European Union celebrates the 20th anniversary of its largest enlargement

Today, the EU commemorates 20 years since the last large round of enlargement when ten countries – Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia – joined the bloc. EUW is proud to have women in most of these countries as members. ​

2004 to 2024 and beyond! 
​
10 new Member States + 20 years of transformation = 1 stronger Union 

On the 1 May we mark the 20th anniversary of the EU's biggest enlargement. Since 2004 Europe has changed every Member State, and every Member State has equally changed Europe.

Here's to many more years, because we're stronger together!

OVERVIEW

On 1 May 2024, the European Union celebrates the 20th anniversary of its largest enlargement, often referred to as the "Big Bang" enlargement[5]. This historic event occurred on 1 May 2004, when ten countries joined the EU simultaneously: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia[3][6].

This enlargement was significant for several reasons:

1. Scale: It was the biggest in EU history, both in terms of the number of countries and population added[6].
2. Economic impact: The economies of the new member states have experienced remarkable growth. Poland and Malta have more than doubled their economies, while Slovakia saw an 80% expansion[5].
3. Population increase: The EU's population grew by almost 75 million people overnight[5][6].
4. Geographic expansion: It shifted the EU's external borders significantly eastward[6].

The benefits of this enlargement have been substantial:

• Freedom of movement for nearly 450 million Europeans across a larger Union[1][8].
• Stronger rights and freedoms for citizens[8].
• Enhanced economic opportunities for both individuals and businesses[7].
• Reinforcement of democracy and the rule of law[8].

To commemorate this anniversary, various EU institutions are organizing celebrations. The European Parliament held a formal sitting with current and former EU leaders, including a Q&A session with young people born around the time of the 2004 enlargement[3]. The European Commission and other EU buildings are being illuminated with the message "20 Years Together" in blue and yellow[5].

This anniversary serves as a reminder of the EU's commitment to integration and the positive impact of enlargement on both new and existing member states[1][8].

Citations:
[1] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/20-years-together-eu-celebrates-2004-enlargement-2024-04-30_en
[2] https://www.intereconomics.eu/contents/year/2024/number/4/article/twenty-years-after-the-big-enlargement-integration-within-the-single-market.html
[3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240419IPR20538/parliament-celebrates-the-20th-anniversary-of-the-eu-s-biggest-enlargement
[4] https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/european-issues/747-twenty-years-after-the-largest-ever-enlargement
[5] https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/05/01/eu-celebrates-largest-ever-enlargement-anniversary-with-colourful-display
[6] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/2004-enlargement-facts-and-figures/
[7] https://learning-corner.learning.europa.eu/news-and-competitions/20th-anniversary-eu-enlargement-2024-05-01_en
[8] https://commission.europa.eu/20-years-together_en
[9] https://www.ceps.eu/ceps-events/celebrating-the-20th-anniversary-of-the-eus-big-bang-enlargement-identifying-lessons-for-the-future/
[10] https://www.perplexity.ai/elections/2024-11-05/us/president