EU Candidates and Potential Candidates

The EU encompasses most of Europe but it is expected to admit new states in the future. As early as 1 July 2013, the 27 member states are scheduled to be joined by the 28th member – Croatia, while five more countries are officially recognised as candidates with two more as potential candidates. Due to the economic crisis, the enlargement of the EU is no longer a priority and several member states are suggesting that the enlargement should be postponed for a while for the EU to consolidate. The majority, however, urge the European leaders not to close the doors to the candidate states that seek to join the Union.

Currently, five states are officially recognised as candidates. They include:

Countries that are considered as potential candidates for the accession to the EU include: