No new flags over Brussels since Croatia in 2013—until now. Geopolitics reignites enlargement fervor, fast-tracking Western Balkans like Montenegro toward membership. Ukraine's plight and Russia's shadow compel a rethink: integration as deterrence.
Yet the road is treacherous. Candidates must align on rule-of-law, anti-corruption, and media freedoms—standards Hungary flouts under Orbán. The Commission thawed billions in frozen funds post-Magyar’s rise, but Orbán's Kremlin ties linger, from gas deals to leaked intel.
Enlargement promises strategic depth: buffering against Russian influence, securing energy routes, and expanding markets. But dilution fears haunt Paris and Berlin—fiscal transfers, migration surges, and veto powers for newcomers could paralyze decision-making.
Brussels pitches a 'graduated' approach: phased integration easing shocks. Montenegro's progress signals viability, but Serbia's Moscow flirtations and Kosovo tensions loom large. Success hinges on credible carrots—and sticks.
In a fracturing world, a bigger EU could amplify clout. Botch it, and the bloc splinters from within, ceding ground to rivals.
