The 2004 enlargement of the European Union was the largest single expansion of the European Union (EU), in terms of territory, number of states and population; however it was not the largest in terms of gross domestic product (wealth). It occurred on 1 May 2004.
The simultaneous accessions concerned the following countries: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Seven of these were part of the former Eastern Bloc, with one from the former Yugoslavia and the remaining two being Mediterranean islands.
Part of the same wave of enlargement was the accession of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007, who were unable to join in 2004 but constitute according to the Commission part of the fifth enlargement.
Read more about 2004 Enlargement Of The European Union: History, Free Movement Issues, Lasting Impact, See Also
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“So we grew together
Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,
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—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)