The process of expanding the European Union (EU) through the accession of new member states began with the Inner Six, who founded the European . EUROPA – Topics of the European Union – Enlargement – Europa. Since it was founded in 195 the EU has grown from countries to 28.

Balkan countries key to making progress under the EU regional capacity development programme. A further countries have since joined the EU, including a historic . The EU’s enlargement policy aims to unite European countries in a common political and economic project. Guided by the Union’s values and subject to strict .

Contents: Foundation of the European Community (EC) (date of accession: 1958); Merger Treaty . Seven countries, as well as Kosovo, are waiting in the wings to join the European Union. Kosovo’s independence is not recognised by all EU . This paper first turns to the question of the EU’s impact on democracy in would-be and new Member States and whether it has helped to . The new EU member states experienced a strong economic upswing. The Swiss enlargement contribution is not part of the EU’s cohesion policy, nor does .