Lubomira Popova (BG-Swiss Fellowships for Bulgarian Junior Scholars, Oct ‘24 – Jul ‘25) is making her second presentation on:

Is the “New” EU Enlargement Methodology Already Obsolete? An Empirical Reconstruction of the EU’s New Enlargement Methodology

on 10 April 2025 (Thursday), at 16:30.

Moderated by: Malte Fuhrmann

Abstract: The need to reform the EU’s enlargement policy, driven by shifting geopolitical circumstances, has been widely recognized by both researchers and experts. This reform requires a shift in the cognitive perspective, as most existing studies have been constrained by the rationalist framework which was a) designed before the Eastern enlargement began, and b) aimed at universal theoretical understanding. The system of cultural, historical, political and economic specificities of the individual postcommunist societies have been omitted.

The project aims to change the mental map through which EU enlargement is being perceived by highlighting the fundamental logic of the enlargement methodology through its practical manifestation in the EU’s enlargement packages. We will apply a complex qualitative-quantitative analytical methodology to go beyond the official statements in the European Commission’s official communications on enlargement and country reports and reach a systematic structure of key policy characteristics. This knowledge will allow for some fundamental changes in the EU approach towards future enlargements, aiming at qualitatively different results in much more successful Europeanisation of the applicant countries.