Renew Europe: The Cost of Not Enlarging Would Be Much Greater for the EU Than Admitting Candidates

The political group in the European Parliament, Renew Europe, stated today that the future of the European Union is inextricably linked to the successful integration of candidate and potential candidate countries, especially those from the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe.

The long-term cost of not enlarging far exceeds the financial and political complexities of admitting new members, as it brings the risk of creating a geopolitical “grey zone” that would be vulnerable to opposing political influences, the political group said.

Renew Europe stated in its announcement that “enlargement remains one of the most effective foreign policy instruments of the EU, strengthening stability, security, democratic transformation, respect for fundamental rights, the rule of law, and economic convergence with the Union.”

“Enlargement also contributes to a stronger, more influential, and more prosperous EU, capable of acting in its own interest and protecting its values in an increasingly multipolar international order,” the group’s statement reads. The group is chaired by French MEP Valérie Hayer.  

Enlargement, as stated, must benefit both the EU and the candidate countries, and must prioritize the EU’s internal stability.

Renew Europe assesses that today’s enlargement agenda reflects a deeply changed geopolitical landscape and an increase in security threats.

It is stated that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, hybrid warfare, complex relations with the USA, instability in the Middle East, and China’s expansionist policy “have created a world marked by great power rivalry and the revival of nationalist competition,” and which is becoming increasingly unstable economically, socially, and militarily.

“These factors not only shape the European security landscape, but also underscore the strategic urgency to continue EU enlargement, while simultaneously highlighting the need for the EU to strengthen its internal cohesion and its capacity for adaptation,” the Renew Europe group stated.

The Renew Europe group brings together liberal and centrist parties in the European Parliament. It was formed by merging the former liberal ALDE group and the Renaissance party of French President Emmanuel Macron.