The EU started off as a common market of six countries, of which the Netherlands was one. It is now a union of 27 member states. In 2020 the UK became the first and only country to leave, but other countries still want to join. Some, including most of the Balkan countries and Turkey, have candidate status and are working their way through the huge dossier of laws known as the “Acquis Communitaire”, which is a prerequisite to membership. Others also aspire for membership, but their request for at least a “membership perspective” has remained unheard. In Brussels, they talk of “enlargement fatigue”, and there is across the EU increasing scepticism about enlargement.

Georgia is one country where EU membership is an aspiration shared across the diverse political spectrum, overwhelmingly embraced by the country’s cultural elite, and widely supported amongst the population, particularly the youth. Georgia is already an associated country of the EU, and together with two other associated countries, Ukraine and Moldova, recently established the “Associated Trio” to engage better Europe and Europeans on the issue. The Georgians say, “We are Georgians, therefore we are Europeans”. Should their case not be given a better hearing? What should the EU’s position be on enlargement? Where does Europe end? How should “membership fatigue” be managed? How crucial is this conversation as Europe forges ahead with an ambition to be a global geopolitical player?

Participants to the policy dialogue will hear short presentations from three guest speakers, after which every participant present will be asked to contribute their views on the topic in short 1–2 minute presentations, followed by a general discussion. Views from the meeting will be reflected in a short summary of proceedings, which will form part of the final submissions to the Conference on the future of Europe in April 2022.

This event is being hosted by LINKS Europe with the participation of The Embassy of Georgia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.