File talk:EU27-further enlargement map.svg
Criteria for listing membership as possible[edit]
[This image] tells that membership is possible for some countries, but not for some other countries. What are the criteria for listing membership as possible? Why is membership possible in Armenia and Belarus, but not in Russia and Kazakhstan? I personally doubt that any of those four countries will join anytime soon (they need to completely reform their societies before they can join), but why are two of them possible while the other two aren't possible? Russia is a member of the Council of Europe (while Belarus is not, but not for geographical reasons), and Kazakhstan is eligible for full membership after the introduction of democracy (according to a statement from the council). In my opinion, the only sensible rule for deciding whether membership is possible is to look at the geographic criteria as part of the Copenhagen criteria. (212.247.11.156 (talk) 22:24, 16 March 2009 (UTC))
- Perhaps someone could create an image more suitable for the article, such as colouring Russia in green too, indicating the countries which are at least partially within the geographical borders of Europe but are not currently on track to become members. Alternatively, just Switzerland, Greenland and Norway could be in green, indicating the countries that have passed the eligibility test (by being a former member or having their application not be rejected) but are not currently on track to become members. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.175.122.69 (talk) 02:34, 17 March 2009 (UTC)
- Indeed, this map has problems. We should stick to official EU positions. Belarus, Ukraine, and the Caucasus should be listed as members of the Eastern Partnership, which, as of now, has no official membership prospects (although unofficially they do). Peregrine981 (talk) 07:15, 17 March 2009 (UTC)
- Define "official EU position". According to one official EU position, certain European countries may not join the EU. According to another official EU position, any European country may join the EU (without telling what defines "European"). (212.247.11.156 (talk) 15:58, 18 March 2009 (UTC))
- The EU does currently hold a somewhat contradictory stance. According to the treaties, any "European" country that meets the other criteria could join. However, in practice "European" hasn't really been defined. For example, the Ukraine and Moldova, though both European by almost any standard, are currently explicitly excluded from potential member states. According to the Eastern Partnership they enjoy a privileged partnership, but will not become members. That is the position of the European Council, the highest EU authority. What any given national leader thinks is not directly applicable. Peregrine981 (talk) 17:39, 18 March 2009 (UTC)
- Indeed, this map has problems. We should stick to official EU positions. Belarus, Ukraine, and the Caucasus should be listed as members of the Eastern Partnership, which, as of now, has no official membership prospects (although unofficially they do). Peregrine981 (talk) 07:15, 17 March 2009 (UTC)
The criteria for listing is the law of the European Union: article 49 of the Amsterdam Treaty and the Copenhagen criteria. --Kolja21 (talk) 23:50, 27 April 2009 (UTC)
Isle of man[edit]
[This image] appears to list the Isle of Man as part of the EU. IM should be green, not blue. (212.247.11.156 (talk) 18:14, 18 March 2009 (UTC))
