Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg have proposed new safeguards for countries that will join the European Union in the future. The joint text from the five countries includes options for temporary voting restrictions in certain areas and stronger rule of law oversight.
The proposal emerged as the Union prepares for a new phase in its enlargement process. Montenegro aims for membership by 2028, while Ukraine, Moldova, and Albania are also working to advance in the accession process.
Mechanisms That Could Be Added to New Membership Agreements
The joint paper lists various measures that could be included in accession agreements for future EU members. Among these is a safeguard mechanism that would be triggered if a new member seriously backslides on democratic standards, media freedom, or the rule of law principle.
The five countries argued that such a regulation should not remain merely on paper but must include clear tools allowing the Union to intervene when necessary. The text notes that this approach is based on lessons learned from experiences of democratic backsliding in some current member states.
Option for Temporary Voting Restrictions
Another proposal in the document discusses the possibility of "temporary and transitional voting restrictions" for new members. This idea was especially raised in areas requiring unanimity.
Since enlargement, foreign policy, and the EU budget require approval from all members, the five countries highlighted potential deadlocks with new entrants in these areas. The text states that the EU needs to address this issue in depth.
Political Background of the Enlargement Process
The proposal comes at a time when Ukraine and Moldova are trying to make progress in their membership chapters. It was recalled that Cyprus said preparations had begun during its presidency to officially open negotiations on the first accession chapters with the two countries.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal also expressed support for accelerating the process after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Tallinn. Michal wrote that Ukraine is part of the European Union and that six accession chapters should be opened without delay.
Discussions continue regarding Hungary’s long-standing veto on Ukraine’s membership path. On June 2, Politico reported that Budapest was preparing to lift its veto. On June 8, Ukrainian media reported that Hungary approved after reaching agreement on 10 out of 11 conditions with Kyiv.
These developments gained momentum following recent negotiations on the rights of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine. EU ambassadors also intensified efforts to finalize a common position.
Enlargement and the Search for Balance in Brussels
The five countries’ proposal has brought back the question of whether the expanding Union can maintain democratic standards. The example of Hungary particularly reminded how rule of law disputes can create tensions within the EU.
It was recalled that during Viktor Orbán’s tenure, EU funds were suspended due to rule of law disputes between Budapest and Brussels, and Hungary’s pro-Russian stance sometimes complicated joint decisions. For this reason, some member states argue that stronger protection mechanisms are necessary before admitting new members.
The presented text does not propose immediate changes to current accession negotiations. However, it calls for a broader discussion on how enlargement should be managed, considering the possibility of admitting multiple new members in the coming years.
