EU Enlargement in Focus: Diverse Discussion, Unexpected Conversations through Cross-Party Dialogue with Cyprus’ Upcoming EU Presidency

Considering these timely conversations, on October 13, 2025, the Open European Dialogue brought together 13 policymakers from across Europe and across the political spectrum for a special discussion on the future of the EU’s enlargement. With special remarks from Ms. Charis Christodoulidou – Cyprus’ Ambassador, Secretary General for EU Affairs, the conversation offered direct insight into the upcoming Cyprus Presidency’s agenda, and provided a space for policymakers to pose questions, and raise comments and concerns that would not typically be heard in a traditional policy arena.

With lessons and perspectives brought from a variety of country contexts, the conversation took some surprising turns, generating unique insights around institutional EU reforms, public perception and engagement, and the functioning of the European political process.

MPs openly shared diverse opinions on the topic surrounding new members’ accession. From the enthusiastic standpoint that “enlargement is an investment in our peace and security”, to the assertion that “before we accept another county, we need to make sure that the Union is fulfilling the needs we have today”, to reluctant acceptance of enlargement (“given the geopolitical situation, what is the alternative?”), the conversation balanced discussion of the nuances of EU enlargement with thoughtful internal reflection on the EU’s current reality.

The OED was honoured to have been able to provide a space for open discussion of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency’s 2026 agenda; “It was a very useful dialogue for us, precisely the kind of open exchange that is valuable in the lead-up to our Presidency,” noted the Cyprus team.

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