The eighth meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania confirmed that Albania has, on the whole, met the interim criteria of the so-called Group 1: Foundations. This group covers, in particular, the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration reform, the rule of law and economic criteria. “The milestone reached today by Albania confirms the fulfilment […]
Commissioners Kubilius and Kos reaffirm the EU’s commitment to enlargement and global partnerships
The Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, are bringing together representatives from Member States, partner countries and the international community involved in institution-building to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to enlargement and global partnerships. This meeting marks the 30th anniversary of the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument […]
Travelling exhibition “Andalusia, 40 years growing in Europe: from treaty to transformation”
This initiative, which covers the whole of Andalusia through the European information points that make up the European Information Network of Andalusia, highlights the impact of the European integration process on the political, social and economic development of Andalusia on the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to the European Union. Its aim is to bring […]
European Parliament approves changes to EU asylum rules
On Tuesday, Parliament approved changes to EU asylum rules to make it easier for applications to be processed more quickly. With 408 votes in favour, 184 against and 60 abstentions, MEPs backed the creation of a European list of safe countries of origin. The plenary also supported a new regulation on the application of the […]
Spain and Portugal celebrate 40 years in the European Union
1 January 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Union. Both countries have enriched the EU culturally, politically and economically. Their accession has offered European citizens more trade and travel opportunities, reinforced solidarity between peoples and strengthened our Union internationally, boosting our links with partner countries in […]
EU and Montenegro make progress in accession negotiations
The 24th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro last December 16 provisionally closed accession negotiations on chapters 3 (right of establishment and freedom to provide services), 4 (free movement of capital), 6 (company law), 11 (agriculture and rural development) and 13 (fisheries). If necessary, the EU will revert to these chapters in due course. […]
Jornada de Conmemoración: 40 Aniversario de la adhesión de España y Portugal a la UE
El próximo 24 de octubre de 2025, de 10:00h a 13:00h en la Sala de Conferencias del Edificio de Empresariales de la UAL tendrá lugar la Jornada de Conmemoración: “40 Aniversario de la adhesión de España y Portugal a la UE”. Este año se cumplen 40 años de un acontecimiento histórico: la adhesión de España y […]
Enlargement: how do countries join the EU?
EU enlargement is a way to foster peace and stability in Europe, increase prosperity for Europeans and create opportunities for companies. Countries preparing to join benefit from closer ties with the EU, stronger support for fundamental rights as well as from funding and expertise from the EU to make the process easier. In November 2023, […]