The EU must soon open its doors to new members – its survival depends on it | Nathalie Tocci

The days when Viktor Orban could block negotiations on a whim should be over - and the western Balkans should finally benefit

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has revived EU expansion as an imperative. For years, enlargement" has been a low priority - Croatia was the last country to join the club, more than 10 years ago. But things have changed. Ursula von der Leyen told a forum in Bled, Slovenia I attended this month that Europe's security depends on the 27-nation union expanding again. Thanks to Vladimir Putin, as the Albanian prime minister, Edi Rama, put it, enlargement is back on track.

The fact that expansion is a strategic priority makes it possible that new members will be admitted. But it doesn't make it certain.

Nathalie Tocci is a Guardian Europe columnist