Dr. Axel Sotiris Walldén gave a guest lecture with the title: "EU ENLARGEMENT AND THE UKRAINE WAR" on the framework of the course "Attempting Transformation: the European Union and Southeastern Europe" taught by Associate Professor Susannah Verney.

Dr. Axel Sotiris Walldén was born in Athens (1949); studied economics in Sweden and France; PhD University of Athens. Official at the European Commission (enlargement and neighbourhood policies, 1996-2014). Also served as visiting professor at the Panteion University (Athens), secretary-general at the Hellenic Ministry of National Economy and adviser at the Foreign and National Economy ministries. Presently special advisor at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP). Author of a large number of books and scientific articles.

Abstract

The Russian aggression against Ukraine creates a “new geopolitical reality” in Europe. EU enlargement policy, in the course of fading away for more than a decade, is “once again […] to the fore of the European agenda” (Commission 2022).

In my lecture I shall explore the impact of the war on EU enlargement. I shall first review the history of enlargement policy, with a focus on recent developments. The state of play of the enlargement process will then be presented by country (Western Balkan 6, Turkey, but also Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia). In this context, I will assess the latest Commission enlargement package. Finally, I shall discuss prospects: Does the war open a window of opportunity for enlargement? And how would different scenarios on future enlargement affect the European project?