The European Commission is preparing proposals to reform the EU enlargement process, according to officials cited in a new report, as Montenegro moves closer to membership and the bloc faces sharper arguments over Ukraine’s path into the Union, Euronews reports.
The work is aimed at bringing the EU executive back into a debate that member states have begun driving through their own papers and proposals. Montenegro is the most advanced candidate country, while EU leaders are expected to hold a strategic discussion on enlargement and internal reform at a summit in October.
Five of the EU’s six founding members have pushed for tougher safeguards to prevent future members from backsliding on democracy and rule of law commitments after accession. Germany and France have also floated gradual integration for candidate countries, giving them some benefits before full membership.
“We saw contributions on the topic from several member states. The Commission is also working on this matter. We are looking forward to the upcoming strategic discussion on enlargement and reforms at the EUCO meeting in October this year,” a Commission spokesperson said.
The proposals are still being discussed inside the EU executive. They may revive postponed pre-enlargement policy reviews on how a Union of 30 or more countries would handle budget decisions, voting power and internal rules.
“When it comes to the pre-enlargement policy reviews, we can add that we are working diligently to finalise the communication as soon as possible, with the ultimate goal of ensuring its highest quality,” the Commission representative said.
The most immediate fight is over safeguards. Officials cited in the report said Brussels wants to avoid making Montenegro look like a special test case just because it is closest to joining.
“There are many ideas floating, but they are just ideas. Some are even unclear. There is no consensus,” one EU official said.
