Expanding the European Union beyond its current 27 member countries is a top priority for Dublin.
“On enlargement we see a unique opportunity,” Byrne said. “We haven’t had an enlargement in the course of a number of Commission terms, actually.” Croatia, the newest EU member, joined the bloc on July 1, 2013, just as Ireland wrapped up its last turn in the presidency hot seat.
At the front of the queue is Montenegro, with a population of just over 600,000, which is widely regarded as the most advanced of the Western Balkan candidates.
“I am confident that EU enlargement will make historic merit-based steps forward under the Irish presidency and I have no doubt that Montenegro will remain at the forefront,” said Petar Markovic, Montenegro’s ambassador to the EU.
He noted the “determination and consensus not to miss a singular window of opportunity that history suddenly opened and could just as haphazardly close.”
The big one
The much larger and more populous Ukraine presents a more complex political challenge. Its accession would carry far greater economic and budgetary implications for the EU, making it a tougher sell for the 27 existing members, which would need to agree unanimously to allow a new country into the club. Plus, it is still fighting off the full-scale Russian invasion.