The EU faces a dual challenge: managing internal reforms while expanding membership. The EU aims to include countries like Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and those in the Western Balkans, but its complex bureaucracy and political system often cause gridlock. Calls for internal reform are growing, driven by a lack of trust in EU institutions and among member states. Enlargement could enhance the EU's economic resilience by opening new markets, yet the implementation of these changes is still debated. Expansion is also part of the EU's strategy to counter Russian influence and stabilise the Western Balkans, affecting its geopolitical stance. Success in reform and enlargement hinges on public support, especially amid rising Euroscepticism and populist sentiments highlighted by recent elections. The EU's future depends on balancing these priorities to maintain stability, growth, and unity.

Welcome to the first edition of ESI’s ‘Things to Watch’. With 2024 well underway, expect widespread elections to shake up regional politics, technological developments in AI changing the way you work and further shifts in the balance of global power. 2024 has already been dubbed by some as the ‘year of chaos’. For this reason, our team of research analysts have delved into the key global developments and trends that they believe will shape the year ahead.