Marta Kos to propose new EU safeguards for enlargement

European Commissioner Marta Kos is set to present a new package of legally binding safeguards designed to prevent new member states from weakening the European Union from within. These measures aim to penalize democratic backsliding and could potentially include the temporary suspension of veto rights.

While the measures address concerns regarding judicial and media independence, they are primarily intended to secure support for EU enlargement among euroskeptical publics across the bloc. Countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium have advocated for strict measures to help their governments justify expansion to domestic audiences, particularly amid the rise of populist movements.

However, the proposal has met resistance from a group of nations led by Italy and Austria, who prioritize the integration of the Western Balkans and view the new safeguards as politically unacceptable. The expansion process remains complex, as any new membership requires approval from all 27 national parliaments.