20 years of EU eastward enlargement

"The message is: More Europe is the solution, not less Europe"

Welcome by the "host"
Standing in for Prof Dr Maria Pryshlak, Rector of the Ukrainian Free University, Chancellor Dmytro Shevkenko welcomed the guests as host. In his brief statement, he emphasised Ukraine's turn towards Europe and the resulting desire to become a member of the European Union as soon as possible.

Keynote speech by Markus Ferber MEP
In his keynote speech, Markus Ferber, Member of the European Parliament, spoke about the past, present and future of the European Union, especially in the context of the recent discussion about the admission of new member states and the current geopolitical challenges.
Ferber began with a look back at the time of the Iron Curtain, symbolised by the barbed wire that divided Europe into East and West. He recalled the intensive negotiations on the enlargement of the EU after the fall of the Iron Curtain in the 1990s, initially with Austria, Sweden and Finland. These countries joined the EU in 1995.
A central point of his presentation was the 20th anniversary of the EU enlargement in 2004, when ten new member states and Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007, the decisive step towards overcoming the division of Europe.
Mr Ferber pointed out that the enlargement involved overcoming many obstacles for both sides. The fundamental prerequisite was compliance with the principles of the rule of law and the EU acquis communautaire.
Ferber addressed the current suspension of the proceedings against Poland due to concerns about the rule of law. This illustrates the ongoing challenge that all member states must respect the fundamental values of the EU.
The need to harmonise regulations within the EU leads to adjustment processes that are necessary in order to withstand the pressure of the internal market and competitive pressure. These processes are essential for the integration of new member states.
Ferber emphasised that the structure of the EU must be adapted before future enlargements. This was neglected before the first waves of accession. He emphasised the need to make EU structures more efficient in order to maintain the ability to act. One example is the discussion on reducing the size of the European Commission.
Mr Ferber also addressed the geopolitical challenges, in particular Russia's war against Ukraine. He emphasised that the EU must represent its interests in the Western Balkans more clearly, particularly in view of the influence of other players such as Russia and China.
The war in Ukraine has changed the situation and reignited the discussion about possible EU enlargement. Mr Ferber spoke about the candidate status of countries such as North Macedonia and the associated problems.
Solutions and structural issues within the EU
Mr Ferber mentioned various points for solving the current challenges: Unanimity in decision-making processes, minimum number of MEPs for small countries, and the structure of the Commission, where each country has one Commissioner. The aim is to rebalance the system and clearly define responsibilities. A central problem is the lack of trust between the member states and the states towards the Commission.
In conclusion, Ferber argued in favour of a fundamental reform of EU structures, possibly more revolutionary than evolutionary. He emphasised that the world was not waiting for Europe. The EU must be put on a new footing in order to meet current and future challenges.

Panel discussion
The subsequent panel discussion was chaired by Dr Benjamin Hahn. In his brief introduction, he reviewed the history of the EU from its beginnings as the Coal and Steel Community in 1951 to the present day and referred to the challenges of the future.
Consul General Maša Šiftar noted that Slovenia's accession to the EU had triggered a success story. Many infrastructure projects could be started, the quality of life was 68% of the EU average in 2004 and 82% today. The gross national product per capita has doubled.The euro has multiplied trade for the export-orientated country, fivefold with EU countries and twice as much with third countries. With Schengen came the experience of freedom of movement: free choice of residence and work, studying abroad.Her conclusion: "We are living the EU"
Prof. Dr Gerhard Sabathil drew attention to problems based on the history of Poland and Hungary: the multiple division of Poland between Germany and Russia, the Hungarian "phantom pain" due to the loss of large parts of the country in 1919. In addition, the lack of democratic tradition, low foreign language skills and level of education must be considered, especially in Hungary.
Toni Hinterdobler, former managing director of the Lower Bavaria/Upper Palatinate Chamber of Crafts, noted that after initial fears on both sides of the border, a rapid adjustment took place. New areas of business and opportunities arose, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and the skilled trades.In general, all candidate countries need to qualify, advise and support SMEs, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia were ready for accession. It turned out that not all regulations could be implemented quickly and without problems (hygiene, legal area, etc.).He emphasised the success of "Arge 28": 28 IHKs and HWKs along the accession border joined together to form a working group.His conclusion: Fears have been allayed, opportunities have been utilised, dynamism has radiated throughout Bavaria and Germany. Bavaria's economic output alone increased by 37% between 2011 and 2021.

Dr Hahn also raised the issue of the "brain drain". GK Šiftar said that this problem does not exist in Slovenia, people like living at home and are satisfied with their living conditions and career opportunities.
Markus Ferber pointed out an important advantage for Bavaria: Bavaria has moved from the periphery to the centre of Europe. The initial fears in Germany of being flooded with job-seekers from the accession countries have had as little effect as the fear of the new rich neighbours in the accession countries buying up the land. Initially, the UK in particular benefited from the free movement of labour, but Brexit is now causing labour shortages in key sectors (healthcare) there again. There have also been conflicts in logistics. The problem of so-called "cabotage", i.e. the ban on transport within another country, was resolved after lengthy negotiations.Author's note: The many trucks with licence plates from the accession countries mostly belong to western hauliers who have flagged out their fleets in order to save costs.
Why are there so many reservations within the EU about further enlargement?
Prof Sabathil notes that the reform strength of the potential accession candidates leaves something to be desired in some cases. At the moment, there is a lack of trust in the leaders of the Balkan countries. Another problem is the lack of leaders, and the main problem areas are corruption and the absence of the rule of law.
The geopolitical shocks of the recent past have brought the discussion about the accession of further states back to the forefront, indeed have made the need for enlargement clear.
GK Šiftar clearly states: the Western Balkans is Europe, we Slovenians absolutely want to see these countries in the EU.
Toni Hinterdobler emphasised that it must be ensured that the countries are ready for accession. The structural funds must be administratively managed and monitored. Preparation must be about the people: the middle class in accession countries must be strengthened in order to bring the people along.The countries must be brought closer step by step and good development must be initiated.
What must the EU offer the countries, which institutions must be adapted?
Markus Ferber referred to the model in the ECB Governing Council. It will not be feasible for each country to have its own Commissioner. In the European Parliament, the basic mandates may have to be lowered and the distribution of seats reorganised. In the Council, the problem of general unanimity must be solved. In order to be seen as a recognisable and influential player in the geopolitical environment, a complete transfer of competences to the EU (e.g. foreign policy) will be necessary.In general, the opportunities of enlargement must be recognised. Fears that were seen in 2004 have not materialised. However, the EU's ability to act must be guaranteed.

In the general discussion that followed, the question of the relationship with Hungarian Prime Minister Organ was raised. In this context, Markus Ferber also referred to failings on the part of the EU: Hungary is exclusively dependent on Russia in terms of energy policy, and there has so far been no offer from the European side to change this.The need for political unification and the formation of a security union were addressed as important topics. In addition, the agricultural sector is still waiting for a fundamental reform.

Closing remarks by President Eberhard Sinner
President Sinner thanked the Ukrainian Free University, Rector Prof. Dr Maria Pryshlak and Chancellor Dmytro Shevchenko, the speaker Markus Ferber and the panel participants, Consul General Maša Šiftar, Slovenia, Prof. Dr Gerhard Sabathil, Toni Hinterdobler and moderator Dr Benjamin Hahn.
Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, the reunification of Europe has progressed. Europe is not only defined by geography, but above all by values. Europe is built on three hills: Capitol, Acropolis and Golgotha, which stand for the rule of law, democracy and Christian-Jewish roots.
This week is Orthodox Easter, the Day of Capitulation, Europe Day. 9 May 1950 with Robert Schumann's speech is the birthday and foundation stone of the EU.
The eastward enlargement of 2004 was not a return to Europe for the accession countries in terms of geography - all the countries were in Europe before, but a return to their roots. After 20 years, the outcome is positive! Economically, politically, humanly. A win-win situation for the EU and the accession countries.
In 2004, Jeremy Rifkin published the book "The European Dream" versus "The American Dream". A tribute to the EU as a successful political project. Eastern Europeans have played their part in this success. Lech Wałesa, Václav Havel and Guyla Horn are just a few examples.
Even today, more countries want to join the EU. The in - out balance is 9 : 1!
Only the UK dared to leave. The honest assessment of many Britons today: Brexit is BrexShit, according to Nigel Kennedy, devil violinist in an Arsenal shirt at an open air concert.
The same applies in 2024 as in 2004:
Candidate countries must fulfil Copenhagen criteria
Structural reforms must make the EU receptive
Single market must be a driver of innovation and growth
Geopolitically, China is a system rival. USA is a competitor within the system. "Make America Great Again" Trump's campaign slogan is as palatable as it is false because it negates multilateralism. Russia is attacking the entire world order and using brutal force against all of Europe's values.
Right-wing nationalism is on the rise throughout Europe and globally. These are fundamental differences to the Eastern enlargement of 2004 to 2007.
Therefore:
Security policy in the broadest sense is a priority!
The internal market must become more competitive in terms of growth and innovation. Mario Draghi's report is the latest on this.
Fewer competences for the EU as a whole - subsidiarity principle, but complete transfer of essential competences, for example in foreign policy, to the EU makes sense.
Greater ability to act through the majority principle with fewer veto blockades must be the goal.
The message is:
More Europe is the solution to globalisation, not less Europe
As early as 1968, Franz Josef Strauß wrote in his book "A Programme for Europe": "The nation state in the 20th century is an anachronism".
Similarly, Mario Draghi in his Bologna speech on 22 February 2019: "Nation states must give up independence in order to gain sovereignty in globalisation".
The question is: Do Europeans want to be players or balls?
Draghi 2019: "The EU accounts for 16.5% of global economic output. Only China's share is larger. However, the European countries have a large internal market that shields them to a certain extent from trade crises. The EU's share of global trade is 15% compared to around 11% for the United States. The EU therefore carries considerable weight in international trade negotiations. And the euro is the second most traded currency in the world, which protects the eurozone economy against exchange rate fluctuations." Ceding independence from nation states to the EU gives nation states and the citizens of nation states sovereignty in globalisation.
In 2004, it was difficult for the new member states to give up independence immediately after gaining it.
The Baltic states celebrated one hundred years as a republic in 2018. But for the shortest time during these 100 years, they were truly republics. Life opportunities for people in Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn have never been greater than they are today in the EU. This also applies to the Russian citizens who live there. Every Russian in the EU is better off than every Russian in Russia! From Putin's point of view, that's a problem.
The EU is a peace project on a voluntary basis, not with imperial ambitions.
Putinism wants to destroy this project. Ukraine is therefore a test case for the resilience and stability of the European foundation of values.
Ukraine will decide which world order and value system we will live in tomorrow. The "holy war" - according to Patriarch Kyrill - against the decadent West will be celebrated again on 9 May. There could hardly be a more blatant contrast to European values.
The only way to counter this is for the EU and European citizens to work together with the candidate countries. The following applies even before accession: together we can achieve more than just the arithmetic sum of the population or gross domestic product. Let us work to ensure that the European dream remains alive and also becomes a reality in the countries that are candidates for accession!