The Copenhagen Criteria are the criteria for membership in the European Union.  A new member state much meet three requirements:
• political: stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities;
• economic: existence of a functioning market economy and the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union;
• acceptance of the Community acquis: ability to take on the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union.