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

n 5 March 2026, CeSPI and the European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity (EFDS) hosted a joint webinar dedicated to the economic dimension of EU 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 concerned the possible accession of Ukraine, which raised structural questions about the future balance, sustainability and redistribution mechanisms of the EU budget.

Among the key questions addressed during the discussion were:

Would 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 businesses?

These questions were at the centre of the discussion on 5 March.

Below is the video of the webinar held on 5 March 2026.