EU seeks ways to make expansion more palatable to members

The European Commission has published a document titled "Preparing for a wider Union" outlining new proposals to prepare the European Union for future enlargements. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Europe's future depends on the decisions made today, urging progress at the EU's leaders summit this month and in upcoming talks.

The commission proposed several changes, such as gradual integration for new members, safeguards to ensure commitment fulfillment after accession, and adjustments to voting rules. The goal is to balance simplifying the accession process, encouraging candidate countries to continue pursuing it, and addressing concerns among existing members about the risks and costs of expansion.

Since the end of the Cold War, the EU grew from 12 to 28 members, then down to 27 after the UK's Brexit. However, the process has stalled, with many candidate countries in lengthy negotiations and little appetite for further expansion. Von der Leyen stated that the commission is preparing institutions, adapting policies, and adjusting budgets to facilitate expansion.

Enlargement is described as a geopolitical imperative, as the EU aims to become more resilient, effective, and anchored in its values and rules. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos affirmed that the EU can accommodate a larger membership but acknowledged existing challenges, including the rule of law and cooperation, proposing stronger measures to prevent backsliding, such as reduced funding or restricted voting rights.

Currently, eight countries have formal candidate status, with Montenegro on track to join by 2028, while others like Turkey and Ukraine have varying levels of progress. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo are also seeking membership, with Kosovo being recognized as a potential candidate but not formally.