An educational webinar titled “Rethinking & Future-Proofing EU Enlargement: A Citizen-Driven Approach” was held, organized by the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in cooperation with the Institute of the Danube Region and Central Europe (Vienna, Austria).

The keynote speaker was Sophia Beiter, a Research Associate at the Institute of the Danube Region and Central Europe and a Charlemagne Prize Fellow 2024/25.

During the lecture, an overview was provided of the current state of EU enlargement policy, the key challenges involved, and the main concepts shaping future integration, including the staged accession model and institutional reforms. Particular attention was paid to the role of citizens, enlargement fatigue, and the risks of declining democratic legitimacy. The importance of strengthening the role of the European Parliament, improving decision-making procedures, and upholding the EU’s fundamental values was also emphasized.

Simultaneous interpretation for the webinar was provided thanks to “Ukraine2EU – EU Integration Support Programme for Ukraine”, which made the event accessible to a broader audience.