Enlargement is the process through which new member states join the EU.  The project started in 1957 with six member states.  Since then it has enlarged six times to the current 27 member states.

EU enlargement will be one of the key priorities for the Slovenian Presidency. The Government welcomes this.  We remain a strong supporter of further enlargement, which is both helping us respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities of globalisation and our most effective means of sharing our stability and prosperity with our neighbours. In line with the conclusions of the December 2007 European Council, the EU remains committed to the renewed consensus on enlargement which is based on sticking to our commitments, fair and rigorous conditionality to ensure the necessary reforms are implemented, and better communication of the benefits of enlargement.

Further Enlargement

The prospect of EU membership has been and remains a powerful incentive to change. It has fostered the fundamental political and economic transformation we have seen in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe that joined in 2004 and 2007.  And it is exerting the same powerful influence on Turkey, Croatia and the other countries of the Western Balkans.

As the good progress Croatia is making in its EU accession negotiations demonstrates, for the Western Balkans enlargement is our best chance to secure peace and prosperity, moving on from the conflicts of the 1990s.  The pace of progress through the Stabilisation and Association Process – the first step towards eventual accession – is dependent on meeting rigorous conditions.  Full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is key among them.  But with help from the EU, as well as bilateral assistance from the UK, the countries in the process are tackling a range of political and economic issues to bring them up to European standards. This is improving the lives of ordinary citizens, and helping us to realise our vision of a democratic, European future for the region.

In bridging the gap between Europe and Asia there is no more pivotal country than Turkey.  Membership of the EU is of real strategic importance.  It will entrench stability and economic growth in Turkey, adding a new dimension to efforts to bring security and prosperity to its region.  It presents opportunities to secure energy corridors and increase trade links with what will be one of the world’s top ten economies.  Turkish membership will also give the lie to the argument that democratic values are incompatible with a Muslim majority. Further enlargement is the best way to ensure stability and prosperity in neighbouring countries and beyond.  It is crucial that the EU maintains both its commitments to the countries in the enlargement process and the momentum behind the accession negotiations.

Further enlargement will also benefit existing Member States.  With each previous enlargement the EU has emerged stronger – both more confident and more capable of acting on the world stage.  Further enlargement will enhance economic dynamism in the EU by expanding the internal market and creating a level playing field for business.  It will improve our ability to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by globalisation.  And importantly, it will help us tackle those threats which cross geographical borders, from climate change and organised crime to the fight against terrorism.  These cannot be dealt with by erecting a notional wall around the EU.  They can only be challenged by international co-operation, and crucially with our immediate neighbours.