New EU members face 15-year probation period after joining the bloc
The European Commission is proposing a new procedure to cut funding and voting rights of EU newcomers that breach the rule of law, available for 15 years after accession. The proposal also includes new procedures for the gradual integration of candidate countries and governance measures.
The European Commission has proposed a 15-year probation period for new EU member states to prevent disruptions to the bloc's decision-making process. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos criticized critics who opposed her stance against welcoming "Trojan horses" into the EU, citing her concerns following Hungary's election of Viktor Orbán.
The proposal aims to address democratic backsliding and violations of EU values by new member states, complementing existing Article 7 mechanisms. This new procedure would reduce EU funding and voting rights for nations that breach the bloc's principles and cooperation. The proposal could be triggered within 15 years of accession and would be subject to Council decisions.
Traditional safeguards, such as enforcing the internal market, justice, and economic rules, are also being extended beyond the current three-year limit. The EU is also considering gradual integration for candidates that meet strategic and rule of law criteria, providing tailor-made benefits in areas of mutual interest, such as supply chain and energy security.
The Commission is working with candidates to strengthen their enforcement capacity and test their compliance before full accession.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
