Fit for 35 Forum
A new SIEPS forum where experts from research, policy and think tanks present their thoughts on EU reform and enlargement in short texts.
Dilemmas of EU Enlargement: Geopolitics, Conditionality, and Citizens’ Concerns
September 2024 • Dimitrova Antoaneta
While bold decisions have brought enlargement back on the EU’s agenda, long-standing constraints and challenges remain. In this contribution, Professor Antoaneta Dimitrova sheds light on three dilemmas facing EU and candidate state leaders. (24 September)
EU Enlargement: A Strategic Imperative for Survival
September 2024 • Anghel Veronica
Activating its enlargement process is not optional for the European Union. In this post, Professor Veronica Anghel argues that enlargement, particularly to wartime Ukraine, is a matter of institutional survival, a major push to enact reforms the EU needs, and a strategy for the EU to respond to the growing competitiveness gap between the organisation and global economic powers. (20 September)
Recent publications in English
Adjusting the CAP for new EU Members: Lessons from Previous Enlargements
Agriculture will be a particularly difficult issue for the forthcoming enlargement of the EU. In this analysis professor emeritus Alan Matthews draws lessons from previous enlargements and considers possible options for the EU. (2024:20epa)
Strengthening State Capacity: Lessons for the EU's Next Enlargement
EU membership is transformational but also highly demanding. Visnja Vukov (University of Vienna) considers how the EU can strengthen state capacity in candidate countries so that they are ready to join and flourish as members. (2024:19epa)
A new political landscape: Europe after the elections
The 2024 European Parliament elections saw a general shift to the political right. At the same time, the results point to both fragmentation and continuity. In this early assessment, political scientists Simon Hix (EUI), Göran von Sydow and Valentin Kreilinger (SIEPS) analyse the outcome of the elections and consider the consequences for the politics and policies of the EU. (2024:16epa)
Restoring the Borderless Schengen Area: Mission Impossible?
The increase in border checks within the Schengen zone, since 2015, has prompted a recent EU strategy to ‘save Schengen’. But according to expert on EU law Steve Peers, the ongoing changes are unlikely to restore a fundamentally border-free travel area. (2024:12epa)
From Marginal to Central: the Foreign and Security Dimension of EU Enlargement Policy
In the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, EU enlargement acquired a renewed impetus: the security of both aspiring and existing members. Barbara Lippert explores how this put foreign and security policy at the heart of the accession process. (2024:18epa)
Widening Without Falling Apart: Germany’s EU Enlargement Policy
What is Germany’s view on enlargement? In this European Policy Analysis, Theresia Töglhofer (German Council on Foreign Relations) describes the evolution of Berlin’s policy on the future shape of the EU. Consolidation was once seen as a prerequisite, now the geopolitical context means that the enlargement of a (reformed) Union is considered vital. (2024:13epa)
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Conference: Making enlargement work, again
On 27 September, SIEPS gathered prominent experts to discuss crucial issues regarding EU enlargement. A recording is now available.
Fit for 35 Forum
The EU is likely to eventually have up to thirty-five members and will need to adapt to accommodate them. SIEPS asks leading experts what the Union can or should do to be ‘Fit for 35’.
How did Europe vote?
On 10 June, SIEPS hosted a webinar to summarize the results of the European Parliament elections. With Simon Hix, Cecilia Malmström, Daniela Schwarzer and Valentin Kreilinger. A recording is available.