V1.214 Approval regime for new membersMembership of the European Union is open to all European states1 which respect the principles of the Union2. A prospective member must address its application to the Council. Acceptance is by unanimous decision of the Council after receiving the consent (by absolute majority) of the European Parliament.Following acceptance, member states and the applicant agree to an accession treaty which comes into force following ratification by the applicant and in all member states.Acceptance criteriaIn 1993, at the Copenhagen European Council, it was stated that “accession will take place as soon as an applicant is
Membership of the European Union is open to all European states1 which respect the principles of the Union2. A prospective member must address its application to the Council. Acceptance is by unanimous decision of the Council after receiving the consent (by absolute majority) of the European Parliament.
Following acceptance, member states and the applicant agree to an accession treaty which comes into force following ratification by the applicant and in all member states.
In 1993, at the Copenhagen European Council, it was stated that “accession will take place as soon as an applicant is
**Free trials are only available to individuals based in the UK. We may terminate this trial at any time or decide not to give a trial, for any reason.