European Market Insights

The latest survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) has shed light on European attitudes towards the potential enlargement of the European Union and the admission of various candidate countries. The survey, conducted in six EU member states, has revealed a complex landscape of opinions and concerns regarding the possibility of Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro, and other countries joining the EU.

The survey findings indicate a clear division among European citizens on the prospect of EU enlargement. While there is considerable openness to Ukraine’s accession, with significant support in countries like Poland and Denmark, there are also significant economic and security concerns related to such a move. Furthermore, there is widespread opposition to Turkey joining the EU and tepid responses to the candidacies of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Notably, the survey highlights a stark contrast between ‘old’ and ‘new’ EU member states in terms of their stance on the timing of potential enlargement. While countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, and France are cautious about adding new member states, Romania and Poland exhibit strong support for enlargement.

The discourse around EU enlargement has also revealed differences in public opinion regarding the geopolitical arguments in favor of enlargement. ECFR senior fellows, Piotr Buras and Engjellushe Morina, have emphasized the need for EU leaders to address these concerns and communicate a clear message on the potential accession of Ukraine and Moldova. They call for a focused approach that includes the initiation of accession talks and a roadmap for institutional reforms to allay citizen concerns and pave the way for the enlargement process for all candidate countries.

The survey findings also underscore concerns about the impact of enlargement on the EU’s political power, with diverging views among member states. Furthermore, there is clear opposition to the potential admission of countries such as Turkey, Kosovo, and Serbia, signaling the complexity of the enlargement debate.

Against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics and varying public opinions, the ECFR’s survey sheds light on the multifaceted landscape of EU enlargement and the need for a nuanced and informed approach. As EU leaders prepare for the upcoming European Council summit, the survey findings provide vital insights that can inform strategic decisions about the future of EU enlargement.

The survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations has opened a window into the diverse perspectives and considerations surrounding the potential accession of new member states to the European Union. It underscores the importance of reconciling geopolitical imperatives with public sentiment and underscores the need for a coherent and inclusive approach to EU enlargement.

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