Forging a Credible Enlargement Policy

In the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, enlargement has shot to the top of the EU’s agenda. However, the accession policy is hardly fit for purpose. With EU Member States now exerting control over the enlargement process – exploiting it for their own benefits as and when necessary – they undermine both the accession principles and general Union objectives, as set out in the Lisbon Treaty. The disjuncture between the enlargement policy and geopolitical realities leaves aspiring states (especially those from Eastern Europe) in a precarious limbo. We offer a set of essential recommendations to rectify some problems in a way that does not require Treaty change.

1. Reduce the Council’s role in the technical aspects of the negotiation process

2. Switch from unanimity to qualified majority voting for routine decisions on accession negotiations

3. Set a target date for admitting new Member States to restore the credibility of enlargement

4. Ensure that the accession process is merit-based