The World Stage The Neighbourhood: Europe’s enlargement moment
Oct 16, 2025
Lykke Friis, co-chair of ECFR’s council and former Danish minister, discusses Denmark's push for EU enlargement during turbulent times. She explores how Russia's actions have shifted the enlargement conversation from bureaucracy to security. Lykke emphasizes the necessity of integrating Ukraine and Moldova while managing mixed support from other EU states. She advocates for gradual integration and front-loading benefits, and reflects on the changing public opinion in Denmark towards a stronger European Union.
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Geopolitics Meets Old EU Realities
- EU members speak about a new geopolitical Union but revert to old transactional calculations when concrete decisions arise.
- Lykke Friis highlights that practical concerns like agriculture and council power block swift enlargement choices.
Enlargement Splits The Council
- The Nordic-Baltic NB8 bloc strongly supports enlargement while Southern states and leaders like Viktor Orbán resist or delay it.
- Lykke Friis notes Poland and Slovakia also weigh domestic concerns, complicating unanimity on opening negotiations.
Public Opinion Shapes Danish Priorities
- Public support in Denmark strongly favours Ukraine but is weak for Western Balkans candidates.
- Lykke Friis links shifting Danish policy to shocks like Brexit, the war in Ukraine, and defense referendums.
