Sourced fact
The News
According to France 24, EU Commissioner Marta Kos dubbed the year 2026 as "the Year of Expansion" for the European Union, anticipating the opening of new chapters for countries seeking membership.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, the expansion of the European Union is a complex process that spans years. The EU has experienced seven waves of expansion since 1973. In a broader context, Europe has not seen significant expansion since Croatia joined in 2013. This makes the expectations for 2026 particularly significant. The EU has not welcomed any new members since Croatia's accession in 2013, and there are unlikely to be any before 2028 – some 15 years later. However, 2026 is set to be a record year in terms of opening and closing new chapters for existing applicants, making it a year of considerable momentum and potential for expansion.
