Publication

This brief discusses whether the poor state of reforms relating to rule of law, economic governance and public administration in EU candidate countries under the European Commission’s enlargement strategy for 2014-15 is putting a strain on the EU's credibility. The author argues that the EU needs to reinvigorate its strategy by adopting a more consistent and determined approach. He then offers a set of recommendations for the EU’s enlargement policy which include adopting more systematic and inclusive cooperation with civil society and a more proactive role in defense of media freedom.