Geopolimits? Technical and Political Tension in EU Accession

The world underwent an irrevocable transformation when Russia invaded Ukraine, marking the return of war to Europe and signalling a pivotal geopolitical moment for the EU. In response, funds were mobilized to support Ukrainian refugees, marking a significant shift as the EU provided both civilian and, for the first time, military aid to Ukraine. The EU also took unprecedented steps by opening the door to the accession of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, a topic previously considered taboo in Brussels. With the Ukrainian army bravely defending European values, there seemed no other option but to affirm that the destiny of these nations lay within Europe and, specifically, the EU. However, this is not the first time such aspirations have arisen. Two decades after the Thessaloniki Declaration, the Western Balkan countries still await their seat at the EU table. What lessons can be gleaned from the Western Balkan countries' experiences that might shed light on the prospects of EU enlargement to the east? Drawing on the literature of Europeanization and policy learning, this article examines the changing timelines, structures, and support packages for accession countries. While some adjustments have been noted, and the EU has learned to some extent from past enlargement rounds, this article argues that the EU's geopolitical ambitions remain constrained by its technocratic methods and a reliance on benchmarking.