The New Enlargements of the European Union: Are the People Supportive?

Jacques Delors Institute – CERI Sciences Po Seminar

The European Union is engaged in an enlargement process involving the countries of the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, which is reflected in weekly negotiations in Brussels, the adoption of strategic plans, and the adaptation of national legislations in candidate countries. And yet… there is very little political debate on the subject.
The idea of the IJD – Sciences Po 2025 seminar (from March or April to December) would be to question the political debate in the Member States (the 27), which are called upon to decide on the progress of negotiations but will also have to ratify the accession treaties.
Each monthly seminar will feature a guest from the country being studied. A series of questions will systematically be asked to the guest:

1. Can we speak in the Member State of a specific governmental project regarding future enlargements?

2. What are the expectations and fears within the society of the Member State?

3. What are the positions of the political parties in the Member State? Is the theme even addressed in the parties' programs?

4. What is the alignment between the governmental project and the support of the societies?

5. What is the involvement of non-governmental actors (business, trade unions, NGOs) in the Member State regarding future enlargements?

6. Are there methods of disinformation from the EU's geopolitical competitors (notably Russia) aimed at societies on the subject of enlargements?

7. What ratification procedures should be used for future enlargements?