Ten years ago, on May 1, the EU celebrated its 20th anniversary of its eastward enlargement. This marked the addition of ten new countries to the Union, eight of which were former Eastern Bloc states. The positive impact of this enlargement has been seen in the economies of these countries, with increases in gross national products, tripled agricultural production, and halved unemployment rates during their membership.
In a recent speech, President Ursula von der Leyen referred to the eastward enlargement as a beginning of a new era for Europe. She emphasized that the integration of East and West brought stability and prosperity to Europe, preventing former Eastern bloc countries from falling back into Russia’s sphere of influence. However, challenges remain for future EU enlargements. One potential candidate is Ukraine, but there are concerns about the economic implications for current member states and the need for changes in decision-making methods within the EU.
The author emphasizes that upholding Western values such as rule of law and freedom of speech will be crucial in ensuring the success of future enlargements. These values are essential to maintaining stability and prosperity in Europe, as well as preserving the European project as a whole. As such, it is important that any future enlargements prioritize these values above all else.