Prospects and risks beyond EU enlargement

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Since the signing of the Treaties of Rome in 1957, Western European history has been marked by the integration and enlargement of European institutions. The European Union has become a crucial pillar for the security and stability of Europe, but its essential functions can only continue if it expands its influence beyond current borders. The European agenda is now focused on integration, with membership prospects serving as a successful tool for shaping transitions in East Central Europe. The upcoming enlargement necessitates a deepening of EU integration, which should be addressed through the EU Convention. As the EU prepares to welcome ten new member states, developments in Europe remain dynamic. Countries beyond the EU's future borders in Eastern Europe and the Balkans are engaged in a complex process of national consolidation, market economy transition, and strengthening parliamentary democracy. These processes carry risks, including the potential for authoritarian regimes and armed conflict in Southeastern Europe, which directly affect European security. However, some regions are making significant progress toward Western standards, suggesting that reducing Eastern and Southeastern Europe to mere risks could lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.