The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have always been staunch supporters of EU enlargement – Europe’s peace project. A credible, merit-based enlargement process is an investment in peace, stability, and shared prosperity in Europe. It must remain a central pillar of any discussion about the EU’s future.

Ahead of the 2004-2013 EU enlargement rounds, the S&Ds played a key role in preparing political partners from aspiring countries through the landmark Willy Brandt Programme for EU Enlargement, named after the visionary social democratic leader and Nobel laureate who dedicated his life to reconciling Eastern and Western Europe.

As we enter the 2024-2029 parliamentary term, we are relaunching this initiative with renewed determination. Over the next four years, the programme will actively support the enlargement process and strengthen the role of progressive forces and civil society in EU candidate countries. This includes providing practical assistance to pro-European actors on the ground, helping them navigate the path toward EU membership.

Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for EU enlargement, said:

“The European dream of peace and prosperity is what unites us. But today, in the face of unprecedented geopolitical shifts – from Trump’s unpredictable and confrontational politics, to Russia’s brutal, ongoing war against Ukraine, and the rise of the far right – we are reminded of how vital it is to strengthen our political unity and safeguard our democracies.

“In pursuit of these goals, the S&Ds are today relaunching our iconic Willy Brandt Programme for EU Enlargement. As we carry forward the legacy of this great social democrat, our mission remains clear: to make Europe whole and complete. With ten countries currently aspiring to join the EU, we stand ready to support them. By reinvigorating this process, we aim to reinforce democracy, security, and prosperity – both in our immediate neighbourhood and within the EU itself.

“It is important to bear in mind and continue to remember that EU enlargement has brought significant benefits – not only to the countries that have joined or sought membership, but also to the Union as a whole. It has expanded the area of peace, democracy, and shared prosperity across our continent, making the EU stronger, more diverse, and more resilient in the face of global challenges.”

Note to editors:

Benefits of EU enlargement, according to European Commission data:

Since 2004, the ten countries that joined the Union have made remarkable progress. Child poverty in these countries has fallen dramatically from 41% to 17%, while overall poverty levels have halved. Real wages have doubled, six million new jobs have been created, and the share of people aged 25-34 with tertiary education has risen by nearly 20%.

Importantly, EU enlargement has brought benefits to both new and old member states. Spanish exports to the new members have doubled, Italian trade has increased by 77%, and overall intra-EU trade has grown by over 40%. This is the success story of enlargement: a stronger Europe with reduced poverty, enhanced opportunities, and better lives for citizens across the continent.

Countries aspiring to join the EU:

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Türkiye.

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