Literature increasingly converges on the view that EU enlargement has become politicised. However, prevailing accounts locate this politicisation primarily in intergovernmental bargaining and executive dynamics, with particular emphasis on the Council and the Commission. Far less is known about how politicisation is reflected in the behaviour of individual Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

Drawing on 251 WPQs concerning the accession processes of Albania and Serbia between 2014 and 2024, the analysis explores whether MEPs prioritise supranational concerns about the EU polity or instead use enlargement debates to advance nationally oriented agendas and problem frames.

The discussion evaluates domestic drivers, including party competition and re-election incentives, government–opposition status, public opinion on enlargement, and the projection of domestic disputes onto the EU level through the instrumental use of conditionality in bilateral issues between member states and candidates. The findings contribute to a better understanding of parliamentary representation under conditions of politicised enlargement.

At the EUI and the Robert Schuman Centre, we are dedicated to removing barriers and providing equal opportunities for everyone. Please indicate in the registration form your accessibility needs, if any. Alternatively, you can contact the logistics organiser of the event.