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 agreed today that the associated countries of central and eastern Europe which so wish may become members of the European Union. Membership will take place as soon as the associated member country is in a position to fulfill the resulting obligations, by fulfilling the required economic and political conditions.
“Accession requires on the part of 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 functioning market economy as well as the ability to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union.
- Membership presupposes the capacity 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 ability to assimilate new members while maintaining the momentum of European integration is also an important element in the general interest of both the Union and the candidate countries. »
Nb: the division into four conditions is apparent from the addition of B2 to the original text