Enlargement is one of the EU's most powerful policy tools, because as recent history testifies, it is the appeal of the EU and the desire to become a member country that helped to transform Central and Eastern European countries into modern and well-functioning democracies. Enlargement is a carefully managed process which helps in the transformation of the countries involved, propagating peace, stability, prosperity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law and market economy across Europe.

Past enlargements

18 April 1951

On the basis of the Schuman plan , Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands sign the Treaty of Paris, founding the European Coal and Steel Community. In this way, none can on its own make the weapons of war to turn against the other, as in the past.

1 January 1973

Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the EU.

1 January 1981

Greece joins the EU.

1 January 1986

Spain and Portugal join the EU.

1 January 1995

Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU.

1 May 2004

Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia join the EU.

1 January 2007

Bulgaria and Romania join the EU.