What is the future of the European Union?

The European Union faces a critical juncture as it balances internal political divisions with the necessity of collective action on global issues like the war in Ukraine. While recent leadership changes in Hungary have temporarily eased legislative gridlock, the bloc remains constrained by its requirement for unanimous decision-making, which frequently enables individual states to obstruct policy. Migration remains a particularly volatile issue, complicating efforts to maintain a unified front. To adapt, the EU is increasingly utilizing flexible, "differentiated integration" strategies, allowing coalitions of member states to advance initiatives independently. Meanwhile, the prospect of further enlargement—with ten countries currently seeking membership—threatens to exacerbate existing bureaucratic and structural tensions. Ultimately, the Union’s future viability depends on its ability to reconcile these internal fractures with the need for a cohesive, responsive governance structure capable of navigating an increasingly volatile international order.