Which countries are candidate countries for joining the EU?

Croatia has applied for membership to the European Union and has passed the candidate stage. It will join the EU in July 2013.

Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey have all applied for membership to the European Union. Their applications have been approved and are currently undergoing background checks and negotiations, but have not been approved for membership status yet. The next country to become a member of the EU will most likely be Iceland.

Albania has sent in its application for joining the European Union, however it is still being evaluated and has not yet been approved. Albania is currently not a candidate for joining the EU.

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are two countries that the European Union wishes would send in applications for membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina has expressed that they are working on an application. Kosovo is unlikely to become a member so easy if Serbia is to be granted admission, due to their sovereignty dispute.