Enlargement Politics

As the liberal international order—based on multilateralism, democracy, liberal values, and free trade—shows signs of decline, the EU's enlargement policy is shifting from promoting value-based integration to serving as a geostrategic tool against rival powers. Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine has opened accession prospects for previously excluded Eastern Partnership countries—Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia—and revived the stalled processes in the Western Balkans. These developments, along with lessons from past enlargements, are reshaping EU enlargement policy. Proposals for gradual integration reflect the EU's aim to offer tangible membership benefits before full accession. Still, relations with neighbouring states have become increasingly contested. Within the EU, nationalist movements complicate enlargement, while most candidate countries (except Ukraine) face growing polarization and democratic backsliding. This contested neighbourhood enables geopolitical rivals like China and Russia to promote alternative models and undermine the EU's liberal transformation agenda. The established conditionality perspective on EU enlargement is enriched by insights from critical constructivist norm research and norm contestation, offering a deeper understanding of current dynamics.