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En Federico Fabbrini / December 2024
This paper examines how the war in Ukraine had an impact upon the enlargement of the European Union (EU) and transnational cooperation in Europe. It explains how, in response to Russia’s illegal aggression of Ukraine, the EU relaunched its enlargement process – notably by opening accession negotiations with Ukraine –, promoted the establishment of a new European Political Community, and deepened its ties with both other regional organizations like the Council of Europe and NATO, and a former member like the United Kingdom. It is argued that the return of largescale warfare in the European continent for the first time since the end of World War II ultimately contributed to reaffirming the role of the EU as a beacon of peace, security, freedom and prosperity, and to highlighting the dynamism of the European integration project. Nevertheless, a number of challenges lie ahead, especially regarding enlargement, as there are issues concerning both the candidates’ preparation and the EU’s own readiness. As such, the paper concludes by mapping the debate about EU reforms, its stalemate, and the open questions concerning the future of Europe.
Keywords: War in Ukraine, European Union, Enlargement, Transnational Cooperation, Liberty
Federico Fabbrini is Full Professor of European Law & Founding Director of the Dublin City University (DCU), Ireland
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