The days when Viktor Orbán could block negotiations on a whim should be over – and the western Balkans should finally benefit
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has revived EU expansion as an imperative. For years, “enlargement” has been a low priority – Croatia was the last country to join the club, more than 10 years ago. But things have changed. Ursula von der Leyen told a forum in Bled, Slovenia I attended this month that Europe’s security depends on the 27-nation union expanding again. Thanks to Vladimir Putin, as the Albanian prime minister, Edi Rama, put it, enlargement is back on track.
The fact that expansion is a strategic priority makes it possible that new members will be admitted. But it doesn’t make it certain.
Nathalie Tocci is a Guardian Europe columnist
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Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/sep/11/eu-new-members-viktor-orban-western-balkans
Author : Nathalie Tocci
Publish date : 2024-09-11 06:00:03
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