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and Norway.
Commission Opinion on the applications for accession to the EC by Denmark, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom (19 January 1972)
TextOn 19 January 1972, the European Commission delivers a favourable opinion in response to applications from Denmark, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom for membership of the European Communities.
Council Decision concerning the accession of Denmark, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom to the ECSC (22 January 1972)
TextOn 22 January 1972, the Council of the European Communities decides that Denmark, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom may become members of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and sets out the conditions of its accession.
Council Decision on the accession of Denmark, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom to the EEC and to the EAEC (22 January 1972)
TextOn 22 January 1972, the Council of the European Communities decides to accept the applications for accession of Denmark, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom to the European Economic Community (EEC) and to the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC).
The accession of Denmark to the European Communities (Brussels, 22 January 1972)
ImageOn 22 January 1972, in Brussels, the Danish Delegation - comprising (from left to right) Ivar Norgaard, Minister for Foreign Economic Relations, Jens Otto Krag, Prime Minister, and Jens Otto Christensen, Secretary for External Economic Affairs at the Foreign Ministry - sign Denmark's Treaty of Accession to the European Communities.
The accession of Ireland to the European Communities (Brussels, 22 January 1972)
ImageOn 22 January 1972, in Brussels, Patrick Hillery, Irish Foreign Minister (on the left) and Jack Lynch, Prime Minister (on the right), sign Ireldand's Treaty of Accession to the European Communities.
The accession of the United Kingdom to the European Communities (Brussels, 22 January 1972)
ImageOn 22 January 1972 in Brussels, the British Delegation signs the Treaty of Accession to the European Communities. From left to Right: Sir Alec Douglas-Home, Foreign Minister, Edward Heath, Prime Minister, and Geoffrey Rippon, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Head of the accession negotiations.
The accession of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark to the European Communities (1973)
MapOn 1 January 1973, the accession of Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom brings the number of Member States of the European Community to nine.
Second enlargement (1981)
Commission Opinion on the application for accession to the European Communities by the Hellenic Republic (23 May 1979)
TextIn its Opinion of 23 May 1979 on the application submitted by Greece for accession to the European Communities, the Commission recalls that the principles of pluralist democracy and respect for human rights form part of the common heritage of the peoples of the States which constitute the European Communities and are therefore essential elements for membership of the said Communities.
Decision of the Council on the accession of Greece to the ECSC (24 May 1979)
TextOn 24 May 1979, the Council of the European Communities decides that Greece may become a member of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and sets out the conditions of its accession.
Council Decision on the admission of Greece to the EEC and the EAEC (24 May 1979)
TextOn 24 May 1979, the Council of the European Communities decides to accept the application for admission of Greece to the European Economic Community (CEE) and to the European Atomic Energy Community (CEEA).
Second enlargement (1981)
The accession of Greece to the European Communities (Athens, 28 May 1979)
ImageOn 28 May 1979 in Athens, Konstantinos Karamanlis signs the Treaty relating to the Accession of the Hellenic Republic to the European Communities.
Third enlargement (1986)
Commission Opinion on the applications for accession to the European Communities by Spain and Portugal (31 May 1985)
TextOn 31 May 1985, the European Commission delivers a favourable opinion on the applications for accession to the European Communities by Portugal and Spain.
Council decision on the accession of Spain and Portugal to the ECSC (11 June 1985)
TextOn 11 June 1985, the Council of the European Communities sets the conditions for Spain and Portugal’s accession to the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
Council Decision on the admission of Spain and Portugal to the EEC and to the EAEC (11 June 1985)
TextOn 11 June 1985, the Council of the European Communities decides to accept the applications for admission of Spain and Portugal to the European Economic Community (EEC) and to the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC).
Treaty on the accession of Spain and Portugal to the EEC and the EAEC (12 June 1985)
TextOn 12 June 1985, in Madrid and Lisbon, the Heads of State or Government of the Ten and those of Spain and Portugal sign the Treaty of Accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Economic Community (EEC) and to the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC).
The accession of Spain to the European Communities (Madrid, 12 June 1985)
ImageOn 12 June 1985, in Madrid, Spain signed the Treaty of Accession to the European Communities. The Spanish signatories are the Foreign Minister, Fernando Morán (on the left), and the Prime Minister, Felipe González (on the right).
The accession of Portugal to the European Communities (Lisbon, 12 June 1985)
ImageOn 12 June 1985, in Lisbon, the Portuguese Prime Minister, Mario Soares, and his Foreign Minister, Jaime Gama, sign the Accession Treaty between Portugal and the European Communities.
The accession of Greece, Portugal and Spain to the European Communities (1981 and 1986)
MapOn 1 January 1981, the accession of Greece brings the number of Member States of the European Communities to ten. On 1 January 1986, the accession of Portugal and Spain brings the number of Member Countries in the European Communities up to twelve.
Fourth enlargement (1995)
Commission Opinion on the applications for accession to the European Union by Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden (19 April 1994)
TextOn 19 April 1994, the Commission of the European Communities delivers a favourable opinion on the accession of Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden to the European Union.
European Parliament legislative resolution on Austria’s application for accession to the EU (4 May 1994)
TextOn 4 May 1994, the European Parliament adopts four legislative resolutions in order to give its assent to the applications submitted by Norway, Austria, Finland and Sweden for accession to the European Union. This is the legislative resolution on Austria’s application for accession.
Decision of the Council of the EU on the admission of Norway, Austria, Finland and Sweden to the European Union (16 May 1994)
TextOn 16 May 1994, the Council of the European Union agrees to the accession of Norway, Austria, Finland and Sweden to the European Union.
Treaty concerning the accession of Norway, Austria, Finland and Sweden to the European Union (24 June 1994)
TextOn 24 June 1994, in Corfu, the representatives of the Twelve and those of Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden sign their respective Treaties of Accession to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession to the European Union by Austria (Corfu, 24 June 1994)
ImageOn 24 June 1994, in Corfu, Franz Vranitzky, Chancellor of Austria, signs the Treaty of Accession of his country to the European Union. From left to right: Ulrich Stacher, Director-General of the Federal Chancellery (Prime Minister’s Office) in Vienna, Manfred Scheich, Permanent Representative of Austria to the European Union, Franz Vranitzky, Austrian Federal Chancellor, and Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession to the European Union by Sweden (Corfu, 24 June 1994)
ImageOn 24 June 1994, at the Corfu Summit, the representatives of Sweden sign the Swedish Act of Accession to the European Union (from left to right): Frank Belfrage (Secretary of State for European Affairs), Margaretha af Ugglas (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Carl Bildt (Prime Ministers) and Ulf Dinkelspiel (Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade).
Signing of the Treaty of Accession to the European Union by Finland (Corfu, 24 June 1994)
ImageOn 24 June 1994, the first day of the Corfu European Council, (from left to right) Veli Sundbäck, Finnish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Pertti Salolainen, Finnish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Trade, Esko Aho, Finnish Prime Minister, and Heikki Haavisto, Finnish Foreign Minister, sign Finland’s Treaty of Accession to the European Union.
The accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden to the European Union (1995)
MapOn 1 January 1995, the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden increases the number of Member States of the European Union to 15.
Preparing for the fifth enlargement
Conclusions of the Essen European Council: extract on relations with the CEECs (9-10 December 1994)
TextOn 9 and 10 December 1994, the Essen European Council defines a strategy to prepare for the accession of the ten associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEECs) to the European Union on the basis of the Europe Agreements and of the structured relations with the EU institutions.
Conclusions of the Madrid European Council: extract concerning enlargement (15 and 16 December 1995)
TextOn 15 and 16 December 1995, the Madrid European Council confirms the need to make sound preparations for enlargement on the basis of the criteria laid down in Copenhagen and as part of an intensified pre-accession strategy in order to establish the conditions for the gradual, harmonious integration of those States, particularly through the development of the market economy, the adjustment of their administrative structures and the creation of a stable economic and monetary environment.
Commission Communication (I), Agenda 2000 for a stronger and wider Union (1997)
TextVolume I of the European Commission Communication of 16 July 1997 entitled Agenda 2000 for a stronger and wider Union.
European Commission Communication (II), Agenda 2000. The Challenge of Enlargement (1997)
TextVolume II of the Communication Agenda 2000, presented on 16 July 1997 by the European Commission, relating to the reinforcement of the pre-accession strategy.
Agenda 2000 of the European Commission (III): Summary and conclusions of the opinions of the Commission concerning the applications for accession (15 July 1997)
TextOn 16 July 1997, the European Commission delivers its opinion on the applications for accession to the European Union in its Communication Agenda 2000, which gives the summaries and conclusions of these opinions.
‘Enlargement eastwards: a delicate exercise for Europe’ from Le Figaro (23 October 1997)
TextThis article, published on 23 October 1997 in the French daily newspaper Le Figaro, examines the various aspects involved in the enlargement of the European Union to include the countries of Eastern Europe under Agenda 2000, presented in July of that year by the European Commission.
Conclusions of the Luxembourg European Council (12 and 13 December 1997)
TextThe Luxembourg European Council of 12 and 13 December 1997 decides to launch a comprehensive, inclusive and ongoing enlargement process, encompassing the ten countries applying for accession to the Union from Central and Eastern Europe, plus Cyprus. In addition, it decides to begin, in the spring of 1998, accession negotiations with Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia.
Timetable for accession negotiations by chapter and by country (1998-2004)
TableTimetable for negotiations on accession to the European Union, concerning the 31 chapters of the Community acquis, started on 31 March 1998 with the six countries of the Luxembourg group (Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Cyprus), continued on 15 February 2000 with the six countries of the Helsinki group (Romania, the Slovak Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Malta), and brought to a close in December 2002 with 10 countries (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia) and in December 2004 with Bulgaria and Romania.
Preparing for the fifth enlargement
Conclusions of the Helsinki European Council: extract concerning preparations for enlargement (10–11 December 1999)
TextOn 10 and 11 December 1999, the Helsinki European Council decides to open accession negotiations with Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Romania. By stating that, ‘in the negotiations, each candidate State will be judged on its own merits’, the European Council consolidates the principle of differentiation.
Conclusions of the Gothenburg European Council: extract concerning the future of Europe (15-16 June 2001)
TextRecalling that the enlargement process is irreversible, the Gothenburg European Council of 15 and 16 June 2001 considers that, provided that progress towards meeting the accession criteria continues at the same pace, the accession negotiations should be completed for those applicant countries that are ready by the end of 2002, the objective being that they will participate in the 2004 European Parliament elections as Member States.
Address given by Eneko Landáburu on the fifth enlargement of the European Union (Lausanne, 8 November 2002)
Audio extractOn 8 November 2002, some weeks prior to the Copenhagen European Council of 12 and 13 December that brought to a close the accession negotiations with ten applicant countries, Eneko Landáburu, Director-General of Enlargement at the European Commission, delivers a speech on the reasons behind and the special nature of the fifth enlargement of the European Union.
Conclusions of the Copenhagen European Council: extract concerning enlargement (12–13 December 2002)
TextThe Copenhagen European Council, meeting on 12 and 13 December 2002, concludes negotiations with 10 countries applying for accession to the European Union and fixes the date for their accession at 1 May 2004. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia become accession countries.
Copenhagen European Council (Copenhagen, 12–13 December 2002)
ImageGroup photo taken at the Copenhagen European Council held on 12 and 13 December 2002.
‘EU embraces 10 new members — and opens the door to Turkey' from The Guardian (14 December 2002)
TextOn the day after the Copenhagen European Council meeting of 12 and 13 December 2002, the British daily newspaper The Guardian reacts to the conclusions of the Council Presidency concerning the enlargement of the Union to encompass ten new Member States and devotes special attention to the issue of Turkey’s application.
Fifth enlargement (2004)
European Parliament legislative resolution on the application of the Czech Republic to become a member of the EU (9 April 2003)
TextOn 9 April 2003, the European Parliament adopts ten legislative resolutions in order to give its assent to the application of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia to become members of the European Union. This is the legislative resolution concerning the accession application of the Czech Republic.
Commission Opinion on the applications for accession of ten States to the EU (19 February 2003)
TextOn 19 February 2003, the European Commission delivers a favourable opinion on the accession to the European Union of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia.
Council Decision on the admission of ten States to the EU (14 April 2003)
TextOn 14 April 2003, the Council decides to accept the applications for admission to the European Union of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia.
Treaty concerning the accession of ten new Member States to the European Union (16 April 2003)
TextTreaty concerning the accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic to the European Union, signed in Athens on 16 April 2003.
Treaty of Accession of ten states to the European Union (16 April 2003)
ImageTreaty of Accession of the new Member States to the European Union (16 April 2003).
Group photo taken at the signing of the Accession Treaty (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageGroup photo taken at the signing ceremony of the Treaty of Accession of the ten new Member States to the European Union held on 16 April 2003 in Athens.
Déclaration du Conseil européen informel (Athènes, 16 avril 2003)
TextDéclaration d'Athènes du Conseil européen informel, du 16 avril 2003, célébrant le cinquième élargissement de l'Union européenne.
General view of the room where the Accession Treaty was signed (Stoa of Attalos, 16 April 2003)
ImageGeneral view of the room where the Accession Treaty of the ten new European Union Member States was signed with the Heads of State or Government on either side of the table. The signing took place in the Stoa of Attalos in Athens, on 16 April 2003.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of Cyprus to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, and his Foreign Minister, Georgios Iacovou, sign the Treaty of Accession of Cyprus to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the President of the Czech Republic, Václav Klaus, and his Prime Minister, Vladimír Spidla, sign the Treaty of Accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of Estonia to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the President of Estonia, Arnold Ruutel, and his Foreign Minister, Kristiina Ojuland, sign the Treaty of Accession of Estonia to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of Hungary to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Medgyessy, and his Foreign Minister, László Kovacs, sign the Treaty of Accession of Hungary to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of Latvia to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, and her Prime Minister, Einars Repse, sign the Treaty of Accession of Latvia to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of Lithuania to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas, and his Foreign Minister, Antanas Valionis, sign the Treaty of Accession of Lithuania to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of Malta to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the Prime Minister of Malta, Eddie Fenech Adami, and his Foreign Minister, Joe Borg, sign the Treaty of Accession of Malta to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of Poland to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the Prime Minister of Poland, Leszek Miller, and his Foreign Minister, Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz, sign the Treaty of Accession of Poland to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of the Slovak Republic to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the President of Slovakia, Rudolf Schuster, and his Prime Minister, Mikuláš Dzurinda, sign the Treaty of Accession of the Slovak Republic to the European Union.
Signing of the Treaty of Accession of Slovenia to the European Union (Athens, 16 April 2003)
ImageOn 16 April 2003, in Athens, the President of Slovenia, Janez Drnovšek, and his Prime Minister, Anton Rop, sign the Treaty of Accession of Slovenia to the European Union.
'EU sets the seal on enlargement to 25 Member States' from Le Monde (17 April 2003)
TextIn this article, the French daily newspaper Le Monde summarises the most important addresses given at the ceremony held to mark the signing, on 16 April in Athens, of the Treaty of Accession to the European Union of 10 new Member States.
Fifth enlargement (2004)
‘Three historic minutes' from the Süddeutsche Zeitung (17 April 2003)
TextThe German daily newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung describes the atmosphere surrounding the official ceremony held on 16 April 2003, in Athens, to mark the signing of the Treaty of Accession to the European Union by Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Interview with Günter Verheugen from EUmagazin (April 2003)
TextInterview with Günter Verheugen, European Commissioner for Enlargement since September 1999.
‘Long-awaited reunification in Eastern Europe' from Libération (17 April 2003)
TextThe day following the signing of the Accession Treaty by the ten new Member States on 16 April 2003 in Athens, the French daily newspaper Libération emphasises the special nature of the fifth enlargement of the European Union. With a view to shake off their Communist past for good and become part of free Europe once again, the new democracies of Eastern Europe come to terms with a difficult transitional period involving the adaptation of their institutions and their legal and economic systems.
‘European Parliament welcomes "observers" from the EU candidate countries' from Le Monde (7 May 2003)
TextDuring the year leading up to the accession to the European Union of the 10 new Member States due to take place on 1 May 2004, the European Parliament and the Council welcome observers sent by those countries with a view to preparing their political and administrative staff for the Community structure.
European Parliament resolution on the comprehensive monitoring report (11 March 2004)
TextOn 11 March 2004, the European Parliament adopts a resolution on the comprehensive monitoring report of the Commission on the state of preparedness for EU membership of ten new member States.
‘Eneko Landaburu: We must be patient with the new Member States' from La Libre Belgique (26 April 2004)
TextA few days before the historic accession of 10 new Member States to the European Union on 1 May 2004, Eneko Landaburu, Director-General of Enlargement at the European Commission, talks to the Belgian daily newspaper La Libre Belgique.
‘Reunification' from Le Monde (29 April 2004)
TextOn the eve of the enlargement of the European Union to encompass 25 Member States, the French daily newspaper Le Monde devotes its editorial to an event which already constitutes a major landmark in the history of European integration: the reunification of the Old Continent.
‘A "benevolent empire" seeking a strategy vis-à-vis its new neighbours' from Le Monde (29 April 2004)
TextPublished in the French daily newspaper Le Monde at a time when the European Union is preparing to expand to encompass 25 Member States, this article tackles the problem of the strategy which the EU should pursue in order to continue to pacify its environment. Given the risks of dilution which constant enlargement implies, the EU will have to devise new types of partnerships with its immediate neighbours.
'Welcome to the club' from the Luxemburger Wort (30 April 2004)
TextOn 30 April 2004, the leader in the daily newspaper Luxemburger Wort welcomes the historic enlargement of the European Union to encompass 25 Member States and retraces the steps accomplished by the ten new Member States along the road to accession.
‘The First of May is a good day for Europe' from the Luxemburger Wort (30 April 2004)
TextOn the eve of the enlargement of the European Union to incude ten new Member States, scheduled for 1 May 2004, the Luxembourg Prime Minister, Jean-Claude Juncker, grants an interview to the daily newspaper Luxemburger Wort. Weighing up the risks and opportunities inherent in enlargement, he believes that it will benefit Europe, including small countries like Luxembourg.
Bronislaw Geremek: ‘Integration is not an unending process' from Le Soir (30 April 2004)
TextDuring an interview granted to the Belgian daily newspaper Le Soir, Bronislaw Geremek, former Polish Foreign Minister, analyses the implications of and challenges inherent in the fifth enlargement of the European Union and declares his opposition to an unending expansion of the organisation.
Interview with Otto von Habsburg-Lothringen: the fifth EU enlargement (Pöcking, 5 and 6 February 2004)
VideoArchduke Otto von Habsburg, President of the International Paneuropean Union, declares his support for the enlargement of the European Union. A former Member of the European Parliament, the Archduke has never ceased to fight for European unification.
Interview with Jacques F. Poos: the fifth enlargement of the EU (Sanem, 16 April 2004)
VideoIn this interview, Jacques F. Poos, Member of the European Parliament and former Luxembourg Foreign Minister, comments on the implications of the fifth enlargement of the European Union, due to take place on 1 May 2004, and focuses on the question of Turkey’s application.
The accession of ten new Member States to the European Union (2004)
MapOn 1 May 2004, the accession of ten States brings the number of Member States in the European Union up to twenty-five.
Sixth enlargement (2007)
Commission Opinion on the applications for accession to the European Union by Bulgaria and Romania (22 February 2005)
TextOn 22 February 2005, the European Commission delivers a favourable opinion on the accession to the European Union of Bulgaria and Romania.
European Parliament Legislative Resolution on the application by Bulgaria to become a member of the EU (13 April 2005)
TextOn 13 April 2005, the European Parliament adopts a Legislative Resolution in order to give its assent to the application by Bulgaria to become a member of the European Union.
European Parliament Legislative Resolution on the application by Romania to become a member of the EU (13 April 2005)
TextOn 13 April 2005, the European Parliament adopts a Legislative Resolution in order to give its assent to the application by Romania to become a member of the European Union.
Council Decision on the admission of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU (25 April 2005)
TextOn 25 April 2005, the Council decides to accept the applications for admission of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union.
Treaty concerning the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union (25 April 2005)
TextOn 25 April 2005, in Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Romania sign the Treaty of Accession to the European Union. This Treaty enters into force on 1 January 2007.
Bulgaria signs the Treaty of Accession to the European Union (Luxembourg, 25 April 2005)
ImageOn 25 April 2005, representatives of Bulgaria sign the Treaty of Accession to the European Union in Luxembourg. In the process of signing are, seated from left to right, Georgi Parvanov, Bulgarian President, and Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Standing behind them are Solomon Passy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Meglena Kuneva, Minister of European Affairs.
Romania signs the Treaty of Accession to the European Union (Luxembourg, 25 April 2005)
ImageOn 25 April 2005, representatives of Romania sign the Treaty of Accession to the European Union in Luxembourg. In the process of signing are, seated from left to right, Mihai-Razvan Ungureanu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Leonard Orban, Romania’s Chief Negotiator with the EU. Standing behind them are President Traian Basescu and Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Taricean.
Communication from the Commission Monitoring report on the state of preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania (26 September 2006
TextOn 26 September 2006, the European Commission adopts its final monitoring report on the state of preparedness of Bulgaria and Romania for accession to the European Union (EU). Given the progress made, the Commission considers that these two countries will be in a position to assume the rights and obligations associated with their accession to the EU on 1 January 2007.
‘The Romanian and Bulgarian gamble’ from D’Lëtzebuerger Land (5 January 2007)
TextFollowing the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union on 1 January 2007, the edition of the Luxembourg weekly newspaper D’Lëtzebuerger Land of 5 January outlines the implications of this sixth enlargement for the Union and for these two countries.
The accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union (2007)
MapWith the accession of Bulgaria and Romania on 1 January 2007, the number of Member States of the European Union increases to 27.
Future enlargements
Statement by the European Union on Croatia (Brussels, 24 January 2000)
TextIn a statement by the European Union on Croatia dated 24 January 2000, the Council expects the new Croatian Government to meet the conditions necessary for a closer relationship with the Union with a view to Croatian integration into European structures.
Future enlargements
Conclusions of the Santa Maria da Feira European Council: extract concerning the Western Balkans (19 and 20 June 2000)
TextOn 19 and 20 June 2000, the Santa Maria da Feira European Council considers that the countries of the Western Balkans are potential applicants for accession. The European Union supports the Stabilisation and Association Process of the countries of the region by the provision of technical and economic assistance.
Conclusions of the Brussels European Council: extract concerning enlargement (17 and 18 June 2004)
TextOn 17 and 18 June 2004, the European Council recalls the Union’s objective to welcome Bulgaria and Romania as Member States in January 2007, reaffirms the Union’s commitment to the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey if, in December, it decides that the country fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria and recognises Croatia as an applicant country.
Conclusions of the Brussels European Council: extract concerning enlargement (16 and 17 December 2004)
TextOn 16 and 17 December 2004, the Brussels European Council looks forward to welcoming Bulgaria and Romania as Member States from January 2007 and calls on the Council to reach agreement with a view to the opening of the accession negotiations with Croatia on 17 March 2005 and with Turkey on 3 October 2005.
Interview with Jean Asselborn: accession negotiations with Croatia (Luxembourg, 10 April 2005)
VideoIn this interview on 10 April 2005, Jean Asselborn, Luxembourg Foreign Minister and President-in-Office of the Council of the European Union, gives his views on the implications of the possible opening of negotiations for Croatia’s accession to the European Union.
Interview with Jean Asselborn: negotiations with Macedonia (Luxembourg, 10 April 2005)
VideoIn this interview on 10 April 2005, Jean Asselborn, Luxembourg Foreign Minister and President-in-Office of the Council of the European Union, gives his views on the implications of the possible opening with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) of negotiations for that country’s accession to the European Union.
Interview with Jean Asselborn: negotiations with Turkey (Luxembourg, 10 April 2005)
VideoIn this interview on 10 April 2005, Jean Asselborn, Luxembourg Foreign Minister and President-in-Office of the Council of the European Union, gives his views on the terms for Turkey’s accession to the European Union.
"Les Européens décident qui rejoint l'UE, pas Washington" dans El País (20 décembre 2002)
TextDans un entretien accordé en décembre 2002 au quotidien espagnol El País, quelques jours avant le début de la présidence grecque de l'Union européenne, le ministre des Affaires étrangères de la Grèce, Georgios Papandreou, se prononce sur la possibilité d'une future adhésion de la Turquie à l'Union européenne et sur la connexion entre cette question et la résolution du conflit gréco-turque en Chypre.
"Le report des négociations de l'UE avec la Croatie est un avertissement à la Turquie et aux Balkans" dans Le Monde (18 mars 2005)
TextLe 18 mars 2005, le quotidien français Le Monde se fait l’écho de la décision du Conseil de l’Union européenne de reporter l’ouverture des négociations d’adhésion avec la Croatie, prévue pour la veille, jusqu’à ce que le pays candidat prouve qu’il coopère pleinement avec le Tribunal pénal international pour l’ex-Yougoslavie (TPIY) de La Haye.
Press conference following the opening of accession negotiations with Croatia (Luxembourg, 3 October 2005)
ImageOn 3 October 2005, the Council gives the go-ahead to the opening of accession negotiations with Croatia on the basis of a positive assessment of Croatia’s cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). This photograph shows Ivo Sanander, Croatian Prime Minister and Head of the Croatian Delegation, and Carla del Ponte, ICTY Prosecutor, at the press conference held following the opening of the Accession Conference in the margins of the Council.
Interview with Catherine Lalumière: Turkey and the European Union (Paris, 17 May 2006)
VideoIn this interview, Catherine Lalumière, former French Junior Minister for European Affairs and former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, emphasises the political, economic, geostrategic and religious implications of Turkey’s possible accession to the European Union.
Cartoon by Behrendt on the question of EU enlargement to include Croatia
Image‘Welcome Croatia!’ In this drawing, the German cartoonist, Fritz Behrendt, portrays Croatia’s difficult journey towards the European Union.