Questions and answers on the pre-enlargement policy reviews

What's included in the pre-enlargement policy reviews? 

EU enlargement is a strategic investment in Europe's peace, security and prosperity. It delivers significant political and economic benefits for both the Union and enlargement partners. To fully unlock these benefits the EU must be ready to welcome new members.  

Today's Communication, Preparing for a wider Union, outlines the policy orientations and practical steps needed to prepare the EU for future enlargements.  

The pre-enlargement policy reviews identify clear priority actions across four key areas: governance, values, policies and budget. The reviews show that the Union can accommodate a larger membership through targeted adaptations within the existing Treaty framework and accession treaties.  

The package reaffirms that enlargement remains a merit-based process, determined by reform progress of each acceding country.  

Today's package will feed into the strategic discussion among Member Stateson enlargement and reforms, including at the European Council in October. 

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, alongside growing instability in Europe's neighbourhood and wider global competition, has underlined the importance of a stronger and more united Europe. In this context, enlargement is not only a political objective but also a geopolitical investment in peace, security and long-term stability across the continent. By extending democracy, rule of law and prosperity across our continent, enlargement can strengthenthe Single Market, create new opportunities for trade and investment, and increase the EU's economic resilience and political weight.  

For European citizens and businesses, the benefits are concrete. Enlargement can support economic growth, create jobs, improve infrastructure, strengthen connectivity, and make supply chains more secure. It can also help the EU and its partners respond more effectively to shared challenges such as energy security, migration, climate change and external threats.