European Union symbol
The European Union was formed in 1951, and has been expanding ever since through the process of enlargement, which is basically done with the inception of more countries as member states. Today, the European Union has 27 member states, with Romania and Bulgaria being the latest additions in 2007. The main aim behind the formation of the European Union was decentralization of governmental authority in terms of trade and external affairs.
The stakes for a membership of the European Union are really high. It is not easy to be members of the EU and there are some hard criterion that need to be fulfilled regarding the political and economic stability of the country, as laid down in the Copenhagen Treaty. Apart from fulfilling these, the country must be a stable democracy and all other 27 member states and the European Parliament should agree upon the inclusion of the concerned country into the EU.
There has been speculation that addition of any more member states would hamper the decision taking authority of the European Union and therefore, the EU treaty states that there can be no more inclusions. A lot is being done to relax the conditions laid down in this treaty and another treaty- The Treaty of Lisbon, is taking form.
The main reason why many non-member states want to be a part of the European Union is the freedom by which goods are exchanged. All countries in the EU have a common trading policy and a free market environment, allowing for unabated movement of goods, agricultural products and fisheries among others. The EU also enjoys a high administration degree in the internal affairs of Europe and the politics of Europe are more or less shaped at the hands of the EU. Monetarily, being a part of the EU means a market large enough to sustain without having to trade with other outer world countries, and still being able to get the benefits of a free-market policy and this is a main attraction for countries who are trying to join the EU. Therefore, the stakes are always high when it comes to joining the EU.
Some of the countries whose membership is being considered, or who have filed for membership are Croatia (which has better statistical indicators than Bulgaria or Romania, and is therefore, expected to be a part of the EU by 2010), The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (which is facing problems because of a name conflict with Greece, which is a member state and will veto against the accession of Macedonia until the name issue is resolved) and the western Balkan countries including the countries of Bosnia, Serbia, Slovenia and Albania. The Balkan states have been recognized as possible member states by the EU parliament and might be included any time in the future because of stability in economy and good trade relations of these states with the rest of the European Union.
Posted under Europe
I have also heard that Georgia should only be 3 steps from having all that it requires. The crisis in South Ossetia has only helped Georgia to get closer to the union.
Oh and also, I don’t get why Greece doesn’t want to allow Macedonia to be a member. Macedonia was split back in the days and when it later became a state again, it was only the area that was taken over by Serbia that got independent. Maybe Greece should just let it go because they’re too stubborn to give Macedonia all of it’s country back.
The Europe Union economy is, by nominal GDP, the largest world’s economy. Moreover, The Europe Union is the largest exporter of goods. Better said, European Union countries are developing the best economy ever.
I’m sure Croatia will become one of the European Union countries. There are a few reasons which make me say that. One of them are is that it is able to help the europe union economy.
Though, there is a disadvantage european union countries have. The eatable products from un member countries are less healthier than other countries that haven’t joined the european union. All fruits and vegetables are treated with lots of chemicals.
ik vind het heel dom, er zijn 27 landen en je toont maar 20 vlaggen