COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMVIUNITIES 
COM(94) 148 final 
Brussels, 19.04.1994 
COMMISSION OPINION 
on the applications for accession to the European Union by the 
Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Finland and the 
Kingdom of Norway 
COMMISSION OPINION 
on the applications for accession to the European Union by the 
Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Finland and the 
Kingdom of Norway 
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty on the European Union, and in particular Article O thereof, 
Whereas the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Finland and the 
Kingdom of Norway have applied to become members of the European Union; 
Whereas, in its opinions of 31 July 1991 (Austria), 31 July 1992 (Sweden), 4 November 1992 
(Finland) and 24 March 1993 (Norway), the Commission has already had an opportunity of 
expressing its views on certain essential aspects of the problems arising in connection with 
these applications; 
Whereas the terms for the admission of these States and the adjustments necessitated by their 
accession have been negotiated in Conferences between the Member States and the applicant 
States; 
Whereas, on the completion of those negotiations, it is apparent that the provisions so agreed 
are fair and proper; whereas, this being so, the European Union's enlargement, while 
preserving its internal cohesion and dynamism, will enable it to take a fuller part in the 
development of international relations; ' 
Whereas, in so far as the Treaty of Accession transposes the principles governing the 
institutional balance of the Union of 12 to a Union of 16; these provisions are acceptable for 
the period up until the enforcement of the provisions which will follow the Intergovernmental 
Conference provided for in the Treaty on the European Union; 
Whereas, in joining the European Union, the applicant States accept, without reserve, the 
Treaty on European Union and all its objectives, all decisions taken since the entry into force 
of the Treaties establishing the European Communities and the Treaty on European Union and 
the options taken in respect of the development and strengthening of those Communities and 
of the Union; 
"2_ 
Whereas it is an essential feature of the legal order introduced by the Treaties establishing the 
European Communities that certain of their provisions and certain acts adopted by the 
institutions are directly applicable, that Community law takes precedence over any national 
provisions which might conflict with it, and that procedures exist for ensuring the uniform 
interpretation of Community law; whereas accession to the European Union implies 
recognition of the binding nature of these rules, observance of which is indispensable to 
guarantee the effectiveness and unity of Community law; 
Whereas the principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental 
freedoms and of the rule of law form part of the common heritage of the peoples of the States 
brought together in the European Union and constitute therefore essential elements of 
membership of the said Union; 
Whereas one of the objectives of the European Union is the desire of the Member States to 
deepen the solidarity between their peoples while respecting their history, their culture and 
their traditions; 
Whereas enlargement of the European Union through the accession of the Republic of Austria, 
the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Norway will help to 
strengthen safeguards for peace and freedom in Europe, 
HEREBY DELIVERS A FAVOURABLE OPINION: 
on the accession to the European Union of the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Sweden, 
the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Norway. 
This opinion is addressed to the Council of the European Union. 
Done at Brussels, { } April 1994 
For the Commission 
i, 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(94) 148 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 01 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-94-164-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-67769-4 
Office for Official Publications of the FAiropean Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg