Lessons for EU Enlargement to Ukraine and Beyond

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

The planned wave of EU enlargement poses intricate challenges and opportunities to the EU and to candidate states, especially in the context of potential enlargement to war torn Ukraine. Drawing on the lessons from previous phases of EU enlargement, participants in this roundtable will scrutinize potential pitfalls, suggest effective strategies, and foster a collaborative approach to imagine paths of success of the integration process. Key questions include understanding the potential risks and benefits associated with the integration of Ukraine for the EU and for the reforming country, establishing stable democracy in the candidate states, and ensuring sustainable economic development. Can the EU contribute to durable political and economic institutions through substantial financial transfers and institutional support? Are the Copenhagen criteria still a solid guide for integrating new member states? Additionally, what governance changes are essential to maximize benefits and minimize negative effects of external interventions in the political and economic institutions of candidate states? Participants will answer such questions based on the lessons learned from previous waves of EU enlargement to Central and Eastern Europe.

Sub Unit

• Politics/Law

Chair

• Veronica Anghel, European U Institute (Italy)

Roundtable Members

• Rachel A Epstein, U of Denver

• Juliet Johnson, McGill U (Canada)

• Maria Popova, McGill U (Canada)