focus on the conditions and timing of the candidate’

s adoption, implementation and application of EU rules

these rules (also known as “acquis”, French for “that which has been agreed”) are not negotiable
Negotiations are conducted individually with each candidate
the pace depends on each country’
s progress in meeting the requirements
Features
Support from civil society is essential in this process.
Negotiating sessions are held at the level of ministers or deputies
the whole body of EU law is divided into “chapters”

identify areas in need of alignment in the legislation, institutions or practices of a candidate country.
I. screening Commission establishes a “screening report”for each chapter and each country
Accession
negotiations “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”

annual strategy papers and individual country progress reports

II. Reporting and monitoring
Monitoring continues until accession
III. Accession Treaty is signed
Steps
IV. the candidate country becomes an “Acceding State”

can comment on draft EU proposals, communications, recommendations or initiatives

acquires “active observer status”on EU bodies and agencies
is entitled to speak, but not to vote
V. The accession state becomes a Member State.

A. EU provides support to the countries in their preparations for EU accession

B. Candidates often need to carry out significant reforms to implement EU rules

independent competition authority

set up new bodies
food-standards agency
Enlargement
de-militarizing the police
restructure existing institutions upgrading environmental and nuclear-safety watchdogs
giving prosecutors more autonomy in combating corruption
C. These reforms usually imply major investments in know-how and funds
D. The EU also promotes strategies to boost public understanding of the accession process

dialogue between the EU countries and candidate countries at the level of civil society

E. Strengthening institutional capacity or “institution building”

developing the structures or training the staff responsible for applying EU rules in the candidate country
Assistance for membership Advice on implementing the acquis is often provided via “Twinning”arrangements

building solid-waste disposal plants

F. Helping them to upgrade their infrastructure improving transport networks

G. Candidate countries are allowed to participate in EU programmes

Areas of public health or research

may also receive grants and loans from international financial institutions

H. “Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance”(IPA): EU new financing instrument

strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law

reform public administration
carry out economic reforms
promote respect for human as well as minority rights and gender equality
support the development of civil society and advance regional co-operation
contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction

EU Enlargement II.mmap - 04/12/2008 -