Содержание
- 2. Questions Enlargement of EU Copenhagen Criteria Candidates states Symbols
- 3. The process of expanding the European UnionThe process of expanding the European Union (EU) through the
- 4. The EU's predecessors were founded by the "Inner SixThe EU's predecessors were founded by the "Inner
- 5. First enlargement Applying in 1969 were Britain, Ireland, Denmark and Norway. Norway, however, declined to accept
- 6. 1981 + Greece 1986 + Spain, Portugal 1995 + Austria, Finland, Sweden
- 7. 2003 + Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Check Republic, Slovakia, Malta, Poland, Hungary, Cyprus, Slovenia 2007 + Bulgaria,
- 8. Criteria According to the EU treatiesAccording to the EU treaties, membership of the European Union is
- 9. Membership requires that candidate country has achieved stability of institutions guaranteeing democracyMembership requires that candidate country
- 10. Copenhagen criteria The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country is eligible to
- 11. Copenhagen criteria Democracy Functional democratic governance requires that all citizens of the country should be able
- 12. Copenhagen criteria Rule of law The rule of law implies that government authority may only be
- 13. Copenhagen criteria Respect for and protection of minorities Members of such national minorities should be able
- 14. Poland: "Taking into consideration the fact, that the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
- 15. Criteria Economic criteria The economic criteria, broadly speaking, require that candidate countries have a functioning market
- 16. Process The accession process follows a series of formal steps (formal and non-formal) , from a
- 17. The Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy is the member of the European Commission is
- 18. When a country formally applies for membership, the Council asks the Commission to prepare an opinion
- 19. To assess progress achieved by countries in preparing for accession to the European Union, the European
- 20. Fails of Enlargement Switzerland, referenda failed, 1992 Norway, referenda failed, 1962, 1992 Morocco, rejected, 1987
- 21. Future Enlargement There are at present five "candidate countries", who have applied to the EU and
- 22. Iceland IcelandIceland applied to join the EU in July 2009 following an economic crisisIceland applied to
- 23. Macedonia Macedonia applied to become an official candidate on 22 March 2004. On 9 November 2005,
- 24. Macedonia In early 2013, political instability stemming from the Macedonian parliament's approval of its 2013 fiscal
- 25. Montenegro In the independence referendumIn the independence referendum of 21 May 2006, the Montenegrin people voted
- 26. Montenegro Montenegro unilaterally adopted the euroMontenegro unilaterally adopted the euro as its currency at its launch
- 27. Serbia The government of Serbia set a goal for EU accession in 2014 per Papandreou plan—Agenda
- 28. Serbia On 29 April 2008, Serbian officialsOn 29 April 2008, Serbian officials signed an SAAOn 29
- 29. Turkey The country formally applied for full membership on 14 April 1987, but 12 years passed
- 30. Turkey Turkey, with the seventh largest economyTurkey, with the seventh largest economy in the Council of
- 31. Turkey According to Carl BildtAccording to Carl Bildt, Swedish foreign ministerAccording to Carl Bildt, Swedish foreign
- 32. Turkey Other opponents to Turkey's membership state that it would also affect future enlargement plans, especially
- 33. Turkey Further, some oppose the accession of a largely Muslim country. In 2004, future President of
- 34. Albania has signed an SAA and applied for EU membership. On 10 October 2012, the European
- 35. Territory of EU
- 36. Languages The languages of the European Union are languages are languages used by people within the
- 38. Скачать презентацию
Questions
Enlargement of EU
Copenhagen Criteria
Candidates states
Symbols
Questions
Enlargement of EU
Copenhagen Criteria
Candidates states
Symbols
The process of expanding the European UnionThe process of expanding the European Union (EU)
The process of expanding the European UnionThe process of expanding the European Union (EU)
Enlargement of EU
The EU's predecessors were founded by the "Inner SixThe EU's predecessors
The EU's predecessors were founded by the "Inner SixThe EU's predecessors
First enlargement
Applying in 1969 were Britain, Ireland, Denmark and Norway. Norway,
First enlargement
Applying in 1969 were Britain, Ireland, Denmark and Norway. Norway,
1981 + Greece
1986 + Spain, Portugal
1995 + Austria, Finland, Sweden
1981 + Greece
1986 + Spain, Portugal
1995 + Austria, Finland, Sweden
2003 + Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Check Republic, Slovakia,
Malta,
Poland, Hungary,
2003 + Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Check Republic, Slovakia,
Malta,
Poland, Hungary,
2007 + Bulgaria, Romania
2013 + Croatia
Criteria
According to the EU treatiesAccording to the EU treaties, membership of the European
Criteria
According to the EU treatiesAccording to the EU treaties, membership of the European
Membership requires that candidate country has achieved stability of institutions guaranteeing democracyMembership
Membership requires that candidate country has achieved stability of institutions guaranteeing democracyMembership
—Excerpt from the Copenhagen Presidency conclusions
Copenhagen criteria
The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country
Copenhagen criteria
The Copenhagen criteria are the rules that define whether a country
These membership criteria were laid down at the June 1993 European CouncilThese membership criteria were laid down at the June 1993 European Council in Copenhagen, Denmark, from which they take their name. Except from the Copenhagen Presidency conclusions
Copenhagen criteria
Democracy
Functional democratic governance requires that all citizens of the country
Copenhagen criteria
Democracy
Functional democratic governance requires that all citizens of the country
Copenhagen criteria
Rule of law
The rule of law implies that government authority may only
Copenhagen criteria
Rule of law
The rule of law implies that government authority may only
Human rights
Human rights are those rights which every person holds because of their quality as a human being; human rights are "inalienable" and belonging to all humans. If a right is inalienable, that means it cannot be bestowed, granted, limited, bartered away, or sold away (e.g. one cannot sell oneself into slavery). These include the right to life, the right to be prosecuted only according to the laws that are in existence at the time of the offence, the right to be free from slavery, and the right to be free from torture.
Copenhagen criteria
Respect for and protection of minorities
Members of such national minorities
Copenhagen criteria
Respect for and protection of minorities
Members of such national minorities
Poland: "Taking into consideration the fact, that the Framework Convention for
Poland: "Taking into consideration the fact, that the Framework Convention for
Russia: "The Russian Federation considers that none is entitled to include unilaterally in reservations or declarations, made while signing or ratifying the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, a definition of the term 'national minority', which is not contained in the Framework Convention. In the opinion of the Russian Federation, attempts to exclude from the scope of the Framework Convention the persons who permanently reside in the territory of States Parties to the Framework Convention and previously had a citizenship but have been arbitrarily deprived of it, contradict the purpose of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities."
Copenhagen criteria
Criteria
Economic criteria
The economic criteria, broadly speaking, require that candidate countries have
Criteria
Economic criteria
The economic criteria, broadly speaking, require that candidate countries have
Legislative alignment
Finally, and technically outside the Copenhagen criteria, comes the further requirement that all prospective members must enact legislation to bring their laws into line with the body of European law built up over the history of the Union, known as the acquis communautaire. In preparing for each admission, the acquis is divided into separate chapters, each dealing with different policy areas. For the process of the fifth enlargement. In preparing for each admission, the acquis is divided into separate chapters, each dealing with different policy areas. For the process of the fifth enlargement that concluded with the admission of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007. In preparing for each admission, the acquis is divided into separate chapters, each dealing with different policy areas. For the process of the fifth enlargement that concluded with the admission of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007, there were 31 chapters. For the talks with Croatia. In preparing for each admission, the acquis is divided into separate chapters, each dealing with different policy areas. For the process of the fifth enlargement that concluded with the admission of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007, there were 31 chapters. For the talks with Croatia, Turkey. In preparing for each admission, the acquis is divided into separate chapters, each dealing with different policy areas. For the process of the fifth enlargement that concluded with the admission of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007, there were 31 chapters. For the talks with Croatia, Turkey and Iceland the acquis has been split further into 35 chapters.
Process
The accession process follows a series of formal steps (formal and
Process
The accession process follows a series of formal steps (formal and
Before a country applies for membership it typically signs an association agreement to help prepare the country for candidacy and eventual membership. Most countries do not meet the criteria to even begin negotiations before they apply, so they need many years to prepare for the process. An association agreement helps prepare for this first step.
The Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy is the member of the European
The Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy is the member of the European
The Directorate-General for Enlargement is a Directorate-General is a Directorate-General of the European Commission. The DG Enlargement is responsible for the enlargement process of the European Union.
The current Director-General for Enlargement is Stefano Sannino
When a country formally applies for membership, the Council asks the
When a country formally applies for membership, the Council asks the
If the Council agrees to open negotiations the screening process then begins. The Commission and candidate country examine its laws and those of the EU and determine what differences exist. The Council then recommends opening negotiations on "chapters" of law that it feels there is sufficient common ground to have constructive negotiations. Negotiations are typically a matter of the candidate country convincing the EU that its laws and administrative capacity are sufficient to execute European law, which can be implemented as seen fit by the member states. Often this will involve time-lines before the Acquis Communautaire (European regulations, directives & standards) has to be fully implemented.
To assess progress achieved by countries in preparing for accession to
To assess progress achieved by countries in preparing for accession to
Once the negotiations are complete a treaty of accession will be signed, which must then be ratified by all of the member states of the Union, as well as the institutions of the Union, and the candidate country. Once this has been completed it will join the Union on the date specified in the treaty.
The entire process, from application for membership to membership has typically taken about a decade, although some countries, notably Sweden, Finland, and Austria have been faster, taking only a few years. The process from application for association agreement through accession has taken far longer, as much as several decades (Turkey for example first applied for association in the 1950s and has yet to conclude accession negotiations).
Fails of Enlargement
Switzerland, referenda failed, 1992
Norway, referenda failed, 1962, 1992
Morocco, rejected,
Fails of Enlargement
Switzerland, referenda failed, 1992
Norway, referenda failed, 1962, 1992
Morocco, rejected,
Future Enlargement
There are at present five "candidate countries", who have applied
Future Enlargement
There are at present five "candidate countries", who have applied
Membership is not a certainty in some of these candidate states. Serbia faces opposition from most EU states regarding its position on Kosovo, and many think that the EU is using the promise of membership as a way to force its politics onto Serbia. In Iceland, fishing rights and the consequences of the 2009 financial crisis keeps membership unpopular. In a poll taken in Iceland in February 2012, only one third of those questioned stated they would vote in favour of EU accession.
Iceland
IcelandIceland applied to join the EU in July 2009 following an economic crisisIceland applied
Iceland
IcelandIceland applied to join the EU in July 2009 following an economic crisisIceland applied
As in NorwayAs in Norway, Iceland's fear of losing control over its fishery resources in its territorial waters was the most important reason for its reluctance to join the EU. However the economic downturn in Iceland accelerated the debate, and the Independence PartyAs in Norway, Iceland's fear of losing control over its fishery resources in its territorial waters was the most important reason for its reluctance to join the EU. However the economic downturn in Iceland accelerated the debate, and the Independence Party, then the largest opposition party, agreed to the opening of accession negotiations after a referendum (and subject to a further referendum). A proposal to begin negotiations with the EU was put before the Icelandic parliamentAs in Norway, Iceland's fear of losing control over its fishery resources in its territorial waters was the most important reason for its reluctance to join the EU. However the economic downturn in Iceland accelerated the debate, and the Independence Party, then the largest opposition party, agreed to the opening of accession negotiations after a referendum (and subject to a further referendum). A proposal to begin negotiations with the EU was put before the Icelandic parliament in July 2009 and approved (without a pre-negotiation referendum) by a slim majority on 16 July 2009. Iceland submitted its application to the Swedish presidency in a letter dated 16 July, and the application was acknowledged by the Council of the European UnionAs in Norway, Iceland's fear of losing control over its fishery resources in its territorial waters was the most important reason for its reluctance to join the EU. However the economic downturn in Iceland accelerated the debate, and the Independence Party, then the largest opposition party, agreed to the opening of accession negotiations after a referendum (and subject to a further referendum). A proposal to begin negotiations with the EU was put before the Icelandic parliament in July 2009 and approved (without a pre-negotiation referendum) by a slim majority on 16 July 2009. Iceland submitted its application to the Swedish presidency in a letter dated 16 July, and the application was acknowledged by the Council of the European Union on 27 July. On 8 September, the EU commission sent Iceland a list of 2,500 questions about its fulfilment of convergence criteria and adoption of EU law. Iceland replied to the commission on 22 October 2009. On 2 November, Iceland selected a chief negotiator for the membership negotiations with the EU: Stefan Haukur Johannesson, Iceland's Ambassador to Belgium. In February 2010, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy recommended to the Council of the European Union to start accession negotiations with Iceland. The European Council decided in June that negotiations should start, and on 17 June 2010 the EU granted official candidate status to Iceland by formally approving the opening of membership talks. On 26 July 2010, European Union foreign ministers formally gave the green light for negotiations to begin and agreed to start the talks on the following day.
Macedonia
Macedonia applied to become an official candidate on 22 March 2004. On
Macedonia
Macedonia applied to become an official candidate on 22 March 2004. On
On 17 December 2005, the European Council welcomed and congratulated the country's achievements in implementing multiple reforms and agreements.
The country has a dispute over its name with its southern neighbour and current EU member, Greece.
Macedonia
In early 2013, political instability stemming from the Macedonian parliament's approval
Macedonia
In early 2013, political instability stemming from the Macedonian parliament's approval
Montenegro
In the independence referendumIn the independence referendum of 21 May 2006, the Montenegrin people
Montenegro
In the independence referendumIn the independence referendum of 21 May 2006, the Montenegrin people
Montenegro
Montenegro unilaterally adopted the euroMontenegro unilaterally adopted the euro as its currency at its
Montenegro
Montenegro unilaterally adopted the euroMontenegro unilaterally adopted the euro as its currency at its
On 22 July 2009, a questionnaire to assess Montenegro's application was presented to the Montenegrin Government by the EC. On 9 December 2009, Montenegro delivered its answers to the EC questionnaire. On 9 November 2010, the European CommissionOn 22 July 2009, a questionnaire to assess Montenegro's application was presented to the Montenegrin Government by the EC. On 9 December 2009, Montenegro delivered its answers to the EC questionnaire. On 9 November 2010, the European Commission recommended that the Council of the European Union grant Montenegro the status of candidate country. On 17 December 2010, Montenegro became an official EU candidate country.
In 2011 Montenegro's population was overwhelmingly for joining the EU, 76.2% being in favour according to polling and only 9.8% against.
Serbia
The government of Serbia set a goal for EU accession in
Serbia
The government of Serbia set a goal for EU accession in
Serbia
On 29 April 2008, Serbian officialsOn 29 April 2008, Serbian officials signed an SAAOn 29
Serbia
On 29 April 2008, Serbian officialsOn 29 April 2008, Serbian officials signed an SAAOn 29
In December 2013 the Council of the European Union approved opening negotiations on Serbia's accession in January 2014, and the first Intergovernmental Conference was held on 21 January at the European Council in Brussels.
Turkey
The country formally applied for full membership on 14 April 1987,
Turkey
The country formally applied for full membership on 14 April 1987,
Turkey
Turkey, with the seventh largest economyTurkey, with the seventh largest economy in the Council of
Turkey
Turkey, with the seventh largest economyTurkey, with the seventh largest economy in the Council of
Proponents of Turkey's membership argue that it is a key regional powerProponents of Turkey's membership argue that it is a key regional power with a large economyProponents of Turkey's membership argue that it is a key regional power with a large economy and the second largest military force of NATOProponents of Turkey's membership argue that it is a key regional power with a large economy and the second largest military force of NATO that will enhance the EU's position as a global geostrategic player; given Turkey's geographic location and economic, political and cultural ties in regions with that are in the immediate vicinity of the EU's geopolitical sphere of influence; such as the East MediterraneanProponents of Turkey's membership argue that it is a key regional power with a large economy and the second largest military force of NATO that will enhance the EU's position as a global geostrategic player; given Turkey's geographic location and economic, political and cultural ties in regions with that are in the immediate vicinity of the EU's geopolitical sphere of influence; such as the East Mediterranean and Black SeaProponents of Turkey's membership argue that it is a key regional power with a large economy and the second largest military force of NATO that will enhance the EU's position as a global geostrategic player; given Turkey's geographic location and economic, political and cultural ties in regions with that are in the immediate vicinity of the EU's geopolitical sphere of influence; such as the East Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, the BalkanProponents of Turkey's membership argue that it is a key regional power with a large economy and the second largest military force of NATO that will enhance the EU's position as a global geostrategic player; given Turkey's geographic location and economic, political and cultural ties in regions with that are in the immediate vicinity of the EU's geopolitical sphere of influence; such as the East Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, the Balkan peninsula, the Middle EastProponents of Turkey's membership argue that it is a key regional power with a large economy and the second largest military force of NATO that will enhance the EU's position as a global geostrategic player; given Turkey's geographic location and economic, political and cultural ties in regions with that are in the immediate vicinity of the EU's geopolitical sphere of influence; such as the East Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, the Balkan peninsula, the Middle East, the Caspian SeaProponents of Turkey's membership argue that it is a key regional power with a large economy and the second largest military force of NATO that will enhance the EU's position as a global geostrategic player; given Turkey's geographic location and economic, political and cultural ties in regions with that are in the immediate vicinity of the EU's geopolitical sphere of influence; such as the East Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, the Balkan peninsula, the Middle East, the Caspian Sea basin and Central Asia.
Turkey
According to Carl BildtAccording to Carl Bildt, Swedish foreign ministerAccording to Carl Bildt, Swedish foreign minister,
Turkey
According to Carl BildtAccording to Carl Bildt, Swedish foreign ministerAccording to Carl Bildt, Swedish foreign minister,
However others, such as former French PresidentHowever others, such as former French President Nicolas SarkozyHowever others, such as former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German ChancellorHowever others, such as former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela MerkelHowever others, such as former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, maintain an opposition to Turkey's membership. Opponents argue that Turkey does not respect the key principles that are expected in a liberal democracyHowever others, such as former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, maintain an opposition to Turkey's membership. Opponents argue that Turkey does not respect the key principles that are expected in a liberal democracy, such as the freedom of expressionHowever others, such as former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, maintain an opposition to Turkey's membership. Opponents argue that Turkey does not respect the key principles that are expected in a liberal democracy, such as the freedom of expression; and because of the significant role of the army on the Turkish administrative foreground through the National Security CouncilHowever others, such as former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, maintain an opposition to Turkey's membership. Opponents argue that Turkey does not respect the key principles that are expected in a liberal democracy, such as the freedom of expression; and because of the significant role of the army on the Turkish administrative foreground through the National Security Council; whose military-dominated structure was reformed on 23 July 2003, in line with the requests from the EU. Turkey's large population would also alter the balance of power in the representative European institutions. Upon joining the EU, Turkey's 70 million inhabitants would bestow it the second largest number of MEPsHowever others, such as former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, maintain an opposition to Turkey's membership. Opponents argue that Turkey does not respect the key principles that are expected in a liberal democracy, such as the freedom of expression; and because of the significant role of the army on the Turkish administrative foreground through the National Security Council; whose military-dominated structure was reformed on 23 July 2003, in line with the requests from the EU. Turkey's large population would also alter the balance of power in the representative European institutions. Upon joining the EU, Turkey's 70 million inhabitants would bestow it the second largest number of MEPs in the European Parliament. Demographic projections indicate that Turkey would surpass Germany in the number of seats by 2020.
Turkey
Other opponents to Turkey's membership state that it would also affect
Turkey
Other opponents to Turkey's membership state that it would also affect
Turkey
Further, some oppose the accession of a largely Muslim country. In
Turkey
Further, some oppose the accession of a largely Muslim country. In
Another concern is the Cyprus disputeAnother concern is the Cyprus dispute. The northern third of the island of Cyprus is considered by the EU and most states in the world to be part of the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state, but is de facto controlled by the government of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised by Turkey. Turkey, for its part, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus pending a resolution to the dispute under the auspices of the United Nations, and has 40,000 troops stationed on territory controlled by the Northern Cypriot government.
Albania has signed an SAA and applied for EU membership. On
Albania has signed an SAA and applied for EU membership. On
The EU's relations with the Western BalkansThe EU's relations with the Western Balkans states were moved from the "External RelationsThe EU's relations with the Western Balkans states were moved from the "External Relations" to the "EnlargementThe EU's relations with the Western Balkans states were moved from the "External Relations" to the "Enlargement" policy segment in 2005. Those states which have not been recognised as candidate countries are considered "potential candidate countries". The move to Enlargement directorateThe EU's relations with the Western Balkans states were moved from the "External Relations" to the "Enlargement" policy segment in 2005. Those states which have not been recognised as candidate countries are considered "potential candidate countries". The move to Enlargement directorate was a consequence of the advancement of the Stabilisation and Association process.
On 9 November 2005, the European Commission suggested in a strategy paper that the enlargement agenda of the time (Croatia, Turkey suggested in a strategy paper that the enlargement agenda of the time (Croatia, Turkey and the Western Balkans) could potentially block the possibility of a future accession of Armenia suggested in a strategy paper that the enlargement agenda of the time (Croatia, Turkey and the Western Balkans) could potentially block the possibility of a future accession of Armenia, Azerbaijan suggested in a strategy paper that the enlargement agenda of the time (Croatia, Turkey and the Western Balkans) could potentially block the possibility of a future accession of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus suggested in a strategy paper that the enlargement agenda of the time (Croatia, Turkey and the Western Balkans) could potentially block the possibility of a future accession of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia suggested in a strategy paper that the enlargement agenda of the time (Croatia, Turkey and the Western Balkans) could potentially block the possibility of a future accession of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova suggested in a strategy paper that the enlargement agenda of the time (Croatia, Turkey and the Western Balkans) could potentially block the possibility of a future accession of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
Territory of EU
Territory of EU
Languages
The languages of the European Union are languages are languages used by people within the member states
Languages
The languages of the European Union are languages are languages used by people within the member states
The most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is EnglishThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languagesThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. FrenchThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official languageThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centresThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centres of the Union: BrusselsThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centres of the Union: Brussels (BelgiumThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centres of the Union: Brussels (Belgium), StrasbourgThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centres of the Union: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (FranceThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centres of the Union: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France) and Luxembourg cityThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centres of the Union: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France) and Luxembourg city(LuxembourgThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centres of the Union: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France) and Luxembourg city(Luxembourg). CatalanThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centres of the Union: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France) and Luxembourg city(Luxembourg). Catalan, GalicianThe most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU is English which is understood by 51% of adults. All 24 official languages of the EU are accepted asworking languages, but in practice only two are used most often: English and French. Of these, English is the most common. French is an official language common to the three cities that are political centres of the Union: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France) and Luxembourg city(Luxembourg). Catalan, Galician and Basque are regional languages that are not official languages of the EU.