OVERVIEW OF DIFFERENT EU ENLARGEMENT MODELS: THE QUEST FOR MEANINGFUL(INTERIM) GOALS OVERVIEW OF DIFFERENT EU ENLARGEMENT MODELS: THE QUEST FOR MEANINGFUL (INTERIM) GOALS Author: Adnan Ćerimagić November, 2024. The succesfull EU accession process relies on three key elements: first, a credible promise of membership in reasonable timeframe; second, comprehensive negotiations during which candidate countries align their legal frameworks with EU standards; and third, substantial financial and technical assistance aimed at supporting necessary reforms and convergance. With eroding credibility of the promise of membership, several models aimed at adapting the three key elements have been proposed, including single market membership and staged accession. Each offered different pathways for closer integration with the EU. None of the models have so far been fully accepted by the EU. The New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Ukraine Facility Plan, flagship EU projects to be implemented from 2024 to 2027, have taken some of the elements from these models, offering increased funding in exchange for reforms, and partial integration with the EU single market. 1