Part 6/8:

At present, many EU nations are preoccupied with pressing matters, including ensuring Ukraine's security amidst decreased American support and reforming internal EU structures before considering further expansions. The current political ecosystem complicates the prospect of bringing in new members, with disputes resulting in significant stalemates.

The Concept of a Multi-Speed EU

However, the notion of a multi-speed EU, where different tiers of membership exist, presents an interesting avenue. French President Emmanuel Macron proposed this idea in late 2023 as a possible solution to ongoing institutional struggles within the EU. In such a framework, countries like Hungary could remain in an outer tier, thereby allowing a more integrated core to navigate central issues.