The Transformative Role of the EU in the Geopolitical Landscape: A Focus on Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy
The ongoing war in Ukraine has fundamentally altered the European Union’s (EU) approach to its enlargement and neighborhood policies. These changes are marked by a recognition of the geopolitical significance of engaging with neighboring countries and the urgent need for revitalized relations and concrete actions toward EU candidate nations. With the appointments of high-profile leaders such as Kaja Kallas, Marta Kos, and Dubravka Šuica, the EU is positioning itself to tackle pressing foreign policy challenges while fostering stability and prosperity across its regions.
The Commissioners Steering EU Policy
Three dynamic figures oversee the EU’s external engagement during these tumultuous times: Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission; Marta Kos, the Commissioner for Enlargement; and Dubravka Šuica, the Commissioner for the Mediterranean. Their collective expertise brings a wealth of experience, crucial for advancing the EU’s strategic objectives. Kallas, having served as Prime Minister of Estonia, has been an ardent advocate for Ukraine, while Kos has a robust background in diplomacy as Slovenia’s Ambassador to Germany, Switzerland, and Latvia. Šuica’s new role focuses on enhancing relationships within the Mediterranean region, a significant area for EU security and stability.
Urgent Response to Regional Challenges
The EU is confronted with numerous foreign policy hurdles that threaten its stability. The Western Balkans exhibit fragility, primarily due to the ongoing dispute between Serbia and Kosovo and rising separatist sentiments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Concurrently, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia grapple with persistent Russian aggression. Additionally, the conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa continue to destabilize the EU’s southern neighborhoods. Yet, these challenges also represent opportunities for strengthened transatlantic cooperation aimed at ensuring regional stability and safeguarding democratic norms.
Prioritizing EU Enlargement
One of the major strategic priorities is to advance the EU enlargement process. Currently, nine candidate countries are vying for EU membership, and the new Commission aims to facilitate substantial progress in their accession over the next five years. This will be achieved through targeted financial programs, including the €50 billion Ukraine Facility and the €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, designed to incentivize reforms vital for EU membership.
Marta Kos has set ambitious targets for Montenegro and Albania, aiming to finalize their accession negotiations by 2026 and 2027, respectively. This would pave the way for these countries to join the EU by 2030. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s reform momentum has been acknowledged by the EU, which aims to support its ongoing integration despite the war. Moldova has also recently outlined its strategic vision for EU membership, reflecting the region’s aspirations.
Continuing Support for Ukraine
Support for Ukraine remains a high priority, encompassing military, financial, and humanitarian aid. Kallas underscored the significance of a collective commitment from EU member states to support Ukraine, particularly regarding a GDP pledge aimed at facilitating its victory. As Kallas leads initiatives to secure military support, she also emphasizes the EU’s role in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, proposing that while the EU invests heavily, they will also seek partnerships with other international stakeholders, like the G7, to attract private investments crucial for Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts.
Stabilizing the Western Balkans
The EU has committed to promoting stability and reconciliation in the Western Balkans, particularly through normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo. The ongoing security challenges, such as the Banjska attack and recent violent incidents, necessitate renewed dialogue and cooperation. Kallas has indicated a focus on resolving outstanding issues related to the Ohrid Agreement and ensuring the implementation of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities, pivotal for regional stability and successful EU integration.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has started its EU accession journey, faces internal political tensions that impede necessary reforms. The EU’s commitment to maintaining stability through the Dayton Peace Agreement and promoting mechanisms for political compromise is essential in facilitating Bosnia’s integration path.
Engaging the Southern Neighborhood
In the Mediterranean region, the EU aims to break away from past transactional engagement strategies focusing solely on migration control. Kallas and Šuica are determined to foster comprehensive partnerships centered on investment, economic stability, job creation, and security. A renewed pact for the Mediterranean aims to build enduring relationships in this strategically vital area.
Moreover, the EU seeks to enhance its role in the Middle East, particularly in light of recent conflicts. The dual focus on immediate ceasefires and longer-term solutions, including a two-state solution, reflects the need for unified action among member states to influence outcomes and stabilize the region.
Fostering Transatlantic Cooperation
As geopolitical tensions escalate, robust transatlantic cooperation will be essential in addressing shared challenges. The EU and the United States must work in concert to promote democratic governance and the rule of law in aspiring countries, counter foreign interference, and stabilize regions like the Western Balkans. Initiatives such as the bipartisan Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act could play a crucial role in synergizing efforts.
Moreover, countering malign influences from external actors like Russia and China requires coordinated strategies to build resilient democratic institutions, thereby safeguarding the aspirations of nations striving for integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of the EU’s enlargement and neighborhood policies, driven by the urgency of geopolitical realities, illustrates the Union’s commitment to fostering stability and promoting democratic values. With capable leaders at the helm and a strategic focus on comprehensive partnerships, the EU is poised to navigate this challenging terrain, ensuring that the problems of its neighbors do not become Europe’s own. As the world watches, the success of these policies may very well redefine the future of the EU and its place on the global stage.