Political parties in the EU and the challenges for enlargement 

The Policy Study by Luisa Chiodi, Federico Baccini, Francesco Brusa and Anna Ferro analyses how enlargement is perceived by political parties throughout the EU. While enlargement remains a relatively low priority in national political agendas, the study finds broad support among mainstream parties for Ukraine's accession as a geopolitical necessity for strengthening European security and countering Russian and Chinese influence. At the same time, it highlights significant differences in national priorities, with Baltic and Nordic countries placing particular emphasis on Ukraine, while other Member States advocate for accelerating the integration of the Western Balkans. The study also explores concerns related to migration, economic costs, agriculture, national sovereignty and institutional reform, showing how these shape political positions on enlargement.