The geopolitical shock caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has resurrected the EU’s enlargement policy, which has been stalled for years. In June 2022, the EU granted candidate country status to Moldova and Ukraine and recognized Georgia as a potential candidate member. Previously, this would have seemed unrealistic, even for these “pioneers” of the Eastern Partnership policy, since the EU saw the partnership as an alternative to enlargement. Furthermore, the EU has made significant progress in its relations with Western Balkan countries, with accession negotiations finally opening with Albania and North Macedonia after years of delay, and Bosnia and Herzegovina having obtained the status of candidate country.
These important decisions have raised expectations for the next steps in countries in both regions. However, the risk of disillusionment with enlargement policy, both within the EU and in candidate countries, will remain high unless both sides address the shortcomings of the current process.
What are the challenges and gaps in the EU enlargement process, based on lessons learned so far from the Western Balkans? How has Russia’s war against Ukraine changed its context? How could the process become more credible and effective for new and established candidate states? How could it be reformed to remain attractive and beneficial also for the EU and its member states?
Join us for this discussion on the prospects for EU enlargement policy towards the Western Balkan countries and the pioneer countries of the Eastern Partnership.
If you have any questions, please contact Monika Dlugosch on (email protected).
The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan political organization committed to the idea that the United States and Europe are stronger together.
