Policy Brief, Webinar November 25, 2025 

EU enlargement toward 2030 is presented as a strategic necessity rather than a distant political aspiration. The 2025 Enlargement Package shows that progress is possible if candidate countries deliver credible reforms and the EU adjusts internally to accommodate new members. Predictability, political leadership, and public trust are the main conditions for restoring credibility to the process.

Key messages of the brief:

• Leadership and rule of law remain the decisive factors. Reform delivery—not promises—determines progress.
• Economic convergence and alignment with EU priorities (competitiveness, innovation, green and digital transitions) are essential.
• The EU must prepare institutionally for a Union of 30+ members, adjusting decision-making and budgetary frameworks.
• Enlargement serves Europe’s security, geopolitical resilience, and demographic stability.
• Candidate countries must align and implement reforms, not only as accession requirements but as national policy priorities.
• Public support remains generally positive, though fatigue is evident in both the EU and Western Balkans.

Webinar insights
Speakers emphasized that enlargement is more credible now than in the past decade, but success requires merit-based progress, internal EU reforms, and genuine political ownership in candidate countries. Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership representatives highlighted challenges such as demographic decline, institutional fragility, and uneven reform progress, but reaffirmed ambitious timelines (e.g. Montenegro 2026, Albania 2027, Moldova 2030).
All agreed that full membership must remain the only outcome, while sectoral integration can sustain momentum.

Overall conclusion
2030 is a strategic milestone meant to accelerate reforms, not a fixed accession date. With strong leadership, consistent implementation, and EU readiness, enlargement can significantly strengthen Europe’s stability and competitiveness in the coming decade.