Project: CitiSense: Making Sense of EU Enlargement for, with, and by Citizens

Period: October 2026 – September 2029

The CitiSense project contributes to the development of a more effective, resilient, and inclusive European Union enlargement policy by placing citizens at the centre of the debate on Europe’s future. The project examines the security, economic, and societal impacts of EU enlargement and non-enlargement in both Member States and candidate countries.

CitiSense approaches EU enlargement from three complementary perspectives. It works for citizens by producing clear evidence on the costs and benefits of enlargement and non-enlargement; with citizens by systematically analysing their attitudes, perceptions, and concerns; and by citizens by creating direct opportunities to participate in debates and co-design policy solutions and recommendations.

The project regards citizens not merely as recipients of information, but as active contributors to evidence, dialogue, and policymaking. By combining rigorous research with participatory methods, CitiSense aims to support more transparent communication, informed public debate, and inclusive policymaking on EU enlargement.

The consortium brings together 16 universities, research centres, think tanks, and civil society organisations from across Europe, including the Institute for European Policies and Reforms, IPRE. The project will develop accessible and transferable resources and tools for policymakers, public administrations, educators, and civil society organisations.

Donor: European Union, under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Grant Agreement No. 101286806