Despite repeated affirmations of support for enlargement, the European Union struggles to sustain momentum in integrating new member states.

This open talk explores the reasons behind the stagnation of the enlargement process, introducing the "Double Disappointment" model – a framework that traces how trust and commitment erode across multiple analytical dimensions such as actor level, policy domain, and evidence type. Drawing on a systematic review of more than 300 scholarly articles, the research reveals how reform fatigue, symbolic compliance, and unanimity rule interact in a negative feedback loop that undermines progress. Can these cycles be broken? And what can the EU learn from its past enlargement waves?

Iveri Kekenadze Gustafsson, Doctoral Student in European Studies
Anamaria Dutceac Segesten, Senior Lecturer in European Studies and Deputy Dean at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology

Bring a packed lunch and come and listen!

During the autumn, students and staff have the opportunity to listen to exciting short presentations on various topics in "Läsesalen" (adjacent to the foyer) at LUX.


Upcoming lectures are presented on www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/lux/lasesalen