2004 war ein wichtiges Jahr für die EU: Im Zuge ihrer bislang größten Erweiterung bekam sie zehn neue Mitgliedstaaten – und neun neue offizielle Arbeitssprachen. Der 1. Mai 2004 war geprägt von Freude, Einheit und grenzenlosen Möglichkeiten. Anlässlich des 20. Jahrestags dieses geschichtsträchtigen Ereignisses tauchen wir in dieser Folge ein in die Geschichte der EU.

Der 20. Jahrestag der größten EU-Erweiterung

Die EU ist eine politische und wirtschaftliche Union mit 27 Mitgliedstaaten. Auch einige Drittstaaten haben Interesse an einer EU-Mitgliedschaft und bereits einen Beitrittsantrag gestellt. Derzeit gibt es neun Bewerberländer. Doch der Weg zur EU-Mitgliedschaft ist lang und der Aufnahmeprozess alles andere als einfach.

Wie funktioniert die Erweiterung der Europäischen Union?

In November 2023, the European Commission presented its annual enlargement reports. Its strategic orientations and recommendations include accelerating the accession process with the Western Balkan countries, opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and granting candidate status to Georgia. According to the European Parliament's 2022 recommendation on the new EU strategy, enlargement policy is 'the most effective EU foreign policy instrument and one of the Union's most successful policies'.

EPRS Policy Podcast: Enlargement policy - Reforms and challenges ahead

Die EU ist eine politische und wirtschaftliche Union mit 27 Mitgliedstaaten. Auch einige Drittstaaten haben Interesse an einer EU-Mitgliedschaft und bereits einen Beitrittsantrag gestellt. Derzeit gibt es sieben Bewerberländer und drei mögliche Beitrittskandidaten. Doch der Weg zur EU-Mitgliedschaft ist lang und der Aufnahmeprozess alles andere als einfach.

Interview with Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, EP President 2004 - 2007 on the enlargement (audio only)

The story of the EP by its Presidents: Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, EP President 2004 - 2007 - 1. The enlargement

The European Union's enlargement policy is based on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality.

Progress along the European path is an objective and merit-based process which depends on the concrete results achieved by each individual country, with the rule of law, justice and fundamental rights being an utmost priority. A credible enlargement perspective requires sustained efforts and irreversible reforms. The EU Enlargement is an investment in peace, security and stability in Europe: a prospect of EU membership has a powerful transformative effect on the partners in the process, embedding positive democratic, political, economic and societal change.

Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey are candidate countries.The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova in June 2022.

Negotiations are held with each candidate country to determine their ability to apply EU legislation (acquis) and examine their possible request for transition periods.

Enlargement

Candidate countries include Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are considered potential candidates.

In order to apply for EU membership a country has to be European and respect the EU’s democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.

EU Enlargement - Western Balkans (2019-2020)

The EU has developed a policy to support the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries with the Union. The EU aims to promote peace, stability and economic development in the region&nbsp;and open up the prospect of EU integration.

In order to apply for EU membership a country has to be European and respect the EU’s democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.

Parliament is fully involved in the Stabilisation and Association Process &nbsp;and must also consent to any new accession to the EU. In addition, through its budgetary powers, it has direct influence over the amounts allocated to the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance. Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs appoints standing rapporteurs for all candidate and potential candidate countries. Parliament expresses its positions on enlargement in the form of annual resolutions responding to the Commission’s latest annual country reports.

On 1&nbsp;July&nbsp;2013, Croatia became the first of the seven countries to join, and Montenegro, Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania are official candidates. Accession negotiations and chapters have been opened with Montenegro and Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.

EU Enlargement - Western Balkans

On May 1, 2004, ten&nbsp;new member states joined the European Union, marking the&nbsp;largest enlargement in terms of people and number of countries in the EU's history. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Union, growing from 15 to 25 members.

The European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of these ten nations joining the European Union&nbsp;and engaging in the EP's democratic process to defend the interests of European citizens.

20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union

Candidate countries include Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are considered potential candidates.

In order to apply for EU membership a country has to be European and respect the EU’s democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.

EU Enlargement - Western Balkans - 8th parliamentary term

MEPs in the Foreign Affairs Committee meet Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The discussion is expected to focus on the state of play and the progress made by the ten enlargement countries.

AFET debate with Marta KOS, Commissioner  for Enlargement

Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching since 2021. From 2017 to 2021, she was the Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and the Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). She is now the European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate, Enlargement

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participates in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago.

During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, who are invited to attend the sitting.

Formal sitting commemorating the 20th anniversary of the EU's biggest enlargement

EP Plenary session.- 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia

Committee on Foreign Affairs Extraordinary meeting Structured dialogue with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement

AFET

Press point by Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

Press point by David MCALLISTER (EPP, Germany), Chair of AFET, following the confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

CONFIRMATION

HEARING

Press conference by Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ, Renew Europe President, on the enlargement of the group

Press conference by Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Joint meeting / Climate Change in the Mediterranean: situation of the UfM members in the enlargement area

Press point following the hearing of Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner-designate, Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Hearing of Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner-designate, Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Federica MOGHERINI - Vice-President of the Commission, and Johannes HAHN, Commissioner for the Enlargement Package

Angenommener Beschluss über die Erweiterungsstrategie der EU – Westlicher Balkan (Aussprache)

Decision adopted on the EU Enlargement Strategy - Western Balkans (debate)

Vergrößerung und Stärkung des Schengen-Raums: Bulgarien, Rumänien und Kroatien (Aussprache)

Enlargement and strengthening of the Schengen area: Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia (debate)

F. MOGHERINI - High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - J. HAHN - EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations - and C. STYLIANIDES - EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Management

Štefan FÜLE - European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy

Erweiterung: Politische Strategien, Kriterien und strategische Interessen der EU (Aussprache)

Enlargement: policies, criteria and the EU's strategic interests (debate)

Erweiterungsbericht über Montenegro (Aussprache)

Enlargement report for Montenegro (debate)

Erweiterungsbericht über die Türkei (Aussprache)

Enlargement report for Turkey (debate)

Erweiterungsbericht über das Kosovo (Aussprache)

Enlargement report for Kosovo (debate)

CONT - Public Hearing on Two Decades of progress: Evaluating the successes and lessons in implementing the EU budget from the Enlargements since 2004

EP Plenary session - Institutional and political implications of the EU enlargement process and global challenges

AFET Working group on Western Balkans  - Exchange of views with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement on the state of play of the enlargement process with regard to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia

AFET - Exchange of views with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement

AFET - Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement.- Press point

AFET - Confirmation hearing of Marta KOS, European Commissioner-designate for Enlargement

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement - Parliament’s seats illumination

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement - Interviews

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement - Arrivals and family photo

EP Plenary session - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

AFET - Exchange of views with Foreign Affairs Ministers of Member States on the EU enlargement policy ahead of the March 2024 European Council

EP Plenary session - Deepening EU integration in view of future enlargement

EP Plenary session - Council and Commissions statements - 30 years of Copenhagen criteria - giving further impetus to EU enlargement policy

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU enlargement policy 2023

AFET - Presentation of the 2023 Enlargement Package and the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans bythe Commissioner Olivér Várhely.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Oliver VARHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. Three young guests ask questions Georgios IACOVOU, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Antanas VALIONIS, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Pavel TELIČKA, former Chief Negotiator for the Czech Republic's EU accession negotiations.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Young guests ask questions Georgios IACOVOU, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Antanas VALIONIS, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Pavel TELIČKA, former Czech Chief Negotiator

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Speech by Pat COX, former President of the European Parliament

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. Four young guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Prime Minister of Poland, Anton ROP, former Prime Minister of Slovenia, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Former Prime Minister of Slovakia and Christina OJULAND, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Polish PM, Anton ROP, former Slovenian PM, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Slovak Former PM and Christina OJULAND, former Estonian Minister

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Speech by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. Three young guests ask questions to Vaira VĪĶE-FREIBERGA, former President of Latvia, Péter MEDGYESSY, former Prime Minister of Hungary and Lawrence GONZI, former Prime Minister of Malta.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Three young guests ask questions to Vaira VĪĶE-FREIBERGA, former President of Latvia, Péter MEDGYESSY, former Prime Minister of Hungary and Lawrence GONZI, former Prime Minister of Malta

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the ten member states, who are invited to attend the sitting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President; and clip Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Clip "Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement"

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participates in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, who are invited to attend the sitting.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: extracts from the ceremony

European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement On Wednesday morning, MEPs, EU and member state representatives, and young people born in May 2004, will mark the ten countries joining the EU 20 years ago. On this occasion, EP President Roberta Metsola welcomes Leszek MILLER, Pat COX, Günter VERHEUGEN, Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA, Peter MEDGYESSY, Lawrence GONZI, Anton ROP, Mikulas DZURINDA, Kristiina OJULAND, Giorgios IACOVOU, Antanas VALIONIS, Pavel TELIČKA and Romano PRODI

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: extracts from the arrivals

Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement. Young people, born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, testimony on their feelings about this historical event and the EU.

Clip: Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

The European Union has found new impetus for enlargement in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, leading to progress in the long-stalled process that was once known as the EU’s most successful policy. A year ago, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova official EU candidate status, and also opened this possibility for Georgia. MEPs debate on the EU enlargement policy 2023 during the plenary session in Brussels. Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Commission statement - EU enlargement policy 2023: Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

The European Union has found new impetus for enlargement in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, leading to progress in the long-stalled process that was once known as the EU’s most successful policy. A year ago, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova official EU candidate status, and also opened this possibility for Georgia. MEPs debate on the EU enlargement policy 2023 during the plenary session in Brussels. MEPs debate

Commission statement - EU enlargement policy 2023: MEPs debate

The European Union has found new impetus for enlargement in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, leading to progress in the long-stalled process that was once known as the EU’s most successful policy. A year ago, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova official EU candidate status, and also opened this possibility for Georgia. MEPs debate on the EU enlargement policy 2023 during the plenary session in Brussels. Opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU enlargement policy 2023: opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Umwelt und Klimaveränderung, Lebenshaltungskostenkrise, Migration, Russlands Krieg gegen die Ukraine, EU-Erweiterung... Die Mitglieder des Europäischen Parlaments befragten Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen in der letzten Debatte zur Lage der Union vor den Europawahlen 2024. Hat die von der Leyen-Kommission im vergangenen Jahr genug getan? Und was wird sie für siw EU-Bürgern in den kommenden Monaten tun? Sehen Sie sich dieses Video an, um mehr darüber zu erfahren, wie das Parlament die Erfolgsbilanz und das Programm der Kommission vor der Abstimmung im nächsten Jahr unter die Lupe genommen hat.

Die Lage der EU: Europaabgeordnete üben Druck auf Kommissionspräsident vor den Wahlen aus

The Parlamentarians discuss the strengthening of EU cooperation with Tunisia on migration. Following an increase in arrivals of migrants by boat from Tunisia via the Central Mediterranean route, MEPs will with the Spanish Council Presidency and the Commission the recent memorandum of understanding between the EU and Tunisia. MEPs are expected to raise questions about the scope of the cooperation and its legal status. They are also interested in the measures to fight smuggling and to improve cooperation on search and rescue at sea. Closing statements by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the EU and Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

EU-Tunisia Agreement - aspects related to external migration policy: closing statements by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the EU and Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

The Parlamentarians discuss the strengthening of EU cooperation with Tunisia on migration. Following an increase in arrivals of migrants by boat from Tunisia via the Central Mediterranean route, MEPs will with the Spanish Council Presidency and the Commission the recent memorandum of understanding between the EU and Tunisia. MEPs are expected to raise questions about the scope of the cooperation and its legal status. They are also interested in the measures to fight smuggling and to improve cooperation on search and rescue at sea. Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union on behalf of the Spanish Presidency of the European Council and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU-Tunisia Agreement - aspects related to external migration policy: opening statements by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the EU and Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

MEPs debate the 2022 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) m by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET). The report welcomes the European Council's decision to grant candidate status to BiH in the context of a changed geopolitical reality, on the understanding that a number of steps are taken to strengthen the country’s readiness for accession negotiations; reiterates its clear support for BiH’s EU integration, grounded in unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The report also recognises the importance of the Western Balkans in the EU’s enlargement policy, and urges the EU to accelerate the accession process for BiH, based on its own merits. Opening statement by Paulo RANGEL (EPP, PT), Rapporteur, and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, EC for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery

2022 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina: Opening statement by Paulo RANGEL (EPP, PT), Rapporteur, and by and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

MEPs welcome accession negotiations with Albania. In the 2022 draft report on Albania, MEPs welcome the country’s commitment to EU integration, and describe it as a reliable foreign policy partner and an important geopolitical ally. The accession negotiations with Albania were formally opened in July 2022. Closing by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement and by Isabel SANTOS (S&D, PT), Rapporteur

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