Any country that satisfies the conditions for membership can apply. These conditions are known as the ‘Copenhagen criteria’ and include a free-market economy, a stable democracy and the rule of law, and the acceptance of all EU legislation, including of the euro .
Who is applying 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.
Who can apply for EU membership?
The Treaty on European Union (Article 49) lays down the conditions a candidate country must meet to become a member state: any European state which respects the common values of the Member States and undertake to promote them may apply to become a member of the Union.
How long does EU membership take?
The entire process, from application for membership to membership has typically taken about a decade, although some countries, notably Sweden, Finland, and Austria have been faster, taking only a few years.
Which countries have applied for EU membership?
There are five recognised candidates for membership of the European Union: Turkey (applied in 1987), North Macedonia (applied in 2004), Montenegro (applied in 2008), Albania (applied in 2009) and Serbia (applied in 2009). All have started accession negotiations.
Why is Switzerland not part of EU?
Switzerland signed a free-trade agreement with the then European Economic Community in 1972, which entered into force in 1973. ... However, after a Swiss referendum held on 6 December 1992 rejected EEA membership by 50.3% to 49.7%, the Swiss government decided to suspend negotiations for EU membership until further notice.
Why is Russia not part of EU?
The Council of the European Union stated that “Russia’s violation of international law and the destabilisation of Ukraine [...] challenge the European security order at its core.” ... It has criticised their admission and frequently said that NATO is “moving its infrastructure closer to the Russian border”.
Why is Turkey not in 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.
Do you have to have your own currency to join the EU?
All members who joined the union from 1995 onwards are required by treaty to adopt the euro as soon as they meet the criteria; only Denmark obtained treaty opt-outs from participation in the Maastricht Treaty when the euro was agreed upon. For the others, the single currency was a requirement of EU membership.
Do new EU members have to join Schengen?
New EU member states do not sign the Schengen Agreement as such, instead being bound to implement the Schengen rules as part of the pre-existing body of EU law , which every new entrant is required to accept.
Which was the last country to join the EU?
European countries started to cooperate economically since 1951, when only states such as Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, The Netherlands and Italy participated. Gradually, more countries decided to join. The last to join is Croatia – in 2013.
How many countries are in the EU 2020?
The European Union ( EU ) is an economic and political union of 27 countries .
Is the UK in an EU member state?
The United Kingdom will no longer be a Member State of the European Union and of the European Atomic Energy Community as of 1 February 2020. ... It will no longer participate in the EU institutions (such as the European Parliament and the Council), EU agencies, offices or other bodies.
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.
Why Norway is not part of 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.
Why is Switzerland so rich?
Pharmaceuticals, gems, chemicals, and machinery are the main contributors. Another key factor is Switzerland’s focus on its own industries. The country’s attitude towards free trade has resulted in a focus on creating things domestically rather than buying cheap exports from other countries.
