The fifth day of the Jean Monnet Summer Academy featured insightful academic discussions led by experts on the future of the European Union and its role in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The sessions were presented by Tatia Dolidze, the academic coordinator of the project and associate professor at European University, Levan Makhashvili, Head of the Cabinet of the Chairman of Parliament at the Parliament of Georgia and associate professor at European University, and Bidzina Lebanidze, researcher at the University of Jena and Senior Analyst at the Georgian Institute of Politics in Tbilisi.

A central focus of the day was the evolving dynamics of EU enlargement. The discussions explored the complex interplay between institutional reforms within the EU and the strategic ambitions of aspirant countries. Participants examined how recent European Parliament elections and the rise of populist movements across member states are influencing the enlargement process, posing new challenges to achieving consensus on future expansions.

The geopolitical context surrounding EU enlargement was another key theme. The sessions highlighted the strategic interests of global powers such as Russia, China, and Turkey, particularly in regions like the Western Balkans and the Black Sea. The discussions emphasized the need for the EU to develop a resilient foreign policy capable of addressing these challenges, with a focus on maintaining stability and security in neighboring regions.

The strategic considerations behind the EU’s enlargement policy were also analyzed, including the integration of geopolitical loyalty as a criterion for candidate countries. The lectures underscored the importance of strategic planning and policy coherence in ensuring the EU’s continued attractiveness to aspirant countries, while also navigating the complex dynamics of global competition. The evolving role of the EU as a geopolitical actor, particularly in response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, was discussed as a critical factor influencing the future of the enlargement process.

The fifth day of the Jean Monnet Summer Academy provided participants with a deep dive into the strategic, institutional, and geopolitical factors shaping the future of EU enlargement. This academic forum continues to offer valuable insights and foster dialogue on the key issues that will determine the trajectory of Europe in the global arena.