Path to European Union Membership: Rules, Challenges and Perspectives

Translated by Valeria D’Alessandro

Representatives of the Georgian party “Georgian dream” announced that they will not include negotiation for the European Union membership in the government plans until the end of 2028. This decision could weaken ties with the EU, polarize domestic public opinion, and reflect political priorities or challenges in meeting European criteria in the short term.

The process of joining the European Union is long and complex, regulated by Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU). This article specifies that the application for accession must come from a European country. However, the concept of “European” is not strictly geographical but also encompasses cultural and historic dimensions. Moreover, the applicant country must respect the core values upon which the European Union is founded and actively work to promote them.

The EU’s core values, outlined in Article 2 of the TEU, include respect for human dignity, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, with a particular attention to the rights of minorities. These principles are shared by all Member States in a society characterized by pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and gender equality.

The conditions for accession were established during the Copenhagen European Council in 1993, in response to requests from countries of the former Soviet bloc. Thes conditions, known as the “Copenhagen criteria,“ are:

• Political criteria: stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect and protection of minorities.
• Economic criteria: The existence of a functioning market economy capable of withstanding competition and market forces within the EU.

• Legal and administrative criteria: The ability to take on and implement the obligations of membership, including adherence to the Union’s objectives, Treaties, and the body of EU law (the acquis Communautaire).

The process of joining the European Union involves three main phases:

1. Application:

   A country aspiring to join the EU submits for membership to the Council of the European Union. The Council then tasks the European Commission’s assessment, the Council decides—through unanimous agreement among members states—whether to grant the country candidate status and begin formal negotiation.

2. Accession negotiations:

   During this phase, the candidate country works to align itself with the EU’s standard and norms, collectively referred to as to the acquis Communautaire. The European Commission monitors the progress of reforms and regularly updates the Council and the European Parliament through official reports.

3. Accession:

Once negotiations are concluded, the Commission evaluates the country’s preparedness for membership. If the evaluation is positive, an accession treaty is drafted, outlining the terms and conditions of membership. This treaty must be approved by the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament before being ratified and signed by all Member States and the candidate country. Accession becomes official on the date specified in the treaty.

Which countries are awaiting EU membership?

Currently, the candidate countries working to align their national laws with European norms, rules and standards are: Albania (candidate since 2014), Bosnia-Herzegovina (candidate since 2022), Georgia (since 2023), Moldovia (since 2022), Montenegro (since 2010), North Macedonia (since 2005), Serbia (since 2010), Turkey (since 1999) and Ukraine (since 2022). Additionally, Kosovo, which applied for membership in 2022, is considered a potential candidate as it has not been granted official candidate status by the EU.

For the Western Balkan, the European Union has implemented a tailored program called the Stabilization and Association Process (SAP). This initiative aims to consolidate political and economic stability in these countries, preparing them for future EU membership. To achieve this, the EU provides financial support, facilitates access to its markets, and fosters regional partnerships to promote development and integration.

Frozen negotiations with Turkey

Turkey’s accession process to the European Union has been stalled since 2018 due to significant political, and human rights divergencies between the EU and Turkey. Key issues include the erosion of the rule of law, human rights violations, foreign policy disputes, regional tensions, and failure to meet European standards. The EU has expressed concern about the weakening state of democracy in Turkey, the lack of judicial independence, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms, particularly following the failed coup attempt in 2016. This event led to a widespread repression, mass arrests, and severe limitations on press freedom and freedom of expression. Additionally, Turkey’s actions in certain areas, such as the Eastern Mediterranean, Syria, and Libia, have caused friction with some EU member states. Tensions have been further exacerbated by Turkey’s territorial disputes with Greece and Cyprus in the Mediterranean, straining EU-Turkey relations.

The future of European integration

Despite the challenges and prolonged timelines, the process of EU accession remains a significant aspiration for many countries. These nations view EU membership as a pathway to stability, economic growth, and the reinforcement of democratic principles. However, the hurdles are considerable. Candidate countries must undertake extensive reforms to align with EU standards, while the EU must balance the integration of new members with maintaining internal cohesion. This process requires mutual commitment and a strategic vision, driven by the shared goal of building a more united and inclusive Europe.

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