"The enlargement policy of the EU has been pursued for more than four decades. Successive accessions have seen the number of members gradually increase from the original six to 27. Croatia is due to become the 28th member on 1 July 2013. Through its enlargement policy, the EU has, since its inception, responded to the legitimate aspiration of the peoples of our continent to be united in a common European endeavour. It has brought nations and cultures together, enriching and injecting the EU with diversity and dynamism." (Quoted from paper)