NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Enlargement of the European Union

The European Union (EU) was created by six founding states in 1957 (following the earlier establishment by the same six states of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952) and has grown to 27 member states. There have been five enlargements, with the largest occurring on May 1, 2004, when 10 new member states joined, and the most recent on January 1, 2007, when Bulgaria and Romania joined. Elections in the European Union gives information on election and election results in the European Union. ... Elections to the European Parliament were held from June 10, 2004 to June 13, 2004 in the 25 member states of the European Union, using varying election days according to local custom. ... In early 2007, Bulgaria and Romania will elect their members of the European Parliament for the first time. ... Elections to the European Parliament will be held in June 2006 in the thenâ€“27 member states of the European Union, using varying election days according to local custom. ... European Parliament electoral system is proportional representation. ... The European political party, or formally political party at European level, is a type of political party organization in the European Union, eligible to receive funding from the Union. ... // Origins of the EU History of the European Union European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) Euratom Single market. ... Austria Poland Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Rep. ... Foreign relations of the European Union Foreign relations of Austria Foreign relations of Belgium Foreign relations of Cyprus Foreign relations of the Czech Republic Foreign relations of Denmark Foreign relations of Estonia Foreign relations of Finland Foreign relations of France Foreign relations of Germany Foreign relations of Greece Foreign relations... The Law of the European Union is the unique legal system which operates alongside the laws of Member States of the European Union (EU). ... For the concept in general, see economic and monetary union. ... There are currently five institutions of the European Union which govern the Union. ... The agencies of the European Union (or decentralised bodies of the European Union) are bodies which are distinct from the European Unions institutions, in that they have not been created by the treaties but rather by acts of secondary legislation, in order to accomplish a very specific task. ... Information on politics by country is available for every country, including both de jure and de facto independent states, inhabited dependent territories, as well as areas of special sovereignty. ... The term state may refer to: a sovereign political entity, see state unitary state nation state a non-sovereign political entity, see state (non-sovereign). ... Year 1957 (MCMLVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar). ... Members of the European Coal and Steel Community Flag of the European Coal and Steel Community The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was founded in 1951 (Treaty of Paris), by France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands to pool the steel and coal resources of its member... Year 1952 (MCMLII) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... // The flag of the Council of Europe and the European Union. ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

Currently, accession negotiations are underway with several states. The process of enlargement is sometimes referred to as European integration. However, this term is also used to refer to the intensification of cooperation between EU member states as national governments allow for the gradual centralising of power within European institutions. European integration is the process of political and economic (and in some cases social and cultural) integration of European states into a tighter bloc. ...

In order to join the European Union, a state needs to fulfill the economic and political conditions generally known as the Copenhagen criteria (after the Copenhagen summit in June 1993), which require a secular, democratic government, the rule of law, and its corresponding freedoms and institutions. According to the EU Treaty, each current member state and also the European Parliament have to agree to any enlargement. The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country is eligible to join the European Union. ... For other uses, see Copenhagen (disambiguation). ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... The Maastricht treaty (formally, the Treaty on European Union) was signed on 7 February 1992 in Maastricht between the members of the European Community and entered into force on 1 November 1993. ... Established 1952, as the Common Assembly President Hans-Gert PÃ¶ttering (EPP) Since 16 January 2007 Vice-Presidents 14 Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (EPP) Alejo Vidal-Quadras (EPP) GÃ©rard Onesta (Greens â€“ EFA) Edward McMillan-Scott (ED) Mario Mauro (EPP) Miguel Angel MartÃnez MartÃnez (PES) Luigi Cocilovo (ALDE) Mechtild...

The present EU Treaty - the Treaty of Nice - does not provide for the voting arrangements to be adopted for more than the present 27 members. Although the proposed European Constitution did provide such a mechanism, the ratification of this Treaty is currently on hold. The newly signed Treaty of Lisbon provides this mechanism, but has yet to be ratified. Treaty of Nice The Treaty of Nice is a treaty adopted in Nice by the European Council to amend the two founding treaties of the European Union: the Treaty on European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, which introduced the Euro and the 3-pillar structure of the EU; the Treaty of... The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, commonly referred to as the European Constitution, is an international treaty intended to create a constitution for the European Union. ... For other uses, see Treaty of Lisbon (disambiguation). ...

Enlargement may lead to negative commercial consequences for other WTO Member States. The EU and the US have agreed in March 2006 to provide compensation for negative consequences associated with the 2004 enlargement.^[1] WTO redirects here. ...

Historical enlargements

Full timeline of past enlargements (and secessions) along with fixed future events; Image File history File links Size of this preview: 655 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolution (1360 Ã— 1245 pixel, file size: 197 KB, MIME type: image/gif) For stills, see: Image:EC1957. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 655 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolution (1360 Ã— 1245 pixel, file size: 197 KB, MIME type: image/gif) For stills, see: Image:EC1957. ... The European Union is a unique geo-political entity covering a large portion of the European continent. ...

The Treaty of Paris, signed on April 18, 1951 between Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which subsequently became part of the European Union. ... Members of the European Coal and Steel Community Flag of the European Coal and Steel Community The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was founded in 1951 (Treaty of Paris), by France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands to pool the steel and coal resources of its member... Location of Benelux in Europe Official languages Dutch and French Membership Belgium Netherlands Luxembourg Website http://www. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... The Treaty of Rome signing ceremony Signatures in the Treaty The Treaty of Rome, signed by France, West Germany, Italy and Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) on March 25, 1957, established the European Economic Community (EEC). ... The European Community (EC), most important of three European Communities, was originally founded on March 25, 1957 by the signing of the Treaty of Rome under the name of European Economic Community. ... The European Community (EC) was originally founded on March 25, 1957 by the signing of the Treaty of Rome under the name of European Economic Community. ... Devolution or Home rule is the pooling of powers from central government to government at regional or local level. ... Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: A referendum (plural referendums or referenda), ballot question, or plebiscite (from Latin plebiscita, originally a decree of the Concilium Plebis) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ... Two parts of the Treaty of Rome deal with special relationships: Article 299 which sets out the territories to which the treaty applies, supplemented by the accession treaties; and Articles 182-188 and Annex II on association with the non-European countries and territories which have special relations with the... This article is about the state which existed from 1949 to 1990. ... This article is about the 1990 German reunification. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 474 pixelsFull resolution (843 Ã— 499 pixel, file size: 83 KB, MIME type: image/png) Chart of the population development of the European Union affiliated with the Enlargement Process Data source: Statistics relating to enlargement of the European Union File links... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 474 pixelsFull resolution (843 Ã— 499 pixel, file size: 83 KB, MIME type: image/png) Chart of the population development of the European Union affiliated with the Enlargement Process Data source: Statistics relating to enlargement of the European Union File links... The Maastricht Treaty (formally, the Treaty of European Union, TEU) was signed on February 7, 1992 in Maastricht, Netherlands after final negotiations in December 1991 between the members of the European Community and entered into force on November 1, 1993 during the Delors Commission. ... For other uses, see Dublin (disambiguation). ... Dark green: current members; light green: acceding countries; orange: recognized candidate countries Bulgaria (along with Romania) is part of the second stage of the EUs fifth enlargement1 and is currently scheduled to join it on January 1, 2007. ... Anthem: Tera di Solo y suave biento Capital (and largest city) Kralendijk Official languages Dutch Government See Politics of the Netherlands Antilles - Bonaire Administrator - Governor of N.A. Frits Goedgedrag Constitutional monarchy part of the Netherlands Antilles Area - Total 288 kmÂ² 111 sq mi Population - 2001 census 10,791 - Density... Motto Remis Velisque (Latin) With oars and sails (English) Anthem Saba you rise from the ocean Capital The Bottom Largest city The Bottom Official languages Dutch, Papiamento and English (unofficial) Government See Politics of the Netherlands Antilles - Saba Administrator A.J.M. Solagnier - Governor of N.A. Frits Goedgedrag Constitutional... Map showing location of Sint Eustatius relative to Saba and Sint Maarten/Saint Martin. ... (In Detail) National motto: Libertate unanimus (Latin: Unified by freedom) Official language Dutch Capital Willemstad Queen Beatrix Governor Frits Goedgedrag Prime minister EtiÃ«nne Ys Area - Total - % water (All islands) 960 kmÂ² Negligible Population - Total (2005) - Density (All islands) 218,126 221/kmÂ² Dependent area of Netherlands Currency Netherlands Antillean... Two parts of the Treaty of Rome deal with special relationships: Article 299 which sets out the territories to which the treaty applies, supplemented by the accession treaties; and Articles 182-188 and Annex II on association with the non-European countries and territories which have special relations with the... The Treaty of Rome signing ceremony Signatures in the Treaty The Treaty of Rome, signed by France, West Germany, Italy and Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) on March 25, 1957, established the European Economic Community (EEC). ... Motto (Portuguese for Rather die free than in peace subjugated) Anthem (national) (local) Capital Ponta Delgada1 Angra do HeroÃsmo2 Horta3 Largest city Ponta Delgada Official languages Portuguese Government Autonomous region - President Carlos CÃ©sar Establishment - Settled 1439 - Autonomy 1976 Area - Total 2,333 kmÂ² (n/a) 911 sq mi... For other uses, see Madeira (disambiguation). ... Anthem: ArrorrÃ³ Capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife Official language(s) Spanish Area â€“ Total â€“ % of Spain Ranked 13th 7,447 kmÂ² 1. ... Under the 1946 Constitution of the Fourth Republic, the French colonies of Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana in the Caribbean and RÃ©union in the Indian Ocean became dÃ©partements doutre-mer (in English Overseas Departments) or DOMs. ... The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive of the European Union. ... Danuta HÃ¼bner Danuta HÃ¼bner (born on 8 April 1948, in Nisko, Poland) was Polish Minister for European Affairs and is currently European Union Commissioner for Regional Policy. ... Established 1952, as the Common Assembly President Hans-Gert PÃ¶ttering (EPP) Since 16 January 2007 Vice-Presidents 14 Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (EPP) Alejo Vidal-Quadras (EPP) GÃ©rard Onesta (Greens â€“ EFA) Edward McMillan-Scott (ED) Mario Mauro (EPP) Miguel Angel MartÃnez MartÃnez (PES) Luigi Cocilovo (ALDE) Mechtild...

Criteria and methods

In 1989, the European Community's Phare program was created. It aimed to provide financial support for potential accession countries so that they could expand and reform their economies. To join the EU an applicant country must meet the following Copenhagen criteria established by the European Council in 1993: Image File history File links EU-GDP-Population. ... Image File history File links EU-GDP-Population. ... The Phare programme is one of the three pre-accession instruments financed by the European Union to assist the applicant countries of Central and Eastern Europe in their preparations for joining the European Union. ... Accession countries is commonly used to refer to countries that have or will join the European Union (EU). Although the term should properly be used for countries that have yet to join the EU but whose date of accession has been finalized, the term came into common usage prior to... The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country is eligible to join the European Union. ...

In December 1995, the Madrid European Council revised the membership criteria to include conditions for member country integration through the appropriate adjustment of its administrative structures: since it is important that European Community legislation be reflected in national legislation, it is critical that the revised national legislation be implemented effectively through appropriate administrative and judicial structures. Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday. ...

In order to assess progress achieved by countries in preparing for accession to the European Union, the European Commission submits 'Regular Reports' to the European Council. These serve as the basis upon which the Council takes decisions on negotiations or their extension to other candidates. Since 1993, the Commission has presented a complete set of Regular Reports on a yearly basis, covering the 10 now member countries in Central and Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia) as well as Cyprus, Malta and Turkey. Berlaymont, the Commissions seat The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. ... This article deals with the meeting of European Union leaders. ...

Candidate countries

Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article deals with the meeting of European Union leaders. ... A referendum on whether Norway should join the European Union was held on November 28, 1994. ...

Croatia

Croatia applied for EU membership in 2003, and the European Commission recommended making it an official candidate in early 2004. Candidate country status was granted to Croatia by the European Council (the EU's heads of government) in mid-2004 and a date for the beginning of entry negotiations, while originally set for early 2005, was postponed to October of the same year. Following the opening of accession negotiations on October 3, 2005, the process of screening 33 acquis chapters with Croatia was completed on October 18, 2006. This article treats the accession of Croatia to the European Union. ... Berlaymont, the Commissions seat The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. ... This article deals with the meeting of European Union leaders. ... is the 276th day of the year (277th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

After Slovenia, Croatia has recovered best from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia and so hopes to become the second former Yugoslav state to become a member. It has a stable market economy, and has had better statistical indicators than Bulgaria and Romania which joined in 2007.

In late 2005, the EU officials projected that the accession of Croatia would likely happen between 2010 and 2012. In October 2006, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn stated: "If Croatia will be able to reform its judiciary and economy with rigour and resolution, then it is likely to be ready around the end of this decade."^[4] In any case, the EU needs to consider its internal problems before accommodating any new member after Bulgaria and Romania; under the current Treaty of Nice, the EU cannot have more than 27 members. The EU Constitution provided one solution to this problem, but its rejection by two member states in referendums means that other solutions are required. The new Treaty of Lisbon would solve its internal issues and therefore clear the way for accession. A likely date for this treaty entering into force after end of negotiations is 1 January 2009. Olli Rehn Olli Rehn ( ) (born 31 March 1962) is a Finnish politician, currently serving as European Commissioner for Enlargement. ... Treaty of Nice The Treaty of Nice is a treaty adopted in Nice by the European Council to amend the two founding treaties of the European Union: the Treaty on European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, which introduced the Euro and the 3-pillar structure of the EU; the Treaty of... The Treaty establishing a constitution for Europe is a proposed constitutional treaty for the European Union. ... For other uses, see Treaty of Lisbon (disambiguation). ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2009 (MMIX) will be a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The finalisation of all chapters of the acquis communautaire is expected in September 2009, while signing the accession treaty would happen in the year after. Before starting negotiations with Croatia, the acquis was divided into 35 chapters, 4 more than the usual 31; the new chapters, previously part of the agricultural policy, are areas expected to be troublesome, as they were with the other applicants. Croatia is expected to be a full EU member by 2010^[5]. The term acquis (or sometimes acquis communautaire), deriving from French, is used in European Union law to refer to the total body of EU law accumulated so far. ...

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia applied to become an official candidate on March 22, 2004. On November 9, 2005 the European Commission recommended that it become a candidate state. EU leaders agreed to this recommendation on December 17, formally naming the country as an official candidate, but no date for starting negotiations has been announced yet. Official logo of the process for European integration of Republic of Macedonia Membership in the European Union is of the highest strategic interest and priority for the Republic of Macedonia[1][2], and an aspiration shared by the majority of its citizens and political agents. ... For an explanation of terms related to Macedonia, see Macedonia (terminology). ... is the 81st day of the year (82nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 313th day of the year (314th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 17 is the 351st day of the year (352nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

The country has a dispute with its southern neighbour and current EU member, Greece, over the name Macedonia (see: Macedonia naming dispute). Because of this, the EU recognises the country as the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and this is the only denotation by which the country may hold negotiations with the EU. Resolution of this issue is technically not a precondition for membership,^[6] but Greece and Cyprus have stated that they will veto the country's accession unless an agreement on the naming issue is reached.^{[citation needed]} For an in depth analysis of the often confusing terms regarding Macedonia, see Macedonia (terminology). ...

Peace is maintained with underlying ethnic tensions over Albanians in the west that achieved greater autonomy through the implementation of the Ohrid Accords. Unlike Serbia, it has maintained sovereignty over all its territory. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski has suggested that the country could join in 2012 or 2013.^[7] However, the EU has not come out with any official recognition of this suggested time period. The Ohrid Agreement, or the Ohrid Framework Agreement was the peace deal signed by the government of the Republic of Macedonia and Albanian representatives in 2001. ... Nikola Gruevski (Macedonian: ) (born 31 August 1970 in Skopje,Republic of Macedonia) is the prime minister of the Republic of Macedonia since August 27, 2006. ... 2013 (MMXIII) will be a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On December 17, 2005 the European Council welcomed and congratulated the country's achievements in implementing multiple reforms and agreements (Copenhagen criteria, Stabilisation and Association process, Ohrid Agreement). It supports the continuation of this process. Further concrete steps in the country's EU membership (i.e. commencing of negotiations) will be possible after the debate on the general Enlargement policy of the EU. The Council notes also that the absorption capacity of the EU will be taken into account.^[8] December 17 is the 351st day of the year (352nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article deals with the meeting of European Union leaders. ... The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country is eligible to join the European Union. ... Stabilisation and Association process SAp states SAp states and EU candidate countries EU candidate countries only EU member states In talks with countries who have expressed the wish to join the European Union (EU), the EU typically concludes Association Agreements in exchange for commitments to political, economic, trade, or human... The Ohrid Agreement, or the Ohrid Framework Agreement was the peace deal signed by the government of the Republic of Macedonia and Albanian representatives in 2001. ...

In 2008, Athens said it will block Macedonia's NATO and European Union accession until the two agree on a name for Greece's northern neighbour, which broke away from Yugoslavia in 1991.

Greece rejects the name Macedonia because it says it implies territorial ambitions towards Greece's own northern province of Macedonia, birthplace of Alexander the Great.

Dora Bakoyannis, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, accused Macedonia of "an intransigent stance and its action of an irredentist and nationalistic logic". Dora Bakoyianni Dora Bakoyianni (born 1954), is the mayor of Athens, capital of Greece. ...

"I underlined that the intransigence that has persisted to date ... has left us with no other choice," she said. "We are not happy about that. Nobody likes vetoes."

Turkey

The status of Turkey with regard to the EU has become a matter of major significance and considerable controversy in recent years. Turkey has been an associate member of the European Union and its predecessors since 1964 following the signing of the EEC-Turkey Association Agreement (Ankara Agreement) in 1963; the country formally applied for full membership on April 14, 1987, but 12 years passed before it was recognised as a candidate country at the Helsinki Summit in 1999. After a summit in Brussels on December 17, 2004, the European Council announced that membership negotiations with Turkey were officially opened on October 3, 2005. The screening process which began on October 20, 2005 was completed on October 18, 2006. One of a number of posters created to promote the Marshall Plan in Europe, featuring Turkey Turkeys formal application to join the European Communityâ€”the organization that has since developed into the European Unionâ€”was made on April 14th, 1987. ... is the 104th day of the year (105th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar). ... December 17 is the 351st day of the year (352nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 276th day of the year (277th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 293rd day of the year (294th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Turkey, classified as a developed country by the CIA,^[10] with the seventh largest economy in the Council of Europe, is part of the common EU customs territory since the entering into force of the EU-Turkey Customs Union in 1996. Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe since 1949, a founding member of the OECD since 1961, a founding member of the OSCE since 1973 and an associate member of the Western European Union since 1992. Turkey is also a founding member of the G20 industrial nations (1999) which has close ties with the European Union. World map indicating Human Development Index (as of 2004). ... CIA redirects here. ... Turkeys economy is a complex mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern industries, increasingly dominated by the latter. ... Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral) ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 5 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders - Secretary General Terry Davis - President of the Parliamentary Assembly Rene van der Linden... A customs union is a free trade area with a Common External Tariff. ... On 31 December 1995 the customs union between Turkey and the European Union came into effect. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral) ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 5 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders - Secretary General Terry Davis - President of the Parliamentary Assembly Rene van der Linden... The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization of those developed countries that accept the principles of representative democracy and a free market economy. ... The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an international organization for security. ... â€¢ â€¢ â€¢ Membership 10 member states 6 associate member states 5 observer countries 7 associate partner countries Establishment Treaty of Brussels - Signed 17 March 1948 The Western European Union (WEU) is a partially dormant European defence and security organization, established on the basis of the Treaty of Brussels of 1948 with the... This article is about the G-20 of industrial nations. ...

There are many arguments against Turkey's accession. Many opponents argue that Turkey's current and past governments do not respect key principles expected in a liberal democracy because of discrimination against ethnic minorities^{[citation needed]}, particularly Kurds, non-Sunni Muslim religious minorities, political dissidents and critics of the 'Kemalist' nationalism, and because of the significant role of the army on the Turkish political foreground. The EU has expressed concerns about the rise of nationalism in Turkey and its adverse effect on the accession process. Its large population would also alter the balance of power in the representative European institutions. Some oppose the accession of a large Muslim country. Also, only a small fraction of Turkish territory lies in the common geographical definition of Europe, but this is where the country's largest city and its economic and cultural capital, Istanbul, is located. EU member Cyprus is actually located to the south of Anatolia and is geographically a part of Anatolia's continental shelf. Liberal democracy is a form of government. ... Kurds are one of the Iranian peoples and speak Kurdish, a north-Western Iranian language related to Persian. ... Sunni Islam (Arabic سنّة) is the largest denomination of Islam. ... There is also a collection of Hadith called Sahih Muslim A Muslim (Arabic: Ù…Ø³Ù„Ù…, Persian: Mosalman or Mosalmon Urdu: Ù…Ø³Ù„Ù…Ø§Ù†, Turkish: MÃ¼slÃ¼man, Albanian: Mysliman, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. ... Kemalist Ideology, also known as Kemalism and Six Arrows, is based on AtatÃ¼rks six principles (tr:AltÄ± Ok) during the Turkish national movement. ... EugÃ¨ne Delacroixs Liberty Leading the People, symbolizing French nationalism during the July Revolution 1830. ... Istanbul (Turkish: , Greek: , historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see other names) is Turkeys most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. ... This article is about two nested areas of Turkey, a plateau region within a peninsula. ...

Another concern is that Turkey continues to occupy the northern third of the island of Cyprus, an EU member, with 40,000 Turkish troops stationed on the island, and refuses to recognise the Republic of Cyprus until a solution is found to the Cyprus dispute under the auspices of the United Nations. Historically though, the UN Security Council, in its Resolution 541 of 18 November 1983, has declared the occupation of northern Cyprus legally invalid and called for the withdrawal of Turkish forces.^[11] The UN-backed Annan Plan for Cyprus was actively supported by the EU and Turkey. However, the Annan Plan was accepted by the Turkish Cypriot community and rejected by the Greek Cypriots in separate referenda in April 2004. Cyprus (in Greek Kypros Κύπρος and in Turkish Kıbrıs) is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, 113 kilometres (70 miles) south of Turkey and around 120 km west of the Syrian coast. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Arguments in favour of Turkey joining include the belief that this would bolster democratic institutions in Turkey, strengthen the EU's economy with the addition of an OECD and G-20 member to the bloc, and strengthen the EU's military with the addition of the second largest armed force of NATO. Proponents also argue that it abides by most conditions for accession. Some maintain that the EU can no longer refuse Turkey, as it has had an open candidacy for over 40 years, and has made major improvements in human rights in order to try to satisfy the entry conditions. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization of those developed countries that accept the principles of representative democracy and a free market economy. ... This article is about the G-20 of industrial nations. ... Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) (Turkish: TÃ¼rk SilahlÄ± Kuvvetleri (TSK)) consists of the Army, the Navy (including Naval Air and Naval Infantry), and the Air Force of the Republic of Turkey. ... This article is about the military alliance. ... It has been suggested that Human rights of Kurdish people in Turkey be merged into this article or section. ...

Potential candidate countries

The EU's relations with the Western Balkans states (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia) were moved from the "External Relations" to the "Enlargement" policy segment. These states currently are not recognised as candidate countries, but only as "potential candidate countries".^[12] This is a consequence of the advancement of the Stabilisation and Association process. This article is about the country in Europe. ... Not to be confused with Republika Srpska. ... Stabilisation and Association process SAp states SAp states and EU candidate countries EU candidate countries only EU member states In talks with countries who have expressed the wish to join the European Union (EU), the EU typically concludes Association Agreements in exchange for commitments to political, economic, trade, or human...

The successor states of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia), as well as Kosovo^{[citation needed]}, have all adopted EU integration as an aim of foreign policy. Slovenia joined the EU on 1 May 2004. Croatia is currently negotiating its entry. The Republic of Macedonia is recognised as an EU candidate country. Motto Brotherhood and Unity Anthem Hey, Slavs Capital Belgrade Language(s) Serbo-Croatian (spoken throughout the territory), Slovenian, Macedonian, Albanian, Hungarian (all official), and languages of other nationalities. ... This article is about the country in Europe. ... Not to be confused with Republika Srpska. ... For other uses, see Kosovo (disambiguation). ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Albania in the Western Balkans was for a long period under one of the harshest communist governments in the world, which imposed on the people of Albania an international isolation similar to that of North Korea. The post communist Albanian governments have adopted EU integration as the strategic orientation of the country. The Balkans is the historic and geographic name used to describe a region of south-eastern Europe. ...

The EU signed an agreement with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the Republic of Macedonia on 13 April 2007, and Serbia on 15 May 2007, which included visa facilitations for the citizens of these countries. The signing EU Commissioner Franco Frattini was quoted saying that this is the first step toward a full abolishment of the visa requirements and the free movement of the Western Balkans citizens in EU. Negotiations for a visa-free travel regime with the aforementioned countries are expected to start in January 2008. ^[13] For an explanation of terms related to Macedonia, see Macedonia (terminology). ... Commissioner is a designation that may be used for a variety of official positions, especially referring to a high-ranking public (administrative or police) official, or an analogous official in the private sector (e. ... Franco Frattini (born 14 March 1957) is an Italian politician, currently serving as European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security. ...

The 2003 European Council summit in Thessaloniki set integration of the Western Balkans as a priority of EU expansion. A further meeting in Mamaia, Romania, concluded that "Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro are considered likely to join the EU between 2010 and 2015" depending on their fulfillment of the adhesion criteria.^{[citation needed]} This summit was attended by two EU members, seven countries now in the EU, and the eight EU hopefuls (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine). However, this summit was not linked to any EU institution, whatsoever, and the target dates and agreements presented there mainly aimed at encouraging the candidate and potential candidate countries on their way to eventual full membership into the EU. Thessaloniki or Salonica (Greek: ) is Greeces second-largest city and the capital of Macedonia, the largest Region of Greece. ... Balkan redirects here. ... Mamaia is the biggest resort on the Romanian Black Sea shore. ... Ukrainian EU Membership, in 2004 the president of the Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko said the Membership of Ukraine in the European Union is a strategic goal of his foreign policy. ...

On 9 November 2005, the European Commission suggested in a new strategy paper that the current enlargement agenda (Croatia, Turkey and the Western Balkans) could potentially block the possibility of a future accession of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.^[14] Olli Rehn has said on occasion that the EU should "avoid overstretching our capacity, and instead consolidate our enlargement agenda," adding, "this is already a challenging agenda for our accession process."^[15] is the 313th day of the year (314th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Berlaymont, the Commissions seat The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. ... Olli Rehn Olli Rehn ( ) (born 31 March 1962) is a Finnish politician, currently serving as European Commissioner for Enlargement. ...

Albania

Albania was the first of the officially recognized Potential Candidate countries to start the negotiations of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2003. This was successfully agreed and signed on 12 June 2006, completing the first major step toward Albania's full membership in the EU. As a mature member of the Partnership for Peace, Albania was the first of the Officially Recognised Potential Candidate Countries to start the negotiations of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2003. ... A European Union Association Agreement (Association Agreement) is a treaty between the European Union (EU) and a non-EU country that creates a framework for co-operation between them. ... is the 163rd day of the year (164th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations by or about: European Union The European Union On-Line Official EU website, europa. ...

However, Albania's admission to the EU depends on the country's economic and political stability. Following the steps of the recently admitted Eastern European countries, Albania has been extensively engaged with EU institutions and NATO, and has maintained its position as a stability factor and a strong ally of Western Europe in the troubled and divided region of the Balkans. Eastern Europe is, by convention, a region defined geographically as that part of Europe covering the eastern part of the continent. ... This article is about the military alliance. ... A current understanding of Western Europe. ... Balkan redirects here. ...

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina still has many economic as well as political problems. Recently it has been making slow but steady progress, including co-operation with the war crimes tribunal at The Hague, so the outlook is positive. Bosnia and Herzegovina still has many economic as well as political problems. ... The Tribunal building in The Hague. ... Hague redirects here. ...

Negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement started during the year 2005 and concluded December of 2007. This is the first step before making an application for candidate status and membership negotiations. The negotiations were expected to be finalised in late 2007,^[16] but due to the failure of the government to decide in time on police reform in line with EU principles they could be finalised in late 2008 at the nearest. Due to this setback and the hard-line positions of most Bosnian politicians High Representative Miroslav Lajčák has stated that he will shift more of his focus for the time being from EU accession to reforms which would improve the standard of living in the country. A European Union Association Agreement (Association Agreement) is a treaty between the European Union (EU) and a non-EU country that creates a framework for co-operation between them. ... The High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was created in 1995 immediately after the Dayton Peace Agreement to oversee the civilian implementation of this agreement. ... Miroslav LajÄÃ¡k (20 March 1963 in Poprad) is a Slovak diplomat. ...

The Union may show some leniency regarding its economy due to the political issues at stake. Former President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, has stated that Bosnia has a chance of joining the EU soon after Croatia, but it is entirely dependent on the country's progress. Prodi redirects here. ...

The SAA was initialled on Tuesday, 4th December 2007 by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn and caretaker Prime Minister Nikola Špirić. The initialling came in the wake of successful negotiations by Miroslav Lajčák in regards to passing his new quorum rules laws and also the commitment of Bosnian and Herzegovinian politicians to implementing police reform. On April 16, 2008, Javier Solana indicated that the SAA will be signed on 26 of May or 16 of June, 2008 and that Bosnia and Herzegovina might become an EU candidate in the spring of 2009 [3]. Olli Rehn Olli Rehn ( ) (born 31 March 1962) is a Finnish politician, currently serving as European Commissioner for Enlargement. ... Nikola Å piriÄ‡ (born on September 4, 1956 in Drvar, Bosnia-Herzegovina) is a Bosnian politician and the current Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. ... Miroslav LajÄÃ¡k (20 March 1963 in Poprad) is a Slovak diplomat. ... is the 106th day of the year (107th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... Javier Solana Madariaga (born July 14, 1942 in Madrid, Spain) is the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Secretary-General of both the Council of the European Union (EU) and the Western European Union (WEU). ... In Egyptian mythology, Saa (also spelt Sia) was the deification of wisdom, which is what his name means, in the Ennead cosmogeny. ... Events Pontius Pilate is appointed as Prefect of Judaea. ... For other uses, see May (disambiguation). ... Events A Roman army of 90,000 men commanded by Germanicus gains a victory at Idistaviso, defeating the German war chief Arminius and capturing his wife Thusnelda, and recovering the lost eagles of Varus legions. ... For other uses, see June (disambiguation). ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... 2009 (MMIX) will be a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Kosovo

As confirmed by the Thessaloniki Summit in June 2003, Kosovo is firmly anchored in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process, the EU policy which applies to the Western Balkans. For other uses, see Kosovo (disambiguation). ... Stabilisation and Association process SAp states SAp states and EU candidate countries EU candidate countries only EU member states In talks with countries who have expressed the wish to join the European Union (EU), the EU typically concludes Association Agreements in exchange for commitments to political, economic, trade, or human...

On 20 April 2005 the European Commission adopted the Communication on Kosovo to the Council "A European Future for Kosovo" which reinforces the Commission’s commitment to Kosovo. Furthermore, on 20 January 2006, the Council adopted a European Partnership for Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by UNSCR1244. The European Partnership is a means to materialise the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries within the framework of the stabilisation and association process. For other uses, see Kosovo (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Kosovo (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Kosovo (disambiguation). ...

The Provisional Institutions of Self Government (PISG) adopted in August 2006 an Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Partnership and this document forms the current working basis between the EU and the PISG. The PISG regularly report on the implementation of this action plan. Twelve meetings of the so-called "SAP Tracking Mechanism" (STM), specially devised to promote policy dialogue between the EU and the Kosovan authorities on EU approximation matters have taken place so far. In addition, a new structure of sectoral meetings under the umbrella of the STM was established in the areas of good governance, economy, internal market, innovation and infrastructure in March 2007. ^[17]

Montenegro

In the independence referendum of May 21, 2006, the Montenegrin people voted for Montenegro to leave the state union of Serbia and Montenegro and become an independent state. It is not yet clear how this will affect Europe's second newest independent state but it is believed that negotiations with the EU will allow quick implementation of an SAA agreement and speedier entry to the club of European nations than had it stayed tied to Serbia's EU bid. Montenegro is experiencing ecological, judicial and crime-related problems that may hinder its bid. Montenegro has unilaterally adopted the euro as its currency since its launch in 2002, and before that had used the German mark. SAA negotiations started in September 2006.^[18] The Agreement was initialled on 15 March 2007 and officially signed on 15 October 2007. Recent press reports indicate that Montenegro seeks EU-candidate status in the first half of 2008. [4] In the independence referendum of May 21, 2006, the Montenegrin people voted for Montenegro to leave the state union of Serbia and Montenegro and become an independent state. ... First page of Pobjeda, May 22, 2006. ... is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the country in Europe. ... ISO 4217 Code DEM User(s) Germany, Montenegro, Kosovo ERM Since 13 March 1979 Fixed rate since 31 December 1998 Replaced by â‚¬, non cash 1 January 1999 Replaced by â‚¬, cash 1 January 2002 â‚¬ = 1. ... is the 74th day of the year (75th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

Serbia

Serbia has to deal with the staunch disagreement concerning the unilateral independence of Kosovo. Serbia began the reform process in 2000, back then as part of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro. Serbia has to deal with ethnic tension in the region of Kosovo as well as poverty in the south and widespread corruption. ... Not to be confused with Republika Srpska. ... For other uses, see Kosovo (disambiguation). ...

The government of Serbia wants to prepare the country for EU accession between 2012 and 2015. However, it seems much more likely that it would happen around 2015 due to many domestic problems and extensive reforms that should be implemented, and the current institutional crisis in the EU. Negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement started in November 2005. A European Union Association Agreement (for short, Association Agreement or AA) is a treaty between the European Union (EU) and a non-EU country that creates a framework for co-operation between them. ...

The fact that accused war criminals Radovan Karadžić and Ratko Mladić still have not been captured is an obstruction in these negotiations. On May 3, 2006, the European Union suspended SAA talks with Serbia over its failure to arrest Ratko Mladić. This is likely to severely hinder the pace of EU entry and the reform process in Serbia. In July 2006, an action plan for the arrest of Ratko Mladić was issued by the government, aimed to locate and bring the former general to justice, which is expected to improve relations with EU. Subject to resolving this issue, SAA negotiations are expected to conclude in 2007.^[16] Likewise, on June 13, 2007 the association talks between Serbia and the EU have resumed.^[19] Radovan KaradÅ¾iÄ‡ during a visit to Moscow in 1994. ... Ratko MladiÄ‡ General Ratko MladiÄ‡ during UN-mediated talks at Sarajevo airport in 1993. ... is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 164th day of the year (165th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations by or about: European Union The European Union On-Line Official EU website, europa. ...

On 7 November 2007 Serbia initialed an SAA with the European Union, i.e. agreed on the final version of the text to which no or little changes are to be made, which is the step immediately preceding the official signing that is expected to take place in 2008. This is a milestone in Serbia's accession negotiations, and was executed following the advice of chief war crimes prosecutor Carla Del Ponte which advised the EU that the country was complying adequately with the tribunal, though that Ratko Mladić must be in The Hague prior to any official signing being able to take place.^[20] is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... Procureur (Prosecutor) of the ICTY Carla del Ponte Carla Del Ponte (born February 9, 1947 in Lugano, Switzerland) is currently a Chief UN War Crimes Prosecutor. ... Hague redirects here. ...

Signing but not ratification of the SAA might be proposed on April 28, 2008 if Netherlands is satisfied with The Hague cooperation of Serbia.^[21] Reaction in Serbia is mixed, while the President Boris Tadić is willing to sign the agreement with the EU^[22], the Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica thinks that Serbia must not sign any agreements with the European Union and he keeps referring to the SAA as "Solana's agreement".^[23] is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... Boris TadiÄ‡ (Serbian: ; born 15 January 1958) is the President of Serbia. ... Dr. Vojislav KoÅ¡tunica (Serbian Cyrillic: Ð’Ð¾Ñ˜Ð¸ÑÐ»Ð°Ð² ÐšÐ¾ÑˆÑ‚ÑƒÐ½Ð¸Ñ†Ð°, ) (pronounced , born March 24, 1944, Belgrade, Yugoslavia, now Serbia) is the current Prime Minister of Serbia and President of the Democratic Party of Serbia. ... Javier Solana Madariaga (born July 14, 1942 in Madrid, Spain) is the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Secretary-General of both the Council of the European Union (EU) and the Western European Union (WEU). ...

Progress of future enlargements

It was previously the norm for enlargements to see multiple entrants join the Union at once. The only previous enlargement of a single state was the 1981 admission of Greece.

However, EU members have warned that, following the significant impact of the fifth enlargement in 2004, a more individual approach will be adopted in the future, although the entry of pairs or small groups of countries may yet coincide. Croatia may be expected to join first, possibly around 2010, Macedonia possibly around 2012, and Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey following, either together or in smaller groups.

The timing of smaller-wave enlargements is subject to many variables and the dates given in the table below are the earliest possible ones - procedures do not allow speedier admission in most cases (for example, it takes at least two years to move from a membership application to the start of negotiations).

¹ Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) for the Western Balkans states, Association Agreement and Customs Union for Turkey, Europe Agreement for the reference states.
² Including anti-discrimination and equal opportunities for men and women.
³ Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina both initialled the SAA in 2007 but are yet to sign it. The European Union (EU) was created by six founding states in 1957 (following the earlier establishment by the same six states of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952) and has grown to 27 member states. ... The European Union (EU) was created by six founding states in 1957 (following the earlier establishment by the same six states of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952) and has grown to 27 member states. ... The European Union is a unique geo-political entity covering a large portion of the European continent. ... Official logo of the process for European integration of Republic of Macedonia Membership in the European Union is of the highest strategic interest and priority for the Republic of Macedonia[1][2], and an aspiration shared by the majority of its citizens and political agents. ... In the independence referendum of May 21, 2006, the Montenegrin people voted for Montenegro to leave the state union of Serbia and Montenegro and become an independent state. ... Serbia has to deal with ethnic tension in the region of Kosovo as well as poverty in the south and widespread corruption. ... Bosnia and Herzegovina still has many economic as well as political problems. ... Motto: (Czech) Truth prevails Anthem: Czech Republic() â€“ on the European continent() â€“ in the European Union() [] Capital (and largest city) Prague Official languages Czech Demonym Czech Government Parliamentary republic - President VÃ¡clav Klaus - Prime Minister Mirek TopolÃ¡nek Independence (formed 9th century) - October 28, 1918 - January 1, 1993 EU accession May... Stabilisation and Association process SAp states SAp states and EU candidate countries EU candidate countries only EU member states In talks with countries who have expressed the wish to join the European Union (EU), the EU typically concludes Association Agreements in exchange for commitments to political, economic, trade, or human... The French term acquis (or sometimes acquis communautaire) is used in European Union law to refer to the total body of EU law accumulated so far. ... A European Union Association Agreement (Association Agreement) is a treaty between the European Union (EU) and a non-EU country that creates a framework for co-operation between them. ... Balkan redirects here. ... A European Union Association Agreement (for short, Association Agreement or AA) is a treaty between the European Union (EU) and a non-EU country that creates a framework for co-operation between them. ... A customs union is a free trade area with a Common External Tariff. ... On 31 December 1995 the customs union between Turkey and the European Union came into effect. ... A European Union Association Agreement (Association Agreement) is a treaty between the European Union (EU) and a non-EU country that creates a framework for co-operation between them. ...

Future enlargement possibilities

In the Treaty of Maastricht (Article 49), it is stated that any European country that respects the principles of the European Union may apply to join. The Copenhagen European Council set out the conditions for EU membership in June 1993 in the so-called Copenhagen criteria. Whether a country is European or not is a subject to political assessment by the EU institutions, but countries in the Council of Europe that fall onto the border between Europe and Asia all have a significant claim for EU membership, as shown with the accession of geographically Asian, but culturally European, Cyprus. The Maastricht Treaty (formally, the Treaty of European Union, TEU) was signed on February 7, 1992 in Maastricht, Netherlands after final negotiations in December 1991 between the members of the European Community and entered into force on November 1, 1993 during the Delors Commission. ... The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country is eligible to join the European Union. ... The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country is eligible to join the European Union. ... Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral) ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 5 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders - Secretary General Terry Davis - President of the Parliamentary Assembly Rene van der Linden... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... A transcontinental nation is a country belonging to more than one continent. ...

The European Union has tended to enlarge along regional lines, adding groups of nearby nations. Currently, the EU is very interested in the integration of the Balkan states. Of Eastern Europe, Heather Grabbe of the Centre for European Reform has said, "Belarus is too authoritarian, Moldova too poor, Ukraine too large, and Russia too scary for the EU to contemplate offering membership any time soon."^[24] Due to the 2004 "Orange Revolution" in Ukraine, and the 2003 "Rose Revolution" in Georgia, both countries have started and already implemented extensive reform programs, and the perspectives for both countries have become more positive. Armenia has also shown interest in joining the EU. The Centre for European Reform is a London-based think tank devoted to improving the quality of the debate on the European Union. ... Orange-clad demonstrators gather in the Independence Square in Kiev on 22 November, 2004. ... This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

The following sections discuss the situation of those states and entities concerning which the issue of EU membership has been discussed in official circles.

The European Free Trade Association

Switzerland

Switzerland took part in negotiating the EEA agreement with the EU and signed the agreement on 2 May 1992 and submitted an application for accession to the EU on 20 May 1992. A Swiss referendum held on 6 December 1992 rejected EEA membership. As a consequence, the Swiss Government decided to suspend negotiations for EU accession until further notice, but its application remains open. The popular initiative entitled "Yes to Europe!", calling for the opening of immediate negotiations for EU membership, was rejected in a 4 March 2001 referendum. The Swiss Federal Council (which is in favour of EU membership) had advised the population to vote against this referendum since the preconditions for the opening of negotiations had not been met. It is thought that the fear of a loss of neutrality and independence is the key issue against membership among eurosceptics. EU membership however continues to be the objective of the government and is a "long-term aim" of the Federal Council. Furthermore, the Swiss population agreed to their country's participation in the Schengen Agreement. As a result of that, Switzerland plans to join the area on November 2008. Switzerland took part in negotiating the EEA agreement with the EU and signed the agreement on 2 May 1992 and submitted an application for accession to the EU on 20 May 1992. ... EFTA countries (except Switzerland) EU countries Together these form the EEA. The European Economic Area (EEA) came into being on January 1, 1994 following an agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Union (EU). ... is the 122nd day of the year (123rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 140th day of the year (141st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 63rd day of the year (64th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... A neutral country takes no side in a war between other parties, and in return hopes to avoid being attacked by either of them. ... Euroscepticism has become a general term for opposition to the process of European integration. ... The Swiss Federal Council (in German: Bundesrat, in French: Conseil fédéral, in Italian: Consiglio federale, in Romansh: Cussegl Federal) is the seven-member executive council which collectively assumes the office of head of state equivalent to that of a president or of a monarch in the government of... For other uses, see Schengen. ...

The Swiss federal government policy has recently undergone substantial U-turns in policy, however, concerning specific agreements with the EU on freedom of movement for people, workers and areas concerning tax evasion have been addressed within the Swiss banking system. This was a result of the first Switzerland-EU summit in May 2004 where nine bilateral agreements were signed. Romano Prodi, former President of the European Commission, said the agreements "moved Switzerland closer to Europe." Joseph Deiss of the Swiss Federal Council said, "We might not be at the very centre of Europe but we're definitely at the heart of Europe". He continued, "We're beginning a new era of relations between our two entities." [6] This article contrasts tax evasion, tax avoidance, tax resistance and tax mitigation. ... Swiss bank secrecy is established and guaranteed by Swiss law Swiss banks are world-renowned for their secretive nature and protection of clients. ... Prodi redirects here. ... Joseph Deiss (born January 18, 1946) is an economist and Swiss politician. ... The Swiss Federal Council (German: , French: , Italian: , Romansh: ) is the seven-member executive council which constitutes the government as well as the head of state of Switzerland. ...

Norway

Norway, per capita the second richest country in the world is, like most other Scandinavian states, reluctant to surrender sovereignty to a supranational entity. The Norwegian government also wishes to keep control of oil, gas and fishery resources in their territorial waters. Norway has applied four times for EEC and EU membership. In 1962 and 1967 France vetoed Norway's entry, while the later 1972 referendum and the 1994 referendum were both lost by the government. In late 2004, then Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik suggested that the debate about joining the EU might be restarted in 2007. The 2005 constitution referendums in France and the Netherlands have however made this less likely, and in mid-October 2005, after the elections, the new Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg stated that there would not be a new attempt at EU membership under his government. One of the most important and divisive issues in Norwegian political and economic debate since World War II has been the countrys relationship with the European Union. ... Map of countries by 2006 GDP (nominal) per capita (IMF, October 2007). ... For other uses, see Scandinavia (disambiguation). ... Supranationalism is a method of decision-making in international organizations, where power is held by independent appointed officials or by representatives elected by the legislatures or people of the member states. ... A referendum on whether Norway should join the European Community was held on September 25, 1972. ... A referendum on whether Norway should join the European Union was held on November 28, 1994. ... This is a list of Viceroys (Rigsstatholder) and Prime Ministers (statsminister) of Norway. ... Kjell Magne Bondevik [IPA: Ã§É›l mÉ‘gne bÊŠnevik](born September 3, 1947) is a Norwegian Lutheran minister and politician. ... Parliamentary elections were held in Norway on 12 September 2005. ... (born March 16, 1959) is a Norwegian economist, leader (since 2002) of the Norwegian Labour Party and the current Prime Minister of Norway. ...

A large issue for Norway is its fishing resources, which is a significant part of the economy of Norway and which would come under the Common Fisheries Policy if Norway joins the European Union. Norway has high GNP per capita, not so much agriculture, and few underdeveloped areas, meaning they would have to pay a lot to the budget and get little back from the union. However, Norway annually loses out on €180 million by not being an EU member, according to reports by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs.^[25]High seas fishermen especially would gain from membership as the cost of entering the EU market would disappear and they would be able to fish in all EU waters. Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, Norway Although sensitive to global business cycles, the economy of Norway has shown robust growth since the start of the industrial era. ... The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union. ... Measures of national income and output are used in economics to estimate the value of goods and services produced in an economy. ...

Thorbjørn Jagland, President of the Parliament, has proposed that Norway and Iceland should prepare a common strategy before launching membership negotiations with the EU. His Icelandic counterpart has expressed agreement. (born November 5, 1950) is a Norwegian politician. ...

Norway is also a member of the European Economic Area (the EU common market), the Schengen treaty and an associate member of the Western European Union as well as other areas normally considered as under the EU umbrella of treaties and agreements. Norway has been a member of NATO since 1949. EFTA countries (except Switzerland) EU countries Together these form the EEA. The European Economic Area (EEA) came into being on January 1, 1994 following an agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Union (EU). ... The European Community (EC), most important of three European Communities, was originally founded on March 25, 1957 by the signing of the Treaty of Rome under the name of European Economic Community. ... Schengen Treaty members are in dark blue, while signatories (where it is not yet implemented) are in light blue. ... â€¢ â€¢ â€¢ Membership 10 member states 6 associate member states 5 observer countries 7 associate partner countries Establishment Treaty of Brussels - Signed 17 March 1948 The Western European Union (WEU) is a partially dormant European defence and security organization, established on the basis of the Treaty of Brussels of 1948 with the... This article is about the military alliance. ...

Iceland

Iceland has never applied for EU membership but is already associated with the union through the EEA where it has access to the Single market. Iceland is also a member of the Schengen treaty and has expressed interest in joining the euro whilst still remaining outside the EU. Iceland is not a member state of the European Union (EU) and has never applied for membership. ... EFTA countries (except Switzerland) EU countries Together these form the EEA. The European Economic Area (EEA) came into being on January 1, 1994 following an agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Union (EU). ... A single market is a customs union with common policies on product regulation, and freedom of movement of all the four factors of production (land, enterprise, capital and labour). ... Schengen Treaty members are in dark blue, while signatories (where it is not yet implemented) are in light blue. ... For other uses, see Euro (disambiguation). ...

Like in Norway, fear of losing control over the fishery resources in its territorial waters is the single largest issue keeping Iceland reluctant to join the EU. Since these two countries have so much in common it is generally expected that they would join together, as it would not be easy for Iceland to be the only Nordic country to remain outside the EU. The government has established a committee to look into ways to protect fishing privileges in case of an EU accession. The Nordic countries (Greenland not shown) The Nordic countries is a term used collectively for five countries in Northern Europe. ...

Application for EU membership is not on the current centre-right government's agenda, and none of the political parties have explicitly expressed that Iceland should join the union although the Alliance remains in favour of negotiations. The Left-Green Movement has been firmly opposed to membership and the same goes for the conservative Independence Party, a member of the ruling coalition, although its former chairman Davíð Oddsson indicated in a speech in January 2005 that a policy change was not ruled out depending on how the EU will evolve in coming years. Political parties in Iceland lists political parties in Iceland. ... The Alliance (Samfylkingin) is a political party in Iceland. ... The Left-Green Movement (Vinstrihreyfingin - grÃ¦nt framboÃ°) is a political party in Iceland. ... The Independence Party (SjÃ¡lfstÃ¦Ã°isflokkurinn) is a center-right political party in Iceland. ... This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. ...

Former Prime Minister Halldór Ásgrímsson of the Progressive Party has predicted that Iceland will join the EU by 2015, and said that the decisive factor for Iceland would be the future and the size of the Eurozone. He admitted however that the right political situation doesn't exist at the moment to take a decision on the issue.^[26] HalldÃ³r ÃsgrÃmsson HalldÃ³r ÃsgrÃmsson (born September 8, 1947) is the former Prime Minister of Iceland. ... The Progressive Party (Icelandic: FramsÃ³knarflokkurinn) is an agrarian and liberal party in Iceland. ... The Eurozone (also called Euro Area, Eurosystem or Euroland) refers to the European Union member states that have adopted the euro currency union. ... 2007 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is, like Norway and Iceland, a member of the European Economic Area. It might consider joining the EU if Switzerland joins. If it attained membership it would be by far the smallest member state. The five European microstates encompassed by the European Union There are a number of small microstates in Europe; due to their size they are often closely linked with another larger state and now most European microstates have special relations with the European Union. ... EFTA countries (except Switzerland) EU countries Together these form the EEA. The European Economic Area (EEA) came into being on January 1, 1994 following an agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Union (EU). ...

Former Soviet republics

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the former Soviet republics of Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus have been looked upon as potential candidates for EU enlargement. All are or have been closely linked to Russia and would need to concentrate more on other European partners to attain candidate membership. Russia itself has also been brought up for consideration as well as Kazakhstan (which has a portion of its western territory in Eastern Europe). However, these states will probably remain outside the Union, at least for a significant amount of time. They are not currently on any enlargement agenda as the Union is currently focused on the Balkan states and Turkey. Statistical regions of Europe as delineated by the United Nations (UN definition of Eastern Europe marked red): Northern Europe Western Europe Eastern Europe Southern Europe Pre-1989 division between the West (grey) and Eastern Bloc (orange) superimposed on current borders: Russia (dark orange), other countries formerly part of the USSR... South Caucasus: Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan South Caucasus (also referred sometimes as Transcaucasus) is a name to the transitional region between Europe and Asia extending from the Greater Caucasus to the Turkish and Iranian borders, between the Black and Caspian seas. ...

A summit in Mamaia, Eastern Romania, in May 2004 has shown enlargement to Eastern Europe to be a definite possibility, though only Ukraine and Moldova were present, as Belarus is currently not concerned with membership. Mamaia is the biggest resort on the Romanian Black Sea shore. ...

The South Caucasus states of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan have been the site of much instability in the 1990s. Currently, there seems to be a feeling of hope in the region's future. Their EU membership would be conditional on the political assessment by the European Council about whether or not they are considered European. Nevertheless all three states are admitted as full members into the Council of Europe (like Cyprus) after similar assessment process. Before the first official visit of external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner to the three Caucasus states, it was stated that if she were asked about enlargement, she would not rule it out.[7] It is unclear as to when they may move towards membership but they are part of the European Neighbourhood Policy and are often referred to as part of "a wider Europe". Since their only land contact with European states is through Russia and Turkey, it is possible that they would only join after Turkey did so first. However, on January 12, 2002, the European Parliament noted that Armenia and Georgia may enter the EU in the future regardless.^[27] For the band, see 1990s (band). ... The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country is eligible to join the European Union. ... This article deals with the meeting of European Union leaders. ... Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral) ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 5 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders - Secretary General Terry Davis - President of the Parliamentary Assembly Rene van der Linden... The external relations policy of the Barroso Commission is based on three key basic propositions on the EUâ€™s role in the emerging world order. ... Benita Ferrero-Waldner (born September 5, 1948) is the European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy and an Austrian diplomat and politician. ... The European Neighbourhood is the region beyond the frontier of the European Union. ... is the 12th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... Established 1952, as the Common Assembly President Hans-Gert PÃ¶ttering (EPP) Since 16 January 2007 Vice-Presidents 14 Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (EPP) Alejo Vidal-Quadras (EPP) GÃ©rard Onesta (Greens â€“ EFA) Edward McMillan-Scott (ED) Mario Mauro (EPP) Miguel Angel MartÃnez MartÃnez (PES) Luigi Cocilovo (ALDE) Mechtild...

Ukraine

Many political factions of Ukraine advocate joining the EU and developing ties with Europe. However, some in the EU are more doubtful concerning Ukraine's prospects. In 2002, EU Expansion Commissioner Günter Verheugen said that "a European perspective" for Ukraine does not necessarily mean membership in 10 or 20 years, however, that does not mean it is not a possibility. A Ukraine-EU Troika meeting in April 2004, on the eve of the newest wave of expansion, dealt a blow to Ukraine's European aspiration when the EU ministers failed to grant market economy status to Ukraine; however, this was before the Orange Revolution in Ukraine. This article is based on a translation of an article from the German Wikipedia. ... GÃ¼nter Verheugen (born 28 April 1944 in Bad Kreuznach, Rhineland-Palatinate) is a German politician, currently serving as European Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry. ... A market economy (also called a free market economy or a free enterprise economy) is an economic system in which the production and distribution of goods and services take place through the mechanism of free markets (though completley useless to some dumbasses) guided by a free price system. ... Orange-clad demonstrators gather in the Independence Square in Kiev on 22 November, 2004. ...

For the time being, Ukraine will most likely develop intermediate relations with the EU as it is strongly backed by all major political forces in Poland, an EU member with strong historical ties with Ukraine (through the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth). Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ...

The Orange Revolution of late 2004 improved Ukraine's European prospects: Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko hinted that he would press the EU for deeper ties, and described a four-point plan: the acknowledgment of Ukraine as a market economy, entry in the World Trade Organization, associate membership with the European Union, and lastly full membership.^[28] In a similar way, the Ukrainian government asked Brussels to give Ukraine a clearer prospect for membership, saying that "The approved Action Plan reflects only the level of Ukraine-EU relations that we could have reached before the presidential elections in 2004."^[29] Orange-clad demonstrators gather in the Independence Square in Kiev on 22 November, 2004. ... Viktor Andriyovych Yushchenko (Ukrainian: ) (born February 23, 1954) is the current President of Ukraine. ... WTO redirects here. ... The presidential election held in November and December 2004 in Ukraine was mostly a political battle between Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych and former Prime Minister and opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko. ...

On January 13, 2005 the European Parliament almost unanimously (467 votes to 19 in favour) passed a motion stating the wish of the European Parliament to establish closer ties with Ukraine with the possibility of EU membership. Though there is still a long way to go before negotiations about EU membership can start, the European Commission has stated that future EU membership will not be ruled out. Yushchenko has responded to the apathetic mood of the Commission by stating that he intends to send an application for EU membership "in the near future" and that he intends to scrutinise Ukraine's relationship with the CIS in order to assure EU integration is possible and if not to make it possible. Several EU leaders have already stated strong support for closer economic ties with Ukraine but have stopped short of direct support for such a bid. On 21 March 2005, Polish Foreign Minister Adam Daniel Rotfeld noted that Poland will in every way promote Ukraine's desire to be integrated with the EU, get the status of a market-economy country and join the WTO. He also said "At the present moment, we should take concrete steps in cooperation instead of engaging in empty talk about European integration".^{[citation needed]} Three days later, a poll of the six largest EU nations conducted by a French research company showed that the European public would be more likely to accept Ukraine as a future EU member than any other country that is not currently an official candidate. is the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Established 1952, as the Common Assembly President Hans-Gert PÃ¶ttering (EPP) Since 16 January 2007 Vice-Presidents 14 Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (EPP) Alejo Vidal-Quadras (EPP) GÃ©rard Onesta (Greens â€“ EFA) Edward McMillan-Scott (ED) Mario Mauro (EPP) Miguel Angel MartÃnez MartÃnez (PES) Luigi Cocilovo (ALDE) Mechtild... A motion is a formal step to introduce a matter for consideration by a group. ... Berlaymont, the Commissions seat The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. ... Member state Associate member Headquarters Minsk, Belarus Working language Russian Type Commonwealth Membership 11 member states 1 associate member Leaders - Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev Establishment December 21, 1991 Website http://cis. ... is the 80th day of the year (81st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Adam Daniel Rotfeld Adam Daniel Rotfeld (b. ...

In October 2005, Commission president José Manuel Barroso said that the future of Ukraine is in the EU. On November 9, 2005, however, the European Commission has in a new strategy paper suggested that the current enlargement agenda (Croatia followed by the other ex-Yugoslav countries and Albania) could block the possibility of a future accession of Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova. Commissioner Olli Rehn said that the EU should avoid overstretch, adding that the current enlargement agenda is already very heavy.^[30] JosÃ© Manuel DurÃ£o Barroso, GCC (pronounced ) (born in Porto, March 23, 1956) is a Portuguese politician and the 11th President of the European Commission, being the first Portuguese person to hold the post. ... is the 313th day of the year (314th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Olli Rehn Olli Rehn ( ) (born 31 March 1962) is a Finnish politician, currently serving as European Commissioner for Enlargement. ...

Moldova

The government has stated that Moldova has European aspirations but there has been little progress. In 2005 the ruling Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova reoriented their foreign policy towards Europe.^{[citation needed]} The enlargement of the European Union on 1 May 2004 has brought a historical shift for the Union in political, geographic and economic terms, further reinforcing the political and economic interdependence between the EU and Moldova. ... The Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (Partidul ComuniÅŸtilor din Republica Moldova) is a communist political party in Moldova, led by Vladimir Voronin. ...

On October 6, 2005 the EU opened its permanent mission in Chişinău, the capital city of Moldova. is the 279th day of the year (280th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Location of ChiÅŸinÄƒu in Moldova Coordinates: , Country Founded 1436 Government - Mayor Dorin ChirtoacÄƒ, since 2007 Area - City 120 kmÂ² (46. ...

Belarus

The EU's relations with Belarus are strained as the EU has condemned the government of Belarus several times for authoritarian and anti-democratic practices, and even imposed sanctions on the country.^[31] Under its current president, Belarus has instead sought a close confederation with Russia, short of political reunion. Belarus and the European Union refers to relations between the Republic of Belarus and the European Union. ... Map of the Union of Russia and Belarus. ... A Political Union is a type of state which is composed of smaller states. ...

Georgia

Georgia's current President Mikheil Saakashvili, has expressed a desire for Georgia to join the EU. This view has been explicitly expressed on several occasions as links to the United States, EU and NATO have been strengthened in an attempt to move away from the Russian sphere of influence. Disputes continue over South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In Ajaria, a significant hurdle in protecting the territorial integrity of the country was overcome when the authoritarian leader Aslan Abashidze was forced to resign in May 2004. With Georgia having recently undergone substantial reforms, President Mikhail Saakashvili has expressed his desire to see membership of the European Union as a long term priority. ... Mikheil Saakashvili (Georgian: ) (born December 21, 1967) is a Georgian politician and the current President of Georgia. ... This article is about the military alliance. ... Anthem unknown Capital Tskhinvali Official languages Ossetian1 Government - President Eduard Kokoity - Prime Minister Yury Morozov De facto independence from Georgia - Declared November 28, 1991 - Recognition none Currency Russian ruble (RUB) Russian in widespread use by government and other institutions. ... Abkhazia (pronounced or , Apsny, Georgian: Apkhazeti or Abkhazeti, Russian: Abhazia) is an autonomous region of Georgia in the Caucasus. ... Official language Georgian Capital Batumi ISO code GE.AJ Head of the Government Levan Varshalomidze Area - Total - % water 2,900 kmÂ² n/a Population - Total (1989) - Density 392,432 135. ... Aslan Abashidze Aslan Abashidze (Georgian: áƒáƒ¡áƒšáƒáƒœ áƒáƒ‘áƒáƒ¨áƒ˜áƒ«áƒ”) (born July 20, 1938) was the leader of the Ajarian Autonomous Republic in western Georgia from 1991 to May 5, 2004. ...

Georgia is considered the most favoured Caucasus country to join the EU, especially after the Rose Revolution, but territorial disputes and corruption are still an issue. It has not, as yet, applied for EU membership, but the President has said the country would be ready in three years' time.^{[citation needed]} This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Armenia

Armenia is geographically located entirely within Western Asia. However, like Cyprus and Georgia, it has traditionally been regarded as culturally associated with Europe because of its deep historical connections with European society, including an old and large diaspora. Armenia and the European Union have had a varied relationship over the years. ... A map showing Southwest Asia - The term Middle East is more often used to refer to both Southwest Asia and some North African countries Southwest Asia, or West Asia, is the southwestern part of Asia. ... Map of the Armenian diaspora. ...

Several Armenian officials have expressed the desire for their country to eventually become an EU member state,^[32] some predicting that it will make an official bid for membership in a few years.^[33] However, the current president, Robert Kocharyan, has said he will keep Armenia tied to Russia and the CSTO for now, remaining partners, not members of the EU and NATO.^[34] Robert Sedraki Kocharian (Armenian: Ռոբերտ Քոչարյան) (born August 31, 1954) is the second president of the third republic of Armenia. ... The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) (in Russian: Ð¡Ð¾Ð´Ñ€ÑƒÐ¶ÐµÑÑ‚Ð²Ð¾ ÐÐµÐ·Ð°Ð²Ð¸ÑÐ¸Ð¼Ñ‹Ñ… Ð“Ð¾ÑÑƒÐ´Ð°Ñ€ÑÑ‚Ð² (Ð¡ÐÐ“) - Sodruzhestvo Nezavisimykh Gosudarstv) is a confederation or alliance consisting of 12 former Soviet Republics: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. ... This article is about the military alliance. ...

Public opinion in Armenia suggests the move for membership would be welcomed, with 64% out of a sample of 2,000 being in favour and only 11.8% being against.^[35]

Armenia is still in conflict over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh with neighbouring Azerbaijan. Since 1994, a ceasefire has been in place, but tensions remain very high between the two countries. Although the country's economy had one of the world's fastest growth rates in the past few years, this comes off a low base and many years of near-continuous recession.^[36] Still, Armenia ranked 28th, ahead of a number of EU members such as Austria, France, Portugal and Italy in the 2008 Index of Economic Freedom.^[37] Nagorno-Karabakh (Azerbaijani: Dağlıq Qarabağ or Yuxarı Qarabağ, literally mountainous black garden or upper black garden; Russian: Нагорный Карабах, translit. ... Map of Economic Freedom released by the Heritage Foundation. ...

The Metsamor nuclear power plant, which is situated some 40km west of Yerevan, is built on top of an active seismic zone and is a matter of negotiation between Armenia and the EU. Towards the end of 2007, Armenia approved a plan to shut down the Metsamor plant in compliance with the New European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan.^[38] Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant (Armenian: ) was built during the 1970s, about thirty kilometres west of the Armenian capital of Yerevan. ...

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, a majority-Shia Muslim but secular country with a Turkic population, would need to overcome several obstacles in order to be considered a potential EU candidate. The oil-rich country has made improvements to its infrastructure but much of the money from its very high GDP growth still does not seem to find its way into the lower echelons of society, despite being larger and more technologically modernised than its neighbors. Its economy is also suffering from the "Dutch disease," as oil is becoming its primary export, rendering the manufacturing sector less competitive.^[39] Corruption is another serious issue and recent presidential elections in Azerbaijan were disputed by the opposition and have been criticised for not being free, fair or democratic by international observers. The country also needs to resolve the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh with neighbouring Armenia. Azerbaijan's vast military spending and the warlike rhetoric of the country's leadership are becoming somewhat of an alarm to the EU, which wishes to ease tensions in the area. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... This article is about the various peoples speaking one of the Turkic languages. ... This article is about the economic phenomenon. ... Nagorno-Karabakh (Azerbaijani: Dağlıq Qarabağ or Yuxarı Qarabağ, literally mountainous black garden or upper black garden; Russian: Нагорный Карабах, translit. ...

These are the main obstacles ahead of a possible EU application from Azerbaijan. The country itself has not expressed a desire to join the EU but it is not unreasonable to assume that integration could be delayed, with Azerbaijan likely facing difficulties similar to Turkey's.

Russia

Among the most vocal supporters of closer ties between Russia and the EU has been former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. In an article published to Italian media on 26 May 2002 he said that the next step in Russia's growing integration with the West should be EU membership.^[40] More recently, on 17 November 2005, he commented in regards to the prospect of such a membership that he is "convinced that even if it is a dream ... it is not too distant a dream and I think it will happen one day."^[41] Berlusconi has made similar comments on other occasions as well.^[42] The EU-Russia Common Spaces are four projected spheres of cooperation between the European Union and the Russian Federation. ... (born September 29, 1936) is an Italian politician, entrepreneur, and media proprietor. ... is the 146th day of the year (147th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... 17 November is also the name of a Marxist group in Greece, coinciding with the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

At present, however, the prospect of Russia joining the EU any time in the near future is slim. Analysts have commented that Russia is "decades away" from qualifying for EU membership.^[43] Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has also said that though Russia must "find its place both in NATO, and, in the longer term, in the European Union, and if conditions are created for this to happen" that such a thing is not economically feasible in the near future.^[44] [] (born April 7, 1944), German politician, was Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005. ...

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia joining the EU would not be in the interests of either Russia or the EU, although he advocated close integration in various dimensions including establishment of four common spaces between Russia and the EU, including united economic, educational and scientific spaces as it was declared in the agreement in 2003.^[45]^[46]^[47]^[48] Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (Russian: ) (born October 7, 1952) is the current President of the Russian Federation. ... The EU-Russia Common Spaces are four projected spheres of cooperation between the European Union and the Russian Federation. ...

The Kaliningrad exclave is still a problem between the EU and Russia as well as the fact that Russia and Estonia have not yet ratified a border treaty. Kaliningrad Oblast (Russian: , Kaliningradskaya Oblast; informally called Yantarny kray (, meaning amber region) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast) on the Baltic coast. ... D is Bs exclave, but is not an enclave. ...

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, which has a portion of its territory in Europe, is considered a European nation by the Council of Europe, as expressed in an official CoE statement in 1999 and therefore qualifies for full membership in the CoE.^[49]^[50] Despite this, the subject of joining the EU has not yet been even remotely discussed. green - Europe, pink/gray - Asia See Europe page for more details about the geographical border between Europe and Asia. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral) ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 5 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders - Secretary General Terry Davis - President of the Parliamentary Assembly Rene van der Linden...

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry has also expressed interest in the European Neighbourhood Policy.^[51] Some MEPs have also discussed Kazakhstan's inclusion in the ENP.^[52] Kazakhstan's President has also proposed a Central Asian Union as an alternative to EU membership. The European Neighbourhood is the region beyond the frontier of the European Union. ... A Member of the European Parliament (English abbreviation MEP)[1] is a member of the European Unions directly-elected legislative body, the European Parliament. ... Proposed Central Asian Union A Central Asian Union was proposed by Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbaev on April 26, 2007, consisting of the five Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. ...

Microstates

There are three very small European microstates that are bordered only by the European Union — San Marino, Vatican City and Monaco — and use and mint their own euro coins. Andorra, also surrounded by the EU, uses the euro but does not mint coins. Their economies have always been tightly related with their neighbours. However, their existence as sovereign nations is tightly bound up with their special economic laws which are not compatible with EU standards. The five European microstates encompassed by the European Union There are a number of small microstates in Europe; due to their size they are often closely linked with another larger state and now most European microstates have special relations with the European Union. ... The European microstates are a handful of very small sovereign states on the European continent and the surrounding islands. ...

San Marino

The left-wing opposition Popular Alliance has been reported to be in favour of joining the EU, which the ruling San Marinese Christian Democratic Party opposes.^[53] The Alliance of Sammarinese Democrats for the Republic (Alleanza Popolare dei Democratici Sammarinesi per la Repubblica) is a liberal party in San Marino. ... The San Marinese Christian Democratic Party (Italian: Partito Democratico Cristiano Sammarinese) is a political party in San Marino. ...

Andorra

The government has said that "for the time being" there is no need to join the EU;^[54] however, the opposition Social Democratic Party are in favour.^[55] A major disadvantage of membership would be the cost, and the EU was not designed with microstates in mind.^{[citation needed]} The Social Democratic Party (Partit SocialdemÃ²crata) is a political party in Andorra. ...

Vatican

The Vatican City has a unique status in the European continent as a theocracy, which would be inconsistent with EU membership.^{[citation needed]} Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: For the metal band, refer to Theocracy (band). ...

Monaco

Monaco currently applies certain policies of the European Union through its special relationship with France, a member state.^[56] Monaco is a full part of the EU's customs territory, and applies most EU measures relating to VAT and excise duties. Monaco is a full member of the Schengen area and the eurozone and has implemented the EU Directive on the taxation of savings interest. Monaco joined the Council of Europe in 2004,^[57] a move that required it to renegotiate its relations with France, which previously had the right to nominate various ministers.^[58] This was seen as part of a general move toward Europe.^[59] Customs is an authority or agency in a country responsible for collecting customs duties and for controlling the flow of animals and goods (including personal effects and hazardous items) in and out of a country. ... Tax rates around the world Tax revenue as % of GDP Economic policy Monetary policy Central bank Money supply Gold standard Fiscal policy Spending Deficit Debt Policy-mix Trade policy Tariff Trade agreement Finance Financial market Financial market participants Corporate Personal Public Regulation Banking Fractional-reserve Full-reserve Free banking Islamic... An excise is an indirect tax or duty levied on items within a country. ... The Schengen treaty is an agreement originally signed on June 14, 1985, by five European Union countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Germany). ... The Eurozone (also called Euro Area, Eurosystem or Euroland) refers to the European Union member states that have adopted the euro currency union. ... Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral) ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 5 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders - Secretary General Terry Davis - President of the Parliamentary Assembly Rene van der Linden...

Dependencies of EU member states

There are multiple Special member state territories, some of them are not fully covered by the EU treaties and apply EU law only partially, if at all. See also the territories not covered by the Schengen treaty. It is possible for a dependency to change its status regarding the EU and/or some particular treaty or law provision. The territory may change its status from participation to leaving or from being outside to joining. Two parts of the Treaty of Rome deal with special relationships: Article 299 which sets out the territories to which the treaty applies, supplemented by the accession treaties; and Articles 182-188 and Annex II on association with the non-European countries and territories which have special relations with the... Schengen Treaty members are in dark blue, while signatories (where it is not yet implemented) are in light blue. ...

Greenland

Denmark's Greenland is a well-known example for a member state special territory that changed its status in regard to coverage of EU treaties and laws. After the establishment of Greenland's home rule in 1979 (effective from 1980), a second referendum on membership was held, where the people decided to leave the community. On February 1, 1985, Greenland left the EEC and EURATOM. Danish nationals residing in Greenland (i.e. all native population) are nonetheless fully European citizens; they are not, however, entitled to vote in European elections. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Greenland. ... Devolution or Home rule is the pooling of powers from central government to government at regional or local level. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... The European Community (EC), most important of three European Communities, was originally founded on March 25, 1957 by the signing of the Treaty of Rome under the name of European Economic Community. ... The European Atomic Energy Community, or EURATOM, is an international organisation composed of the members of the European Union. ...

There has been some speculation as to whether Greenland may consider rejoining the European Union. On 4 January 2007 the Danish daily Jyllands-Posten quoted the former Danish minister for Greenland, Tom Høyem, as saying "I would not be surprised if Greenland again becomes a member of the EU... The EU needs the Arctic window and Greenland cannot alone manage the gigantic Arctic possibilities".^[60] is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... (English: The Morning Newspaper The Jutland Post), commonly shortened to Jyllands-Posten or JP, is a Danish daily broadsheet newspaper. ... Minister of Greenland (Danish: Minister for GrÃ¸nland) was a cabinet post for affairs with the Danish arctic territory. ... Tom HÃ¸yem (b. ...

Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands, an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark, are not part of the EU, as explicitly asserted by both Rome treaties. The relations with the EU are governed by a Fisheries Agreement (1977) and a Free Trade Agreement (1991, revised 1998). The main reason for remaining outside the EU is disagreements about the Common Fisheries Policy.^[61] Free trade is an economic concept referring to the selling of products between countries without tariffs or other trade barriers. ... The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union. ...

There are however some politicians, mainly belonging to the right-wing Unionist Party (Sambandsflokkurin), such as their chairman Kaj Leo Johannesen, who would like to see the Faroes as a member of the EU. However, the chairman of the Republican Party (Tjóðveldisflokkurin), Høgni Hoydal, has expressed concerns, that if the Faroes were to join the EU as is, they might vanish inside the EU as an outskirt of an outskirt (Faroe Islands being an outskirt of Denmark, and Denmark being an outskirt of the EU), and wants the local government to solve the political situation between the Faroes and Denmark first. Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Faroe political parties ... The Republican Party or Nationalist Party (TjÃ³Ã°veldisflokkurin) is a left of centre political party in the Faroe Islands committed to Faroese independence. ... Full name HÃ¸gni Karsten Hoydal, commonly called HÃ¸gni Hoydal. ...

UK Sovereign Base Areas

The UK Sovereign Base Areas, Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus did not join the European Union when the United Kingdom joined. Cyprus' Accession Treaty specifically stated that this would not change with the accession of Cyprus to the European Union. However, currently, some provisions of the EU Law are applicable there - mainly border management, food safety and free movement of people and goods. The UK Sovereign Base Areas are those British military base areas located in countries formerly ruled by the United Kingdom which were retained by it and not handed over when those countries attained independence. ... Anthem God Save the Queen Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Occupied Areas) Sovereign Base Areas indicated in pink. ... The Treaty of Accession 2003 was the agreement between the European Union and ten countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia), concerning these countries accession into the EU. At the same time it changed a number of points which were originally laid down in the... European Union law is the unique legal system which operates alongside the laws of Member States of the European Union (EU). ... For other uses, see Border (disambiguation). ... Food safety is a scientific discipline describing the handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent Foodborne illness. ...

UK Crown Dependencies

Special terms were negotiated for the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man on the UK’s accession to the European Economic Community. These are contained in Protocol 3 to the Treaty of Accession 1973. The effect of the protocol is that the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are within the Common Customs Area and the Common External Tariff (i.e. they enjoy access to European Union countries of physical exports without tariff barriers). Other Community rules do not apply to the Islands. This article is about the British dependencies. ... The European Community (EC), most important of three European Communities, was originally founded on March 25, 1957 by the signing of the Treaty of Rome under the name of European Economic Community. ...

Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Réunion

The territories of Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Réunion are overseas departments of France and at the same time mono-departmental overseas regions. In other words, they are integral parts of France in the same way Hawaii is of the United States. According to the EC treaty (article 299 2), overseas departments are outermost regions (OMR) - hence provisions of the EC treaty apply there while derogations are allowed. This article is about the U.S. State. ...

New Caledonia

New Caledonia has a unique status inside France and is not even a collectivité territoriale, unlike all other French subdivisions. Currently, in regard to the EU, it is one of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) and thus the EU Law does not apply there. // Metropolitan France As of January 1, 2004, metropolitan France is divided into: 22 rÃ©gions (although strictly speaking Corsica is in fact a territorial collectivity, not a rÃ©gion, but is referred to as a rÃ©gion in common speech) the rÃ©gions are divided into 96 dÃ©partements the...

As a result of the 1998 Nouméa Accord, New Caledonians will vote on an independence referendum scheduled between 2014 and 2019 . This referendum will determine whether the territory remains a part of the French Republic as a "sui generis collectivity", or whether it will become an independent nation. The accords also specify a gradual devolution of powers to the local New Caledonian assembly. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Politics of New Caledonia. ...

Netherlands Antilles and Aruba

The Netherlands Antilles are currently part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (as are the two countries Aruba and the Netherlands per se) and they are an Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) entity, listed under Annex II of the EC treaty. OCTs are not considered part of the EU and EU law does not apply there. Two parts of the Treaty of Rome deal with special relationships: Article 299 which sets out the territories to which the treaty applies, supplemented by the accession treaties; and Articles 182-188 and Annex II on association with the non-European countries and territories which have special relations with the...

The Netherlands Antilles will be restructured on 15 December 2008. Curaçao and Sint Maarten will become two separate countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius will become part of the Netherlands as special municipalities. is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see CuraÃ§ao (disambiguation). ... Motto Semper pro grediens (Latin) Anthem O sweet Saint-Martins Land Capital (and largest city) Philipsburg Official languages Dutch, English Government See Politics of the Netherlands Antilles - Administrator Franklyn Richards constitutional monarchy part of the Netherlands Antilles, separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands as from December 15... Anthem: Tera di Solo y suave biento Capital (and largest city) Kralendijk Official languages Dutch Government See Politics of the Netherlands Antilles - Bonaire Administrator - Governor of N.A. Frits Goedgedrag Constitutional monarchy part of the Netherlands Antilles Area - Total 288 kmÂ² 111 sq mi Population - 2001 census 10,791 - Density... Motto Remis Velisque (Latin) With oars and sails (English) Anthem Saba you rise from the ocean Capital The Bottom Largest city The Bottom Official languages Dutch, Papiamento and English (unofficial) Government See Politics of the Netherlands Antilles - Saba Administrator A.J.M. Solagnier - Governor of N.A. Frits Goedgedrag Constitutional... Map showing location of Sint Eustatius relative to Saba and Sint Maarten/Saint Martin. ...

The government of the Netherlands is currently investigating the consequences of a change of status within the European Union for these islands. Annex II of the Treaty of Rome currently lists the Netherlands Antilles as an OCT. The islands would like to become an outermost region of the EU - the same status as the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and the French overseas departments. European commissioner Danuta Hübner has said before the European Parliament that she doesn't expect many problems to occur with such a status change, as the islands' population only consists of some 30,000 people. However, it will require an amendment to the Treaty of Rome before the new status can take effect.^[3] The Treaty of Rome signing ceremony Signatures in the Treaty The Treaty of Rome, signed by France, West Germany, Italy and Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) on March 25, 1957, established the European Economic Community (EEC). ... Motto (Portuguese for Rather die free than in peace subjugated) Anthem (national) (local) Capital Ponta Delgada1 Angra do HeroÃsmo2 Horta3 Largest city Ponta Delgada Official languages Portuguese Government Autonomous region - President Carlos CÃ©sar Establishment - Settled 1439 - Autonomy 1976 Area - Total 2,333 kmÂ² (n/a) 911 sq mi... For other uses, see Madeira (disambiguation). ... Anthem: ArrorrÃ³ Capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife Official language(s) Spanish Area â€“ Total â€“ % of Spain Ranked 13th 7,447 kmÂ² 1. ... Under the 1946 Constitution of the Fourth Republic, the French colonies of Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana in the Caribbean and RÃ©union in the Indian Ocean became dÃ©partements doutre-mer (in English Overseas Departments) or DOMs. ... The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive of the European Union. ... Danuta HÃ¼bner Danuta HÃ¼bner (born on 8 April 1948, in Nisko, Poland) was Polish Minister for European Affairs and is currently European Union Commissioner for Regional Policy. ... Established 1952, as the Common Assembly President Hans-Gert PÃ¶ttering (EPP) Since 16 January 2007 Vice-Presidents 14 Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (EPP) Alejo Vidal-Quadras (EPP) GÃ©rard Onesta (Greens â€“ EFA) Edward McMillan-Scott (ED) Mario Mauro (EPP) Miguel Angel MartÃnez MartÃnez (PES) Luigi Cocilovo (ALDE) Mechtild...

Under the proposed European Constitution, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten could change their status to outermost region by means of a unanimous decision of the European Council. This ability is retained in the Treaty of Lisbon, which reads (excerpt): The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, commonly referred to as the European Constitution, is an international treaty intended to create a constitution for the European Union. ... For other uses, see CuraÃ§ao (disambiguation). ... Motto Semper pro grediens (Latin) Anthem O sweet Saint-Martins Land Capital (and largest city) Philipsburg Official languages Dutch, English Government See Politics of the Netherlands Antilles - Administrator Franklyn Richards constitutional monarchy part of the Netherlands Antilles, separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands as from December 15... This article deals with the meeting of European Union leaders. ... For other uses, see Treaty of Lisbon (disambiguation). ...

Northern Cyprus

Officially, the island nation Cyprus is part of the European Union, under the de jure sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots are citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and thus of the European Union, and were entitled to vote in the 2004 European Parliament election (though only a few hundred registered). The EU's acquis communautaire is suspended indefinitely in the northern third of the island, which has remained outside the control of the Republic of Cyprus since the Turkish invasion of 1974. The Greek Cypriot community rejected the Annan Plan for the settlement of the Cyprus dispute in a referendum on 24 April 2004. Had the referendum been in favour of the settlement proposal, the island (excluding the British Sovereign Base Areas) would have joined the European Union as the United Cyprus Republic. Island countries in the world An island country is a country that is wholly confined to an island or island group, and has no territory on the mainland of a continent. ... Look up De jure in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Cyprus (in Greek Kypros Κύπρος and in Turkish Kıbrıs) is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, 113 kilometres (70 miles) south of Turkey and around 120 km west of the Syrian coast. ... Turkish Cypriots are those inhabitants of Cyprus who are ethnically Turkish[1], as opposed to those who are of Greek (the Greek Cypriots) or other ethnicities. ... Elections to the European Parliament were held from June 10, 2004 to June 13, 2004 in the 25 member states of the European Union, using varying election days according to local custom. ... The term acquis (or sometimes acquis communautaire), deriving from French, is used in European Union law to refer to the total body of EU law accumulated so far. ... Combatants Turkey Cyprus Greece On the 20th of July 1974, Turkey launched a military invasion by air, land and sea against Cyprus purportedly to restore constitutional order following an Athens orchestrated coup by the Cypriot National Guard against the President of Cyprus, Makarios III. Though Turkey had consistently refused to... Greek Cypriot refers to the ethnic Greek population of Cyprus. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The two major communities of the de facto divided island nation of Cyprus held a referendum on settling the Cyprus dispute on 24 April 2004. ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The UK Sovereign Base Areas are those British military base areas located in countries formerly ruled by the United Kingdom which were retained by it and not handed over when those countries attained independence. ...

The European Union's relations with the Turkish Cypriot Community are handled by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement.^[62] Berlaymont, the Commissions seat The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. ... The Directorate-General for Enlargement is a Directorate-General of the European Commission. ...

Non-European states

In the Treaty of Maastricht (Article 49), it is stated that any European country (as defined by the EU political assessment) that respects the principles of the European Union may apply to join. No mention is made of enlarging the EU to include non-European countries, but the precedents of turning down Morocco's application and speaking about Israel's closest integration, "just short of full membership" suggests that currently it is impossible for non-European states to get full EU membership. The Maastricht Treaty (formally, the Treaty of European Union, TEU) was signed on February 7, 1992 in Maastricht, Netherlands after final negotiations in December 1991 between the members of the European Community and entered into force on November 1, 1993 during the Delors Commission. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country is eligible to join the European Union. ...

However, some non-European states have different degrees of integration with the EU stipulated by agreements, always short of membership. Alternatively such countries could be integrated into a larger regional block or an overlapping block such as Nicolas Sarkozy's proposal to create a Mediterranean Union, or a lesser organisation such as the Euro-Mediterranean free trade area. The current frameworks for development of such agreements are the Barcelona process and the European Neighbourhood Policy. Nicolas Sarkozy at Paris, May 2005. ... The Mediterranean Union (French: Union mÃ©diterranÃ©enne) is a proposed community of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. ... The Euro-Mediterranean free trade area (EU-MEFTA) is based on the Barcelona Process and European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Euromediterranean Partnership. ... A European Union Association Agreement (for short, Association Agreement or AA) is a treaty between the European Union (EU) and a non-EU country that creates a framework for co-operation between them. ...

Morocco

Morocco submitted an application to join the EU (then EEC) in July 1987, but it was rejected by the European Council later in the year on the grounds that it "did not consider Morocco a European country". Although there are factors such as the developing economy or unresolved border issues with several of its neighbours and the occupation of Western Sahara, a European Union Association Agreement similar to that applied to Tunisia and Algeria is implemented between Morocco and the EU. The Moroccan government argues that a substantial amount of its territory is already part of the European Union, specifically Spanish enclaves in Northern Africa that Morocco says is occupied territory. Morocco and the European Unions relationship has been established since decades ago. ... The European Community (EC), most important of three European Communities, was originally founded on March 25, 1957 by the signing of the Treaty of Rome under the name of European Economic Community. ... 1987 is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article deals with the meeting of European Union leaders. ... A European Union Association Agreement (for short, Association Agreement or AA) is a treaty between the European Union (EU) and a non-EU country that creates a framework for co-operation between them. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Categories: Africa geography stubs | North Africa ... An occupied territory is a region that has been taken over by a sovereign power after a military intervention, see belligerent occupation. ...

Israel

The principle of Israel joining the European Union has been supported by some politicians in both Israel and Europe, including the former Israeli Foreign Minister. Silvan Shalom,^[63] Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Avigdor Lieberman^[64] and the former Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi^[65] Two Italian MEPs are currently campaigning in favour of Israeli membership.^[66] An opinion poll in 2004 showed that 85% of Israelis would support an application for membership.^[67] The accession of Israel to the European Union refers to a possible future development in the EU-Israel relations. ... Silvan Shalom Silvan Shalom â–¶(?) (Hebrew ×¡×™×œ×‘×Ÿ ×©×œ×•×) (born 1958) is an Israeli politician and current Foreign Minister of Israel, having been appointed in 2003 by the current Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. ... Avigdor Lieberman (Hebrew: ), also Liberman (born on 5 June 1958 in Kishinev, Moldavian SSR, Soviet Union) is an Israeli politician and leader of the Yisrael Beytenu party. ... (born September 29, 1936) is an Italian politician, entrepreneur, and media proprietor. ... The Media embedded Processor (MeP) is a configurable 32-bit processor design from Toshiba Semiconductor for embedded media processing applications. ...

The Israeli government has hinted several times that an EU membership bid is a possibility, but the EU itself proposes instead the closest possible integration "just short of full membership." Faster advancement of such plans is somewhat hampered by the current instability in the Middle East and conflicts in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Lebanon. European public opinion of some of Israel's policies - especially those related to the aforementioned areas of conflict is, in general, poor.^{[citation needed]}

The European Council has not been asked to take a stance regarding whether or not Israel is an [sic] European state, but similar circumstances to Morocco (being geographically outside Europe and without exceptional features such as CoE membership) will most likely preclude its inclusion as a full member into the EU as well. However, it can obtain a large degree of integration through the current and future EU Neighbourhood Policies — the Spanish foreign minister Moratinos spoke out for a "privileged partnership, offering all the benefits of EU membership, without participation in the institutions". On 11 January 2005, industry commissioner and vice president of the commission Günter Verheugen even suggested the possibility of a monetary union and common market with Israel. This article deals with the meeting of European Union leaders. ... Anthem Ode to Joy (orchestral) ten founding members joined subsequently observer at the Parliamentary Assembly observer at the Committee of Ministers official candidate Seat Strasbourg, France Membership 47 European states 5 observers (Council) 3 observers (Assembly) Leaders - Secretary General Terry Davis - President of the Parliamentary Assembly Rene van der Linden... Miguel Ãngel Moratinos. ... A privileged partnership between Turkey and the European Union is an idea lanched by Angela Merkel in february 2004, which has gained momentum since then and now is widely discussed in Europe. ... is the 11th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... GÃ¼nter Verheugen (born 28 April 1944 in Bad Kreuznach, Rhineland-Palatinate) is a German politician, currently serving as European Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry. ... In economics, a monetary union is a situation where several countries have agreed to share a single currency (also known as a unitary or common currency) among them, for example, the East Caribbean dollar. ... The European Community (EC), most important of three European Communities, was originally founded on March 25, 1957 by the signing of the Treaty of Rome under the name of European Economic Community. ...

An argument [8] for the inclusion of Israel into the EU as a full member is that it has a mostly European (or perhaps Europeanised) culture and thus forms an exclave in a largely Arab region. Israel also has a GDP per capita similar to many European countries. Allowing Israel into the EU would create a precedent for other geographically non-European countries to apply for membership.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is an island nation of the Atlantic Ocean and formerly a Portuguese colony. In March 2005 former Portuguese president Mário Soares launched a petition urging the European Union to start membership talks with it, saying that Cape Verde could act as a bridge between Africa, Latin America and the EU.^[68] Cape Verde is an island nation of the Atlantic Ocean and formerly a Portuguese colony. ... An island nation is a country that is wholly confined to an island or islands. ... MÃ¡rio Alberto Nobre Lopes Soares GColTE, GCC, GColL, KE (pron. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ...

Cape Verde's per capita GDP is lower than any of the current member states, accession countries, or candidate countries. However, it is higher than that of some of the EU-designated "potential candidate countries" of the Western Balkans. Most of the imports and exports of Cape Verde are from and to the European Union, and it has a service-based economy. Its currency, the escudo, is pegged to the euro. International trade is the exchange of goods and services across international borders. ... Economics In economics, an export is any good or commodity, shipped or otherwise transported out of a country, province, town to another part of the world, typically for use in trade or sale. ... The Cape Verdean Escudo is the currency of Cape Verde. ... A fixed exchange rate, sometimes (less commonly) called a pegged exchange rate, is a type of exchange rate regime wherein a currencys value is matched to the value of another single currency or to a basket of other currencies, or to another measure of value, such as gold. ... For other uses, see Euro (disambiguation). ...

Although the Cape Verde archipelago is geographically in Africa, there have been similar situations before. Cyprus is an island nation which, despite being geographically in Asia, has already joined both the Council of Europe and the EU. Furthermore, the Cape Verde islands are part of the same island group as the Canary Islands (part of Spain) and Madeira Islands (part of Portugal), known as Macaronesia. There is currently no political recognition by the EU of Cape Verde as a European state, but unlike in the case of Morocco, there is no formal rejection either. The Mergui Archipelago The Archipelago Sea, situated between the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... Anthem: ArrorrÃ³ Capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife Official language(s) Spanish Area â€“ Total â€“ % of Spain Ranked 13th 7,447 kmÂ² 1. ... Location Motto of the autonomous region: Das ilhas, as mais belas e livres (Portuguese: Of the islands, the most beautiful and free) Official language Portuguese Capital Funchal Other towns Porto Santo, Machico, Santa Cruz, CÃ¢mara de Lobos, Santana, Ribeira Brava, CaniÃ§o Area 797 kmÂ² Population - Total (1991) - Density... Not to be confused with Micronesia. ...

Recently Cape Verde has been distancing itself from its regional African partners and forging closer ties with the EU. In a move signaling its preparation to loosen ties with the West African regional bloc, the government of Cape Verde in September 2006 declared its intentions on suspending the ECOWAS free movement of goods and trade. Prime Minister José Maria Neves announced that his country will start imposing restrictions on the entrance of citizens from all ECOWAS member states. This is also an effort to limit the recent rise of illegal immigration of other West African nationals using Cape Verde and its proximity to the Canary Islands as a springboard towards Europe. A trade bloc is a large free trade area or free trade area formed by one or more tax, tariff and trade agreements. ... September 2006 is the ninth month of 2006 and has begun on a Friday. ... JosÃ© Maria Pereira Neves (born March 28, 1960) is the Prime Minister of Cape Verde. ...

Contents