kandidatländerna

Kandidatländerna refers to countries that have formally applied for membership in the European Union and have been officially recognized as candidates for accession. This status signifies that the EU acknowledges their potential to adopt the EU's common legislation, policies, and legal system (the acquis communautaire). The process of becoming a candidate country typically involves submitting a formal application, which is then assessed by the European Council.

Once a country is granted candidate status, it enters a negotiation period. This phase involves a rigorous screening process where the candidate country must demonstrate its ability to meet the stringent membership criteria, often referred to as the Copenhagen criteria. These criteria include having stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for and protection of minorities; a functioning market economy; and the ability to take on the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic, and monetary union.

Negotiations are conducted in chapters, each corresponding to a specific policy area of the EU. Candidates must align their national legislation and administrative capacity with the relevant EU acquis. The process can be lengthy and complex, with no guarantee of eventual membership. The European Commission monitors progress and provides recommendations. Ultimately, the decision to admit a new member state requires the unanimous consent of all existing EU member states and the approval of the European Parliament. Several countries are currently at various stages of this candidate or pre-candidate process.