EU elections: The influence of Eastern Europe on Brussels politics

Much has changed over the past two decades: The EU has evolved and expanded, with thirteen new members. The 2004 Big Bang enlargement altered Europe's geopolitical landscape and, though its pace has slowed since then, new member states continue to influence and shape the EU's agenda and policies.

In this episode, we’re looking together with Alexandra Brzozowski, Euractiv’s Global Europe editor, at what is happening in Eastern Europe and why the geopolitical weight of these countries is increasing.

In this episode you will find:

• Focus: Influence of Eastern Europe on Brussels politics
• EU expansion over the past two decades, with many new member states from Eastern Europe joining and shaping EU's agenda and policies
• Baltic countries, particularly influential in recent years, especially regarding Ukraine and Eastern Partnership issue
• Underrepresentation of Eastern Europeans in top EU positions
• Potential change in upcoming EU elections, with Estonia's Prime Minister Kaya Kalas mentioned as a potential candidate for a high-level position
• Shift in power dynamics within EU, with Western European countries becoming more accepting of Eastern European influence.