Introduction

The continuous expansion of the European Union incrementally transformed its very own self-conception. Initially, the European Coal and Steel Community was designed to assure enduring peace and growing welfare by establishing an authority to control the most relevant resources for both warfare and the reconstruction of its member states after the disastrous Second World War. The first enlargement in 1973 settled the brief rivalry between the European Communities (EC) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Turning to the decision-making within the EU, the formal process can be divided into three phases. In the application phase, the European Council receives the application and asks the Commission to prepare an opinion which assesses the applicant's suitability for full membership. In the negotiation phase, the European Council decides on the commencement of accession talks. In the ratification phase, the European Parliament votes with a simple majority over accession on the basis of the Commission's opinion.