European Commission proposes changes to EU rules to prepare for enlargement, including Ukraine's accession

The European Commission's College of Commissioners adopted a package of proposals on 6 October to revise EU policies ahead of future enlargements (pre-enlargement policy reviews), which would enable the European Union to admit new members, including Ukraine.

Source: European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos following a meeting of the College of Commissioners in Strasbourg, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The European Commission is proposing a package of changes to the EU's core rules to prepare it to admit new members.

"Our assessment shows that the EU can accommodate a larger membership. But there are areas where we see challenges we need to address," Kos said.

The documents adopted by the European Commission primarily address how the EU's existing treaty framework and future accession treaties can be used to prepare the EU for a larger membership.

Kos identified the rule of law and the EU's fundamental values as one area where an enlarged Union would face challenges. In these areas, "we are proposing stronger possibilities to prevent backsliding, including reducing funding or restricting voting rights".

"Second, we propose to consider targeted arrangements for the integration of Ukraine's agricultural sector," Kos added.

She also said that the European Commission will propose "ways to make our institutions leaner and able to take decisions faster".

The package also emphasises the gradual integration of candidate countries into the EU.

Sources involved in preparing the proposals told European Pravda that the European Commission expects EU leaders to endorse them in principle by the end of 2026. The next step will be for the Council of the EU and the European Parliament to approve the relevant legislation.

The first high-level discussion of the proposals will take place at the European Council meeting on 15-16 October. The European Council is expected to instruct the European Commission to draft the relevant legislation and submit it to the capitals of EU member states for consideration.

Background:

• The European Commission postponed until 6 October the presentation of its assessment of how future EU enlargement would affect the EU's key policies and what changes might be needed to admit new member states.
• The EU is also developing proposals under which four countries considered leaders in European integration – Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania – will receive roadmaps towards EU membership.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Kos had previously announced plans to propose changes to the EU's internal operating mechanisms to introduce safeguards preventing new members from undermining key policy areas or abandoning their commitments.
• Kos previously outlined four areas for changes to the EU enlargement process: internal reforms of the EU, strengthened democratic safeguards, gradual integration and transitional measures.

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