How Long Does It Take A Country To Join The EU?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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On average, it takes just

under five years from the opening of accession negotiations

, but the timeframe depends on the ability of the candidate country to achieve the necessary domestic reforms, as well as the level of political will on all sides to see the process through. Which countries want to join the EU?

How long does it take for a country to join EU?

On average, it takes just

under five years from the opening of accession negotiations

, but the timeframe depends on the ability of the candidate country to achieve the necessary domestic reforms, as well as the level of political will on all sides to see the process through.

What are the requirements for a country to join the EU?

  • stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities;
  • a functioning market economy and the capacity to cope with competition and market forces in the EU;

Which countries are waiting to join the EU?


Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey

are candidate countries. Negotiations are held with each candidate country to determine their ability to apply EU legislation (acquis) and examine their possible request for transition periods.

Do all EU countries have to adopt the euro by 2022?

All member states of the European Union, except Denmark which negotiated opt-outs from the provisions, are obliged to adopt the euro as their sole currency once they meet the criteria, which include: complying with the debt and deficit criteria outlined by the Stability and Growth Pact, keeping inflation and long-term …

Does a country have to be in Europe to join the EU?

Article 49 (formerly Article O) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) or Maastricht Treaty states that any European country that respects the principles of the EU may apply to join. Countries’ classification as European is “subject to political assessment” by the Commission and more importantly—the European Council.

Why can’t Turkey join the EU?

Since 2016 accession negotiations have stalled. The EU has accused and criticized Turkey for human rights violations and deficits in rule of law. In 2017, EU officials expressed that planned Turkish policies violate the Copenhagen criteria of eligibility for an EU membership.

Is Albania in the EU yes or no?

Albania applied for European Union membership on 28 April 2009. Following in the steps of countries joining the EU in 2004, Albania has been extensively engaged with EU institutions, and joined NATO as a full member in 2009. … Albania’s EU accession is bundled with North Macedonia’s EU accession.

Why is Norway not in the EU?

Norway has high GNP per capita, and would have to pay a high membership fee. The country has a limited amount of agriculture, and few underdeveloped areas, which means that Norway would receive little economic support from the EU. … The total EEA EFTA commitment amounts to 2.4% of the overall EU programme budget.

Which EU country adopted the euro most recently?

Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2015.

Why hasn’t Sweden joined the euro?

Sweden maintains that joining the European Exchange Rate Mechanism II (ERM II), participation in which for at least two years is a requirement for euro adoption, is voluntary, and has

chosen to remain outside pending public approval by a referendum

, thereby intentionally avoiding the fulfilment of the adoption …

Will the EU have an army?


There are no permanent standing EU forces or army

. Some EU member states have taken the decision to form ‘EU Battlegroups’, which are forces (approximately 1,500 strong) available for the use by the EU for CSDP operations.

Is Turkey in the EU 2020?

Turkey is one of the EU’s main partners and both are members of the European Union–Turkey Customs Union. Turkey borders two EU member states: Bulgaria and Greece. Turkey has been an applicant to accede to the EU since 1987, but since 2016 accession negotiations have stalled.

Is Denmark in the EU?


Denmark joined the European Union in 1973

. It has negotiated an opt-out from the euro and is thus not obliged to introduce it.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.