“Pravova derzhava”. Issue 36 (2025), pages 614–628.

DOI: 10.33663/0869-2491-2025-36-614-628

Falalіeіeva Liudmyla, Ptukha Serhii
Evolution of the criteria for European Union membership: legal, axiological and teleological dominants

Introduction. The article explores the substance and significance of the evolving conceptual approaches to the definition of the criteria for EU membership, as well as the role of the European Council in this process, as enshrined in the Treaty on European Union as amended by the Lisbon Treaty. Describing the criteria for EU membership, which have acquired formal legal status, have axiological and teleological dominants, and serve as a measure of fulfilment by partner countries of the conditions for accession to the EU, the article states that they determine the core values, the essence of domestic policy and foreign policy priorities of a partner country, the degree of its European integration, serving as important factors for intensifying democratic transformations and building a market economy, finding optimal mechanisms and tools to achieve compliance with these criteria as a necessary requirement for the only possible full membership in the EU.

The differences between the status of an applicant country, a candidate country and a potential candidate are analysed, all of which are currently referred to as enlargement countries, enlargement partners or partner countries. It is emphasised that the criteria for EU membership, primarily the need to adhere to common values and fulfil the Copenhagen criteria, encourage partner countries to implement political, legal and economic reforms, and also make it possible to determine the state of readiness of a candidate country to join the EU. The above underscores the importance and influence of the conceptual prescriptions of the membership criteria, on the one hand, on the progress of European integration, and, on the other hand, on state-building and lawmaking processes in partner countries, especially candidate countries for EU accession.

The aim of the article is to identify the key factors and challenges associated with fulfilling the requirements of the criteria for EU membership, and to reflect on their evolutionary development and practical relevance for advancing eurointegration and deepening state-building processes in the context of current geopolitical realities. 

Results. The criteria for EU membership reflect a comprehensive vision of the priority reform areas for partner countries — primarily candidate countries, including Ukraine. These areas are interrelated and are aimed at ensuring the sustainability of economic reforms, achieving progress in meeting the economic criteria for EU membership, and supporting the evolutionary development of the state and society in line with the common values and standards of the EU.

Conclusions. The criteria for EU membership, particularly the Copenhagen criteria, set the framework for substantive and systemic reforms. They primarily concern the mobilisation of internal factors for strengthening democracy and building a functioning market economy. Achieving the required level of compliance with the membership criteria, given the actual dynamics of political, economic, and social processes, can lead to a qualitative shift in the paradigm of relations with the EU. It is concluded that the extent to which common values are upheld and the Copenhagen criteria are implemented serves as the basis for assessing the readiness of candidate countries for EU membership — a process of enlargement that, under current conditions, has acquired a new geostrategic significance.

Key words: European Union, EU law, Lisbon Treaty, common values, democracy, human rights, acquis, EU standards, obligations, Copenhagen criteria for EU membership, candidate country, enlargement process, European integration, adaptation.

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