Despite being billed as a potential turning point for EU enlargement, the European Council summit failed to provide clear political guidance on the way forward. Instead, leaders once again reaffirmed their broad support for admitting new members, while the most significant element of the draft conclusions – a target date for Montenegro to complete its accession negotiations by the end of this year -was dropped at Croatia’s request at the last minute.
Much ado about nothing. That is perhaps the shortest and most accurate description of the outcome of the “strategic debate” on enlargement held by EU leaders over a working dinner on October 15.
The discussion had been presented as a pivotal moment for enlargement as early as last June. At the time, European Council conclusions announced that, in light of the “new momentum” and numerous initiatives aimed at preparing for enlargement, leaders would hold a strategic discussion on the way forward.
