A Political History of Reunifying Europe

The proposed volume delves into the European Union's expansion into Central and Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It emphasizes the candidate states' perspective and seeks to draw parallels between the 1990s expansion and potential future enlargements. The historical context is vital, particularly the democratization and consolidation effects that past expansions had on both the candidate states and the EU as a whole. The work also discusses the recently established European Political Community and its role in creating a unified European political space. It contends that past expansions were win-win scenarios, benefiting both the EU and the candidate states, and suggests that similar mutual gains can be achieved in the EU's potential enlargement into the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe. The author proposes that analyzing past expansion processes offers valuable insights and concrete strategies for future extensions. This may include concepts like pre-accession and the European Political Community. The current geopolitical climate, with a more assertive Russia, underscores the importance of further EU expansion to enhance Europe's stability and security. Overall, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of past and potential EU enlargements, highlighting the enduring significance of this ongoing process in shaping the European landscape.