European Commission prepares EU reform

In recent weeks, member states have put forward a series of position papers outlining ideas for reforming the accession process. Five of the EU's six founding members have proposed strengthening existing safeguards to prevent democratic backsliding and violations of the rule of law, while Germany and France have also put forward ideas for the gradual integration of candidate countries into full membership, Euronews reports.

EU countries are now preparing for a strategic debate on reforming the accession process at the upcoming EU leaders' summit in October. Ahead of the summit, the Commission plans to present proposals that will help it regain the initiative in the enlargement discussions.

"We have received proposals on this issue from several Member States. The Commission is also working on this issue. We look forward to the upcoming strategic discussion on enlargement and reform at the European Council meeting this October," a Commission spokesperson said.

Brussels is considering proposals for safeguards aimed at preventing democratic backsliding by new Member States after the accession process is completed.

The goal is to avoid shifting the burden of discussion onto Montenegro. Since the drafting of Montenegro's EU accession treaty began several weeks ago, the country risks becoming a testing ground for future accessions.

"If you do this to Montenegro, it could seem like they are being punished for doing a good job. The burden cannot fall entirely on Montenegro; it must be a fair process," an EU official said.

Since the beginning of last year, the EC has been scheduled to present its views on enlargement policy. However, the presentation of this concept was postponed after Ukraine's accession application significantly complicated the situation. The procedure remains particularly sensitive among European capitals, as it affects the distribution of power and resources within the bloc.

This issue is particularly delicate ahead of next year's decisive presidential election in France, which could be won by a candidate from the far-right National Rally party.

Jordan Bardella, one of the leading contenders, has categorically opposed Ukraine's accession to the EU in several recent interviews.

Photo: initiative-quorum.org.