The act of increasing in size or bulk, real or apparent; the state of being increased; augmentation; further extension; expansion.
Expansion or extension, as of the powers of the mind; ennoblement, as of the feelings and character; as, an enlargement of views, of knowledge, of affection.
Up to ten 'candidate countries' are expected to join the EU in 2004. Apart from Cyprus and Malta they are in central and eastern Europe. Romania and Bulgaria are expected to join later (perhaps in 2007), and Turkey's candidature has also been recognised.
There are currently 13 countries applying to join the EU, of which 12 have already opened negotiations with the European Union (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia). This enlargement must be accompanied by reform of the EU institutions and of some policies. (See enlargement)
The accession of new countries to the EU. Thirteen countries (if we include Turkey) are negotiating their membership of the EU. Ten, including Malta are expected to join in May 2004.
the fact that the European Union has just increased from 15 member states to 25 and is set to grow further. (more information)
The accession of new countries to the European Union. Between 1973 and 1975 in addition to the six founding Member States (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands) there have been four successive enlargements bringing in nine more countries (Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom). The next enlargement(s) could add a further 13 countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey
Twelve countries are negotiating their membership of the EU - but all must pass strict tests before being allowed in.
The programme for expanding the European Union.
The term used to describe the expansion of the EU's borders when a new country joins.
The process of EU expansion through the admission of new member states.
Enlargement refers to the expansion of the EU to take in new Member States. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia are due to join the EU in May 2004. Bulgaria and Romania hope to join in 2007, while EU leaders will make a decision in December 2004 about whether to begin formal accession negotiations with Turkey. Croatia has also recently applied for EU membership.
The accession of new countries to the European Union. Between 1973 and 1975 in addition to the six founding Member States (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands) there have been five successive enlargements bringing in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom,Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Bulgaria and Romania comprise the second part of the EU's fifth enlargement and are currently scheduled to join it on January 1, 2007. Bulgaria and Romania signed their Treaty of Accession on April 25, 2005 at Luxembourg's Neumuenster Abbey. There is a clause in the Accession Treaty of Bulgaria and Romania about a possible postponement of the joining date to 1 January 2008. In Spring 2006 the European Commission delayed a final decision on accession until November 2006, citing concerns over various problems such as health and safety and corruption, particularly in Bulgaria.
