By: Mélodie Tran Thuan
As a French citizen born and raised within the European Union, I observe a worrying paradox: while EU enlargement is among the continent’s major geopolitical priorities, it remains largely absent from public debate in the Member States.
Negotiations are moving forward in Brussels. The Western Balkan countries – including Montenegro – are continuing their reforms with a view to possible accession by 2030, or even earlier, a timeline regularly mentioned by European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Yet this process continues to be surrounded by a persistent political silence that raises questions.
Such a lack of communication, whether strategic or political, is not neutral. It reflects a reluctance among political leaders to publicly address the implications of enlargement. According to the Special Eurobarometer 564 (February-March 2025), around two thirds of EU citizens (67%) do not feel informed about EU enlargement, while only 32% feel informed. The same survey shows a clear correlation between information and support: 74% of respondents who feel informed are in favour of enlargement, compared to only 49% among those who do not. In this context, it seems that the issue of enlargement is considered too complex or too sensitive to be discussed openly with citizens. Moreover, it risks fuelling frustration in candidate countries which, after years of reforms and efforts, are beginning to question the sincerity of Brussels’ commitments.
The current silence from political elites maintains an ambiguity which could, in the long term, prove dangerous. The European Union cannot sustainably build such an ambitious project without explaining its stakes and implications to its own citizens.
Enlargement cannot be reduced to a technocratic exercise or a diplomatic matter reserved for European summits. It entails major political choices, institutional adjustments, and concrete consequences for the future of the Union. For this reason, it should be the subject of a transparent, accessible, and continuous public debate.
Bridging this democratic gap is not solely the responsibility of European institutions and national governments. Civil society organisations also have a role to play in informing citizens about these issues. In this regard, the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) stands ready to work with all relevant stakeholders to promote a broader and better-informed public debate on enlargement, as well as improved communication on the progress made by candidate countries.
Clearer and more consistent communication from European institutions and political leaders in the Member States, together with the development of a public debate commensurate with the importance of enlargement, would contribute to strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the process. Enlargement cannot take place in the shadows; it can only succeed if it is explained, discussed, and collectively embraced on both sides. Otherwise, it risks becoming a source of division, misunderstanding, and disillusionment.
The author is a master’s student in Central European Studies at Sorbonne University in Paris and an international intern at the Centre for Civic Education (CCE).