Since its inception in 1957, the European Union has grown continuously. In the beginning, the bloc consisted of just six founder countries. Today, the EU has 28 members. And there are plans for the expansion to continue, especially towards the Southeast. The current candidate countries include Turkey and Albania as well as Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina have been declared potential candidate countries while the accession of Turkey to the EU currently seems less likely due to the repressive policies of its current administration. But will an ever larger European Union still be able to act during times of crisis? After all, it already regularly appears to have difficulties finding a common line today.
EU enlargement
The Union is growing
50 years of EU expansion: who’s in and who wants to join?
The European Union, which will hold a summit with war-battered membership candidate Ukraine in Kyiv, has gone through several waves of expansion in the past 50 years.
Tensions mount as Scotland goes its own way on virus lockdown
First independence. Then Brexit. Now Scotland's handling of the coronavirus outbreak has stirred up fresh tensions with the UK government, despite an initial unified approach.
EU vows virus help for Balkans and warns against China
The EU has vowed to support its Balkan neighbours against the coronavirus but warned them to be grateful for the help, after China's "mask diplomacy" made inroads in the region
EU seeks to reform membership process to unblock Skopje, Tirana talks
North Macedonia and Albania both welcome changes proposed by the European Commission to the EU accession process, expressing hope that these will clear the way for them to begin formal membership talks soon.
Macedonia name change deal: From pastries to passports
From statue plaques to school books and trade agreements, the proof of a historic deal between Greece and Macedonia to change the latter's name lies in the small print.
Macedonia PM defies low turnout to push name change
Macedonia's government has vowed to push ahead with changing the country's name to appease Greece and build ties with the West, but opponents said low turnout made it illegitimate.