European Union Enlargement

[摘要] On May 1, 2004, 10 states joined the European Union (EU), enlarging the Union to 25 members. The EU views the enlargement process as an historic opportunity to promote stability in Europe and further the integration of the continent by peaceful means. In addition to the 10 new members (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia), three other states — Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia — hope to accede to the EU by 2007. Turkey is also a candidate and is expected to begin accession negotiations in 2005. Macedonia has also applied for EU membership.

[发布日期] 2005-12-27 [发布机构] Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

[关键词] European Union;Politics and government -- Europe;Foreign policy;Foreign relations -- Europe -- U.S.;Foreign relations -- U.S. -- Europe