The Economic Dimension of EU enlargement: MFF, Growth Plans and Opportunities

CeSPI – Centro Studi di Politica Internazionale and the EFDS – European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity organised a joint webinar dedicated to the economic dimension of European Union enlargement.

The discussion focused on the potential economic impact of the accession of the Western Balkans to the European Union, particularly in relation to Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). An even more complex scenario concerns the possible accession of Ukraine, which raises structural questions regarding the future balance, sustainability and redistribution mechanisms of the EU budget.

During the event, several key questions were addressed:

Can the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), currently under discussion, effectively serve as a bridge to accession?

How might enlargement reshape EU financial governance?

What opportunities could emerge in the medium term for investment, economic convergence and the business sector?

Below is the recording of the webinar held on 5 March 2026