On October 6, the European Commission introduced reforms to prepare the European Union for the admission of new countries. MarTA Koss, the Commissioner for Union Expansion, stated: "A larger Union is a long-term investment in peace, security, and prosperity in Europe."
Challenges of Admitting New Countries
One key question is how the European Union can admit more countries without making its governance more difficult or risking a decline in democracy in the new member states. In response to this question, the Commission has called for a simultaneous adherence to Union standards by applicant countries and internal reforms within the bloc to remove barriers in the accession process.
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Changes in the Decision-Making Process
One of the main obstacles in the admission negotiations is the need for unanimous decision-making among the 27 member states. In the past, some member countries have blocked the progress of an applicant country due to bilateral issues. For example, delays caused by Hungary obstructing negotiations with Ukraine are among the notable cases.
The Commission now proposes that member countries move away from the principle of unanimous decision-making for issues such as opening negotiation clusters and replace it with qualified majority voting.
Koss emphasized that "gradual integration cannot replace full membership, but rather serves as an accelerator for expansion." This approach could have a motivational effect on applicant countries and compel them to implement reforms.
New Conditions for Applicant Countries
The Commission also intends to offer early access to Union benefits to applicant countries and link it to strategic alignment. This move aims to strengthen the independence of applicant countries from Russian influence. For instance, Howard Grubb, a senior expert at the Bruegel Center, noted that this alignment specifically refers to politicians like Alexander Vučić in Serbia, who have promoted Russian interests.
The Commission also suggests establishing a 15-year period to facilitate the punishment of new member countries for violating democratic laws, including reducing financial support or limiting voting rights.
Although these reforms could advance discussions about expansion, ultimately the decision on how to implement them depends on the member countries. The European Council, which includes the leaders of member states, is set to review these proposals at its next meeting on October 15 and 16.
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