The European Commission has proposed a 15-year probation period for any new EU member state. Under these plans, new members could have their voting rights or EU funds suspended if they breach basic democratic values or the principle of sincere cooperation.
Marta Kos, the EU commissioner for enlargement, outlined these proposals in an interview, stating the need for quicker mechanisms than Article 7 sanctions. She indicated the aim is to prevent a repeat of situations where leaders might flout democratic values and hinder decision-making.
The plans, which would require agreement from current EU member states, come amid renewed momentum for EU enlargement. Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine have been identified as frontrunners for accession.
EU leaders are set to discuss these ideas next week. They will also consider proposals for governments to waive veto rights on issues such as taxation and sanctions policy, and potentially accept not always having a European commissioner in Brussels, to avoid gridlock in a potentially larger EU.