The Brussels Brief

Deep-Dive Analysis

Deep-Dive Analysis offers long-form, research-based articles on EU politics and governance, connecting academic insights with real-world EU decision-making.

  • The new enlargement wave: a comparison between the former Big Bang and a possible future one

    1. Introduction After the 2004-2007 Big Bang enlargement, the topic has returned to the EU agenda, as has the interest in this issue. Years of enlargement fatigue, with a slow accession process of opening of negotiating chapters and almost seldom closing any, have now given way to a potential new Big(ger) Bang enlargement wave as early as 2030. This will not come without challenge. The current group is eclectic, geographically and historically. Some candidate countries originated in the bloody Balkans…

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  • A close-up, photographic scene of a polished conference table inside a modern EU institution meeting room, seen without any people. Neatly arranged microphones, translation headsets, and slim digital tablets sit in front of each high-backed chair, with tiny red indicator lights glowing softly. Through a large glass wall in the background, blurred outlines of EU flags and abstracted architectural details of Brussels offices are visible. Cool, even ceiling lighting creates minimal shadows and emphasizes precision and order. Shot from a low, slightly diagonal angle along the table’s edge, using shallow depth of field so the nearest devices are crisp while the background recedes into a gentle bokeh. The atmosphere is professional, focused, and policy-oriented, representing serious legislative and regulatory discussions.

    EUCO as a Group: Decision-Making, Power and EU Governance

    This article examines European Council decision-making through the lens of group dynamics and EU governance. It analyses how interaction, leadership roles, institutional norms, and bargaining power shape outcomes within the European Council (EUCO), highlighting how heads of state and government balance national interests with collective European objectives.

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  • A professional, high-resolution editorial-style image of a European Council negotiation setting in Brussels: a modern round conference table with delegates in formal attire engaged in discussion, subtle European Union flags in the background, soft natural lighting, blue and neutral tones, institutional and serious atmosphere, realistic style, no visible text, suitable as a blog header image.

    EUCO as a Group: Decision-Making, Power and EU Governance (Part II)

    Part II of this Deep-Dive Analysis examines how negotiation dynamics, bargaining power, and institutional roles operate in practice within the European Council (EUCO), applying group theory to real EU decision-making cases.

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