Knowra Enlargement of the European Union Enlargement of the European Union Enlargement is the process by which European countries join the European Union after meeting political, legal, and economic conditions. It has expanded the Union through successive accessions.
Copenhagen criteria : Political, economic, and legal conditions established in 1993 for countries seeking European Union membership. They define the principal standards candidates must meet before accession.
1973 enlargement of the European Communities : The accession of Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom to the European Communities in 1973. It was the first enlargement beyond the Communities' six founding members.
European Coal and Steel Community : A 1951 organization that placed French and West German coal and steel production under shared institutions. It began the integration project whose membership later expanded.
European single market : An integrated economic area allowing the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among participating countries. Accession extends participation in the market to new member states.
Candidate for EU membership : A country formally recognized by the European Union as eligible to pursue membership negotiations. Candidate status marks a major step but does not guarantee eventual accession.
Acquis communautaire : The body of European Union law, rules, and obligations that member states must accept and implement. Candidates must align their laws and institutions with this body of obligations.
1981 enlargement of the European Communities : The accession of Greece to the European Communities in 1981. Greece's entry linked membership to democratic consolidation after military rule.
Treaty of Rome : The 1957 treaties that established the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community. The EEC's founding framework provided the basis for later Community accessions.
Common Agricultural Policy : The European Union's shared policy for supporting agriculture and rural development. Enlargement has repeatedly required adjustments to agricultural spending and rules.
Western Balkans : A region of southeastern Europe commonly comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Several Western Balkan countries seek membership, with progress varying across the region.
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