Enlargement has long served as one of the European Union’s most powerful tools for ensuring stability, prosperity, and democratic values beyond its borders, as well as within. Today, however, confronted with fundamental geopolitical shocks, the EU’s resilience and the adaptability of its enlargement and neighbourhood policies are increasingly tested.
With renewed momentum for enlargement since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – the first time in over a decade – the prospect of a bigger Union is within reach. The advances made by the frontrunner candidates (Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine) are now framed around tangible target-year goals. Enlargement now raises questions that go beyond “are candidates ready?” to also include “is the EU ready?”
While these recent developments have demonstrated the EU’s capacity to adapt, they have also exposed limitations in traditional mechanisms for regional engagement and fostering integration and stability through enlargement. This is especially evident in light of Russia’s relentless destabilising actions in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood and in the widening gap in some candidate countries between people demanding a European future and uncooperative governments that centralise power and test the EU’s red lines.
To discuss these changes and reflect on the necessary policy adjustments needed to make the EU enlargement a success, TEPSA hosted the InvigoratEU Academy: “EU Enlargement: Completing the European project” that will take place in Brussels from 1-4 June 2026. This programme provided young professionals with a comprehensive understanding of EU enlargement policies in the current geopolitical context and offered them the chance to meet senior professionals working on these topics. Through expert-led sessions and meetings with leading EU practitioners, participants gained the knowledge and skills necessary to actively shape the future of the EU.
The Academy was organised in the framework of the Horizon Europe project “InvigoratEU: Invigorating Enlargement And Neighbourhood Policy For A Resilient Europe”, seeking to produce forward-thinking research and policy recommendations for the EU’s enlargement policy.
Application procedure & requirements
The InvigoratEU Academy was open to young professionals, including young diplomats, early-stage researchers, think tankers, CSO representatives, junior civil servants, MA and PhD students from the EU, (potential) candidate countries and beyond, with an interest in EU enlargement. This diverse group provided a rich environment for dialogue and learning, enabling participants to engage with peers and EU policymakers in Brussels.
Practical information
The InvigoratEU Academy was a four-day event, held in Brussels from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 June 2026. Over the course of four days, participants engaged in expert lectures, meetings with practitioners, and visits to EU institutions.
Participation in the InvigoratEU Academy was free of charge. However, the selected applicants were required to pay a €100 deposit to secure their seat, whichhas been fully refunded upon participation.
Participants in the InvigoratEU Academy received a reimbursement for their travel and accommodation costs up to €750. They also received a €15 per diem for each day when lunch was not provided.
