World
Who will be next to join the European Union?
In the history of the EU there have been seven enlargements. In this way, from the 6 founding countries, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, we have arrived at the union of 27. Before Brexit and the exit of the United Kingdom there were 28 member states. But how does the accession process work and who is in the running?
THE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS – An application for membership is submitted to the Council of the EU. The Council asks the European Commission to verify whether the candidate country meets the membership criteria. Based on the Commission’s recommendations, the Council decides whether or not to grant candidate status and start formal negotiations. This decision must be approved by all EU Member States. The candidate country then prepares to implement EU laws and rules.
THE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS/2 – The Commission monitors progress and informs the Council and European Parliament. Once the negotiations are concluded, he formulates an opinion. If it is deemed ready, a treaty is drawn up. The document must be approved by the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament and ratified by all Member States and the candidate country. The process often stalls.
CROATIA – Croatia was the last country to join the EU on 1 July 2013 as part of the seventh enlargement. Since 1 January 2023, it has also been part of the Eurozone.
