The GPC is publishing the second policy brief of the Global Policy Center authored by Bernard Brunet, former Head of Unit, DG Near, European Commission, titled ‘Enlargement: Securing Europe in Times of War’.

The GPC is deeply committed to intellectually nourishing the Future of Europe debate, including the dossier on enlargement. Yet, as the paper argues, the upcoming enlargement will not be a swift and easy process.

There is a common understanding that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has deeply altered the geopolitical landscape. The EU needs to provide an equally transformed response and urgently adapt its policies to the new geopolitical circumstances.

This brief argues that while the EU prioritisation of enlargement has accelerated the process, the EU must adapt to the current geopolitical environment by intensifying its focus on a common defence and security policy as well as revising its approach to neighbouring countries. This effort would require great EU action in additional policy areas and a fundamental review of the EU budget.

While the main debate on further EU enlargement is on its potential negative socioeconomic impacts, it is important that EU policymakers present a public campaign that highlights how enlargement will contribute to the peace and security of all EU member states.

Special thanks to Bernard Brunet, the author of the paper, for collaborating with the GPC. Please find the full ‘Enlargement in Times of War’ policy brief on the Global Policy Centre’s webpage: https://www.ie.edu/gpc/publications/