Specialist conference
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Dublin, 24 April 2024 Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and European Movement Ireland today hosted ‘EU Enlargement: The New Geopolitical Background’.
In the year of the 20th Anniversary of the largest-ever EU enlargement, H.E. Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Ireland, Professor David Phinnemore, Queens University Belfast, and Peter Power, Senior Expert in DG NEAR, European Commission gathered to discuss the new geopolitical background shaping the European Union’s accession process.
On 1 May 2004, ten countries became members of the European Union. This historic occasion led to the economic and societal transformation of member states such as Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. At present, there are nine candidate countries seeking EU membership, including Ukraine and Moldova. Kosovo is also a potential candidate country.
H.E. Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Ireland, said: “European integration for Ukraine is not just a policy, it’s a part of our national identity and a pillar of our democratic development. Despite the immense challenges of the war, Ukraine stands strong and unwavering in its commitment to meet the European Commission’s recommendations and move forward towards EU membership”.
Matthias Barner, Director Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung UK & Ireland, delivered the welcome address. The panel was moderated by Noelle O Connell, CEO of EM Ireland and Vice President of European Movement International.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and amid the changing geopolitical landscape, the EU has signalled its commitment to enlargement. It is focused on supporting the progress and implementation of fundamental reforms for aspiring member states, while also pursuing internal EU reforms. The aim of today’s discussion was to provide a better understanding of the EU’s enlargement policies and approach in the coming years.
Matthias Barner, Director, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung UK & Ireland said; “The Russian attack on Ukraine, serves as a stark reminder of the geostrategic importance of a strong and united European Union and continent.”
While EU enlargement presents challenges in areas such as security and defence, EU budgetary decision-making, rule of law and agricultural policy, among other issues. EU enlargement is still viewed as the advancement of stability, peace, and prosperity across the continent.
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