The social dimension of enlargement

As it is now a well-established tradition, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies participated this year in the 2024 Korčula School Think Tank, which was held in Korčula town, Croatia, on 30 and 31 August. The title of this year Korčula School was “Transforming politics through a gender lens“.

Within this framework, FEPS, in cooperation with the Foundation Max van der Stoel, organised a workshop entitled “The Social dimension of enlargement: past shortcomings and future potentials“. Enlargement policy is widely considered one of the most successful expressions of EU foreign policy. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the consequent membership applications of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have strongly relaunched the process and given new momentum to the Western Balkans’ accession as well. Important steps have been carried out in the last couple of years and a potential accession date – 2030 – has also been suggested. 

In spite of this, the Western Balkan countries’ journey towards the EU remains slow and full of obstacles – both at national and EU levels. When discussing enlargement, however, there is an aspect that consistently receives less attention: the social change that the accession process should deliver to the candidate countries. Preparing to become an EU member state should not just be about economic and institutional adjustments. Citizens are, at the end of the day, those who should benefit from the reforms implemented in the member states. Yet, what they are experiencing right now is democratic backsliding, massive emigration, and increased inequalities. 

In this workshop, we discussed how to ensure that the process results, in strengthened social rights and protection, inclusive labour markets and economic growth, and the empowerment of the Western Balkan citizens, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Attendance at this event was upon invitation only. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Caitlin Reder, Project Officer (Caitlin.reder@feps-europe.eu).