What Is EU Enlargement?

EU enlargement is the process by which new countries join the European Union. Governed by Article 49 TEU, it involves:

1. Application → candidate status.
2. Reforms to align laws, economy, judiciary with EU standards.
3. Accession negotiations covering budget, representation, law adoption.
4. Signing an accession treaty.
5. National referendum (usually).
6. Ratification by all EU members.
7. Official accession on treaty date.

Since the 1950s, the EU has grown from 6 to 27 members (Croatia joined 2013). Current candidates: Montenegro, Serbia.