The European Union’s Historic Expansion: A Reaction to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Photo source: Reuters
In an announcement that has resonated across the world, Oliver Varhelyi, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, predicted that 2023 will be a “historic year” for the European Union (EU). This statement underlines the EU’s commitment to accelerating the membership process for several countries, largely driven by the geopolitical shifts resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Varhelyi’s announcement comes after a period of heightened tension in Eastern Europe that began with Russia’s surprise invasion of Ukraine last year. This event triggered a chain reaction of geopolitical realignments and has prompted the EU to reconsider its enlargement strategy. Since its inception, the EU has grown from 6 to 27 member states, with each expansion marking a significant step in its evolution. The EU’s enlargement policy aims to extend the benefits of EU membership, including political stability, economic growth, and enhanced security, to aspiring countries. It also strengthens the EU itself, broadening its economic and political influence globally.
However, the EU’s enlargement process, long considered a tool of soft power, has taken on a new urgency in the wake of Russia’s actions. The invasion of Ukraine highlighted the vulnerabilities of non-member countries in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans to external threats. The EU’s decision to expedite its enlargement process can thus be seen as a strategic move to secure its eastern frontier and extend its sphere of influence. Varhelyi’s prediction of 2023 as a “historic year” suggests that several countries may be admitted into the EU in a shorter timescale than previously anticipated. This accelerated enlargement would represent a significant shift in EU policy, underscoring the sense of urgency brought about by the geopolitical changes in Eastern Europe. The countries in question likely include those in the Western Balkans, such as Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia, which have been negotiating EU membership for some time. Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, countries that have expressed a strong desire to join the EU, may also be considered. These countries’ admission would be a remarkable display of unity and support for nations seeking to align themselves more closely with the European project. Critics, however, argue that an accelerated enlargement process might compromise the quality of integration. They fear that the rush to expand could lead to less scrutiny of candidate countries’ compliance with EU standards, particularly in areas such as rule of law, corruption, and human rights. Nonetheless, Varhelyi’s announcement has been largely welcomed by nations aspiring to join the EU. It is seen as a clear message that the EU is willing to take decisive action in response to the changing geopolitical landscape. The EU’s planned enlargement in 2023, as predicted by Commissioner Varhelyi, is a testament to the bloc’s adaptability and resilience. While the move is a response to a crisis, it also presents an opportunity for the EU to grow stronger and more united. The coming year will indeed be “historic” as we watch the EU navigate these uncharted waters and potentially welcome new member states into its fold.
By Roxana Stanica
