ABSTRACT
The first enlargement of the European Community was in 1973 and saw the membership of Denmark, Ireland and the UK. The second saw the accession of Greece in 1981. The third saw Portugal and Spain joining in 1986. In January 1995 Austria, Finland and Sweden joined the European Union, which had come into being on 1 November 1993. The principles of accepting the Treaties, the acquis, and the political aspirations of the members have remained fundamental for thirty years and will remain fundamental for the next series of enlargements. The acceptance of the rights and obligations resulting from membership may give rise exceptionally to non-permanent transitional measures, to be defined during the accession negotiations. Transitional measures shall be limited in time and scope, and accompanied by a plan with clearly defined stages for application of the ‘acquis’.’.
