When Ukraine and Moldova Are Ready but Europe Is Not: Why Enlargement Needs EU Citizens – Cafe Kyiv
Datum/Zeit
Februar 23, 2026
17:15 - 18:00 MESZ/MEZ
Kino 7, Colosseum Berlin
The session explores how Moldova and Ukraine have advanced on reforms and demonstrated strong commitment to EU integration, yet still face a major obstacle: limited support for enlargement withinseveral EU member states. With only 56% of EU citizens in favor – and Austria among the most skeptical – the discussion highlights how societal hesitation, persistent misinformation, and political cautionrisk slowing accession even when candidate countries are ready to move forward. The panel will examine the gap between preparedness in Kyiv and Chișinău and the lagging readiness of EU societies, and will discuss how better communication, greater transparency, and a citizen-driven approach can strengthen trust and ensure a credible enlargement process that resonates across Europe. Before thediscussion, Sophia Beiter will provide insights from her Charlemagne Prize Academy paper „Rethinking & Future-Proofing Enlargement – A Citizen-Driven Approach“.
Speakers:
Andreas Umland, Analyst at the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs
Tilman Kuban, Member of the German Bundestag
Viktoria Siumar, Member of Parliament of Ukraine
Sophia Beiter, Charlemagne Prize Fellow 2024/25, Research Associate at the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM)
Moderator: Sebastian Schäffer, Director at the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM)
To learn more about Café Kyiv 2026 and its programme, click here.
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