{"id":2127806,"date":"2026-09-04T11:21:45","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T08:21:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2127806"},"modified":"2026-09-04T11:21:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T08:21:45","slug":"eu-tries-to-turn-the-page-on-enlargement-after-icelands-vote-against-new-talks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2127806","title":{"rendered":"EU tries to turn the page on enlargement after Iceland&#8217;s vote against new talks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/57\/1200x675_cmsv2_916341c2-5361-5318-af1f-dfe3a8b4b163-9901357.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923086-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923086\" data-cid=\"9901400\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923086-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/14\/00\/189x106_cmsv2_2677358d-6628-58a7-acdd-477ef3095dd5-9901400.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"An area scorched by a wildfire surrounds structures in El Tiemblo, Avila province, Spain, Thursday, July 30, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain calls for EU climate resilience overhaul\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923129-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923129\" data-cid=\"9901673\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923129-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/73\/189x106_cmsv2_792479f6-a4b7-5bde-87ae-3db10d000f1b-9901673.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Soldiers practice military skills at a training ground near the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, 24 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US will ask Europe to repay all aid sent to Ukraine, Trump says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923126-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923126\" data-cid=\"9901641\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923126-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/41\/189x106_cmsv2_5984256b-1c6c-58ec-aabf-398d00503b62-9901641.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Dubai\u2019s invite scheme was launched in July \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018A Dubai invite\u2019: Registrations close after 90,000 applications\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923130-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923130\" data-cid=\"9901686\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923130-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/86\/189x106_cmsv2_d8e82347-4925-538c-8452-78503d41baa0-9901686.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Industry experts are concerned the removal of the Entry\/Exit System\u2019s temporary flexibilities will see border chaos return. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Travelling to Europe? EES border checks are changing this weekend\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923086-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923086\" data-cid=\"9901400\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923086-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/14\/00\/189x106_cmsv2_2677358d-6628-58a7-acdd-477ef3095dd5-9901400.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"An area scorched by a wildfire surrounds structures in El Tiemblo, Avila province, Spain, Thursday, July 30, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain calls for EU climate resilience overhaul\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923129-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923129\" data-cid=\"9901673\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923129-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/73\/189x106_cmsv2_792479f6-a4b7-5bde-87ae-3db10d000f1b-9901673.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Soldiers practice military skills at a training ground near the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, 24 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US will ask Europe to repay all aid sent to Ukraine, Trump says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923126-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923126\" data-cid=\"9901641\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923126-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/41\/189x106_cmsv2_5984256b-1c6c-58ec-aabf-398d00503b62-9901641.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Dubai\u2019s invite scheme was launched in July \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018A Dubai invite\u2019: Registrations close after 90,000 applications\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923130-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923130\" data-cid=\"9901686\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923130-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/86\/189x106_cmsv2_d8e82347-4925-538c-8452-78503d41baa0-9901686.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Industry experts are concerned the removal of the Entry\/Exit System\u2019s temporary flexibilities will see border chaos return. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Travelling to Europe? EES border checks are changing this weekend\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            EU tries to turn the page on enlargement after Iceland&#8217;s vote against new talks<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/57\/1536x864_cmsv2_916341c2-5361-5318-af1f-dfe3a8b4b163-9901357.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos at the informal General Affairs Council in Dublin, Ireland on 4 September 2026.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos at the informal General Affairs Council in Dublin, Ireland on 4 September 2026.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">European Union<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0European Union\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspLuca Bertuzzi\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1788520905\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-09-04 13:21:45 +02:00\">04\/09\/2026 &#8211; 13:21 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay 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alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Senior EU officials are downplaying the negative effect of Iceland&#8217;s referendum as ministers meet in Dublin to keep enlargement momentum going for candidate countries, while discussions on democratic safeguards are ongoing and national elections loom.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>European Union officials have used a high-level meeting in Ireland to move on from Iceland&#8217;s referendum on restarting EU accession talks as Brussels tries to sustain the momentum behind the bloc&#8217;s enlargement efforts.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>European affairs ministers from EU member states and candidate countries are meeting in Dublin for an informal gathering hosted by Ireland&#8217;s EU Council presidency and will be discussing the enlargement process.<\/p>\n<p>On Saturday, Icelandic voters rejected reopening accession talks with Brussels, frozen since 2013, by a narrow margin, 52.8% to 47.2%, dealing a significant blow to the EU&#8217;s enlargement ambitions, particularly towards its wealthier neighbours.<\/p>\n<p>Asked whether the result meant the EU had become less attractive, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos insisted that was not the case, pointing out that more progress had been made on bringing in new members in the past eight months than in the previous 25 years.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This dynamic will continue into the autumn,&#8221; Kos said. &#8220;I regret the decision of Icelanders not to come back to the accession process. They are part of the common market. They are part of Schengen. But our European Union is much more than just those two things.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I see now the tendency of reducing the European Union to an economic community. This is by far not the essence of our Union,&#8221; she added, pointing to Europe&#8217;s need to stand together against the growing security threats coming from Russia.<\/p>\n<p>Kos added that it was up to Icelanders to decide whether they wanted to join the EU at a later date, but pointed out that when Iceland was negotiating membership in 2010, only 19% supported joining the EU, as opposed to the 47% who voted &#8220;yes&#8221; in the latest referendum.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Icelandic people voted the way they did. What can we do? They made the decision,&#8221; said Ireland&#8217;s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That has no impact on what we&#8217;re doing today, and the candidate countries are working hard to continue the accession process.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Keeping up momentum<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Speaking to reporters on the margins of the ministerial meeting, Byrne downplayed the effect of Iceland&#8217;s vote on the prospects of other candidate countries, pointing to progress made by Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>The Irish minister said Iceland&#8217;s case is defined by a very specific issue, namely its maritime fishing industry, and pointed out that the country will remain part of the European Economic Area.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the EU is trying to keep the enlargement momentum going. Montenegro is on track to become the bloc&#8217;s 28th member by 2028, Albania is following closely behind, and Ukraine and Moldova have already opened two accession clusters this year.<\/p>\n<p>Asked whether he feared that the upcoming 2027 elections in a number of member states \u2013 including France, Italy, Spain and Poland \u2013 risked jeopardising the process, Byrne denied that was the case.<\/p>\n<p>France&#8217;s far-right National Rally candidate, Marine Le Pen, is currently projected to win in all second-round scenarios, according to opinion polls. Le Pen is a Eurosceptic, historically opposed to EU enlargement.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Elections are unpredictable,&#8221; Byrne said. &#8220;I don&#8217;t think we should read too much into opinion polls at the moment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Democratic safeguards<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The European Commission is also working on a proposal for how to reform an expanded Union and better integrate candidate countries, due to be published at the end of the month and discussed at the next EU leaders&#8217; summit on 15-16 October.<\/p>\n<p>During Friday&#8217;s meeting, there will also be a discussion on potential safeguards to prevent democratic and rule-of-law backsliding among new member states, an idea put forward by five founding members drawing lessons from Viktor Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s tenure as prime minister of Hungary.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Since the enlargement in 2004, we cannot always be sure that once we have new members, they will respect the rule of law and the sincere cooperation principle,&#8221; Commissioner Kos said.<\/p>\n<p>The EU&#8217;s enlargement chief denied that the safeguards would create a second-tier membership, stressing that they would have to be temporary.<\/p>\n<p>Petar Markovi\u0107, Montenegro&#8217;s head of mission to the EU, told Euronews his country supports tougher safeguards, as long as they are based on objective criteria for assessing systematic breaches of democratic and rule-of-law standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Iceland\u2019s &#8216;no&#8217; vote deals a blow to Brussels\u2019 security pitch to wealthy nations<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Iceland&#8217;s rejection of accession talks deals major blow to EU enlargement<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Kos sets out new path for EU enlargement: Internal reforms, safeguards and gradual integration to end impasse<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Marta Kos<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Referendum<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Ukraine<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Montenegro<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  EU enlargement<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Iceland<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923129-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923129\" data-cid=\"9901673\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923129-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/73\/320x180_cmsv2_792479f6-a4b7-5bde-87ae-3db10d000f1b-9901673.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Soldiers practice military skills at a training ground near the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, 24 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US will ask Europe to repay all aid sent to Ukraine, Trump says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923078-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923078\" data-cid=\"9901307\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923078-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_57e6763b-6233-53c5-9ccd-0940ae54e582-9901307.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman walks by a mural that shows former Bosnian Serb wartime general Ratko Mladic in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU warns Serbia Mladi\u0107 funeral is &#8216;important test&#8217; for membership bid<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923104-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923104\" data-cid=\"9901546\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923104-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/14\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_35fba5b3-f3be-5747-9603-7afbcd44f940-9901491.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Train hits lorry at a level crossing in Gda\u0144sk, 3 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Driver of lorry hit by Polish train refused to break through barriers<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923033-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923033\" data-cid=\"9901058\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923033-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/10\/58\/320x180_cmsv2_c269f20a-206f-5ccb-b4d9-8e0fc2da3a10-9901058.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A firefighter walks among debris at a destroyed pharmaceutical warehouse following Russian drone attacks on the outskirts of Kyiv, 3 September, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russia shifts tactics with round-the-clock air strikes on Kyiv<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923113-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923113\" data-cid=\"9901584\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923113-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/15\/84\/320x180_cmsv2_03508de9-7cd0-56e4-85be-a7835e5707be-9901584.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Motor boats take part in a search operation for people missing after a ferry disaster off the coast of Cyprus, near the port of Kyrenia.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Death toll from Cyprus ferry sinking rises to 12 as searches continue<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922769-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922769\" data-cid=\"9899705\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway seizes Russian ship over Ukraine&#8217;s $4.2bn Crimea claim<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922552-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922552\" data-cid=\"9898630\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Netherlands moves 86 tonnes of gold from US and Canada to UK<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922768-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922768\" data-cid=\"9899704\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    China demands France scrap fast fashion law targeting Shein and Temu<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922578-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922578\" data-cid=\"9898768\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why so many countries want to join the EU, except Europe\u2019s richest<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922523-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922523\" data-cid=\"9898540\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe&#8217;s most charitable countries: Where do people give the most?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923129-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923129\" data-cid=\"9901673\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923129-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/73\/320x180_cmsv2_792479f6-a4b7-5bde-87ae-3db10d000f1b-9901673.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Soldiers practice military skills at a training ground near the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, 24 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US will ask Europe to repay all aid sent to Ukraine, Trump says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923078-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923078\" data-cid=\"9901307\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923078-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_57e6763b-6233-53c5-9ccd-0940ae54e582-9901307.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman walks by a mural that shows former Bosnian Serb wartime general Ratko Mladic in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU warns Serbia Mladi\u0107 funeral is &#8216;important test&#8217; for membership bid<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923104-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923104\" data-cid=\"9901546\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923104-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/14\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_35fba5b3-f3be-5747-9603-7afbcd44f940-9901491.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Train hits lorry at a level crossing in Gda\u0144sk, 3 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Driver of lorry hit by Polish train refused to break through barriers<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923033-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923033\" data-cid=\"9901058\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923033-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/10\/58\/320x180_cmsv2_c269f20a-206f-5ccb-b4d9-8e0fc2da3a10-9901058.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A firefighter walks among debris at a destroyed pharmaceutical warehouse following Russian drone attacks on the outskirts of Kyiv, 3 September, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russia shifts tactics with round-the-clock air strikes on Kyiv<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923113-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923113\" data-cid=\"9901584\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923113-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/15\/84\/320x180_cmsv2_03508de9-7cd0-56e4-85be-a7835e5707be-9901584.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Motor boats take part in a search operation for people missing after a ferry disaster off the coast of Cyprus, near the port of Kyrenia.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Death toll from Cyprus ferry sinking rises to 12 as searches continue<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922769-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922769\" data-cid=\"9899705\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway seizes Russian ship over Ukraine&#8217;s $4.2bn Crimea claim<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922552-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922552\" data-cid=\"9898630\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Netherlands moves 86 tonnes of gold from US and Canada to UK<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922768-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922768\" data-cid=\"9899704\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    China demands France scrap fast fashion law targeting Shein and Temu<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922578-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922578\" data-cid=\"9898768\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why so many countries want to join the EU, except Europe\u2019s richest<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922523-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922523\" data-cid=\"9898540\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe&#8217;s most charitable countries: Where do people give the most?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">European Union officials have used a high-level meeting in Ireland to move on from Iceland&#8217;s referendum on restarting EU accession talks as Brussels tries to sustain the momentum behind the bloc&#8217;s enlargement efforts.European affairs ministers from EU member states and candidate countries are meeting in Dublin for an informal gathering hosted by Ireland&#8217;s EU Council presidency and will be discussing the enlargement process.On Saturday, Icelandic voters rejected reopening accession talks with Brussels, frozen since 2013, by a narrow margin, 52.8% to 47.2%, dealing a significant blow to the EU&#8217;s enlargement ambitions, particularly towards its wealthier neighbours.Asked whether the result meant the EU had become less attractive, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos insisted that was not the case, pointing out that more progress had been made on bringing in new members in the past eight months than in the previous 25 years.&#8221;This dynamic will continue into the autumn,&#8221; Kos said. &#8220;I regret the decision of Icelanders not to come back to the accession process. They are part of the common market. They are part of Schengen. But our European Union is much more than just those two things.&#8221;&#8221;I see now the tendency of reducing the European Union to an economic community. This is by far not the essence of our Union,&#8221; she added, pointing to Europe&#8217;s need to stand together against the growing security threats coming from Russia.Kos added that it was up to Icelanders to decide whether they wanted to join the EU at a later date, but pointed out that when Iceland was negotiating membership in 2010, only 19% supported joining the EU, as opposed to the 47% who voted &#8220;yes&#8221; in the latest referendum.&#8221;Icelandic people voted the way they did. What can we do? They made the decision,&#8221; said Ireland&#8217;s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne.&#8221;That has no impact on what we&#8217;re doing today, and the candidate countries are working hard to continue the accession process.&#8221;Keeping up momentumSpeaking to reporters on the margins of the ministerial meeting, Byrne downplayed the effect of Iceland&#8217;s vote on the prospects of other candidate countries, pointing to progress made by Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine.The Irish minister said Iceland&#8217;s case is defined by a very specific issue, namely its maritime fishing industry, and pointed out that the country will remain part of the European Economic Area.Meanwhile, the EU is trying to keep the enlargement momentum going. Montenegro is on track to become the bloc&#8217;s 28th member by 2028, Albania is following closely behind, and Ukraine and Moldova have already opened two accession clusters this year.Asked whether he feared that the upcoming 2027 elections in a number of member states \u2013 including France, Italy, Spain and Poland \u2013 risked jeopardising the process, Byrne denied that was the case.France&#8217;s far-right National Rally candidate, Marine Le Pen, is currently projected to win in all second-round scenarios, according to opinion polls. Le Pen is a Eurosceptic, historically opposed to EU enlargement.&#8221;Elections are unpredictable,&#8221; Byrne said. &#8220;I don&#8217;t think we should read too much into opinion polls at the moment.&#8221;Democratic safeguardsThe European Commission is also working on a proposal for how to reform an expanded Union and better integrate candidate countries, due to be published at the end of the month and discussed at the next EU leaders&#8217; summit on 15-16 October.During Friday&#8217;s meeting, there will also be a discussion on potential safeguards to prevent democratic and rule-of-law backsliding among new member states, an idea put forward by five founding members drawing lessons from Viktor Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s tenure as prime minister of Hungary.&#8221;Since the enlargement in 2004, we cannot always be sure that once we have new members, they will respect the rule of law and the sincere cooperation principle,&#8221; Commissioner Kos said.The EU&#8217;s enlargement chief denied that the safeguards would create a second-tier membership, stressing that they would have to be temporary.Petar Markovi\u0107, Montenegro&#8217;s head of mission to the EU, told Euronews his country supports tougher safeguards, as long as they are based on objective criteria for assessing systematic breaches of democratic and rule-of-law standards.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/09\/04\/eu-tries-to-turn-the-page-on-enlargement-after-icelands-vote-against-new-talks&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/57\/1200x675_cmsv2_916341c2-5361-5318-af1f-dfe3a8b4b163-9901357.jpg&#8221;] Europe News Spain calls for EU climate resilience overhaul Europe News US will ask Europe to repay all aid sent to Ukraine, Trump says Travel News \u2018A Dubai invite\u2019: Registrations close after 90,000 applications Travel News Travelling to Europe? EES border checks are changing this weekend Europe News Spain calls for EU [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2127806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2127806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2127806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2127806\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2127806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2127806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2127806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}