Schalten und walten – der Europäische Rat und die Erweiterung der Europäischen Union

The decision to admit new members to the European Communities or the European Union (EU) has always been a power reserved to the member states. Since its creation in 1974, the European Council has been used by the Heads of State or Government to discuss key political positions on enlargement and to decide on the start and end of accession negotiations. In addition to the involvement of the European Council enshrined in Art. 49 of the Treaty on European Union, the European Council determines the course of enlargement policy through its various roles and functions. At the same time, other EU institutions and the Council’s own working methods place limits on the European Council’s ability to act. The new threat situation in Europe with the Russian war against Ukraine and the resulting geopolitical challenges for the EU also challenge the European Council as the EU’s centre of political power.