World Economy and European Integration Chair

The enlargement of the European Union (EU) has been a part of the EU history since the Rome Treaty in 1958. Since then, not only the several enlargements in several decades, but also the Brexit took place in 2021. At present, the question of the EU’s enlargement in the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, Türkiye and Georgia is more real than ever before. In order to deal with this issue properly, the European Commission adopted the 2023 Enlargement Package, providing a detailed assessment of the state of the progress made by these candidate nations. They have to fulfil the Copenhagen criteria by progressing in the implementation of fundamental reforms establishing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for the protection of minorities, a functioning market economy etc. This course deals with the last phase of the EU enlargement whether or not it is feasible. Furthermore, it discusses to what extent it can contribute to creating economic growth and political stability in the EU. Last, but not least it analyses which problems and difficulties must be solved in order for the EU to develop and strengthen its stability continuously and the Global South will influence it in changing new global order.