The EU's enlargement policy deals with the countries currently aspiring to become members of the European Union. There are strict conditions for membership to ensure that new members are admitted only when they are fully able to take on the obligations of EU membership. This includes compliance with all the EU's standards and rules. For the purpose of accession negotiations, these are divided into 35 different policy fields (chapters). Chapter 25 deals with Science and Research policy aspects covering Horizon 2020, the European Research Area and Innovation policies. Accession negotiations with Montenegro on the acquis on science, research and innovation (Chapter 25) were opened and provisionally closed in December 2012; accession negotiations with Serbia were opened in January 2014. Chapter 25 on "Science and Research" has been provisionally closed in 2006. Initial investigations prior to accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina are being prepared.