On January lst 1995, the European Union (EU) increased the number of member states from 12 to 15, thus consolidating her place as the second largest politico-economical entity second only to the United States. Since the disintegration of the former Soviet Union, the middle and eastern European countries (MEECs) have restored their democratic institutions and have begun to press for membership in the EU. Such an enlaigement would mean both oppotunities and challanges for the EU in the years to come. The economic and legal relationships among the EU members are very intensive. The rights and duties of members with respect to agricultural, trade, transportation, and even interior and judicial policies are strictly defined. As a result, the conditions, criteria, and procedures for joining the community are quite different from that of other international organizations. This paper will discuss the above and other issues related to the MEECs application to join the EU.