On May 1, the European Union celebrated the 20th anniversary of its biggest enlargement to date, growing from 15 to 25 member states.
Twenty years ago, a total of ten new countries – Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia – joined the EU together, .
All of these countries, with the exception of Cyprus, are also Schengen member states guaranteeing free movement within the Schengen Area and promoting safe travel.
The Schengen Area is the largest free travel area in the world, ensuring that everyone who enters the zone enjoys smooth and secure travel without having to worry about border checks.
The EU enlargement that took place in 2004 strengthened the security of the bloc, according to the authorities, as there is constant police cooperation at the external borders.
Moreover, this enlargement has also strengthened stability and peace, among many others in the area.
It has enhanced peace, stability, and expanded the area of liberty, security and the rule of law, enabling EU to better combat cross-border crime, including drug trafficking, money laundering and online criminality.
We Have Played a Significant Role in Shaping the EU, Estonian PM Says
Celebrating two decades as a member state of the EU, Estonia said that the country has played an important role in shaping the bloc’s development.
According to the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas, the accession of Estonia to the EU has been a success story. The same stressed that the accession has enabled Estonia to assist other countries in their journey towards membership.
The European Union is constantly evolving, and for 20 years, we have played a significant role in shaping this development. We are trusted partners; our opinions are valued, and our views are considered.
She further stressed that with the support of the EU, Estonia has made investments in different areas and, at the same time, said that the EU membership provided nationals of Estonia with the freedom to travel, work, and study in the other member states without having to undergo extended procedures.
Another 3 Countries Have Acquired EU Membership Since 2007
Following the admission of the ten countries to the EU in 2014, no new additions were made until 2007.
In 2007, Bulgaria and Romania became member states of the EU, and the countries were followed by Croatia in 2013.
Up until now, a total of seven enlargement rounds have taken place, and they are as follows:
- 1973 – Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland
- 1981 – Greece
- 1986 – Portugal, Spain
- 1995 – Austria, Finland, Sweden
- 2004 – Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia
- 2007 – Bulgaria, Romania
- 2013 – Croatia
Other Balkan countries, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia, are also striving to join the EU. However, there are still some criteria that these countries need to meet.
Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia are also striving to become member states of the EU, but no developments on the matter have been made yet.