In 2016, the Cape Verde government declared its intention to present ECOWAS with proposals for "special status" instead of full membership.

[4] In March 2005, former Portuguese president Mário Soares launched a petition urging the European Union to start membership talks with Cape Verde, saying the country could act as a bridge between Africa, Latin America, and the EU.

[5] Cape Verde's per capita GDP is lower than those of the current member states and candidate countries.

Freedom House in 2021 gave Cape Verde the maximum score for all aspects of Political Pluralism and Participation and Civil Liberties.

[8] The Atlantic group of islands are pushing for an entrance of Cape Verde into the EU under a special status.