Podcast: How Many Members Is Too Many?

With the UK leaving the club and new members joining, many questions about the EU arise.

Andrew Mueller discusses the EU enlargement with Heather Grabbe, director of the Open Society European Policy Institute; Quentin Peel, an associate fellow with the Europe Programme at Chatham House; and Albania's minister for foreign affairs, Ditmir Bushati.

How big do we want the EU to grow? How can we integrate new members? What challenges will they bring?

Along with Macedonia, Albania is set to be one of the next countries to join the union – although probably not any time soon. Albania's foreign minister says that for them, membership is a question of improving, and integrating into a bigger market.

From a club of six into a club of 28. From an 'all-rich' club, to a half poor half rich club. The new situation has created a degree of tensions that threaten the club's foundation.

Are there any countries that should never be allowed in?

While the EU defends its fundamental values, such as respect for democracy, the rule of law, and well-funded institutions, any new enlargement has brought about more variety, and not everybody subscribes entirely to those values.

Are Poland and Hungary respecting those values today?

Although every decision has been taken to build a more coherent and cohesive union, it has equally raised tensions: the common market or the Schengen Union are just two examples. 

A debate about the unforeseen consequences of enlargement, including a future accession of the Western Balkans countries and Turkey to the EU.