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  • EU Council bibliography
  • 2. maj 2024

Library guide on the 2004 enlargement

Enlargement is the process whereby states join the European Union, after they have fulfilled a set of political and economic conditions. 

The process is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. It is a driver for improving the economic and social conditions of European citizens, reducing disparities between countries, and must foster the values on which the Union is founded.

Twenty years ago, the EU welcomed ten new member states - Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. This was the largest single enlargement in terms of people and the number of countries. It was the culmination of a long process that required deep reforms, focus, and commitment on both sides. What a journey since then!  

Library guide on the 2004 enlargement

To celebrate the anniversary of the ‘big bang’ enlargement, the Council Library created a library guide with a selection of resources on the 2004 enlargement process. Click on the tabs to find interesting books, articles, EU publications, databases, websites and videos.

Council Archives exhibition 

The Council Archives also marked the occasion with an exhibition of photographs and documents relating to the accession process for each of the ten new member states countries.

It is open to the public during the Council’s Europe Day celebrations on Saturday 4 May. 

Council Archives exhibition on the 2004 enlargement

This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.

The Council Library reading room is open on Monday to Friday from 12.30 to 15.30. The Info Desk operates during office hours from Monday to Friday.

It is open to all staff of the Council of the European Union and the European Council, trainees, permanent representations of member states, staff of other EU institutions and bodies, and to researchers and students upon request. Access to some library holdings may be restricted to on-site consultation.