This 2026 series of articles, published in collaboration with the DGAP's Europe Center, focuses on the EU's enlargement and reform process, which has arrived at a critical juncture. We also include an article by Engjellushe Morina and Milan Nič, which gives an overview of where things stood at the beginning of a crucial year for widening the EU as well as making it work better.
In its enlargement policy reviews, the European Commission has brought up a number of well-known reform options. However, it has failed to suggest a way to overcome opposition, especially amongst smaller member states.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has offered Canada an “associate EU membership.” While the precise meaning is elusive, there is great potential for closer cooperation.
The coming weeks will be crucial when it comes to setting the EU on a sustained enlargement path.
The narrow rejection of the resumption of accession negotiations between Iceland and the EU hits Brussels at a bad moment. A chance for reenergizing the enlargement and reform process has been missed.
Paris has come a long way in its approach to enlarging the European Union. However, French support remains fragile, due in part to a lack of public support.
The EU seems sluggish and incapable of reform. As a result, small groups of member states are trying their luck with exclusive formats.
Institutional innovation will shape the fate of an enlarged European Union. Germany should help construct an EU capable of fulfilling its promise of security and prosperity.
For Kyiv, becoming an EU member is about security guarantees and leaving Moscow’s orbit for good. For Brussels, it’s about the implementation of reforms.
The question of how to facilitate a future membership of some kind for Ukraine means that the debate about EU enlargement is fast approaching a critical phase.
