The European Union is developing new safeguard mechanisms aimed at ensuring that future member states continue to uphold democratic standards, the rule of law, and EU commitments after accession. Speaking to POLITICO, the European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos confirmed that the European Commission is exploring measures such as transitional periods and post-accession safeguards that could be activated if a new member state backslides on reforms or obstructs EU decision-making. According to Kos, the initiative builds on lessons learned from previous enlargements and seeks to strengthen the credibility of the accession process by ensuring that compliance with EU values extends well beyond the point of membership. The proposed approach is expected to be reflected for the first time in Montenegro’s accession treaty, potentially establishing a model for future enlargement. At the same time, Kos reiterated that accession will remain merit-based, with candidate countries advancing according to their reform performance. Read more here.
Source: POLITICO Europe