February 24, 2026.

As part of Carnegie Europe’s Europe Head-to-Head project, Sylvie Goulard and Gerald Knaus exchanged views during a debate moderated by Rosa Balfour, Director of Carnegie Europe on the following question : “Could a smaller EU be stronger than an enlarged bloc?”

This exchange highlights the paradox of European enlargement: while the integration of Ukraine, Moldova or the Balkans would strengthen the continent’s security and stability, the process remains largely stalled by internal divisions within the EU. The challenges of enlargement are more a result of internal political deadlocks within the EU than of the progress made by the candidate countries, which raises questions about whether the accession process is truly being fulfilled.

This situation risks feeding disillusionment in the candidate countries and reducing the European Union’s influence, particularly in Ukraine, where progress toward accession remains limited despite the country’s strategic position. Faced with this deadlock, the speakers advocate for a more pragmatic approach, based either on a multi-speed Europe or on gradual integration prior to full membership.

The debate therefore highlights that the issue of enlargement is, above all, a political one: without a common vision or European leadership, the EU is struggling to adapt its expansion policy to current geopolitical challenges.

You can find the article, which includes excerpts from the debate in the form of a Q/A session between Sylvie Goulard and Gerald Knaus, here.

You can also find the discussion on Youtube here :