Political Risk Stalls EU Enlargement Ambitions (politico.eu)

• Fear of far-right resurgence tied to expansion discourse
• Avoidance of contentious labor and migration debates
• Prioritizing domestic political stability over bloc growth

"European governments are increasingly hesitant to pursue EU expansion due to fears that accession debates will mobilize right-wing populist movements. Leaders anticipate that discourse around new members could replicate historical tensions regarding labor mobility and sovereignty, potentially alienating voters and complicating domestic political stability."