European Commission@EUCommission@ec.social-network.europa.eu

❌ Myth: "The EU just decides to add any country it wants, when it feels like it."
✅ Reality: “That's not how EU enlargement works.”

The process of joining the EU is based on a clear set of requirements known as the Copenhagen Criteria, agreed by EU leaders in 1993.

Joining takes years of reforms, negotiations, and continuous assessment. Progress is evaluated on merit.

Every candidate country goes through the same process before joining.

Read more here:
link.europa.eu/F639Tm

An informational graphic with a textured, light beige background. At the top, blue text reads, "33 YEARS defining the criteria for accession." Below this, there is a large, grainy, blue-monochrome group photograph of European political leaders from the 1990s standing together on outdoor steps. Overlaying the bottom of the photo is large, bold white text that reads "COPENHAGEN CRITERIA." In the bottom right corner, a simple black outline box contains the European Union flag symbol.
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An infographic on a textured beige background outlining the first requirement for EU entry. The top text states, "3 REQUIREMENTS EVERY COUNTRY MUST MEET TO JOIN THE EUROPEAN UNION:". In the center, a blue hand-drawn circle contains the number "1," next to the bold blue heading "STABLE DEMOCRACY." Below this, the descriptive text reads: "A candidate country must have stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities."
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An infographic on a textured beige background outlining the second requirement for EU entry. The top text states, "3 REQUIREMENTS EVERY COUNTRY MUST MEET TO JOIN THE EUROPEAN UNION:". In the center, a blue hand-drawn circle contains the number "2," next to the bold blue heading "FUNCTIONING MARKET ECONOMY." Subtle, blue hand-drawn arrows point toward the center from the sides. Below, the descriptive text reads: "A functioning market economy that can compete within the EU's Single Market."
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An infographic on a textured beige background outlining the third requirement for EU entry. The top text states, "3 REQUIREMENTS EVERY COUNTRY MUST MEET TO JOIN THE EUROPEAN UNION:". In the center, a blue hand-drawn circle contains the number "3," next to the bold blue heading "ADOPTION OF THE EU RULEBOOK." A blue hand-drawn arrow points upward from the bottom left. Below, the descriptive text reads: "The ability to adopt and implement the EU acquis (EU law) and fulfil the obligations of EU membership."
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