Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) provides that any European State which endorses the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, may apply to become a member of the Union.
Déantar foráil in Airteagal 49 den Chonradh ar an Aontas Eorpach (CAE)go bhféadfaidh aon Stát Eorpach a thacaíonn le luachanna an mheasa ar dhínit an duine, ar an tsaoirse, ar an daonlathas, ar an gcomhionannas, ar an smacht reachta agus ar chearta an duine, lena n-áirítear na cearta atá ag daoine ar de mhionlaigh iad, iarratas a dhéanamh ar bheith ina chomhalta den Aontas.