Although non-European states are not considered eligible to be members, they may enjoy varying degrees of integration with the EU, set out by international agreements. The general capacity of the community and the member states to conclude association agreements with third countries is being developed.These are:
- Step 1: Candidacy. A country wishing to join the EU must submit a membership application to the Council of the EU.
- Step 2: Membership negotiations. During membership negotiations, the candidate country prepares to implement EU laws and standards, also known as the acquis.
- Step 3: Accession.
Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union provides for a mechanism for the voluntary and unilateral withdrawal of a country from the European Union (EU).
How does the European Union work : EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the internal market; enact legislation in justice and home affairs; and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development. Passport controls have been abolished for travel within the Schengen Area.
What countries are not in the EU but want to join
These 8 countries wish to become EU member states, but have not yet adopted all EU laws:
- Albania.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Moldova.
- Montenegro.
- North Macedonia.
- Serbia.
- Türkiye.
- Ukraine.
Could Armenia join the EU : On 12 March 2024, the European Parliament passed a resolution confirming Armenia meets Maastricht Treaty Article 49 requirements and that the country may apply for EU membership.
In order to apply for EU membership, a country has to be European and respect the EU's democratic values. It also needs stable institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on and carry out the obligations of EU membership.
A major issue for Norway is its fishing resources, which are a significant part of the national economy and which would come under the Common Fisheries Policy if Norway were to accede to the EU. Norway has high GNP per capita, and would have to pay a high membership fee.
Can any country leave the EU
The article states that: Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements. A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention.Switzerland is not an EU member. Iceland: Like Norway and Switzerland, Iceland is a member of the EEA and thus enjoy access to the EU's single market. However, it is not a member of the EU. Liechtenstein: Like Norway and Iceland, Liechtenstein is also member of EEA and enjoy the benefits of the EU's single market.A major issue for Norway is its fishing resources, which are a significant part of the national economy and which would come under the Common Fisheries Policy if Norway were to accede to the EU. Norway has high GNP per capita, and would have to pay a high membership fee.
The parliamentarians are known in English as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). They are elected every five years by universal adult suffrage and sit according to political allegiance. About 40 percent are women. Before the first direct elections, in 1979, they were appointed by their national parliaments.
Can the UK rejoin the EU : Potential enlargement of the European Union is governed by Article 49 of the Maastricht Treaty. If the UK applied to rejoin the EU, it would need to apply and have its application terms supported unanimously by the EU member states.
Why isn’t Norway in the EU : A major issue for Norway is its fishing resources, which are a significant part of the national economy and which would come under the Common Fisheries Policy if Norway were to accede to the EU. Norway has high GNP per capita, and would have to pay a high membership fee.
What countries refuse to join the EU
Of the four major western European countries that are not EU members, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland have submitted membership applications in the past but subsequently frozen or withdrawn them, while the United Kingdom is a former member.
Current candidate countries are: Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Georgia.Any European country can apply for membership if it respects the EU's democratic values and is committed to promoting them. A country can only join if it meets all the membership criteria.
Why isn’t Serbia in the EU : Serbia's issues with democratic backsliding has been identified by the Financial Times as a long-term obstacle to the state's entry into the EU.