Enlargement and the Future of Europe

This book analyses Member States' and EU neighbours' national visions for the enlargement of the European Union (EU), highlighting 41 national histories, policies, and corresponding public perceptions of European integration. In a geopolitical context in which Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine has renewed the impetus for EU enlargement, national views vary considerably on the timing, conditions, and reforms necessary to welcome Eastern neighbours and the Western Balkans countries into the European family. Moreover, EU enlargement policy is not only an investment in peace and stability; it has also become a political tool in response to the exploitation of interdependencies and illiberal pressures. This book presents concrete policy recommendations to national governments and the EU on how to move forward productively.

Part 1: Member States.- Chapter 1. Enlarging and Reforming the European Union - An Austrian Perspective.- Chapter 2. Belgium: If the Enlargement Process is Broken, Then Fix It.- Chapter 3. Bulgaria’s Attitude Towards EU Enlargement.- Chapter 4. Croatia: Between Proclaimed Enthusiasm and Reality on the Ground.- Chapter 5. The National Debate in Cyprus on the Future of EU Enlargement Policy.- Chapter 6. The Czech Approach to EU Enlargement: Full Steam Ahead!.- Chapter 7. Denmark’s Position on Enlargement.- Chapter 8. Estonia: Supporting Fast-track Enlargements.- Chapter 9. Finland Should Focus on EU Reforms Ahead of Enlargement.- Chapter 10. What Infuriating French Reluctance Reveals.- Chapter 11. Strong Tailwinds for EU Enlargement in Germany – but EU Membership Has a Price Tag.- Chapter 12. Greece, EU Enlargement and the ‘thessaloniki Promise’.- Chapter 13. Enlargement at All Costs? A View From Hungary.- Chapter 14. Further Enlargement of the European Union: the View From Dublin.- Chapter 15. Beyond ‘enlargement Fatigue’ – A View From Rome.- Chapter 16. Head and Heart in the Right Place: Latvia on the EU Enlargement.- Chapter 17. Lithuania’s Strong Support for the EU’s ‘Open Door’ Policy – How to Make Use of the Geopolitical Window of Opportunity.- Chapter 18. Luxembourg: Get Ready to Enlarge.- Chapter 19. Malta and Enlargement – Supportive but Not Engaged.- Chapter 20. Direction East – Polish Views on the EU’s Enlargement Policy.- Chapter 21. Portugal: Nobody Talks About Enlargement.- Chapter 22. Romania’s Constant Support for the Enlargement Process: A Proof of Investment in European Values.- Chapter 23. Slovakia’s Approach to EU Enlargement: From Strategic Passivity and Declaratory Supporter Into the Reformist Vanguard.- Chapter 24. Slovenia: A Strong Defender of Western Balkan Enlargement.- Chapter 25. Spain: From a Reluctant Supporter to a True Defendant of Enlargement?.- Chapter 26. Sweden and EU Enlargement: A Strong Supporter Walking a Fine Line.- Chapter 27. Strict, Fair, Engaged.... And Still Without a Vision? A View From the Netherlands on EU Enlargement and Its Neighbourhood.- Part 2: EU Neighbours.- Chapter 28. What is Holding Back Albania?.- Chapter 29.between Hopes and Frustrations: Bosnia’s Path to the EU is No Shorter Despite EU Candidacy Status.- Chapter 30. Seizing the EU Enlargement Momentum: Georgia’s Prospects for Joining the European Family.- Chapter 31. Iceland’s Passive Supportive Approach: Vocal With Others on Ukraine.- Chapter 32. Kosovo’s Leap of Faith for EU Membership.- Chapter 33. How Should the EU Support Moldova’s Path Towards Accession?.- Chapter 34. The Scramble for Enlargement: Montenegro.- Chapter 35. North Macedonia: Stuck on the EU’s Doorstep?.- Chapter 36. Norway – A Non-member but Active Supporter of EU Enlargement.- Chapter 37. Serbia on a Rocky Road to the EU.- Chapter 38. Switzerland: Not a Candidate but a Partner in EU Enlargement.- Chapter 39. Schrödinger’s Candidate: Türkiye’s Awkward Situation Within the Enlargement Debate.- Chapter 40. On the Outside Looking in: the United Kingdom After Brexit.- Chapter 41. EU Enlargement Considering New Realities: the Ukrainian Direction.