On 14th of June, we invited experts from the candidate countries and EU member states to join us in the Czernin palace to discuss the questions arising in relation to the future enlargement of the Union.

The perspective of the next enlargement raises concerns related to the future functioning of the EU – including questions about the Union’s budget, upholding democracy and the rule of law in a broader EU, as well as the governability of the bloc. At the same time, previous enlargement rounds of 2004 and 2007 are sometimes pointed to as lessons to learn from. 

What are the potential costs of enlargement on one hand and a failed enlargement process on the other for the Union and the candidates? 

Did the EU accession process in the past ultimately succeed in preparing the candidate countries? 

Are the discussed changes to the accession process, such as gradual integration or staged accession model, suitable to kick-start the reform momentum in the candidate countries?