It’s ‘Super Tuesday’ for EU enlargement as 4 candidates move forward with negotiations

It’s ‘Super Tuesday’ for EU enlargement as four candidates move forward with negotiations. On Tuesday, four countries, Albania, Montenegro, Moldova, and Ukraine, made significant strides toward EU membership during intergovernmental conferences held in Brussels. These talks marked a major step in the bloc’s expansion efforts, which haven’t seen such momentum since 2002. The developments signal a shift in European politics and strategy, driven by geopolitical tensions and the need for stability in the wake of Russia's war in Ukraine. The day began with four separate meetings aimed at either opening or closing negotiation tracks for these candidate nations. Each session addressed different aspects of EU integration, reflecting the tailored approach required for each applicant. Ukraine, which formally applied for EU membership just months ago, saw its negotiations advance significantly. Similarly, Moldova, which has faced intense Russian pressure, moved closer to formalizing its path to the EU. Albania and Montenegro, both longstanding candidates, also made progress on specific policy clusters. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized the significance of the day, calling it a rare occurrence in recent EU history. She noted that the last time such a large number of candidates advanced simultaneously was in 2002. Kos described the event as a “Super Tuesday” for enlargement, highlighting Ukraine’s role in the broader geopolitical landscape. She underscored the importance of Ukraine’s potential membership, stating that the future security of Europe is unthinkable without it. According to Kos, Ukraine has transformed into a formidable military power, particularly through its advancements in drone technology. The timing of these developments reflects changing dynamics within the EU and among its neighboring states. In 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for a pause in enlargement until internal reforms were completed. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has shifted priorities. The war, which began in February 2022, has forced the EU to reconsider its stance on expansion, viewing it as essential for collective security. European leaders now perceive the conflict as an existential threat, fearing that Russia might target them directly if the situation in Ukraine deteriorates further. For Ukraine, EU membership represents more than just economic opportunity, it is a strategic necessity. While NATO membership remains a distant goal due to U.S. and other NATO allies' hesitations, the EU offers a tangible security guarantee. The country’s rapid modernization of its armed forces, including the development of advanced drone systems, has bolstered its appeal as a candidate. Meanwhile, Moldova, another nation under Russian influence, has also accelerated its bid for EU entry, recognizing the benefits of closer ties with Western institutions. The process of joining the EU involves navigating 35 policy areas, known as chapters, ranging from agriculture to trade and from environmental standards to human rights. Candidates must demonstrate compliance with these requirements over several years. Recently, Ukraine and Moldova initiated discussions on key chapters related to foundational EU values, such as the rule of law and democratic governance. They also advanced negotiations on foreign relations, security, and trade policies. Albania and Montenegro, meanwhile, focused on completing negotiations on science, education, and external relations, with Montenegro aiming for accession in 2028. A pivotal shift in the EU’s approach came with the departure of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose nationalist policies had previously hindered the progress of Ukraine and Moldova. Orbán, a staunch supporter of Russia, was widely regarded as a barrier to enlargement. His removal has allowed the EU to proceed with greater flexibility, enabling the simultaneous advancement of multiple candidate nations. This change underscores how domestic political shifts can significantly impact the pace of EU expansion.