A Conversation on Europe’s Futures: Enlargement and the European Union

Hosted by the Sidjanski Centre for European Studies of the University of Geneva, the event A Conversation on Europe's Futures: Within and Without the EU enabled a dialogue on the future of Europe, the EU's role in addressing security challenges, and the expectations of the Union's eastern and southern neighbours.

Ambassador Deike Potzel delivered the welcoming remarks highlighting the EU's responsibility to act as a force for solidarity, stability, and cooperation across the continent. That is especially true in a time of uncertainty as conflicts continue to persist, while pressure on democratic norms, foreign interference, disinformation campaigns, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on societies and security likewise continue to disrupt.

And yet, in the midst of this uncertainty, one thing remains striking: the continued pull of the European Union. A very high number of countries are currently aiming at and actively working on achieving EU Membership: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro. - EU Ambassador Deike Potzel

Just recently, Montenegro has proven that enlargement is no longer a distant prospect but an evolving process and tangible pathway, as the ad hoc Working Party to draft Montenegro's Accession Treaty to the EU has been established. But, as Ambassador Potzel reiterated, accession remains fully merit-based.

EUDEL Geneva

The discussion emphasised that enlargement is a shared responsibility. Candidate countries are expected to continue reforms related to democracy, rule of law, and institutional resilience, while the EU itself must prepare politically and institutionally to welcome new members.

The criteria have not changed. The accession process is built on commitments. And those commitments must be respected and followed by concrete action. But at the same time, we can no longer expect our candidates to spend years implementing difficult reforms, without having much to show for it. - EU Ambassador Deike Potzel

EUDEL Geneva

Four young representatives from the YELEN-network, coming from Georgia, Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine joined the discussion to share reflections shaped by their own experiences. They reflected on how Russia's war against Ukraine, growing geopolitical competition, and democratic backsliding in certain parts of Europe have reshaped debates about the EU's future. In particular the decades-long candidate status of Georgia, which has evolved into a "candidate in name" was brought up by the participants.

A central theme throughout the conversation was also the idea that enlargement is no longer solely a technical or economic process, but increasingly a geopolitical necessity. Speakers discussed how integrating candidate countries and strengthening ties with neighbouring states could reinforce the EU's capacity to act as a global actor while extending a zone of peace, stability, and shared values across Europe. Particular attention was thereby given to Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.

EUDEL Geneva

Professor Zbigniew Truchlewski of the University of Geneva presented findings on Europeans' attitudes toward the EU's role in today's geopolitical environment, offering insights into public expectations towards enlargement.

EUDEL Geneva

MEP René Repasi contributed the perspective of the European Parliament, underlining the importance of maintaining political ambition while ensuring that the EU remains capable of functioning effectively as it evolves.

As Europe confronts renewed security threats and uncertainty, the evening's discussions underscored a common conviction: the future of the European project will depend not only on the EU's internal cohesion, but also on its capacity to engage credibly and strategically with its neighbours.

The conversation was moderated by RTS journalist Séverine Ambrus.