EU Commission Floats Safeguard Against Democratic Backsliding by New Members
The plan would let EU states curb a new member’s voting rights for 15 years and reduce funding if it backslides on democratic standards.
- On Tuesday, The European Commission proposed measures to prepare the European Union to integrate countries including Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova while reassuring existing members about potential political and economic costs.
- Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine drove renewed interest in expanding the European Union, which Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called a 'geopolitical imperative,' after growth stalled following 2016's Brexit referendum.
- Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos acknowledged challenges and proposed measures to reduce funding or restrict voting rights if new members stop adhering to bloc values, while limiting financial support to Ukraine's large farming sector.
- A total of eight countries currently hold formal candidate status, with Montenegro potentially joining the European Union by 2028, though Kosovo remains a potential candidate lacking universal member recognition.
- Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "Europe's future depends on the choices we make today," as she encourages progress at this month's leaders' summit while the Commission adapts policies and budgets.
24 Articles
24 Articles
The European Commission (EC) proposed on Tuesday safety measures aimed at calming the concerns of the 27 especially in France regarding the possible accession of some countries to the European Union (EU) leading Ukraine, reports AFP.
The EU Commission wants to pave the way for Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine. At the same time, a new mechanism should be able to cut voting rights in the future.
The European Commission (EC) adopted on Tuesday a package of documents on policy revision in anticipation of EU enlargement. "The future of Europe depends on what choice we make today.
ANALYSIS - Brussels offers safeguards to try to overcome the reluctance of some states, including France, to join the EU.
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