European Council President Charles Michel issued a stark warning on Monday, emphasizing the need for the European Union to expand its borders to avoid the risk of a “new Iron Curtain” along its eastern flank, Euronews reported. In an interview with journalists, Michel emphasized that enlargement is crucial for the EU’s future, highlighting the importance of stability and economic development in neighboring regions.

Michel’s remarks coincide with the 20th anniversary of the EU’s largest-ever enlargement in 2004, which saw ten countries, including seven former Soviet republics or satellite states, join the bloc. He noted that without this expansion, the EU could have been divided by a “de facto Iron Curtain,” exposing eastern countries to political and ideological pressures from the Kremlin.

Currently, nine countries from eastern Europe and the Western Balkans are in the process of seeking EU membership. However, the accession process is challenging, requiring substantial reforms in areas such as judiciary and constitutional practices.

While Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has renewed interest in EU enlargement, efforts to accelerate the accession process face resistance from skeptical member states. Critics argue that delays in integrating candidate countries are fostering frustration with Brussels.

Civil.Today News Desk