Enlargement is one of the EU’s most powerful policy tools. The pull of the EU has helped to transform the nations of Central and Eastern Europe into modern, well-functioning democracies. More recently it has inspired far-reaching reforms in the candidate and potential candidate countries. All European citizens benefit from having neighbours that are stable democracies and prosperous market economies. Enlargement is a carefully managed process which aids in the transformation of the countries involved, extending peace, stability, prosperity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law across Europe.

Successful development of the EU is inevitably influenced by the successful development of its European neighbours, so the EU has always sought close political and trade relations with them. For aspiring members, this relationship has also provided aid and support in their preparations for negotiations and eventual accession, tailor-made for their particular needs. This has always included assisting them in fully understanding the EU rules and obligations that must be accepted for membership, and in familiarising them with the way the EU functions.