The question of the European Union (EU) enlargement has become one of the most critical and complex issues in contemporary European geopolitics. As the Union considers integrating new members – particularly Ukraine, Moldova, and the countries of the Western Balkans – the perspectives of Central and Eastern European (CEE) states play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of this process. The nations in focus – Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia – offer a blend of historical experience, strategic interests, and domestic political dynamics that inform their attitudes toward enlargement and the associated need for EU reform.
Authors:
- Sergiy Gerasymchuk
- Viktoriia Kravchyk
- Olha Fokaf
- Volodymyr-Nazarii Havrish
- Yuliia Nevmerzhytska
This paper is grounded in findings from the extensive research project, “Decoding Enlargement Perspectives: Voices of Central European Countries on EU Enlargement.” The project emerges at a time when enthusiasm for enlargement is balanced by concerns about the transformative impact on EU institutions, shifts in power dynamics, debates over the rule of law, and unresolved bilateral conflicts. Drawing on 25 interviews with politicians, diplomats, journalists, and analysts from the five CEE countries, alongside thorough desk research, the study explores the diverse and sometimes ambivalent views toward EU enlargement in the region.
The study offers a two-tiered analysis: a generalized examination of the overall regional position on enlargement, and detailed country-specific case studies that dissect the arguments, both for and against, in each national context. This approach highlights not only the commonalities but also the nuanced differences that shape each country’s stance. By investigating the political landscape, identifying key proponents and opponents, and analyzing the drivers and obstacles of enlargement, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of how CEE countries navigate this crucial issue. In addition to offering insights into the attitudes of CEE countries, the study provides recommendations for Ukrainian stakeholders on how to best work with its CEE partners.
- Enlargement is currently a peripheral topic for all CEE countries and does not dominate the national political debate. The issue is expected to get more and more politicised as the accession process progresses, thus requiring Ukrainian stakeholders to start preparing the ground for negotiations on the expected issues now.
- The member states that joined the EU during the ‘Big Bang’ enlargement of 2004, often perceived as having entered the Union for predominantly political reasons, now adopt a demanding stance toward candidate countries, emphasizing the full implementation of EU accession requirements.
- Agriculture and access to cohesion funds are the most sensitive areas in Ukraine’s EU accession process. The CEE countries, largely dependent on the EU financial support under CAP and cohesion policy, fear losing their net beneficiaries statuses.