EU Accession Criteria and Procedures: Up for the Challenge?

Abstract

The article comprehensively analyses the evolution and challenges surrounding the criteria and procedures for accession to the European Union (EU). It traces the historical trajectory of EU accession criteria and procedures from pre- to post-Copenhagen phase. The article scrutinizes the emergence and formalization of democratic principles in EU accession and the various ongoing adjustments made to adapt to the changing circumstances, highlighting the multistep accession procedures and the introduction of flexibility, reversibility, and uncertainty into the process. While navigating the complexities of the evolving accession criteria and procedures, we address the many criticisms and plausible future developments. The article underscores the need for a return to the core normative accession criteria on democracy and the rule of law principles as a way to restore credibility and consistency in the EU accession process.