EU Enlargements 20 years on, lessons and prospects

On 13 May 2024 at the Saint Thomas Campus, the conference "EU Enlargements; 20 years on, lessons and prospects" was held by CERI-Sciences Po in partnership with the Centre Grande nEurope of the Jacques Delors Institute.

On 1 May 2004, Cyprus, the Czhech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined the European Union, expanding it from 15 to 27 member states, with Croatia joining in 2022, while the UK exited in 2016. This has meant overall a 20% increase in population and territory as well as 9% increase of the EU's GDP.

This conference, as outlined by the event’s coordinator, Jacques Rupnik, adheres to CERI’s interdisciplinary analytical framework, seeing the European Union as an international actor, with enlargement standing as its biggest triumph. Different panels brought together 21 experts and stakeholders for thought-provoking discussions on the lessons and prospects of EU enlargements, featuring notable participants such as former Czech Republic Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek, former Ambassador Pierre Mirel, and fellow researchers from CERI-Sciences Po and the Jacques Delors Institute. The day concluded with the intervention of Jean-Louis Bourlanges, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the National Assembly.

The event delved into the political dynamics in Central Europe and the imminent challenges posed by future enlargements, amidst the Ukrainian moment and the rise of illiberalism and authoritarian regimes. In the discourse surrounding the success of enlargement, it is imperative to acknowledge its strategic dimension, serving as a cornerstone for democratisation and the equilibrium of relations. The necessity to enact pragmatic reforms to the accession processes and ensure their effective implementation is crucial in addressing prevailing geopolitical imperatives.

Enrico Letta, Italy’s former prime minister, shared insights from his recent report on the European Single Market, which he presented to the EU-27 in April. Observing a shift in attitudes towards enlargement, Letta advocated for the establishment of an Enlargement Solidarity Facility to address imbalances in the accession process. The report highlights the necessity for institutional reform within the EU, stressing the importance of political engagement and autonomy in effectively navigating integration complexities. Letta reaffirmed the pivotal role of enlargement as the EU's primary tool in safeguarding liberty and democracy to face the complex geopolitical landscape of today’s Europe.

As Europe maps out its path ahead, with the upcoming elections for the European Parliament next month, the insights from the participants shed light on the historical context and current challenges of enlargement but also offered valuable guidance towards rethinking a more cohesive and resilient European project.