Al estar inspirada en los criterios de Copenhague, ha generado reformas transformadoras y consolidado nuestros valores comunes y los principios de la democracia, los derechos fundamentales y el Estado de Derecho.
The Copenhagen criteria are the following: First, stability and institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for, and protection of, minorities. Second, a functioning market economy and the ability to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the European Union. And third, the ability to take on the obligations of membership, including the capacity to effectively implement the rules, standards and policies that make up the body of European law, the acquis , and adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union.
The criteria must be met for accession. They constitute a central element of our enlargement policy and remain a key pillar of our policy. Our yearly enlargement reports analyse the stability of institutions, the rule of law, known as the fundamentals of all aspiring European Union Member States.
The functioning market economy and ability to cope with competitiveness are core to the economic chapters. We examine the alignment with the European acquis in our annual enlargement package, and in more detail during the screening process and when opening chapters during accession negotiations.
Two weeks ago, as all of you know, we adopted a big enlargement package. Then country reports for the first time and the growth plan for the Western Balkans. The Commission recommended that the Council open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. The Commission recommended the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia Herzegovina. Once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved, latest by March of next year. Further, we recommended to grant candidate status to Georgia on the understanding that certain steps are taken.
