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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

Kosovo is a potential candidate for EU accession. It unilaterally declared its independence in February 2008.

All but five Member States (Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain) have recognised Kosovo’s independence. In the region, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have not recognised Kosovo. A Visa Liberalisation Roadmap was issued in June 2012. In July 2018, the Commission confirmed that Kosovo had fulfilled the last criterion. The European Parliament followed suit and decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, which are ongoing. After a landmark agreement on normalising relations (the ‘Brussels Agreement’) was reached in April 2013 by Belgrade and Pristina, the European Council decided to open negotiations on an SAA with Kosovo in June 2013. The SAA entered into force on 1 April 2016. Kosovo’s future EU integration — like Serbia’s — remains closely linked to the EU-facilitated high-level dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which should lead to a legally binding comprehensive agreement on the normalisation of their relations.

See more on our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/eu-kosovo-8th-legislative-term_16303_pk">previous package</a> on the 8th legislative term.

EU - Kosovo (2019-2020)

Kosovo is a potential candidate for EU accession. It unilaterally declared its independence in February 2008.

All but five Member States (Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain) have recognised Kosovo’s independence. In the region, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have not recognised Kosovo. A Visa Liberalisation Roadmap was issued in June 2012. In July 2018, the Commission confirmed that Kosovo had fulfilled the last criterion. The European Parliament followed suit and decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, which are ongoing. After a landmark agreement on normalising relations (the ‘Brussels Agreement’) was reached in April 2013 by Belgrade and Pristina, the European Council decided to open negotiations on an SAA with Kosovo in June 2013. The SAA entered into force on 1 April 2016. Kosovo’s future EU integration — like Serbia’s — remains closely linked to the EU-facilitated high-level dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which should lead to a legally binding comprehensive agreement on the normalisation of their relations

EU - Kosovo

Montenegro is one of the Western Balkan countries.

In 2006 Montenegro's parliament declared independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. In 2008, the new country applied for EU membership. In December 2011, the Council launched the accession process with a view to opening negotiations in June 2012.

EU - Montenegro (2019 - 2020)

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)

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, will address MEPs on Wednesday 19 of October in a formal sitting.

In 2004 Slovakia joined the European Union as a Member State. It is a member of&nbsp;the Schengen area&nbsp;since 21 December 2007.&nbsp;It is a member of the&nbsp;Eurozone, when the Euro was introduced to replace the Slovak Crown as the national currency.

There are more than 5.4 million people in Slovakia. The country has 14 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). Slovakia has presided the EU between July and December 2016. Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who holds the most executive power and a head of state - the President - who is the formal head of the executive, but with&nbsp;limited powers. The country is subdivided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city.&nbsp;

The country was in the centre of attention nad underwent huge political turbulences in&nbsp;2018 when the investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.&nbsp;

EU - Slovakia

The European Union has played a leading role in the international effort to build a new future for Kosovo since 1999. Kosovo has a clear European perspective as part of the wider Western Balkans region. Since June 2000, all EU partners in the Western Balkans involved in the Stabilisation and Association process, which are not yet recognised as candidates, are considered potential candidates for EU membership. Currently, Kosovo is a potential candidate.

EU - Kosovo - 8th legislative term

Slovakia is a country in eastern central Europe and is bordered by Czechia and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south. 

Slovakia is a member of the EU since 2004, Member of the Eurozone since 1 January 2009 and a Schengen area Member since 21 December 2007. There are 13 Members of the European Parliament from Slovakia.

EU - Slovakia (2019-2020)

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

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

Minority Intergroup - Minority rights in the EU enlargement process

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 &amp; Enlargement Negotiations - and C. STYLIANIDES - EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid &amp; 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)

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.

2022 Report on Kosovo: MEPs debate

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. MEPs debate.

2022 Report on Serbia: MEPs debate

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.

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Albin KURTI, Kosovan Prime Minister, in the European Parliament, in Strasbourg. Extracts from the arrival, welcome and roundtable

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Albin KURTI, Kosovan Prime Minister: arrival, welcome and roundtable

MEPs debate the challenges facing EU candidate country Moldova following recent street protests and warnings of a coup d’état. Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (for VPC/HR).

The challenges facing the Republic of Moldova: closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (for VPC/HR)

MEPs debate the challenges facing EU candidate country Moldova following recent street protests and warnings of a coup d’état. Opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (for VPC/HR).

The challenges facing the Republic of Moldova: opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (for VPC/HR)

MEPs debate the aftermath of the protests that have rocked Georgia over a new “foreign influence” law. Closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (for VPC/HR).

Situation in Georgia: closing statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (for VPC/HR)

MEPs and Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (for VPC/HR) debate the aftermath of the protests that have rocked Georgia over a new “foreign influence” law. MEPs debate.

Situation in Georgia: MEPs debate

MEPs debate the aftermath of the protests that have rocked Georgia over a new “foreign influence” law. Opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (for VPC/HR). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Situation in Georgia: opening statement by Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (for VPC/HR)

Question Time to Commission - Strengthened EU enlargement policy to the Western Balkans. Questions &amp; Answers (part 2) with Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

Question Time to Commission - Strengthened EU enlargement policy to the Western Balkans: Questions &amp; Answers (part 3) with Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Question Time to Commission - Strengthened EU enlargement policy to the Western Balkans: Questions &amp; Answers (part 2) with Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Question Time to Commission - Strengthened EU enlargement policy to the Western Balkans. Questions &amp; Answers (part 1) with Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Question Time to Commission - Strengthened EU enlargement policy to the Western Balkans: Questions &amp; Answers (part 1) with Olivér VÁRHELYI, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement

Powerful. Moving. Visionary. There were speeches in the history of the European Union that have made Europe the way it is today. François Mitterrand was elected President of France in 1981 and re-elected in 1988. During his presidency, the Berlin Wall fell, Europe reunited, enlarged to 15 Member States and became the European Union. In the last months of his mandate, he shared his vision for Europe with the European Parliament, culminating in a moving plea for peace. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

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