European Union Enlargement

Publication Date: October 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: International relations

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Abstract:

The EU views the enlargement process as a historic opportunity to promote stability and prosperity in Europe. On May 1, 2004, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the European Union (EU), enlarging the Union to 25 members. In January 2007, Bulgaria and Romania are to formally enter the EU. Turkey and Croatia began accession negotiations in October 2005. Macedonia was named as a candidate for EU membership in December 2005. This report will be updated as necessary. For additional information, see CRS Report RS21372, The European Union: Questions and Answers, by Kristin Archick, and CRS Report RS22517, European Union Enlargement: A Status Report on Turkey's Accession Negotiations, by Vince L. Morelli.