Enlargement

Abstract

Since its foundation, the European Union (EU) grew from 6 to 28 members before the United Kingdom's recent departure. It has never lacked applicants for membership. Enlargement has evolved from a series of distinct diplomatic episodes to a process integrated and consistent with EU institutions and governance. Often seen as a cumulative foreign policy success reflecting the allure of the integration project, enlargement has fundamentally changed not only the applicants but also the EU itself. Future expansion is jeopardized by major EU crises, political instability (both national and regional), and rising concerns that enlargement has been too much of a good thing.