Question

Countries wishing to join the EU must have a government that does what 4 things?

Answer 1

The Treaty on the European Union states that any European country may apply for membership if it respects the democratic values of the EU and is committed to promoting them.

• The first step is for the country to meet the key criteria for accession. These were mainly defined at the European Council in Copenhagen in 1993 and are hence referred to as 'Copenhagen criteria'. Countries wishing to join need to have:

• stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities;
• a functioning market economy and the capacity to cope with competition and market forces in the EU,
• the ability to take on and implement effectively the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union.

The EU also needs to be able to integrate new members.

In the case of the countries of the Western Balkans additional conditions for membership, were set out in the so-called 'Stabilisation and Association process', mostly relating to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations.

Answer 2

Answer:

The EU operates comprehensive approval procedures that ensure new members are admitted only when they can demonstrate they will be able to play their part fully as members, namely by:

1. complying with all the EU's standards and rules.

2. having the consent of the EU institutions and EU member states.

3. having the consent of their citizens – as expressed through approval in their national parliaments or by referendum.

4. the ability to take on and implement effectively the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union.