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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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The enlargement of the European Union how does it work

Plenary Round-Up - Brussels, June II 2022

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