EU enlargement policy gains new momentum following Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has revived the European Union's enlargement policy, prompting member states to reconsider candidate applications after years of stagnation.
Thirteen years after Croatia became the last country to join the European Union, the bloc's enlargement policy is experiencing a resurgence following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Prior to the conflict, the accession process had largely stalled, leaving several candidate nations waiting in negotiations for over two decades. However, the shifting geopolitical landscape has prompted member states to re-evaluate expansion as a strategic priority. Proponents argue that integrating Ukraine serves the Union's self-interest and offers an opportunity to enact necessary internal structural reforms. The renewed focus aims to revitalize stalled applications across Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans while addressing long-term security and political integration within the bloc.
Sources: iROZHLAS