2007 enlargement of the European Union facts for kids
The 2007 enlargement of the European Union was when Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union (EU). This big event happened on January 1, 2007. It was the seventh time the EU welcomed new countries into its group. The agreement for them to join, called the Treaty of Accession, was signed on April 25, 2005, in Luxembourg.
Contents
Why Countries Join the EU
Countries want to join the European Union for many reasons. Being part of the EU can help a country's economy grow. It can also make a country stronger on the world stage. The EU has rules about democracy, human rights, and law that countries must follow.
Bulgaria and Romania's Journey to Join
Both Bulgaria and Romania had wanted to be part of the EU since 1989. They officially asked to become members in 1995. To prepare for joining, they made many important changes.
How Countries Prepare for EU Membership
Before a country can join the EU, it needs to make sure its government and laws are similar to those of other EU countries. Bulgaria and Romania worked hard to improve several areas:
- Democracy: They made their government systems more fair and open.
- Human Rights: They improved laws to protect people's basic rights.
- Freedom of Speech: They made sure people could express their opinions freely.
- Economy: They worked to make their economies stronger and more stable.
- Laws: They changed their laws to match EU standards.
These changes helped them get ready to be full members of the European Union.
Images for kids
-
5 euro note from the new Europa series. It has "EURO" written in Latin, Greek, and Cyrillic alphabets. The Cyrillic alphabet was added because Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007.
.png)
See also
In Spanish: Ampliación de la Unión Europea de 2007 para niños
