Publications Office of the EU
Newsletter of the Publications Office - December issue - EU publications
Dockbar
December newsletter

Issue 122

December 2023

ISSN 2315-0017

You can read our newsletter in all official EU languages plus Ukrainian and Russian by clicking on the globe icon on the header of the page.

Spotlight on EU enlargement

Today’s EU of 27 Member States and nearly 500 million people leaving in peace is the result of several rounds of enlargement since 1951, when six only countries laid the foundation of the current Union. This historic journey is ongoing. On 8 November 2023, the European Commission adopted its 2023 Enlargement Package, a major step in assessing and guiding the progress of new countries that want to join the EU.

The EU's enlargement is crucial for both the Union and the countries joining. New members benefit from economic growth, market access, and enhanced political stability within a democratic, prosperous union. For the EU, enlargement helps to spread prosperity and stability across its neighbourhood, while promoting the EU’s high standards in democracy, environmental protection, and consumer rights. It strengthens the EU’s global influence, and enriches its cultural diversity.

Enlargement is a complex process which takes time. The EU has to prepare to accommodate new members. For candidate countries, it involves extensive reforms to meet the EU’s specific requirements. These requirements include a stable democracy and the rule of law, a functioning market economy and the acceptance of all EU legislation, including the euro. The Enlargement Package provides detailed evaluations of the progress made by each candidate country in implementing necessary reforms and meeting EU standards.

Highlights of the 2023 Enlargement Package include:

  • A recommendation for the Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, recognising its deep reforms and preparedness for accession, even amidst Russia’s full-scale aggression.
  • A recommendation for the Council to open accession negotiations with Moldova, acknowledging the country's significant reform efforts despite constant destabilisation attempts against its democracy.
  • A recommendation of granting candidate status to Georgia contingent upon the government taking important reform steps that reflect the genuine aspirations of its majority to join the Union.
  • A recommendation for the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once they achieve the necessary degree of compliance with membership criteria, noting that while the country has made positive steps, the unconstitutional laws adopted in the Republika Srpska entity raise concerns.

Our December newsletter is devoted to this topic of historic importance. As always, we also recommend readings on a variety of engaging topics, from EU solidarity to the digital transformation of public services in Europe. Enjoy the good reads!

EU accession process step by step PDF

A credible enlargement policy is a geostrategic investment in peace, stability, security, and prosperity in Europe. It is also a procedure based on merit, requiring candidate countries to implement complex reforms in areas such as the rule of law, the economy, fight against corruption and organised crime. Find out more about the journey countries take to join the EU in this factsheet.

Available in English and French

Basic figures on the candidate countries and potential candidatesPDF

2023 edition

This publication provides a comparison of basic statistical data between ten candidate and potential candidate countries and the EU. It covers a wide range of indicators across various domains, including demography, education, the labour market, inflation, trade, GDP, energy, and more.

Available in English

Progress towards meeting the economic criteria for EU accession PDF

The EU Commission’s 2022 assessments

This is the latest comprehensive overview of the economic progress of seven countries towards meeting the criteria for EU accession. It offers a detailed examination of the economic conditions and challenges in these countries and provides an objective analysis of the reforms and advancements needed to fulfil the EU's economic standards.

Available in English

More on this topic

Constitutional challenges of the enlargement PDF

Is further enlargement feasible without constitutional changes?

This analytical report explores the link between EU enlargement and the need for constitutional adaptations. It critically examines decision-making capacities, differentiated integration, and the adherence to fundamental EU values by Member States. It's an insightful read for understanding the complex interplay between EU constitutional framework and its enlargement prospects.

Available in English

Labour market indicators for enlargement countries PDF

2023 edition

This publication offers a detailed comparison of labour market statistics between ten candidate and potential candidate countries and the EU. Covering data up to 2022, it provides insights into various aspects such as employment rates, gender-specific employment trends, sector-wise job distribution, and youth unemployment.

Available in English

EU sanctions against Russia PDF

Alignment of the EU enlargement countries

Apart from being a significant economic actor, the EU aims to enhance its geopolitical influence, extending its role on the global stage. This makes its common foreign and security policy increasingly important in the enlargement process. Candidate and potential candidate countries are expected to fully align with the EU positions prior to accession. This publication examines this geopolitical alignment of enlargement countries, particularly concerning sanctions against Russia.

Available in English

Also out recently

Antisemitism PDF/Paper

Overview of antisemitic incidents recorded in the European Union 2012-2022: annual update

Antisemitic incidents and hate crimes violate fundamental rights, the right to human dignity, the right to equality of treatment and the freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The European Union strongly condemns and fights against antisemitism. This report provides an overview of available data on antisemitism as recorded by official and unofficial sources in the EU Member States and in Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Available in English

What shapes solidarity in the EU? PDF

From compassion to solidarity fatigue: factors sustaining or eroding solidarity towards refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants

This report examines the levels of solidarity within the EU, especially towards refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. It explores the concept of solidarity, factors that influence it, and its various forms. The study includes a review of literature, survey data, and media analysis to understand what drives or diminishes European solidarity.

Available in English

Trends and projections in Europe 2023 PDF

Climate change is happening now. Floods, droughts, heatwaves, and other climate‑related hazards are becoming more intense, long and frequent while the summer of 2023 was globally the hottest summer on record. This publication discusses Europe's climate challenges and the EU's progress towards climate neutrality.

Available in English

In your language

Let’s explore Europe! PDF/Paper

This is a captivating booklet tailored for young minds aged 12-15. Unravel the essence of the EU, its shared values, and the melody of greetings in its many languages. Discover, learn, and get inspired to contribute to the enduring narrative of the EU.

Available in all official languages of the EU plus Ukrainian and Russian

Research and innovation

CORDIS results pack on frontier research for cancer PDF/HTML/Paper

Cancer represents one of Europe’s most pressing public health concerns. The European Research Council plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of cancer development and progression, through its support for curiosity-driven research, thereby paving the way for innovative treatments. This Results Pack highlights nine frontier research projects dedicated to advancing cancer research.

Available in English
(Individual article also available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish on the CORDIS website)

You may also like

The emergence of non-personal data markets PDF

The European Commission's Data Strategy aims to create a single market for data. This publication provides a detailed analysis of the emerging non-personal data markets in Europe. It explores their potential value, challenges, and solutions, focusing on legislative and policy measures for development. The study examines key sectors like transport, energy, and manufacturing, highlighting growth, data use, and specific sectoral challenges. It also includes recommendations for enhancing data sharing, digitisation, legal clarity, and standardisation to fully leverage non-personal data's potential in the EU.

Available in English

eGovernment benchmark 2023 PDF

Connecting digital governments: insight report

This publication assesses the digital transformation of public services in Europe. It focuses on the period 2021-2022 marked by the COVID pandemic which highlighted further the importance of digitalisation of public services. The report evaluates eGovernment services in 35 European countries through 'Mystery Shoppers' who analysed 15 083 websites. It examines online public services in four key dimensions—user centricity, transparency, key enablers, and cross-border services— highlighting the progress and challenges in digitalising government services.

Available in English

Africa atlas PDF/Paper

Mapping the future of the AU-EU partnership

Africa is experiencing a far-reaching social, economic, and demographic transformation, while gaining increasing prominence in global geopolitics. Using maps, charts, and infographics, this publication analyses trends in Africa across diverse domains such as food sovereignty, urbanisation, climate resilience, and migration. Furthermore, it tracks the progress of the African Union ̶ European Union partnership, highlighting opportunities and challenges in their joint vision for 2030.

Available in English

Our news

Welcome to the Open Data Cafe, a six-episode podcast series brought to you by data.europa.eu the official portal for European data. Dive into the vast ocean of open data as we explore its importance, practical uses, AI implications, legal aspects, and future trends. Each episode features expert insights, engaging discussions, and a forward-thinking perspective. So, whether you're a data enthusiast or just curious about the digital world, grab your favourite beverage and join us for an enlightening journey at the Open Data Cafe!

EU law
EU law, national law and related information
European data
Data from EU institutions and European countries
EU tenders
Business opportunities in the European Union and beyond
EU research results
Information about the results of
EU-funded projects
EU Whoiswho
The directory of the European institutions
EU publications
Publications of the EU institutions in various formats