AFCO Presentation

The EU Is Getting Bigger – But Should It?

The European Union is thinking about growing again. In December 2023, Moldova and Georgia were granted candidate status, joining Ukraine and others on the path to EU membership. That brings the total number of candidate countries to nine. This could be exciting, but also brings important questions:

Should the EU expand again? If yes, how fast, and under what conditions?

Why Now?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 changed a lot in Europe. Many EU citizens and leaders wanted to show solidarity with Ukraine and its neighbors. Supporting them with EU membership became a symbol of that support. That’s why Ukraine and Moldova became candidates in June 2022, and Georgia followed in 2023.

But while Ukraine and Georgia are fast-tracked, others have been waiting in line for years, raising concerns about fairness.

The Problem of Waiting

Some countries have been waiting to join the EU for more than 20 years. Imagine preparing for something for decades. That’s the reality for countries like Turkey or some Western Balkan states. So, when others are fast-tracked, it can feel unfair to those who have been waiting patiently.

What Does It Take to Join the EU?

Joining the EU is a long and complex process. First, a country must apply. Then the EU checks if it is ready. The main rules are called the Copenhagen Criteria: democracy, human rights, rule of law, and a working economy. After that, all EU countries must agree to start official talks. These talks take years and cover many topics. Once everything is agreed, there’s a final vote – and if all countries approve it, the new country can join.

Politics vs. Fairness

Some believe that if a country meets the Copenhagen Criteria, it should be allowed in—no exceptions. But others say we must also think about the political situation. For example, supporting Ukraine politically is currently seen as more important than whether they meet all the rules perfectly.

There’s also a practical concern: Can the EU still function well if it keeps getting bigger? Already, it’s hard to get 27 countries to agree on one thing. What happens with 30 or more?

What Do People Think?

Surveys show that many people in the EU support Ukraine joining – especially if it is truly ready. But opinions differ between countries. Some are more enthusiastic than others. Still, most agree that Ukraine is part of the “European family.”

What Will the AFCO Committee Do?

Their task is to look at all these sides – the practical, the political, and the emotional – and find answers. Enlargement sounds simple, but it’s actually full of complex challenges.

The AFCO committee must answer tough questions: Should fairness or politics take priority? And can the EU remain united as it grows? The decisions made here could shape the future of Europe.