Can the EU accommodate an increased political and cultural diversity after a next round of enlargement? In this contribution, Saskia Hollander (Senior Research Fellow at Clingendael) assesses the impact of EU enlargement on the EU’s capacity to uphold democracy and the rule of law and project core values within its borders.
The Schengen system is in crisis, as it has become increasingly common for member countries to introduce controls at their borders. Can the open borders system be saved? This is the topic of a webinar held on 21 November. A recording of the webinar is now available.
Recent publications in English
The Eastern and Central European countries that joined the EU in the 2000s have experienced economic growth thanks to their membership. In this European policy analysis, Mariusz Próchniak and Ryszard Rapacki, professors of Economics, examine what is required of the current candidate countries to benefit from EU membership in a similar way. (2024:24epa)
In an uncertain world, the relationship between Europe and the United States has become more important than ever. At the same time, it is in a state of change. Ahead of the US presidential election, Marianne Riddervold analyses the transatlantic link and discusses ways forward for Europe. (2024:21epa)
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)
For a long time, the EU has addressed but so far not prevented systematic violations of the rule of law in the member states. In this analysis, Katalin Cseres argues that EU competition law should be used more actively as part of the rule of law toolbox. (2024:23epa)
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)
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)
A new SIEPS forum where experts from research, policy and think tanks present their thoughts on EU reform and enlargement in short texts.
April 2024 • Blockmans Steven
While new plans for the gradual integration of candidate countries may help to speed up their accession process in certain policy sectors and serve EU interests, Steven Blockmans argues that such advances should be firmly anchored in the formal framework of membership negotiations and checked against comprehensive reforms of the rule of law and public administration. (24 April)
April 2024 • Leigh Michael
Despite the security risks involved, there can be no going back on the EU’s commitment to a renewed enlargement process. Professor Michael Leigh outlines what steps policymakers need to take to fulfil the EU’s aspiration of securing stability. (3 April 2024)
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