An enlargement for a new generation 

Strengthening democracy, social and labour rights, and improving living standards and working conditions should be central to the accession process. It should also promote upward convergence between countries.

To achieve this, candidate countries need to adopt the European acquis, including its social provisions. The process should also reinforce and fully implement the European Pillar of Social Rights, encourage both social and intergenerational dialogue, and maintain a strong commitment to gender equality as a foundation of democratic progress.

The success of the accession process also depends on empowering the youth, who are the primary stakeholders in a future enlarged European Union. By fostering a vibrant civil society in which the younger generations play a crucial role and ensuring their active participation in democratic life, the EU can secure a resilient and lasting democratic foundation for all. 

In a final dedicated session of this event, new research on the evolving attitudes of national political parties toward enlargement were presented. Participants discussed how domestic political dynamics and priorities within EU member states shape the European integration process, analysing the challenges of building national consensus for a wider Union. 

The third progressive enlargement conference brought together progressive partners, decision-makers, politicians and experts from all ten candidate countries, as well as EU lawmakers and stakeholders, to address these vital objectives. 

The conference was organised by FEPS, in cooperation with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Foundation Max van der Stoel, Kalevi Sorsa Foundation, Olof Palme International Centre, Karl Renner Institut, CeSPI, Progresiva and the S&D Group in the European Parliament, in the framework of FEPS Enlargement Programme.  

The conference was preceded by the S&D Willy Brandt Programme conference on 22 April, from 15:00 to 18:30.

For more information regarding the project and this event, please do not hesitate to contact Hedwig Giusto, FEPS Head of the International Programmes and Editor in Chief of the Progressive Post (hedwig.giusto@feps-europe.eu) or Julia Wild, FEPS Project Officer (julia.wild@feps-europe.eu).