Amid a shifting geopolitical landscape and rising global instability, European Union enlargement has re-emerged as one of the bloc’s defining strategic questions. At a high-level Euronews summit bringing together EU officials and leaders from candidate countries, the message was clear: expanding the Union is no longer a matter of choice, but of necessity.
But the unique gathering also highlighted the mounting frustrations on both sides with the enlargement process, in particular with the use of vetoes.
Here is what you need to know about Euronews' first such summit.
Enlargement is a geopolitical necessity
All the leaders present at the summit agreed that enlargement is a geopolitical necessity for the EU.
European Commission Vice-President António Costa said the EU can no longer delay bringing new members into the bloc.
“The current geopolitical context makes this priority all the more urgent and necessary for the European Union,” he said. “In an age of geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability, an enlarged European Union means a safer, stronger and more peaceful Europe, at home and in the world.
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