Bernard Brunet, Former Head of Unit, DG NEAR, European Commission

Download Enlargement: Securing Europe in Times of War

More than two years since the start of Russia’s aggressive assault on Ukraine, there has been a notable shift in the European Union’s stance on enlargement. Despite initial hesitations from many member states, including the strong reservations expressed by Hungarian Prime Minister
Viktor Orbán, the European Council of December 2023 endorsed the European Commission’s recommendations to begin accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and to recognise the candidate status of Georgia. The EU’s increased prioritisation of enlargement has also accelerated the process with the six Western Balkan countries, notably the start of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

These decisions, unthinkable just three years ago, represent a landmark change in European integration. This paper analyses the factors driving this change, argues that the next enlargement
is unlikely to be quick and easy, and considers the EU policy priorities – in the security, defence, and foreign policy areas – that most urgently require reform.