General
If the applicant wishes to obtain a European patent he must enter what is known as "the European phase", which means that he must fulfil the requirements (see points 5.2.001 ff) for initiating the processing of his application by the EPO as designated or elected Office in due time (see point 5.1.010).
Source: http://www.epo.org/applying/international/guide-for-applicants/html/e/ga_c5_1.html
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021