{
"authors": [
"Gert Jan Koopman",
"Rosa Balfour",
"Stefan Lehne",
"Iliriana Gjoni"
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"regions": [
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"topics": [
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}
Is Europe Ready? Domestic Politics and EU Enlargement Strategy
Thu, November 5th, 2026
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (GMT+1)
Carnegie Europe Office & Live Online
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EU enlargement is at an inflection point: Between public skepticism and radical-right gains, some of the biggest obstacles sit within the union. As the publication of the bloc’s annual enlargement package refocuses attention on these concerns, addressing them has become a critical priority.
Brussels has a sophisticated process to prepare candidates for membership, but nothing to align its enlargement strategy with the political realities in member states. How can the EU bridge the gap between the legalities of enlargement and citizens’ everyday lives to ensure current members are ready to welcome new ones?
To discuss these dynamics, Carnegie Europe invites you to a public event with Gert Jan Koopman, director-general for enlargement and eastern neighborhood at the European Commission. He will speak with Stefan Lehne, senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, and Iliriana Gjoni, research analyst at Carnegie Europe. The discussion will be moderated by Carnegie Europe Director Rosa Balfour.
This event is part of “Wider Europe-Stronger Europe,” a series of conversations ahead of the 2026 EU Enlargement Forum, a flagship initiative of the European Commission and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.
A light reception will follow.
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
Event Speakers
Gert Jan Koopman
Director-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood, European Commission
Gert Jan Koopman is the director-general for enlargement and eastern neighborhood at the European Commission.
Director, Carnegie Europe
Rosa Balfour is the director of Carnegie Europe. Her fields of expertise include European politics, institutions, and foreign and security policy.
Senior Fellow, Carnegie Europe
Stefan Lehne is a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe in Brussels, where his research focuses on the post–Lisbon Treaty development of the European Union’s foreign policy, with a specific focus on relations between the EU and member states.
Research Analyst, Carnegie Europe
Iliriana Gjoni is a research analyst at Carnegie Europe, where she focuses on EU enlargement and Western Balkan politics.