Baltic Event on EU Enlargement ‘24: A Step Towards a Stronger Europe

The Baltic Initiative on European Reform brought together civil society representatives from the Baltic countries and EU experts to discuss EU enlargement in three working groups: the economy, rule of law and human rights, and geopolitics.

In the opening discussion Professor Funda Tekin and Ian Bond set out why enlargement is needed: security and the stabilisation of the region, together with a stronger economy and institutions. They also named the difficulties, from meeting reform standards to unresolved disputes.

Experts then looked at enlargement from the Baltic point of view, pointing to the Baltic States’ own accession as proof that enlargement pays off.

In the closing panel, European Parliament candidates Roberts Zīle, Ivanna Volochiy and Elīna Pinto argued that enlargement is a strategic tool for a more credible, secure and resilient Europe.

The event was supported by the Robert Bosch Stiftung and the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga.