EU Considers Major Enlargement to Bolster Security and Geopolitical Power in 2025
Europe is facing its most significant security transformation since the end of communism, driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the US's shifting role. In 2025, the EU is considering enlargement to strengthen its geopolitical power and security, with a focus on military investments and expanding EU foreign policy. This comes as Europe seeks to move beyond military weakness and political expediency, and as Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán challenges the EU's liberal democratic values.
The EU is exploring the addition of Western Balkan countries, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and potentially Iceland to its candidate states. This move aims to fill the security and values vacuum left by the US, which has seen chaotic policy-making and overtures to dictators. Milada Anna Vachudova argues that defending liberal democracy is crucial to Europe's geopolitical power. Far-right and ethno-populist parties have been exploited by Russia to weaken Europe from within, with Orbán's actions further straining the bloc's commitment to democratic values.
Europe's insecurity and America's indifference in 2025 are pushing European governments to take a stronger stand against Russia. The EU must also move beyond regime indifference, as seen in its response to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, to build genuine geopolitical power.
In 2025, Europe is set to bolster its security and geopolitical influence through EU enlargement and military investment. This move is driven by the need to defend liberal democracy, counter Russian aggression, and fill the void left by the US. The challenge lies in maintaining the EU's commitment to democratic values, as internal pressures from parties like those led by Orbán threaten to undermine its unity.
