15 May 2024 - The Baltic Initiative on European Reform, supported by the Robert Bosch Stiftung and the Rīgas Ekonomikas augstskola - Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, hosted the Baltic Event on EU Enlargement ’24. This event convened civil society representatives from the Baltic countries and EU experts to deliberate on EU enlargement, featuring working groups on the economy, rule of law and human rights, and geopolitics.
Key Highlights
💬 Opening Discussion: Professor Funda Tekin and Ian Bond initiated the event with a dialogue on the necessity and potential pitfalls of EU enlargement. They underscored the importance of focusing on security, as enlargement is pivotal for stabilizing neighboring regions. Economic strengthening and institutional resilience were highlighted as key benefits, though challenges such as meeting reform standards and ongoing disputes were noted.
💬 Baltic Perspective: Experts discussed the Baltic viewpoint on EU enlargement, emphasizing the EU’s role in integrating diverse identities. The successful accession of the Baltic States to the EU served as a testament to the benefits of enlargement, suggesting a pathway for future expansion by 2030.
🗣 Closing Panel: European Parliament candidates Roberts Zīle, Ivanna Volochiy, and Elīna Pinto concluded the event, advocating for enlargement as a strategic tool for a more credible, secure, and resilient Europe.
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