Ideas under discussion include wider use of qualified-majority voting, safeguards against backsliding on shared values and access to selected programs before accession.
The European Commission presented proposals on Tuesday to prepare the European Union’s institutions, policies and budget for new members. In an SRF explainer, EU correspondent Matthias Strasser outlined three strands: fewer decisions requiring unanimity, additional safeguards for new members and gradual integration of candidates before full accession.
The Commission wants to consider qualified-majority voting where a single country can block a decision for national reasons. EU rules already provide for this in some areas, including sanctions. The Commission also proposes safeguards in future accession treaties: if a state backslides on the EU’s common values after completing negotiations, accession could be delayed; serious violations could bring sanctions, including suspension of voting rights.
Another element is gradual integration. Candidates could receive some benefits before joining, such as access to the single market or research programs. The Commission describes this as an interim step toward full membership, not a lighter form of membership, and it offers no guarantee that accession talks will end quickly.
The approach would apply to future members but is especially relevant in the near term to Montenegro, whose accession process is furthest along. For Ukraine, the Commission is considering special arrangements for agriculture so that Ukrainian products could continue reaching traditional markets outside the EU after a possible accession. Agricultural subsidies remain a sensitive issue because they account for a significant part of the bloc’s budget.
The Commission presents the package as a continuation of existing reform discussions focused on politically feasible steps. But reducing the areas subject to unanimity would require member states to give up some power. As SRF notes, agreement that the EU needs to act more effectively does not yet mean agreement on specific changes.