EU may give candidate countries access to its single market, but with a condition
The EU plans to open its vast single market to candidate countries if they align with the bloc against hostile states and industrial competitors, according to a draft European Commission proposal obtained by Politico on Sept. 30.
The European Union is contemplating granting candidate countries access to its single market, provided they cooperate with the bloc against hostile states and industrial competitors, according to a draft European Commission proposal. This "gradual integration" would offer candidate countries unprecedented trade ease and research program access during their membership applications.
The EU aims to unlock opportunities for businesses, strengthen value chains, and reduce strategic dependencies, according to the draft proposal. The review, led by Alexandre Adam, would reshape the EU's approach to neighboring nations like Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro, whose accession process has been stalled. Access to the single market would depend on these countries' support for the EU's foreign policy objectives, including not transferring key technologies to hostile states or trade competitors.
However, full EU membership remains the ultimate goal, with the pre-accession period used strategically to prepare the Union for enlargement and deepen integration in areas of common interest.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
