Future enlargement of the European Union

• EU
• Candidate
• Potential candidate countries
• Membership is not possible

This article is dedicated to the candidate countries of the European Union and those countries that want to join the EU or are called by various parties as a possible candidate.

Article 49 of the EU Treaty gives every European country the right to make an application for EU membership. "European" is understood in a political and cultural sense and includes the members of the Council of Europe, such as Cyprus, with a.

The official status of " candidate " is presented by the EU to countries that have submitted an application, which was approved unanimously following a positive recommendation by the European Commission by the Council of the European Union. The exact accession process is explained in the article enlargement of the European Union. The candidates are after the current number (as of 2013) with CC- 5 denotes (English Copenhagen criteria, the Copenhagen criteria).

• Applied for membership 2.1 2.1.1 Albania

• 2.2.1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
• 2.2.2 Kosovo

• 3.1 EFTA States 3.1.1 Liechtenstein
• 3.1.2 Norway
• 3.1.3 Switzerland

• 3.2.1 Armenia
• 3.2.2 Azerbaijan
• 3.2.3 Georgia
• 3.2.4 Moldova
• 3.2.5 Ukraine
• 3.2.6 Belarus

• 3.3.1 Kazakhstan
• 3.3.2 Russia

• 3.4.1 Andorra
• 3.4.2 Monaco
• 3.4.3 San Marino
• 3.4.4 Vatican City

• 3.5.1 nations within the Kingdom of Denmark
• 3.5.2 French Overseas Territories
• 3.5.3 Caribbean territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
• 3.5.4 Kronbesitzungen the British Crown
• 3.5.5 British Overseas Territories

Candidate

The following five states got awarded by the EU official candidate status.

Candidate with ongoing negotiations

Iceland

Iceland submitted its application for membership on 17 July 2009. This was made possible by the serious consequences of the financial crisis from 2007 for Iceland, which led to a change of government and a less Euro-skeptic stance. Iceland has answered the candidate questionnaire and submitted extensive documentation in October 2009. In February 2010, the European Commission called for the opening of accession negotiations. On 17 June 2010, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission has followed and gave the green light for accession negotiations. On July 27, 2010, accession negotiations were formally opened. The former Icelandic government hoped that a candidate for the year 2012. Upon completion of the accession negotiations should be voted on EU membership in a referendum would have.

The country is already partially integrated into EU structures. It is a member of the European Economic Area ( EEA) and has signed the Schengen Agreement. In addition, it assumes some EU programs such as the Erasmus program. Since Iceland is a democracy without significant deficits, the fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria is not in question. A key question in the accession negotiations will be the right to fish in Icelandic waters.

On February 22, 2014 it was announced that Iceland wants to withdraw the membership application.

Montenegro

The independent Montenegro on 3 June 2006 has become wanting to join and pays rewards to achieve this goal alone faster than if it had remained in the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro to the EU. This calculus is, as far as the signing of the SAA, also risen for Montenegro.

On 12 June 2006, the EU, Montenegro has been officially recognized as a state. The SAA negotiations with Montenegro were completed in early December 2006, the initialling took place on 15 March 2007. On 15 October 2007, the SAA was signed by the Montenegrin Prime Minister Zeljko Šturanović attended by all the EU foreign ministers. The ratification of the SAA ( by all EU Member States and Montenegro itself) entered into force on 1 May 2010.

On 15 December 2008 Montenegro submitted the official application for a EU membership. The European Commission gave the Montenegrin Government on 22 July 2009 the accession questionnaire with about 4000 questions. On 9 December 2009, answered questions from the Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic said EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn were ceremoniously presented in Brussels.

Since December 19, 2009 Montenegrin citizens can enter visa-free to the EU.

On 9 November 2010 the European Commission recommended the candidate status for Montenegro. On 10 December 2010, this decision was confirmed by the European Council. The official granting of candidate status was held at the EU summit on December 17. In its annual progress report on the candidate countries on 12 October 2011, the EU Commission proposed to open accession negotiations with Montenegro. At the EU summit in December 2011, Montenegro was promised the opening of accession negotiations in mid- 2012. This decision was officially confirmed at the Summit of Heads of State and Government on 29 June 2012.

Serbia

Serbia (then still part of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro) promised in April 2005 EU accession. However, this was done under the condition that accession talks could only be taken when the Serbian government together to work fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia ( ICTY). EU representatives in the fall of 2005, with Serbia - Montenegro to talks on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement. The SAA talks, however, were suspended in May 2006 by the EU because it is the Serbian authorities, despite protestations to the contrary at the time failed to grasp the indictees Ratko Mladić and Radovan Karadžić and deliver them to the ICTY.

On 3 June 2006, Serbia and Montenegro split into two sovereign states. After the arrest of former Bosnian Serb general Zdravko Tolimir on 31 May 2007, the EU confirmed that the Serbian government is moving towards increased cooperation with the ICTY and decided may establish, to bring this matter to a conclusion. The SAA talks with Serbia were subsequently resumed on 13 June 2007.

After the Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte had assessed the cooperation between Serbia and the ICTY positive, the SAA was initialed on November 7, 2007. The initialling took place in the presence of President Boris Tadic and Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic. After lengthy negotiations, the SAA was signed by representatives of the 27 EU governments and Đelić on 29 April 2008 in Luxembourg. Be ratified, and thus enter into force, it can, however, only if the EU is Serbia attesting the full cooperation with the ICTY.

On 21 July 2008 succeeded the Serbian authorities to take Radovan Karadžić. He lived as a doctor in Belgrade under the name Dragan Dabić. In the EU, the step has been well received. Karadžić was transferred to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia on 31 July to the Hague, on the same day he was still being interrogated. Other EU accession negotiations should also depend on how run the diplomatic negotiations for the independence of Kosovo.

A recent announcement took place in November 2009 by the Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic, following a conversation with EU Enlargement Commissioner Rehn instead. Since December 19, 2009 can now visa -free travel to the Schengen area also Serbian citizens. On 22 December 2009 Serbia submitted the official application for a EU membership.

On 26 May 2011, Ratko Mladic was arrested in Serbia after years of flight. In its annual progress report on the candidate countries on 12 October 2011, the European Commission eventually proposed to grant Serbia the status of candidate country. The opening of negotiations for Serbia, however, remains subject to the condition to resume mediation talks with Kosovo again.

At the EU summit on March 1, 2012 Serbia was granted the status of candidate country. Accession negotiations began on 21 January 2014.

Turkey

Turkey is a candidate country since 1999 ( Customs Union since 1996). The accession negotiations even started on 3 October 2005. On 17 December 2004 the European Council called for the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission's report of 6 October 2004, followed by the European Parliament, whose decision is not legally binding on the State and Government, at the December 15, 2004, had pronounced by a large majority also for the start of accession negotiations.

Critics oppose Turkish membership for various reasons. They argue that the bulk of Turkey ( around 97 %) is not in Europe, but in (small) Asia. It is often added that Turkey is culturally not the predominantly Christian Europe as belonging predominantly Muslim country. Human rights issues are cited as reason for refusal; they would indeed improves rapidly by a real adaptation to EU legislation, but a real adjustment will not occur in Turkey. Especially in the area of religious freedoms are not expected to progress, particularly Christians were still exposed to reprisals.

Turkey refuses to extend ratified by its customs union with the EU to all EU countries. Thus, vessels of the Republic of Cyprus not calling at Turkish ports. There are also economic concerns over even less economic power and low level of development, their effect on the EU by the large population ( 71.5 million, as of 2008) would be strengthened. Because of their size Turkey would shift the balance of power within the institutions expected. Furthermore, Turkey has external borders, which are considered by many residents in the current EU as dangerous and unstable. For example, Turkey borders, inter alia, to Iran, Iraq and Syria. Despite improvements in recent years, the domestic political tensions with the Kurdish section of the population are not solved completely.

Proponents response to this is that Turkey had for 500 years influenced the history of Europe and characterize at least since the state was founded by Atatürk himself as European and oriented to Western European countries. Against the objection that Turkey lies geographically mainly in Asia, is argued that the EU member Cyprus lies entirely in Asia. Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe, which she joined in 1949, politically and culturally to Europe and had thus to apply for the right to join the EU in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty.

The argument that Turkey is culturally a Muslim country is not part of the Christian culture of Europe is opposite that the populations in mainland Europe associated countries such as Albania and Bosnia - Herzegovina is largely Muslim. Moreover, the EU does not define the religion. The economic and constitutional reform process in Turkey is considered to be positive, although it is not yet complete.

Candidate without ongoing negotiations

Macedonia

Macedonia was granted the status of candidate country on 17 December 2005, but negotiations are not yet a candidate, and there is still no start date for this. The country had formally requested his admission on 22 March 2004 in Dublin. One obstacle to EU accession is the name dispute between Macedonia and the EU member Greece, which claimed the name " Macedonia " for themselves. From the Greek side is given, the name had always been, for historical reasons already Greek (see Macedonia). Even a recording of Macedonia into NATO failed because of the refusal of Greece, so that joining the EU is unlikely as long as the dispute was not settled. A trial began in March 2010, which was proposed by the Swedish Presidency in December 2009, had been endorsed by all member states except Greece. The EU foreign ministers urged to resolve the name dispute. It was adopted as a decision to discuss a start of negotiations again in the first half of 2010.

Since December 19, 2009 Macedonian citizens can enter visa-free to the EU.

Potential candidate countries

• EU
• Candidate
• Made application for membership
• Rejected membership in a referendum
• Frozen application
• Rejected application of EC

At the Thessaloniki Summit in the integration of Albania and the countries of former Yugoslavia (so-called Western Balkans ) was defined as the next big target of the EU enlargement in 2003. These states are designated by the EU as a potential candidate. Since the Croatia and Macedonia 's efforts to join the EU is new practice, to conclude with these potential candidates initially a Stabilisation and Association Agreement ( SAA). Through this the future SAA member country is politically and economically tied to the EU and you hoped for greater stability before accession talks to begin.

Applied for membership

Albania

The efforts that Albania 's accession to the EU, and into the year 2003, when the Balkan country as the first of " potential candidates " negotiations on a (SAA ) recorded. In May 2005, the then government of Albania expressed under Fatos Nano hope to be able to join the EU in 2014, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The SAA was officially signed in 2006.

The ratification of the SAA ( by all EU Member States and Albania ) was completed on April 1, 2009. On the same day Albania was admitted into NATO. On April 28, Albania submitted a formal application for EU membership. On 16 November 2009, EU foreign ministers gave the EU Commission in Brussels for membership. "The Commission must now consider before Albania can officially granted the status of candidate country the request. "

On 17 December 2009, Albania has received an accession questionnaire with a total of 2280 questions, which was answered on April 14, 2010 by Prime Minister Sali Berisha submitted to the European Commission.

Not applied for membership

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina has made ​​no application for membership in the EU. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement was signed after three years of negotiation period on 16 June 2008. The ratification of the SAA is not yet complete. Bosnia and Herzegovina and all EU Member States have ratified the treaty, but it is from the ratification by the EU.

End of June 2012 urged the EU foreign ministers on constitutional changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, without which the application for membership would be unsuccessful. The European Court of Human Rights had requested this in a judgment, as certain minorities are excluded by the previous constitution thereof, to run for public office. At the moment is not to expect a timely progression of the accession process.

Kosovo

The Kosovo declared on 17 February 2008 independence from Serbia, which from many countries ( including Serbia) is not recognized.

EU accession conflicted with numerous obstacles. While most EU member states have recognized Kosovo as an independent state. However, from Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Greece and Cyprus recognition is still pending. Without the recognition by the entire EU to start accession negotiations and the conclusion of an SAA is hardly conceivable.

In addition, the diplomatic tensions are very strong also outside the EU. Thus Serbia's parliament has decided that all contracts entered into by Serbia would have to take into account the political unity of the country. Negotiations of the EU with Kosovo could therefore make more contracts with Serbia impossible. Radical forces in Serbia insist that Serbia can join the EU only, including Kosovo. Moderate forces of the country in turn rely on the possibility of joining the EU and then to prevent as an EU member Accession of Kosovo.

Furthermore, the Kosovo itself is still burdened with numerous problems. Thus, the democratic structures are not well developed. The political landscape is unstable and represents mainly the ethnic groups. Corruption is widespread and there is a large informal sector. The ethnic tensions between Serbs and Albanians in the country are great. The economic problems are also massive. Kosovo has an insufficient energy supply. The majority of the population is unemployed. Much of the population lives in poverty.

Possible future candidates

Many countries are geographically at least partially in Europe. In addition, many states are involved through membership in the Euro Europe or agreements with the European Union in European politics. Not all of these States have an active membership interest, but are due to geographical or political reasons in the long term potential candidates.

Furthermore, there are some sovereign territories under the sovereignty of EU Member States that are so far outside the EU, but it could join.

To distinguish the candidate countries there is also a precedent: Morocco presented its application for membership in 1987. This was rejected on 14 May 1987, in particular because Morocco is definitely not geographically on the European continent. In contrast, the Union for the Mediterranean is to connect the EU with neighboring states that would geographically not come as a candidate in question.

EFTA States

• Members
• Former members

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA ) is in contrast to the EU a pure economic alliance dar. These countries could join the EU, but do not do this with the exception of Iceland, for different reasons, at least so far.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a member of the EFTA and since 1995 a member of the EEA since 1991. An economic, monetary and customs union, the country is closely connected with Switzerland since 1924. Since the end of 2011, it also applies the Schengen Agreement. The country was in the past as a tax haven (eg in reports of the OECD) in the criticism, but has completed since 2005 in some areas of tax agreements with the EU and aims at this.

The government moved in 2010 in a report a positive balance on the EEA membership and see them as a dynamic alternative to the bilateral agreements, as Switzerland has concluded with the EU. The further development of the EFTA, particularly an outlet for Iceland to join the EU, is of importance for Liechtenstein. The Government considers other options for relations with the EU open, renames them in the report but not there and does not speak well of an EU accession.

Norway

Norway is a member of the EEA, and an associate member of the Schengen Agreement, whereby the country has to follow many EU directives including in the area of the economy. It is involved in various EU programs and institutions. Thus the country pays an annual 226 million euros (2005 ) to the EU, mainly flow into the economically weaker regions of the Union. Conversely benefited Norway but not from EU funding programs, so that, according to calculations, an effective annual loss of € 180 million.

So far, Norway has four times applied to be admitted to the EU and its predecessor organizations. 1962 and 1967, this failed at the French veto. In 1972, the majority of Norwegians had rejected the accession in a referendum. A new referendum in 1994 also showed a majority rejection.

The reasons for rejection are varied. As a relatively young independent nation is seen handing over sovereignty skeptical. Nor is it economically Norway extremely good. The standard of living is among the highest in the world, so that a candidate does not promise benefits. An important question concerning fishing rights, which are particularly important for coastal populations and could learn a restriction on joining the EU.

According to a study by the majority of Norwegians the idea of ​​a government agreement of the European countries is extremely skeptical about. This is true even for the majority of EU supporters. These support ( a say as to the possibility for an EU - accession in the European bodies ) EU membership primarily for pragmatic reasons. Reasons for the skeptical attitude of the vast majority of Norwegians against a governmental unit "EU" are mainly the very positive experiences and qualities that are attributed to the Norwegian nation-state. These positive characteristics of the Norwegian nation-state, the collective self- understanding in Norway are: democracy, peacefulness, good welfare state order and a functioning and citizen-oriented administration. ( Nation-) state and people are therefore considered to be a good and democratic community. This positive self-image is enriched by national romantic transfiguration of Norway as idyll of farmers and fishermen. It being noted that the social groups of rural Norwegian periphery (keyword fishing rights and agricultural subsidies, and generally the high subsidies for the Norwegian periphery) also promise tangible benefits from the non- accession.

Nevertheless, the Norwegians an extremely loose and intergovernmental cooperation in Europe are compared with generally positive, even if the question of accession politics and society splits. There were phases in which was a clear majority in favor of joining the EU, according to polls. The Norwegian political landscape is divided on the issue. In the last three governments therefore, there was a clause in the coalition agreement, which established a fraction of the coalition, if one of the partners re- posing the question. Therefore, the question is not on the political agenda until further notice.

The steps Islands towards the European Union, however, have caused reactions in Norway. While opponents of the EU be stated no influence on Norway, it was from the pro-EU party Høyre even calls for a new EU debate. An accession of Iceland could at least have psychological impact. Norway would be the only independent country in Northern Europe, which is not an EU member. If one of the Icelanders acceptable compromise can be achieved at the fishing rights in the accession negotiations, this would also provide for Norway an acceptable solution in sight. The Norwegian fishermen even hope that the EU will restrict the Icelandic fisheries policy. Another point would be that the EU accession of Iceland also an exit from the EFTA is associated with which this organization would shrink to three members. In addition, Norway would be next to Liechtenstein the only non-EU member of the European Economic Area.

Before the election of the Storting on 13 September 2009 EU accession did not matter, though the newspaper Aftenposten in recent days published a secret letter from the Norwegian EU ambassador Oda Helen Sletnes before the election. This notes that Norway with the coming of 1994 EEA contracts have no influence in the numerous since then newly established EU authorities and Norway through the large changes in the EU process of losing its special status. It is also pointed out the fact that the EU is their decision processes significantly accelerated in times of crisis, but Norway could not keep up. While the Norwegian authorities so far to see the close ties to the neighboring Nordic countries and EU members Sweden, Finland and Denmark as an advantage, because you can hereby indirectly also influence the EU, stated the ambassador that it is these three neighbors who demand higher financial contributions for Norway in the EEA. The responses to the letter were subdued, but both opponents of the EU as well as EU supporters expect a renewed rise of the EU debate, especially in the case of EU accession Islands.

Switzerland

The Switzerland in 1992, applied for membership in the European Community and started accession talks. The negotiations, however, were frozen after the referendum of December 6, again in 1992 ( rejecting the Federal Decision on the European Economic Area ( EEA), with 50.3 % No votes with a turnout of 78.73 %). Also a later referendum on the Swiss popular initiative " Yes to Europe " on March 4, 2001 showed a majority against membership ( 76.8 % No votes with 55.79 % turnout ). Since then, there were no such efforts more for membership.

In general, the fear of a loss of democracy, neutrality and independence is cited as the main reason for the rejection. Furthermore, Switzerland has a low unemployment rate and a very high quality of life. The strategy of the Swiss government now is to build strong bilateral contractual relations with the EU, for example, with regard to the freedom of movement of workers and travelers. The Schengen Agreement was adopted on 5 June 2005 by popular vote. Since December 12, 2008, Switzerland is part of the Schengen area.

Eastern Partnership

• European Union
• Eastern Partnership countries

Founded in May 2009, the Eastern Partnership is a foreign policy project whose goal was to introduce the six eastern states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus to the European Union. These are the countries that could join the EU in the long term, since they belong politically to Europe, association agreements are to be closed. However, the Eastern Partnership is not a genuine enlargement tool, but settled in the area of ​​European foreign policy.

Armenia

The Caucasus Republic of Armenia is a member of the Council of Europe, and thus included in the European structures. With the EU, the country is connected via the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plans, in November 2006, a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA ) has been completed. Well-known politicians, including former Parliament Speaker Arthur Baghdassarjan ( belonging to the opposition ), have called for a Armenia's accession to the EU. Former President Robert Kocharian (non-party ) and the former Conservative government under Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan were apparently more ( economic, legal, commercial law ) interested in the technical and the political cooperation.

Azerbaijan

The Caucasus republic of Azerbaijan receives mainly financial and economic support from the EU under the European Neighbourhood Policy ( ENP). Economically, Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU, because the EU countries are the largest buyers Azerbaijani oil.

Azerbaijan is a member of the Council of Europe, and thus included in the European structures. With the EU but the country is connected via the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plans. The Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the EU and Azerbaijan, which consists of mutually high-ranking politicians, holds a Azerbaijan's accession to EU possible.

Georgia

→ Main article: Georgia and the European Union

Georgia has expressed an interest in EU membership. It is Euro Europe member, participates in the EU programs European Neighbourhood Policy ( ENP) and TRACECA. Culturally consider the predominantly Orthodox Christian Georgians and Europeans. The still continuing conflict with Russia because of Abkhazia and South Ossetia could be an obstacle.

In November 2013 Georgia signed within the framework of the Eastern Partnership, an association agreement with the EU.

Moldova

The Republic of Moldova ( the official name ) borders with Romania and Ukraine. In 1992, the east of the Dniester situated part has split off as Transnistria unilaterally. On 1 July 1998, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and Moldova entered into force. Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe and thus probably not a candidate for EU membership in the medium term. However, Romania is committed to the pre-accession of the neighboring country to the European structures. ( See also: Movement for unification of Romania and Moldova. )

In November 2013 Moldova signed an association agreement in the framework of the Eastern Partnership.

Ukraine

→ Main article: Ukraine and the European Union

Ukraine is a member of the Council of Europe since 1995. 2004, expressed in the words of former President Viktor Yushchenko, the country to seek a speedy EU membership. At the EU- Ukraine Summit on September 9, 2008 in Paris, the President called the preferred date 2015. Though the EU has not ruled out a membership, but it is first an association agreement negotiated that the Ukrainian government gladly wanted to finish by the end of 2009. The name was not chosen at random. With it, writes the Süddeutsche Zeitung, " to be reminiscent of earlier association agreement, which led to an EU accession later."

In overcoming the troubles that arose in December 2004 after the massive electoral fraud in the presidential elections (later called the "Orange Revolution" designated power change), the EU played an important mediating role. The west of the Ukraine for a long time tends to the EU and has strong contacts in Poland, while the (previously politically dominant ) east of the state to retain the existing connection to Russia and would like to strengthen. This conflict split the population and the major parties during the parliamentary elections in 2006 and 2007.

On 25 October 2010 the European Parliament adopted a resolution according to which Ukraine can apply for membership.

Belarus

Belarus is considered as the last dictatorship in Europe and is internationally isolated. The country is looking more of a closer partnership - to a "union education" - with Russia as its proximity to the EU. Belarus's application for membership of the Euro Europe was rejected due to lack of democratic standards. Thus, it is the only European country that is not a member of the Euro Europe against his will.

Other Eastern European countries

About the Eastern Partnership, there are countries that are geographically partly in Eastern Europe.

Kazakhstan

A portion of Kazakhstan is located west of the Urals and thus after the radiation mountain between intra- Eurasian boundaries in Europe. The country is regarded by the Euro Europe as a European nation, as he verlautbarte in an official statement from 1999, and could therefore also be a member of the Euro Europe. However, shortcomings in the observance of human rights and democratic structure are often criticized, for example, Human Rights Watch, which can be a barrier to entry into the Euro Europe and the European Union.

Been no interest expressed in joining the European Union. The Kazakh Foreign Ministry, however, has expressed interest in the European Neighbourhood Policy. Some members of Parliament also discussed the inclusion of Kazakhstan in the neighborhood policy. The President of Kazakhstan has proposed a Central Asian Union as an alternative to EU membership.

Russia

It is generally believed that Russia, although it is a member of the Council of Europe, will not join the EU in the long term. Russia would populous by far the largest country in terms of area 3.9 times as large as the EU27. The set in the Copenhagen criteria "absorption capacity " of the Union side would thus be clearly in question.

Apart from that, seems also Russia itself to be not seriously interested in a membership, because this would contradict his self-image as a world power. Russia sees itself as a great power alongside the EU (as well as the U.S., China, etc.), so it has no interest to subordinate decisions from Brussels.

According to Russia also does not participate in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP ), since it fears to be in that only the junior partner. Russia insisted on a separate form of cooperation with the EU, which emphasizes the "equal footing" of both partners, the so-called " four common spaces " ( "Common Spaces" ).

Dwarf States

In addition to the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member, there are a number of European mini-states that are not members of the EU all. It is true that the EU small countries can join, such as Malta has already done it, but for most of these countries is a membership for various reasons unlikely. So some of them have tax incentives that attract offshore financial center companies and are interesting for wealthy foreigners as a tax -efficient residence. This would be difficult to reconcile with a membership in the EU. Also, all of these states a numerically much smaller population than the previously smallest EU member Malta.

Andorra

Andorra has a larger area than Malta, but a significantly smaller population. The country has traditionally had close ties to his two neighbors Spain and France. Instance, the French head of state is also automatically Kofürst Andorra. As the country before the introduction of the euro did not have its own currency and you paid there with the money of the two neighboring countries, since its introduction, the euro will be used. Andorra initially took a passive part in the monetary union, but completed after long negotiations with the European Union, an agreement Andorra since July 1, 2013 gives the right to mint euro coins. As part of the Agreement, the Euro was also legal tender in Andorra. The issue their own coins but will not take place until later.

Fiscally, there are some perks. The low turnover ensures that luxury items are relatively cheap in Andorra and, therefore, reduce to a large extent. Also there is no income tax. The residence rich foreigners the Principality has so far hardly known. These circumstances make Andorra to no current accession prospects. Nevertheless, more voices in Andorra for a long -term EU accession.

Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is part of the EU customs territory and has very close ties to France. With France there is a monetary union, thus it has also introduced the euro and euro coins imprinted own.

There is no income tax, but sales tax is levied with tax rates that are so high just like in France.

San Marino

→ Main article: San Marino and the European Union

San Marino has established a customs union with the EU and the euro. In addition, it shapes its own euro coins. From the OECD, the country will indeed run as a tax haven, but is not comparable to the other small states in this regard. The Republic receives payments from Italy to ensure that the taxes are not set too low and encourage tax evasion in the small country. Therefore, the proportion of San Marinesen in the country is still very high (above 80%) and the local banks operate primarily in the domestic economy.

In October, the government of San Marino 2007 showed an interest in joining, to improve export conditions for Sammarinese companies. On 13 June 2012, a state treaty with Italy was closed, which creates new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. But Accession to the EU or the EEA was not debated.

Vatican City

The Vatican City is in many ways a special case Represents the territory is the smallest in the world. The granting of citizenship will only be added to existing citizenship and is limited to certain groups of people. The state is also an absolute monarchy or a theocracy, which has a membership in the EU generally excludes. The state gives almost entirely on membership in international organizations and participating as an observer in some. In the Euro Europe and the United Nations, he is also just an observer.

A portion of the sovereign functions are carried out by Italy or in close cooperation with Italy. The Vatican City has also introduced the euro and characterizes their own euro coins, which are taken from the Italy allocated quota. Furthermore, there is a customs union with Italy. A membership in the Schengen agreement does not exist, but the limits to Italy are open.

Dependent territories of Member States

A number of areas are under the management of an EU country, but are not part of the EU. The EU knows this also the special status of the overseas countries and territories ( " OCT " or " OCT" ), which represent a form of association. In these areas, EU regulations are partially apply, even if they are legally not part of the EU. Some other areas are also not associated with the EU.

Enjoy mostly autonomy, so that the decision on a membership application often with the Government of the areas is itself, not with the government of the mother country. They are at his own request not an EU member, it could be though. Under these areas, as well as European regions with aspirations for independence, in which the accession as a completely separate member is conceivable.

Nations within the Kingdom of Denmark

The Faroe Islands and Greenland are equal nations within Denmark and none of the EU members.

• Faroe Islands The Faroe Islands are not an OCT and contact no European Law. Residents are also not EU nationals. The islands are not part of the Schengen area, but passport controls not find countries of the Nordic Passport Union back instead. The Faroese crown is coupled to a fixed exchange rate to the euro, as it is in parity to the Danish krone. A far-reaching autonomy of the islands has existed since 1948. The EU has since 1977 a fisheries agreement and a free trade agreement since 1991, but has quantitative restrictions. Full membership was rejected by the then government in 2007. Rather Instead, there is interest in EFTA membership and a close cooperation with the EU on the model of Switzerland. On 29 March 2005, also declared by the Danish Government that an eventual adoption of the euro in Denmark, the Faroese crown would continue to exist. The Faroes have close ties with their northern neighbors, Iceland, is with the since August 31, 2005 a economic union. The envisaged EU accession of Iceland, which has become considerably more likely from 2007 because of the financial crisis may also affect the attitude of the Faroese with a candidate.
• Greenland: The island has the status of an OCT and aims for the near future to the independence from the Kingdom of Denmark. 1979 Greenland became a self-management and internal autonomy with its own parliament and its own government. The inhabitants voted in a 1982 referendum for a withdrawal from the European Community, which was completed in 1985. Reason for the withdrawal of Greenland from the EC was then primarily overfishing Greenland waters by West German fleets. Exist with the EU further agreements, inter alia, a customs union for certain product groups. The island also receives financial support from the EU. The current Greenlandic government is neutral towards eventual membership. In an interview in January 2009, expressed the former foreign and finance minister of Greenland, Per Berthelsen, reserved for EU accession. One must weigh the pros and cons would this step. Since Greenland was once part of the EC and is historically closely connected by the dependency of Denmark with Europe, a rejection of Greenland from cultural, geographical or historical reasons, is considered unlikely. Moreover, the EU is keen to have a presence in the Arctic geopolitical reasons.

French Overseas Departments and Territories

In contrast to other EU states with outdoor areas significant parts of the French overseas territories are part of the European Union. This is the case in French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion and Saint -Martin.

The remaining areas are OCTs:

• French Polynesia: The area used the CFP Franc, which is pegged to the euro.
• French Southern and Antarctic Lands: These territories use the euro, but this is of little practical importance, as there is no native population and all the inhabitants belong to the crews of research stations.
• New Caledonia: the area used the CFP Franc, which is pegged to the euro.
• Saint -Barthélemy: the only Caribbean overseas territory of Saint -Barthélemy is at his own request since January 1, 2012, no part of the European Union more. This step was justified by the fact that it is difficult with the island's economy, which is focused exclusively on tourism, to apply the European law.
• Saint- Pierre and Miquelon: The area uses the Euro.
• Wallis and Futuna: the area used the CFP Franc, which is pegged to the euro.

The citizens of all French overseas territories are citizens of the Union and select the European Parliament. In the last European elections, they formed an electoral district, which sent three deputies to the Parliament.

Caribbean territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

The Kingdom of the Netherlands comprises a series territories in the Caribbean, although not all have the same status. By the last change in 2010, which was carried out for referendums in the fields, some areas equal countries within the Kingdom, ie they are assimilated and the Netherlands have complete internal autonomy. Others have chosen the status of a particular community, which allows a possible future EU membership in the form of an area in the outermost regions. However, a decision on this should not fall before 2015.

• Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten are equal countries
• Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius are special communities

The regions use the U.S. dollar or their related currencies. A special feature of Sint Maarten has a border with the European Union, as the other half of the island of St. Martin is a belonging to the EU French overseas territory.

Kronbesitzungen the British Crown

From the historical development have the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands the special status of Kronbesitzes the British Crown. Although Elizabeth II is Head of State, but the islands are not part of the United Kingdom. They are also no OCTs.

• Isle of Man: The island is part of the customs union and also employs a portion of the tax legislation, in particular the VAT is identical to that of the UK. It, however, for example, taxes on corporate profits are levied. This makes the island a tax haven, which represent an important economic sector in the offshore companies. Like the mainland European mini-states thus has the Isle of Man is considerable interest to obtain this source of income and therefore not to be an EU member. Accession to the EU is therefore unlikely. An adoption of the euro is conceivable, because there is indeed its own currency, the Isle- of-Man - pounds, but this is linked 1:1 to the pound sterling. Therefore, a Euro - Britain's entry would influence insofar as that the Isle- of-Man -pound would either pegged to the euro or completely replaced by the euro.
• Channel Islands ( bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey ): In the two bailiwicks there each have their own currency, but which are linked 1:1 to the pound sterling. With the UK there is the historically anchored right to free trade. This duty-free treatment also extends to the EEA countries, with the exception of a few products - they are thus essentially part of the EU customs territory. However, no tax and no tax on winnings will be payable. The income taxes are very low. Therefore, the islands are also a tax haven, which promotes an important offshore industry. Therefore, the interests are similar as in the Isle of Man. One sees mainly advantages in the current state and a danger to the national economy, you should join the EU. In addition, there are fears that the cost of living and product prices would increase significantly if you beiträte the EU. Therefore, an EU accession is very unlikely. Joining the euro zone would be possible, especially if the UK should adopt the euro.

British Overseas Territories

With the exception of Gibraltar, all British Overseas Territories are not part of the EU.

The following areas have the status of an OCT:

• Anguilla
• Bermuda ( with special arrangements )
• British Antarctic Territory (Territory under the Antarctic Treaty claim not recognized internationally )
• British Virgin Islands
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Falkland Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Montserrat
• Pitcairn Islands
• St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands

The citizens of these areas have citizenship of the Union, but EU law applies only to a small extent application. None of these areas uses the euro as its currency, many of them not even the British currency pound sterling or coupled thereto currency. In none of the areas there are efforts to change the existing status towards EU membership.

The area of Akrotiri and Dhekelia occupies a special status. These military bases remained after the independence of Cyprus under British sovereignty, but with strict restrictions on the Zurich and London Agreements. You are not a OCTs, may only be used purely military and have no autonomy. Certain political forces such as the former President of Cyprus Dimitris Christofias have set themselves the goal to achieve a handover of the territory to the Cypriot State, in which they would become part of the EU. As the only British territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia uses the Euro as currency, as has always been the respective currency of Cyprus was used.