EU Expansion
Benefits, Criteria, and Process
Enlargement is one of the most important opportunities for the European Union (EU) as it begins the twenty-first century. Its historic task is to further the integration of the continent by peaceful means, extending a zone of stability and prosperity to new members. In June 1993, at its Summit in Copenhagen, the European Council declared that "the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe that so desire shall become members of the Union." In December 1997, at Luxembourg, the European Council launched the process that will make enlargement possible. This process presently embraces 13 countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,…
