Decisions are being prepared next week regarding a possible expansion of the European Union to include Ukraine and Moldova, and possibly Montenegro and Albania. The proposal is drafted as a discussion paper for the foreign ministers’ meeting, so that heads of government can make a final decision later this year.
The proposal was created by Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, who together with Italy formed ‘the six’ in the early 1950s and founded the Economic Community (EC), the forerunner of today’s European Union.
Balkan Countries
The plan arrives at a time when the EU is preparing the next steps in the accession processes of various candidate member states. Last week, discussions were held about several Balkan countries that have been negotiating full membership with Brussels for over ten years.
Promotion
According to the proposal, newcomers would not have voting rights in certain decisions requiring unanimity during a transitional period. This includes decisions on the European budget, the EU’s foreign policy, and future block enlargements.
Gradual
The five countries believe enlargement remains an important tool but that new accessions must not lead to situations where decision-making within the EU becomes more difficult. Therefore, they advocate a discussion on how new members can gradually progress toward full membership with all associated rights.
The proposed transitional measures could affect countries currently furthest along in their accession processes, including Montenegro and Albania. Ukraine and Moldova are also mentioned in discussions about future EU expansions.
Principles
Besides restrictions on certain voting rights, the proposal includes plans for additional safeguards regarding democratic principles, the rule of law, and freedom of the press. The five signatories aim to develop new mechanisms to monitor whether new members continue to meet these standards.
A system is envisioned whereby the European Union can intervene if a newcomer seriously deviates from these norms. Protective measures would also be possible if a member state’s behavior obstructs cooperation within the Union.
Also Post-Accession
Furthermore, there is discussion of a longer and adapted safeguard clause that can be applied even after accession. This aims to prevent issues from becoming apparent only after a country has become a full member. These proposals respond to the way Hungary and Slovakia have delayed or blocked many decisions in recent years.