09 October 2026
Preparing for a Wider (But More Unequal) Union
On 6 October 2026, the Commission presented its Communication “Preparing for a wider Union”. At the centre are so-called institutional safeguard clauses. These resemble an Article 7 TEU procedure for the late arrivals – but at a discount, featuring a much broader scope and much lower thresholds. I argue that this is not the way. While it is doubtful whether the proposed clauses still qualify as an “adjustment” of the current Treaties, they strike at core principles of the Union’s constitutional framework: the equality of Member States and, behind them, the equality of Union citizens. Continue reading >>
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09 September 2026
If Enlargement Fails, So Will the Union
After a serious delay, von der Leyen's pre-enlargement review is now scheduled to appear in time for the meeting of the European Council on 15-16 October. One may regret that Iceland did not have the benefit of hearing her views before its botched referendum on 29 August. The Commission will repeat its customary exhortations for more differentiated integration and enhanced cooperation; it will plead for greater recourse to abstention, particularly in foreign policy decisions. But that will not be enough to save the EU's institutions, already in bad repair, from seizing up entirely under the pressure of enlargement. Continue reading >>03 March 2025
Fast-Tracking Ukraine
Whatever the outcome of the current crisis, Ukraine needs to join the European Union as fast as possible. Neither Trump nor Putin can veto this. The EU, for long lukewarm about widening and deepening, must take rapid steps to facilitate Ukraine’s entry. This will involve revising the terms and conditions of accession. Although Volodymr Zelensky has seen EU membership as second best to NATO, he well knows that his country’s sovereignty now depends on the European Union. Enlargement is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. Continue reading >>06 July 2023