European Union Enlargement

"The European Union (EU) has long viewed the enlargement process as an extraordinary
opportunity to promote political stability and economic prosperity in Europe. Since 2004, EU
membership has grown from 15 to 27 countries, bringing in most states of central and eastern
Europe and fulfilling an historic pledge to further the integration of the continent by peaceful
means. Analysts contend that the carefully managed process of enlargement is one of the EU’s
most powerful policy tools, and that, over the years, it has helped transform many European states
into functioning democracies and more affluent countries..."