What's Happening?
The European Commission is experiencing a capacity challenge due to its active enlargement drive, which has seen more negotiating chapters closed in the past six months than in the previous decade. The Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern
Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) is particularly strained, as it manages multiple accession processes simultaneously. Montenegro is currently drafting its accession treaty, aiming to become the EU's 28th member by 2028, while Albania is preparing to start its own treaty work. The Commission's reliance on temporary contracts and high turnover rates have exacerbated the situation, leading to a loss of institutional memory and capacity. Additionally, Iceland is considering resuming its accession path, which would require further resources. Ukraine and Moldova have opened two negotiating chapters recently, with a push to open more before the year's end, despite Hungary's call for a gradual approach.
Why It's Important?
The European Union's enlargement strategy is a cornerstone of its foreign policy, aiming to integrate more countries into the bloc. However, the current strain on the Commission's capacity could hinder the progress of accession negotiations, affecting countries like Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova. The ability to manage multiple accession processes is crucial for maintaining the EU's political commitment to enlargement. The situation highlights the need for the EU to re-prioritize internal resources to match its ambitions. Failure to do so could slow down the integration of candidate countries, impacting their economic and political alignment with the EU.
What's Next?
The European Commission will need to address its capacity issues to continue its enlargement efforts effectively. This may involve reallocating resources and possibly increasing permanent staff to manage the workload. The Commission's ability to advance negotiations with multiple countries simultaneously will be tested in the coming months. Political leaders and member states may need to support the Commission in building up its internal capacity to ensure the enlargement process remains on track. The outcome of Iceland's referendum and the progress of Ukraine and Moldova's negotiations will be key developments to watch.
