EU enlargement, without credible enforcement of democratic standards, threatens the Union’s integrity. Cases like Hungary and Serbia expose the dangers of performative reforms and weak accountability. Rafaela Gonzalez Lucioni argues that to remain a values-based project, the EU must reform internal mechanisms and adopt a phased, conditional approach to accession
MA Candidate, Security Studies Program, Georgetown University, Washington DC
Rafaela specialises in international security.
Her research focuses on transatlantic defence cooperation, European integration, and great-power politics.
She has written extensively on UN voting patterns, European integration, and the NATO alliance.
Her recent work has addressed the EU's enlargement paradox, NATO interoperability, and the role of regional security frameworks in shaping modern diplomacy.
Rafaela previously earned a dual-degree in Global Affairs and Criminology, Law, and Society, with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, from George Mason University, where she graduated with Honors.
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