Enlargement is a logical step forward for Europe 

This month, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the EU's great enlargement. It was in May 2004 when citizens of Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia became EU citizens. It was not an easy process, as EU accession is known to be arduous and time-consuming. However, twenty years later we can say that the 2004 enlargement was a success story. 

Apart from the EU becoming one of the world's largest single markets, the enlargement led to the creation of 26 million new jobs. Success, however, cannot be measured only in economic gains. The enlargement eventually led to the opening up of borders, with millions of people free to travel, work and live anywhere in the EU. What had previously been a privilege of some became the right of everyone. To date, over 2.7 million students from the 10 new countries have participated in an Erasmus+ exchange programme. The enlarged EU provided equal opportunities for everyone to thrive. 

Success does not mean there were no lessons to learn. It was the first enlargement of this kind and magnitude, and there are certainly many areas where the EU could and should do better. Firstly, the EU must start integrating the candidate countries into its work as soon as possible. Progressive integration is not a replacement for actual accession. It is a way for both sides to build a solid foundation by learning from another, exchanging experiences and sharing views. It is a way to establish human connections and nurture a true European sprit. 

Secondly, the EU's core principles of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights and freedoms are non-negotiable and cannot be overlooked. While the EU's accession handbook has clear criteria regarding 'fundamentals', there are some aspects that go beyond any handbook. As the house of civil society, the EESC believes that a vibrant civil society and strong social dialogue are key ingredients for well-functioning democracies. Gradually integrating civil society from candidate countries into the EU will give them the ability to become as strong as they should be by the time of accession. This is why the EESC has launched its initiative to integrate the EU candidate countries. The 'enlargement candidate members' are now working with our EESC members, drafting opinions on topics particularly relevant to future rounds of enlargement. 

This is also why the EESC members will discuss the 20th anniversary of the EU's enlargement during its May plenary – taking stock of the past and looking forward to a common future of a more resilient, democratic and united EU.

Oliver Röpke 

EESC President