Enlargement of EU

1. The
Enlargement of
the European
Union

2. Introduction
The EU has been a
symbol of unity and
progress since the
Treaty of Rome in
1957.
The EU's image has
been tarnished by
allegations of
undemocratic practices
and lack of direction.
Despite this, many
countries are still eager
to join the EU.
Whether increasing
EU membership would
provide any real
benefit or not?
The potential benefits
and pitfalls of two
candidate countries
(European
Commission, 2021).

3. Why are
these nations
keen to join
the EU?
• There are several reasons why countries are
eager to join the EU
• It offers a platform for economic growth and
stability
• The EU has a single market, which allows for
the free movement of goods, capital, services,
and people
• This creates new opportunities for trade and
investment
• The EU is a symbol of peace and cooperation,
having helped to resolve conflicts in the past
• The EU offers a range of political and social
benefits (Dannreuther. 2006)

4. Would increasing its membership provide any
real benefit to the EU?
Creating a larger
market, allowing for
increased trade and
investment
Helping to promote
peace and stability in
Europe and beyond
New perspectives and
ideas to the EU,
helping to make it a
more dynamic and
inclusive organization.

5. Candidate Country 1:
North Macedonia
North Macedonia is one of
the eight recognized
candidate countries waiting
for membership in the EU
The potential benefits of North
Macedonia joining the EU
include its well-educated
workforce, a growing economy,
and its strategic location
There are also potential pitfalls
including the need for significant
reforms in areas such as
corruption, rule of law, and
minority rights (Baldwin, 1995).

6. Candidate Country 2:
Albania
Albania is another
recognized candidate
country waiting for EU
membership
The potential benefits of Albania
joining the EU include its young
and dynamic population,
growing economy, and its
strategic location
There are also potential pitfalls
including corruption, organized crime,
and the need for significant reforms in
areas such as the rule of law and
minority rights.

7. Benefits of
North
Macedonia's
Membership

8. Pitfalls of North Macedonia's Membership
• North Macedonia may face short-term economic challenges related to
the process of adjusting to EU standards and regulations.
• It could lead to political pressures to align with EU policies, which
could result in tensions with other regional powers.
• The lure of better employment opportunities in other EU countries.
• The integration of North Macedonia into the EU may be hindered by
cultural and linguistic differences.
• North Macedonia's reliance on EU funding may result in a loss of
autonomy in decision-making. (Smith, 2005)

9. Benefits of Albania's Membership
Access to new technologies and expertise for the extraction and
processing of minerals, petroleum, and natural resources.
More investment and financing to Albania's mining and energy
sectors, enabling the country to develop these industries more rapidly
Improve infrastructure in areas where natural resources are located,
making extraction and transportation more efficient
Improved human rights and democratic values (European
Commission, 2021)

10. Pitfalls of Albania's Membership
Dependency on natural
resource exports could
result in vulnerability to
global market fluctuations
Environmental risks,
Resources Depletion,
Conflict with EU Rules
and Corruption
Potential resistance from
existing EU members
(European Council, 2020)

11. Conclusion
• The EU remains attractive to countries seeking membership despite recent democratic
criticisms.
• North Macedonia and Albania are two recognized candidate countries waiting for EU
membership.
• Each country has its own potential benefits and challenges associated with joining the
EU.
• Expanding EU membership poses challenges, but potential benefits include increased
trade, investment, peace and stability, and access to funding for economic and social
development.

12. Recommendations
• The EU should continue to provide support
and guidance to candidate countries,
including North Macedonia and Albania, to
help them meet the necessary requirements
for membership.
• The EU should also address and resolve its
own internal issues to demonstrate its
commitment to democratic values and
practices.
• Candidate countries should be transparent
and proactive in addressing areas of concern,
such as corruption and the rule of law, to
build trust with existing EU members.

13. References
• European Commission (2021). European Union: EU and its Member States. Retrieved from
https://ec.europa.eu/info/european-union-and-its-member-states_en
• European Council (2020). The European Union: A Union of Democratic Values. Retrieved from
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/07/09/the-european-union-a-union-
of-democratic-values/
• Smith, K. E. (2005). Enlargement and European order.
• Dannreuther, R. (2006). Developing the alternative to enlargement: the European Neighborhood
Policy. Eur. Foreign Aff. Rev., 11, 183.
• Baldwin, R. E. (1995). The eastern enlargement of the European Union. European Economic
Review, 39(3-4), 474-481.