EU Considers New Rules for Incoming Members

The EU is discussing the possibility of temporarily limiting voting rights of future new members and increasing rule-of-law safeguards. Countries like Germany and France are advocating for measures due to past experiences, particularly with democratic issues observed in Hungary. A new monitoring mechanism might be included in accession treaties.

The European Union is considering a temporary limitation on some voting rights for future new members and plans to introduce more rule-of-law safeguards. This initiative is outlined in a joint paper by Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, according to a document seen by Reuters.

Montenegro aims to join the EU by 2028, while Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova are making efforts to progress in their accession bids. This has sparked discussions among EU governments regarding the potential changes in membership rules.

Specifically, stronger safeguards are being advocated to prevent democratic backsliding, a phenomenon notably observed in Hungary during Viktor Orban's leadership. Proposals include a potential monitoring mechanism and a safeguard clause in accession treaties, ensuring action can be taken if fundamental democratic practices are threatened.