The European Commission is considering a set of new safeguards for future European Union members, aimed at preventing democratic backsliding and reducing the risk of new members blocking important EU decisions through the use of veto powers. The proposals are contained in a draft document seen by Reuters.
As Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova advance along their respective accession paths, the EU is examining how enlargement could affect its decision-making system and whether additional rules should apply to future members. The Commission says enlargement strengthens Europe, but a larger Union also creates greater demands on decision-making, administration, policy implementation, infrastructure and funding.
One proposal under consideration is a temporary political commitment under which a new member would agree not to oppose decisions adopted by consensus for a limited period after joining the EU. Another proposed safeguard would allow existing member states to suspend certain rights of a new member, potentially including voting rights, through qualified-majority voting.
The draft reportedly sets the threshold for such a decision at 15 of the 27 member states representing at least 65% of the EU population. The existing qualified-majority system generally requires both support from at least 55% of member states and representation of at least 65% of the EU population.
The Commission is also considering time-limited safeguards in future accession treaties covering areas such as the free movement of workers and agriculture. EU accession treaties already include transitional arrangements and can contain safeguard clauses.
At the same time, the Commission is again calling for greater use of qualified-majority voting in certain areas, including sanctions, rather than requiring unanimity. Reuters reported that Hungary has frequently used its veto in this area.
The draft also proposes a more systematic approach to gradually integrating candidate countries into EU programmes before full membership, particularly in areas such as defence, energy and transport. The Commission has previously backed gradual integration and stronger safeguards in future accession treaties to protect commitments on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights.
The document is still a draft and may be amended. The full package is expected to be presented by the European Commission in the coming week.
