Enlargement of the EU: Yes, but reform first say reports

European Parliament

"Enlargement of the EU: Yes, but reform first say reports
Institutions - - 14:41

A European Union that began with 6 members will have 27 in two weeks. The continued desire of countries to join is a tribute to its success, but raises two key questions: what are the limits of the EU and can it enlarge without reforming the way it works? On Wednesday morning MEPs will debate two reports on these issues during the plenary session. A day later EU leaders meet - with Turkey's troubled EU aspirations on the agenda.

In just two weeks Bulgaria and Romania will join the EU. As it stands Turkey, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are currently in the EU's "waiting room" as possible future members. They have been classified as "candidate countries" meaning negotiations on membership have begun. Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia are "potential candidate countries" where formal negotiations have not begun.

The two reports being debated in Parliament this week look at the EU's "main challenges" in this area in the coming years and whether the Union has the ability to "absorb" new members."