Next Enlargement Would Increase EU Foreign Policy Role

Five lessons to learn before expanding the EU

23 February 2023

With renewed commitments from Kyiv and Brussels, enlargement proceedings seem to be on everyone’s minds, but the practical elements must be initiated, and the power to kick it all off begins with the European Council.

A new phase of Ukraine’s rapprochement with the EU was marked at the Ukraine-EU Summit in Kyiv and a week later during a working visit of the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Brussels. On 3 February, at the Summit in Kyiv, the EU and Ukraine have made a firm commitment to the European perspective of Ukraine, which also meant that Ukraine is well on the path towards the EU membership and has advanced well on fulfilling of the necessary conditions. The statement had commended the considerable efforts of Ukraine and reiterated that the European Commission is to report on the fulfilment of the necessary conditions as part of its enlargement package and intends to provide an update in spring 2023.

A week later, on 9 February, during his working visit to Brussels, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also called upon the EU leaders, the Members of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission to start the actual dialogue for the membership as early as possible this year.

This would require opening of the EU accession negotiations by the Council in 2023, which should follow the European Commission’s recommendations and its updated assessment of Ukraine’s progress regarding the necessary conditions.

Subscribe

Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.

MonthlyVAT included

€4/month

See all details

  • Full access to articles and reports
  • Monthly foresights and risk analysis delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with most important highlights
  • Visegrad Insight social media community groups invitation

AnnualVAT included

€40/year

See all details

  • All monthly features PLUS…
  • Free invitation to one editorial board discussion to participate in deciding on the future direction of the Visegrad Insight
  • Free delivery of two select hardcopies of Visegrad Insight reports

Student OR Donation

Choose your contribution

See all details

  • Full access to articles and reports
  • Monthly foresights, weekly newsletters, and risk analysis delivered by e-mail
  • Free invitation to one editorial board discussion to participate in deciding on the future direction of the Visegrad Insight (annual subscription only)

Can I receive an invoice?

Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.

Are my credit card details safe?

Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.

How modify or cancel my subscription?

At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.

Ramūnas Stanionis

Eastern Partnership and Russia Policy Advisor to MEP Andrius Kubilius, the European Parliament

Newsletter

Weekly updates with our latest articles and the editorial commentary.