Embracing Enlargement: A Commitment to Europe's Future

The enlargement and integration of candidate countries into the European Union is not a mere expansion: it is a geostrategic investment in fostering peace, stability, security and socio-economic development, strengthening the democratic fabric of our continent. EU enlargement thus serves as a powerful tool for disseminating and upholding core European values. Our established bilateral bodies with civil societies from candidate countries are Joint Consultative Committees (JCC) and Civil Society Platforms (CSPs), the Enlargement Candidate Members (ECM) initiative, and the expansion of the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights country visits to candidate states. They exemplify the EESC's commitment to both deepening and widening the Union. Our work shows that progress on necessary internal reforms can and should proceed hand-in-hand with the integration of candidate countries. Despite persistent challenges in several candidate countries, these obstacles should energise our collaboration with candidate counterparts, rather than deter progress.

The EESC has been instrumental in EU enlargement, participating in the Western Balkans Ministerial Meeting in Skopje and closely collaborating with leaders of several candidate states. Our activities aim to assess candidate countries' readiness to meet the Copenhagen criteria, and reiterate our commitment to inclusive and equitable dialogue with all EESC members, ECMs most certainly included. This is why I am proud to say that the ECM initiative, launched this February in the presence of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, is a cornerstone of my presidency's manifesto.

Actively including ECMs, the Committee positions itself as a leader among EU institutions in the gradual integration of EU candidate countries. The impact of this initiative is tangible and increasingly recognised in candidate countries and in the EU, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Várhelyi strongly supporting the project. This initiative aims to bring not just immediate benefits, but also seeks to build a solid foundation for the long-term aspirations of candidate countries, their citizens and their vibrant civil societies. It enables civil society from these nations to engage directly in the EU's decision-making process, maintaining momentum for necessary reforms. A total of 146 ECMs have been actively engaged in opinions on topics related to enlargement, such as EU cohesion policy, the single market, sustainability of the agri-food sector and skills shortages.

The JCCs and CSPs represent a critical platform for dialogue among different stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are heard during the decision-making process. JCCs are currently in place with Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey, CSP are in place notably with Ukraine and Moldova. The JCC with Northern Macedonia is expected to restart as soon as the first negotiating cluster opens, while a new committee for Albania is well underway. The upcoming High-level civil society forum dedicated to Enlargement on 24 October, alongside the EESC Plenary, will further reinforce this commitment. Jointly organised with the Commission, it will gather EESC members, about a hundred ECM representatives, Member States, and candidate countries' leading politicians to explore the value of civil and social dialogue for a successful EU enlargement. It will highlight the role of social dialogue in advancing accession efforts, optimising the green and digital transitions and upholding the EU's fundamental values.

As a gateway for civil society, the EESC is dedicated to empowering and embracing voices striving for freedom, democracy and socio-economic prosperity – ultimately fostering closer integration in candidate states and the EU. Together, we are building a brighter future for Europe – one that is inclusive, prosperous and united. The Committee's commitment to enlargement is unwavering, and our actions are a testament to our belief in a more integrated and resilient Europe as a whole.

Oliver Röpke

EESC President