The European Union (EU) currently comprises 15 Member States. Moves are underway for its dramatic enlargement through the accession in coming years of 13 further applicant countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Turkey. Accession depends upon applicants being able to satisfy the required economic, political and legal obligations and criteria. Through this process, the land area of the EU will increase by 34 per cent and its population by 105 million. Very large numbers of farm, laboratory and other animals will gain the welfare protection afforded by the EU legislation.