Lucas Schramm
Rising geopolitical pressures, including an ongoing war in its immediate neighbourhood, have thrust EU enlargement back onto the agenda. Lucas Schramm contends that the European Council must reconcile the dual challenges of widening and deepening, as it has done historically. Despite formidable obstacles, enlargement could spur internal reforms and innovations Read more
John Chin
On 1 January, Hungary's six-month presidency of the EU Council ended and the EU made the unprecedented decision to withhold aid to Hungary over rule-of-law violations. John Chin and Mirren Hibbert put these developments in the context of continuing democratic backsliding in Hungary – and divisions over the future of Europe Read more
Milica Uvalić
The EU and the Western Balkan countries view enlargement differently. Milica Uvalić argues that despite renewed EU engagement since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, misperceptions persist, hindering Western Balkan countries’ accession. Bridging these misunderstandings is crucial to revitalising the process and aligning expectations for a shared European future Read more
Morgiane Noel
To resist ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, the EU must present a united military front. But different member states have different security priorities, and this is proving a challenge. Morgiane Noel argues that to achieve autonomous military alliance, the EU must navigate internal divisions, address external threats, and redefine its global role Read more
Maryna Rabinovych
Maryna Rabinovych argues that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reshaped EU enlargement dynamics, creating both pressure and opportunity. To sustain momentum, the EU needs a strategic vision and transparent policies. By harnessing wartime spillover effects, the EU can transform reactive measures into structured accession pathways for Ukraine and Moldova Read more
Ferenc Laczó
Ferenc Laczó reconsiders European integration as a history of the present, focusing on the roles East Europeans have played. He argues that the foremost representatives of East European states now remind their fellow Europeans of the existential stakes of the European project Read more
Morgiane Noel
Energy is a fundamental human need. Yet tens of millions of EU citizens are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills. Morgiane Noel considers the EU's 2025 policies to overcome energy poverty in the EU Read more
Richard Youngs
EU enlargement is often hailed as a tool for spurring political reform and countering Russian influence. But Richard Youngs argues that its democratic dimensions are more complex than conventional wisdom suggests. He proposes the concept of differentiated democratic enlargement to address varied pre-accession dynamics and refine EU strategies Read more
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
