TRADERUN ANSWERS
very effective in the cases of the candidate countries. Notwithstanding the "mutual
commitment to common values" (Commission 2004: 12), the exclusion of membership is a
frustrating fact for Ukraine, Moldova, and the South Caucasus given their outspoken
membership aspirations, which are not likely to be satisfied by the "special relationship"
(Lisbon Treaty). The asserted desire of the East European countries in the early 1990s, to
acquire back their Europeanness and join the EU stipulated the establishment of the accession
requirements that were not defined previously. Along with the EU's capacity to absorb new
members, the Copenhagen Council in June 1993 stated that: Membership requires that the
candidate country has achieved stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of
law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, the existence of a functioning
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