Fifty years after the EU's first round of enlargement, this event explores the experiences of the EU’s first three accession countries - the UK, Ireland, and Denmark, who joined in 1973. After an opening statement by European Parliament Vice-President Michal Šimečka, three historians and political scientists will sketch out these countries’ expectations of membership, their accession narratives, and the realities of membership. Following this academic debate, MEP and former European Commissioner Danuta Hübner will connect the experience of the EU’s first enlargement with subsequent rounds of enlargement, especially the 2004-2007 'Eastern enlargement', and reflect on the prospects for and issues surrounding any future EU enlargement process.

EPRS online history and politics roundtable: 50 years of EU enlargement, from the past to the future

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states, but a number of countries have applied to join the Union. Currently there are seven candidate countries, while three are potential candidates. However, the process to finally become a member state is long and not straightforward.

The enlargement of the European Union how does it work

In this plenary round-up: the EU enlargement process, gas reserves before the onset of winter, Parliament’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the ‘This is Europe’ debate, and the EU COVID certificate extended for another year. All of this against a backdrop of debates and voting. Highlights.

Plenary Round-Up - Brussels, June II 2022

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

In the annual State of the European Union debate, MEPs quizzed President von der Leyen on the Commission’s work in the past and its plans until the June 2024 elections.



Opening the debate, EP President, Roberta Metsola&nbsp;said: “The European Union today is stronger, and more united than ever before. The world is changing and Europe must adapt and change with it too. We must keep striving to make our Europe a place of equality of opportunity, of access, of prosperity - where everyone can reach their potential. We must keep reforming. We should always keep people’s concerns at the centre of all our actions.“



Commission President von der Leyen said that the EU has undergone a substantial transformation since she first presented her programme in 2019, adding: ”We have delivered over 90% of the political guidelines I presented” back then. 



On the Green Deal, the decarbonisation of Europe’s industry while maintaining its competitiveness, she announced an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. ”We must defend ourselves against unfair practices” she said. 



President von der Leyen stressed the importance of a fair transition for farmers, families and industry and that “Europe will do ’whatever it takes’ to keep its competitive edge.” She announced a competitiveness check by an independent board for every new legislation.



With regard to Artificial Intelligence, Ms von der Leyen said that AI will improve healthcare, boost productivity and help to address climate change. The Commission’s “number one priority is to ensure AI develops in a human-centric, transparent and responsible way” she said, also calling for an international panel of experts similar to the IPCC on climate change to steer its development. 



On Ukraine, she announced that the Commission will propose the extension of the EU’s temporary protection to Ukrainians and an additional 50 billion euros over four years for investment and reforms. “Our support to Ukraine will endure.” 



The Commission President also referred to the rule of law, enlargement, migration, EU-Africa relations, the Global Gateway initiative, climate change, food security, and an upcoming Social Partner Summit.

State of the European Union 2023

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

Oliver Varhelyi, born on 22 March 1972 in Szeged, is a Hungarian diplomat. Since 2015, he has headed the Hungarian EU representation in Brussels. Varhelyi is Commissioner-designate for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

After the hearing by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the committee prepares an evaluation letter on the candidate.

Hearing of Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner-designate

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

The 34th Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly took place from 18 to 20 December 2017 in Port-au-Prince (Haiti). 

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly was created out of a common desire to bring together the elected representatives of the European Community - the Members of the European Parliament - and the elected representatives of the African, Caribbean and Pacific states ("ACP countries") that have signed the Cotonou Agreement: it is the only institution of its kind in the world.

It is the only international assembly in which the representatives of various countries sit together regularly with the aim of promoting the interdependence of North and South.

Since the entry into force of the Treaty on EU and EU enlargement it has acquired a more prominent role. A substantial part of the work of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly is directed towards promoting human rights and democracy and the common values of humanity, and this has produced joint commitments undertaken within the framework of the UN conferences.

34th ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary assembly

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

During the&nbsp;meeting on 23-24 June 2022, the European Council discussed&nbsp;the wider Europe, Ukraine, EU membership applications from Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, economic issues, the Conference on the Future of Europe and external relations.

The European Council recognised&nbsp;the European perspective of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. The future of these countries and their citizens lies within the European Union.&nbsp;The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova. &nbsp;he Commission is invited to report to the Council on the fulfilment of the conditions specified in the Commission’s opinions on the respective membership applications as part of its regular enlargement package. The Council will decide on further steps once all these conditions are fully met. &nbsp;The European Council is ready to grant the status of candidate country to Georgia once the priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion on Georgia’s membership application have been addressed.

European Council, 23-24 June 2022

North Macedonia submitted its membership application in 2004 and became a candidate for accession to the EU in 2005. The Council decided to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia on 25 March 2020, following the Commission's proposals on a revised enlargement methodology.

North Macedonia is currently on its way to becoming the 30th member of NATO and hopes for a swift ratification of the NATO Accession Protocol by all partners; it reiterates its belief in the positive impact that the accession of North Macedonia to NATO will have for peace and stability in the region; underlines that the accession of North Macedonia to NATO is an encouraging sign of improved climate in the region.

EU - North Macedonia

Since he was elected EP President on 3 July 2019, David SASSOLI represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. He also receives official representatives from governments.

The work of the European Union (EU) in the area of external relations includes the external trade relations, development policy, human rights and democracy, Union’s enlargement and neighbourhood and relations beyond the neighbourhood.

President Sassoli's official visits and bilateral meetings (2019-2020)

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)

EU leaders discuss how to strengthen the EU's economic base by focusing on the opportunities provided by digital transformation and the green transition. They also exchange views on the EU's digital policy. In line with its conclusions of October 2019, the European Council returns to the issue of enlargement. Leaders exchange views on preparations for the Western Balkans summit, to be held in Zagreb in May. They also hold a strategic discussion on EU-China relations ahead of the EU-China summit and the EU-China Leadersʼ meeting and assess the outcome of the EU summit with India on 13 March 2020. The European Council is invited to endorse the new strategic guidelines in the field of justice and home affairs.

European Council, 26-27 March 2020

The Prodi Commission was the European Commission in office between 1999 and 2004. The administration was led by former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

The commission took office on 16 September 1999 following the scandal and subsequent resignation of the Santer Commission which had damaged the reputation of the institution. The College consisted of 20 Commissioners which grew to 30 following the Enlargement of the European Union in 2004. It was the last commission to see two members allocated to the larger member states.

Appointment of the Prodi Commission

Official portraits selection of incoming during the 8th Parliamentary term.

The European Parliament is made up of 751 Members elected in the 28 Member States of the enlarged European Union. Since 1979 MEPs have been elected by direct universal suffrage for a five-year period.

Official portraits of MEPs - 8th Parliamentary term

Have a look a look back at the first constituent meeting of the European Parliament held in Strasbourg on 19 March 1958.

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The European Parliament of 2008 has wide decision-making powers on legislation, the budget and control and scrutiny of the European Commission. In fact, the European Parliament is unique in the world. There is no other directly elected supra-national parliament with such wide-ranging power. 

Once and if the Lisbon Treaty was ratified, the European Parliament, following the elections in June 2009, was composed of 751 MEPs with its powers once more enlarged.

60th anniversary of the European Parliament

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

AFET Interparliamentaryy Committee Meeting ' Moving the EU enlargement forward - 20 years since the Thessaloniki Declaration '

Minority Intergroup - Minority rights in the EU enlargement process

AFET - Exchange of views with Gert-Jan KOOPMAN, Director-General, European Commission, Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations

EP Plenary session - Question Time to Commission - Strengthened EU enlargement policy to the Western Balkans

EP Plenary session - New EU strategy for enlargement

EP Plenary session - EU-Western Balkans relations in light of the new enlargement package

AFET Committee - Presentation of the 2022 Enlargement Package by Oliver VARHELYI, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

AFET interparliamentary Committee Meeting - EU Enlargement Policy in the Aftermath of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

SEDE Subcommittee - Structured Dialogue on the Commission Work Programme: Exchange of views with Olivér VÁRHELYI, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

EPRS roundtable ' Western Balkans : A rocky road to enlargement '

SEDE enlarged bureau meeting

Official visit of Michel AOUN - Presdient of the Lebanese Republic - Meeting with the Commissioner in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations

AFET committee meeting - Presentation of the 2018 Enlargement Package by the Commissioner in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations

Workshop on a Fiscal Capacity to Strenghen and Enlarge the Euro Area. Budgetary Aspects for Stabilising Economic and Monetary Union

Plenary session - Week 06  2018 in Strasbourg - Decision adopted on the EU Enlargement Strategy - Western Balkans

Study Visit on The role of the European Commission in the EU enlargement policy

Plenary session Week 50 2017 in Strasbourg - Enlargement and strengthening of the Schengen area : Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia

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

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

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

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

Enlargement report for Montenegro (debate)

Enlargement report for Turkey (debate)

Enlargement report for Kosovo (debate)

Enlargement report for Serbia (debate)

Enlargement report for Bosnia and Herzegovina (debate)

Enlargement report for Iceland (debate)

Enlargement report for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (debate)

The environment and climate change, cost-of-living crisis, migration, Russia’s war on Ukraine, EU enlargement…  

Members of the European Parliament questioned Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the final State of the Union debate before the 2024 European elections.  
 
Has the von der Leyen Commission done enough this past year? And how will it deliver for EU citizens in the coming months? 

Watch this video to learn more on how Parliament scrutinised the Commission’s track-record and programme before next year's vote.

State of the EU: MEPs press Commission President ahead of elections

Nine months before the next European Parliament elections on 6 - 9 June, President Ursula von der Leyen outlines her Commission’s priorities from now until the end of its mandate. During the seventh part of her speech she focuses on Russian aggession in Ukraine. She presents her guest, Héctor Abad Faciolince, a writer from Colombia, who witnessed the killing of one of his colleague by a Russian ballistic missile while in Ukraine to document Russia’s war crimes. She announces the extension of the protection to Ukrainians in the EU. She talks about a vision for a successful enlargement and she annouces the opening of the Rule of Law Reports to accession countries. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union 2023: Statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 7)

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 of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), jointly with the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), debate the ongoing and future challenges of the EU Common security and defence policy in the context of the war in Ukraine and the Alliance's enlargement with Jens STOLTENBERG, Secretary General of NATO. Extracts from the exchange of views.

Exchange of views with Jens STOLTENBERG, Secretary General of NATO: extracts from the joint meeting AFET/SEDE

Interview with Nicole FONTAINE, former EP President (1999-2002) on the 2004 enlargement of the EU.

The story of the EP by its Presidents: Nicole FONTAINE, EP President 1999-2002 - Towards the 2004 enlargement of the EU

Interview with Nicole FONTAINE, former EP President (1999-2002) on EU enlargement and the case of Cyprus.

The story of the EP by its Presidents: Nicole FONTAINE, EP President 1999-2002 - Enlargement: The case of Cyprus

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

2022 Report on Albania: Closing by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement and by Isabel SANTOS (S&D, PT), Rapporteur

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. Opening statement by Isabel SANTOS (S&D, PT), Rapporteur, and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery

2022 Report on Albania: Opening statement by Isabel SANTOS (S&D, PT), Rapporteur, and by 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. MEPs debate

2022 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina: MEPs debate

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. Closing by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement and by Paulo RANGEL (EPP, PT)

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

MEPs debate Kosovo’s work to secure candidate country status and urge Serbia and Kosovo to engage in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue to make progress on this. Closing statements by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement and by Viola VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL (Greens/EFA,DE), Rapporteur.

2022 Report on Kosovo: closing statements by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement and by Viola VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL (Greens/EFA,DE), Rapporteur

MEPs debate Kosovo’s work to secure candidate country status and urge Serbia and Kosovo to engage in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue to make progress on this. Opening statements by Viola VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL (Greens/EFA, DE), Rapporteur and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

2022 Report on Kosovo: opening statements by Viola VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL (Greens/EFA, DE), Rapporteur and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

MEPs debate the accession of Serbia to EU sanctions against Russia and welcome Kosovo's application for membership. Closing statements by Vladimír BILČÍK (EPP, SK), Rapporteur and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

2022 Report on Serbia: closing statements by Vladimír BILČÍK (EPP, SK), Rapporteur and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

MEPs debate the accession of Serbia to EU sanctions against Russia and welcome Kosovo's application for membership. Opening statements by Vladimír BILČÍK (EPP, SK), Rapporteur and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

2022 Report on Serbia: opening statements by Vladimír BILČÍK (EPP, SK), Rapporteur and by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

MEPs debate how to avoid an escalation in hostilities that could have far-reaching implications for the East Africa region. Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

Situation in Sudan: closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

MEPs debate how to avoid an escalation in hostilities that could have far-reaching implications for the East Africa region. Opening statement Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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