During the first phase of the invigoratEU project, we focused on developing the conceptual framework (Work Block I), which serves as the foundation for the analyses in Work Block II (WP 4–8) and the visioning and foresight process in Work Block III (WP 9–10).
In work block I, we established clear and precise definitions, terminology, concepts, and benchmarks, providing a key reference document for invigoratEU research. The Triple-R Approach (Reforming, Responding, Rebuilding) serves as the guiding framework for assessing the challenges and opportunities within the EU’s enlargement and neighborhood policies. These policies were analyzed in terms of their contributions to democratic consolidation, conflict prevention, capacity-building, security enhancement, protection against hybrid threats, and fostering connectivity and sustainable social and economic development. Additionally, we conducted an in-depth assessment of the European Union’s enlargement and neighborhood policy, examining its existing tools, objectives, and the necessary reforms. This analysis aims to inform future policy development to strengthen the EU’s resilience, particularly in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics and the ongoing integration challenges in the Eastern Neighborhood and Western Balkans. Based on our findings, we formulated initial recommendations to reinvigorate the EU enlargement strategy and contribute to a more united and prosperous Europe. Key aspects include strengthening conditionality mechanisms, enhancing civil society engagement, addressing regional disparities, promoting public participation, and adopting a differentiated integration model. These measures aim to refine the EU’s approach, ensuring a more effective and inclusive enlargement process.
For work block II, we laid the foundation for assessing democratization processes in conflict and post-conflict contexts in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. It examines international, regional, state, and societal factors influencing these processes and evaluates the supportive or hindering effects of EU enlargement and neighborhood policy. We also began analyzing the effects and potential of deepened market integration and cross-border movements, as well as assessing the geopolitical ambitions of China, Turkey, and Russia in the candidate countries of Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, in line with invigoratEU’s geopolitical framework. Additionally, we initiated an analysis of the EU’s current arrangements and instruments for ensuring security within and beyond its neighborhood, with concrete policy recommendations to be developed in the second reporting period.
