Reenergizing EU Enlargement: How Can the V4 Contribute?

The Visegrád Four (V4) countries—Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia—have been traditionally among the most vocal advocates for EU enlargement despite growing divergence in their European and foreign policy objectives. But they have had limited success winning over others in their effort to offer membership  to more countries in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. A new opportunity to do so, however, has recently emerged. The European Commission’s enlargement package, published in November, suggests launching accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine, and proposing candidate status for Georgia, The V4 could capitalize on this building momentum even if progress on Western Balkan candidates, a traditional focus for Hungary and Slovakia, remains elusive.

Ahead of the European Council December 14–15 meeting at which enlargement is on the agenda, and the upcoming Belgian and Hungarian EU presidencies that will likely prioritize enlargement, this event will look at the V4 perspective for expanding membership in the bloc. It will explore options for strengthened advocacy for enlargement and opportunities to shape the enlargement agenda.

For more information, please contact Monika Dlugosch at [email protected].

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan policy organization committed to the idea that the United States and Europe are stronger together.