Five EU nations are advocating for stricter safeguards in the accession treaties of future member states. This proposal aims to prevent democratic backsliding similar to that experienced with Hungary under Viktor Orbán. The suggested measures include enhanced penalties for legal breaches, such as the suspension of funds and voting rights, and restrictions on veto powers for new members.
The initiative reflects a growing urgency for EU enlargement, particularly in light of geopolitical shifts. By implementing these safeguards, the EU hopes to maintain its integrity and ensure that new members adhere to fundamental rights and democratic principles from the outset.
The proposed ‘non-regression clause’ would allow the EU to take protective measures against member states that violate these principles after joining. This aims to provide the EU with more leverage to act swiftly against any potential breaches, addressing past challenges where the bloc struggled to respond effectively.
As discussions on the accession treaty for Montenegro progress, this proposal is strategically timed to influence future negotiations with other candidate countries, including Ukraine and Moldova. The outcome could reshape the EU’s approach to enlargement and bolster public support for expanding the union.
Source: Euronews
