The Copenhagen criteria (21-22 June 1993)
(Copenhagen European Council, 21 and 22 June 1993)
7. RELATIONS WITH CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
(...)
“The European Council today agreed that the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe which so wish will be able to become members of the European Union. Accession will take place as soon as the associate member country is able to fulfill the obligations arising from it, by fulfilling the required economic and political conditions.
“Membership requires from the candidate country
- that it has stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, respect for minorities and their protection,
- the existence of a viable market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union.
- Membership presupposes the ability of the candidate country to assume its obligations, and in particular to subscribe to the objectives of political, economic and monetary union.
- “The Union's capacity to assimilate new members while maintaining the momentum of European integration also constitutes an important element responding to the general interest of both the Union and the candidate countries. »
Nb: the division into four conditions emerges from the addition of B2 to the original text