On 4 November 2025, the European Commission published the 2025 Enlargement Package but again failed to unveil its long-awaited “pre-enlargement policy reviews and reforms”. Together, these documents were meant to prepare the EU for its next historic leap: an enlarged and reformed Union.

But how does the Enlargement Package evaluate the state of affairs and promote the way forward for EU widening? Who are the frontrunners and laggards – and what explains the widening gap between them? And can the updated approach square procedure and politics? Why did the Commission not publish the policy reviews and its reform proposals? When will they be unveiled and will the Commission once again focus on the gradual integration of candidate countries into selected EU policies, or will it finally address the budgetary, governance and decision-making reforms required for an EU30+?

In short, will the Enlargement Package and the pre-enlargement policy reviews mark a turning point, or merely another cautious, procedural step? And can they help EUrope pass the “test of times” by aligning enlargement with internal EU reform?

This event will be held in the framework of the EU Democracy Reform Observatory, which aims to stimulate debates in Brussels and beyond on the overall future of European integration.

This event welcomes the participation of EPC member organisations, EU institutions, elected officials and the media. For questions, please contact media@epc.eu