The Russian aggression has given Ukraine crucial political impetus to pursue the European path. It has also injected new momentum into the EU enlargement process as a whole, now recognised as a strategic investment in European security. In June 2024, the EU initiated formal accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

EU enlargement has the potential to make Europe stronger, safer, and more prosperous. At the same time, it brings new challenges and policy dilemmas. What reforms are necessary in the candidate countries and within the EU itself to make enlargement feasible? How can the geopolitical urgency of enlargement be balanced with maintaining a merit-based approach? How can adequate security guarantees be provided to Ukraine as a prospective EU member in the context of Russia’s war?

SCEEUS analyses the politics of EU enlargement in relation to Ukraine, Moldova, and potentially Georgia. This includes pitfalls and progress in the negotiations, challenges in adopting the EU acquis, and preparing the EU for an enlarged Union. It also considers the broader context of enlargement, including the dynamics of European politics and security.

Experts

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