The article discusses the implications of EU expansion and the necessity of limiting veto powers for new members, especially in light of Russia's war in Ukraine.
The article addresses the question of how the European Union can grow while maintaining its capacity for action, emphasizing that new members must not be granted veto rights. This approach seems appealing to some of the EU membership candidates, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. The EU's enlargement strategy has gained new momentum due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has brought Ukraine and Moldova into the status of candidacy in 2022, followed by Georgia receiving the same status a year later. Without the backdrop of the Russian aggression, such developments would have been unthinkable.
Additionally, the article highlights the six long-time potential candidates from the Western Balkans and, at least formally, Turkey. However, in the cases of Turkey and Georgia, their candidacy appears more nominal as discussions with Turkey have been stalled due to its political context, which includes issues like political prisoners and a deficient rule of law. Despite this, there is significant public support within Georgia for EU membership, indicating a strong desire for closer ties to Europe.
The dynamics of EU enlargement raise important questions about governance and integration within the EU, particularly concerning the balance of power among member states. As the EU considers these candidates, the implications of granting or denying veto power will play a crucial role in shaping both the future of the EU and the stability of candidate nations, particularly as geopolitical tensions continue to influence regional politics and alignments.
