EU proposes 15-year safeguard period for new member states after joining

The European Commission proposed a package of changes on Tuesday aimed at making EU enlargement easier for existing members to accept, according to DW and Euronews. Euronews reported the proposal includes institutional "safeguards" that could strip new member states of voting rights for up to 15 years after they join. DW reported the changes also include a gradual integration process for would-be members and changes to voting rules.

Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said the Commission's assessment "shows that the EU can accommodate a larger membership," but "there are areas where we see challenges we need to address." She said one is the rule of law and sincere cooperation, where the Commission proposes "stronger possibilities to prevent backsliding, including reducing funding or restricting voting rights." Euronews reported Kos said: "I was criticised heavily when I first mentioned that I don't want to see new Trojan horses in the European Union. This was still before the elections in Hungary. Today I can say no more Viktor Orbán."

Euronews reported the procedure would be available for 15 years after accession and triggered by serious breaches that affect the EU's functioning. It reported consequences would be proportionate, with suspension of voting rights reserved for the most serious offences. According to Euronews, the Commission or several member states could start the procedure for a Council decision, and the proposal does not say which decision-making process should be used.

Euronews reported the Commission is formally following up on a June push by five EU founding members for stronger safeguards in accession treaties, citing lessons from Viktor Orbán's Hungary. It reported the Commission considers Article 7 — the treaty provision that allows the EU to strip a member state of certain rights for violating EU values — too slow and not always effective. Euronews cited Hungary's handling of Ukraine as the Commission's clearest example: Budapest agreed to give Ukraine candidate status, then blocked the process.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said "Europe's future depends on the choices we make today," according to DW. She said "Enlargement of our Union is a geopolitical imperative" and that the Commission was preparing institutions, adapting policies and adjusting budgets to accommodate expansion. DW reported the proposals will be discussed further by European leaders, with the next EU leaders' summit next week.

Euronews reported the Commission also wants future accession treaties to state that a new member will refrain from using unanimity in the enlargement process over bilateral issues, citing Bulgaria's blocking of North Macedonia's bid. It reported the Commission has picked up the gradual integration idea put forward by France and Germany; Kos said it "is not a substitute for the full membership." Euronews reported the Commission intends to build the safeguards into the EU's draft position on Montenegro's last negotiating chapter in early November.