Advancing beyond Contestation: Addressing the Challenges of the Resilient Enlargement

General information

Code: AdvancEU
Period: 1.3.2026 - 31.8.2029
Project leader at FDV: prof.dr. Boštjan Udovič
External project leader: Masaryk University
Co-financiers: Europska Unija

Abstract

ADVANCEU aims to support and enhance the EU enlargement process constructively by exploring solutions that enable the EU to not only fulfil its commitment to enlargement, but “turn it into a catalyst for progress” while simultaneously contributing to the development of a more resilient Union for its citizens. Four goals are particularly relevant to achieving this objective:

Advancing understanding of current challenges (requiring simultaneous transformations while challenged by the rise of political forces rejecting the EU’s liber-democratic value base).
Advancing the functioning of the Union (through engagement with and development of reform proposals).
Advancing respect for common values (through fostering dialogue with stakeholders, including civil society and the broader public).
Advancing co-operation across boundaries (in aiming to make a future, larger EU a common endeavor of “old” and prospective member states).

The project is based on the understanding that recognizing the integration project's vulnerabilities and the risks of enlargement is crucial for the EU to effectively navigate future challenges and introduce adequate reforms to make the EU “enlargement-proof”. The proposed Jean Monnet Network ADVANCEU acknowledges the dual role of the academic community as both a producer and disseminator of knowledge to current and future decision-makers, as well as the general public. Coordinated by the University of Salzburg (Salzburg Centre of European Union Studies) the network encourages transdisciplinary debate, develops cutting-edge research results and brings together knowledge generated in high-ranking research projects and by renowned experts in their fields and aims to foster European values in research and teaching. Tightly connected to CIVIS, and thriving on the institutional network it provides, it foresees the creation of a set of outcomes contributing to a resilient EU ready for enlargement.

Sustainable Development Goals

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