EU proposes new conditions for countries seeking membership

STRASBOURG, October 6 /ATSH-DPA/ – The European Commission today presented a package of proposals to prepare the European Union for the future enlargement and to guarantee that its institutions continue to function efficiently even if the number of members grows beyond the current 27 countries.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, described the enlargement of the EU as a geopolitical necessity.

According to her, as candidate countries advance in their reforms, the EU must be ready to welcome them by adapting its institutions, policies and common budget to the new realities.

Currently, eight countries have the status of candidate for membership, while Montenegro is considered among the countries furthest ahead in the process and aims to join in the coming years.

Faced with the prospect of a further enlargement, member countries have for years discussed how to avoid a further slowing of decision-making and how to manage the EU budget after the admission of new countries.

According to the new proposals, countries seeking membership will be required to provide stronger proof of meeting European standards during the negotiations.

These standards include the rule of law, border protection, agriculture, food safety and the functioning of the single market.

In exchange, candidate countries will be able to take part in some EU programmes and policies even before full membership.

The Commission also proposes that future accession treaties contain stronger safeguard measures for the first 15 years, so that there are consequences if a new state departs from the democratic values and standards of the EU.

A particularly sensitive issue relates to Ukraine and its large agricultural sector.

To address the concerns of member countries, the Commission proposes significantly limiting financial support and access to the European market for some sensitive agricultural products, while aiming to help Ukraine restore exports towards traditional markets outside the EU.

The European Commission also asks member countries to make more use of treaty provisions that allow decisions to be taken by majority, instead of requiring the approval of all countries.

This could be applied, among other things, to sanctions, the fight against tax fraud and some tax issues in the energy sector.

The aim is for an EU with more members not to be easily blocked by one or several countries opposing a decision.

The Commission also proposes reducing the number of European commissioners.

Currently the Commission consists of 26 commissioners and the President of the Commission, with each member state having a representative at the highest level of the institution.