Ministers responsible for European Affairs from the 27 countries that make up the European Union are gathering in Dublin on Friday, September 4, to meet with officials from countries seeking to join the EU. These discussions typically focus on the progress of accession negotiations, which involve evaluating whether candidate countries meet the political, economic, and legal standards required for EU membership. However, this meeting also includes a more sensitive topic: how to keep the public in EU member states supportive of European integration while safeguarding the union from potential risks. The issue of "poor performers" refers to countries that may not yet meet the high standards expected of EU members, particularly in areas such as governance, rule of law, and economic stability. Concerns have been raised that allowing these countries into the EU could strain the union's institutions, potentially leading to inefficiencies or even instability. As a result, EU leaders are carefully considering how to balance the desire to expand the union with the need to maintain its integrity and public support. Public enthusiasm for the EU has been fluctuating in recent years, with some member states expressing skepticism about the benefits of European integration. This meeting aims to address these concerns by ensuring that the EU remains a cohesive and effective entity, even as it opens its doors to new members. The ministers are expected to discuss strategies for communication and policy adjustments that could reinforce the value of EU membership for both current and future members. While the primary focus of the discussions is on accession negotiations, the broader implications of enlargement are also being considered. The ministers will need to find a way to reassure citizens that the EU can continue to function effectively and deliver on its promises, even as it grows. The outcome of these talks could shape the future direction of European integration and the EU's ability to respond to emerging challenges.