European Commission proposes reforms to EU enlargement process

The European Commission is preparing to reform the EU enlargement process to adapt to a changing global landscape. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced in Zagreb that the Commission is focusing on four key areas of reform to prepare for the next wave of membership.

One major proposal involves reducing the ability of individual member states to block decisions, which would facilitate faster decision-making in a Union that may eventually exceed 30 members. This aims to prevent bilateral blockades that have historically hindered candidate countries.

Additionally, the Commission is considering stricter mechanisms to protect democracy and the rule of law, ensuring that new members do not undergo democratic backsliding after joining. The reform also proposes a model of gradual integration, allowing candidate countries to participate in certain EU policies, programs, or parts of the single market before achieving full membership, rather than following the current 'all or nothing' approach.