Enlargement of the European Union
The European Economic Community began its life on the 1st of January 1958. Six nations signed the Treaty of Rome to create this new economic bloc. France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands formed what historians call the Inner Six. These countries pooled their coal and steel industries under a single authority. The goal was to make war between them impossible by tying their economies together. This initial group established the legal framework for all future expansions. They created common markets and set rules for trade that would eventually apply to dozens more states.
Greece joined the European Economic Community in 1981 after emerging from military dictatorship. Spain and Portugal followed two years later in 1986. These three southern nations sought security for their new democracies through membership. François Mitterrand initially opposed their entry fearing they were not ready. He worried the union would become merely a free-trade area without political depth. Despite these concerns, the EEC welcomed them to stabilize its southern borders. No referendums were held in any of these three countries before they joined. Their accession marked a shift from purely economic goals to political consolidation.
The Copenhagen summit took place in June 1993 to establish strict conditions for new members. Any country wishing to join must maintain stable democratic institutions respecting human rights. A functioning market economy is also required alongside the ability to adopt EU laws. These standards became known as the Copenhagen criteria. France and Germany pushed for these reforms to ensure future integrations did not strain the system. The Madrid European Council revised these criteria in December 1995 to include administrative adjustments. Prospective members must now implement national legislation effectively through appropriate judicial structures.
Ten Central and Eastern European countries joined the Union on the 1st of May 2004. This historic enlargement included Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Malta. Mikhail Gorbachev had announced the Sinatra Doctrine allowing Soviet satellites to choose their own path. The collapse of communism created an urgent need for Western integration guarantees. The United States pressured the EU to offer membership as a temporary shield against Russian influence. Some older member states feared the less developed economies would burden the budget. The UK immediately opened its job markets while others placed temporary restrictions on workers from the new states.
Algeria gained independence on the 5th of July 1962 and left the Community that same year. Greenland voted to withdraw from the EEC in 1985 after being granted home rule by Denmark. The United Kingdom officially exited the Union on the 31st of January 2020 following Brexit. These departures represent significant territorial reductions throughout the organization's history. France initially opposed British membership multiple times before finally accepting it in 1973. Norway lost two national referendums on membership in 1972 and 1994. Switzerland formally withdrew its application in 2016 after freezing it since 1992.
Accession negotiations are currently ongoing with Ukraine, Moldova, and several Western Balkan nations. Ukraine submitted its application for candidacy in June 2022 during the Russian invasion. Moldova received candidate status at the same time as Ukraine. Georgia was granted official candidate status in December 2023 but faced a halt in proceedings later. Montenegro has reached the most advanced stage of negotiation among all current applicants. Its political goal is to achieve full membership by 2028. Turkey opened negotiations in October 2005 but they have been effectively frozen since December 2016 due to backsliding on democracy.
Common questions
When did the European Economic Community begin its life?
The European Economic Community began its life on the 1st of January 1958. Six nations signed the Treaty of Rome to create this new economic bloc.
Which countries joined the European Economic Community in 1986?
Spain and Portugal followed Greece to join the European Economic Community two years later in 1986. These three southern nations sought security for their new democracies through membership.
What are the Copenhagen criteria for joining the European Union?
Any country wishing to join must maintain stable democratic institutions respecting human rights and possess a functioning market economy. A functioning market economy is also required alongside the ability to adopt EU laws.
How many Central and Eastern European countries joined the European Union on the 1st of May 2004?
Ten Central and Eastern European countries joined the Union on the 1st of May 2004. This historic enlargement included Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Malta.
When did Greenland vote to withdraw from the European Economic Community?
Greenland voted to withdraw from the EEC in 1985 after being granted home rule by Denmark. The United Kingdom officially exited the Union on the 31st of January 2020 following Brexit.
Which country has reached the most advanced stage of negotiation among current applicants for the European Union?
Montenegro has reached the most advanced stage of negotiation among all current applicants. Its political goal is to achieve full membership by 2028.