European commissioner outlines three key directions for EU enlargement preparation

The European Union must prepare to accept new members across three main directions: strengthening safeguards against backsliding on democratic norms, enabling more flexible decision-making and expanding gradual integration for candidate states prior to full membership.

Source: European Pravda, citing statement made by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos before a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 13 October

Details: Marta Kos recalled that the European Commission presented its pre-enlargement policy review outlining the internal reforms the EU must undergo to be ready for future accessions.

Quote: "Three points are important to me. The first is to make sure that when new members join us, they will follow the rules."

Details: Kos clarified that this refers to safeguards designed to protect democratic values "to prevent backsliding".

Quote: "The next point is that we need a more flexible decision-making process. In these geopolitical, sometimes crazy times, we need to be more operational. That is why we are proposing certain steps regarding a wider use of qualified majority voting."

Details: The third point focuses on enhanced gradual integration – bringing "more Europe before membership".

Quote: "If a country manages to adopt everything required to become part of a specific sub-system or system of the European Union, we could involve it even earlier [before formal accession - ed.]."

Background:

• On 6 October, the European Commission's College of Commissioners adopted a package of proposals on pre-enlargement policy reviews which will enable the EU to admit new members, including Ukraine.
• At the time, Marta Kos outlined five specific steps proposed by the Commission for future EU members.

Subscribe on Patreon to back our journalism long-term.