EU proposes special controls for new members for first 15 years
The European Commission is proposing to introduce a special control mechanism for future members of the European Union, which could operate for 15 years after their accession to the EU. It would allow restricting access to European funding and, in the most serious cases, suspending the country's voting rights.
According to The Guardian, the new measures are part of the European Commission's proposals to prepare the EU for the next enlargement. Currently, Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania are among the most advanced candidates.
The mechanism is proposed to be applied in cases of serious violation of the principles of the rule of law, EU values or commitments undertaken by a country during the accession process. Restrictions should be proportionate: suspension of voting rights is considered a measure for the most serious violations.
The procedure could be initiated by the European Commission or a group of member states. However, the final procedure for making such decisions has not yet been determined — this issue is to be agreed upon by EU countries.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos explained the need for additional guarantees by the experience of EU relations with Hungary. According to her, the current Article 7 of the EU Treaty, which allows restricting a member state's rights in case of violation of European values, works too slowly.
"I don't want to see any more Trojan horses in the European Union," — Kos had previously stated, speaking about the need to strengthen guarantees after the accession of new states.
However, the European Commission stresses that it is not about creating a permanent 'second-class' status for members. The enhanced mechanism is intended to be temporary — for a period up to 15 years after accession.
The idea of stronger guarantees has been discussed in the EU before. Already in 2025, the European Commission officially stated that future accession treaties should provide for additional instruments against backsliding in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. Now Brussels proposes to make this approach more concrete.
At the same time, the European Commission wants to expand the so-called gradual integration of candidates. Countries that meet the necessary conditions would be able to gain access to certain programs and policy areas of the EU even before formal accession. Possible areas mentioned include the single market, energy, transport, Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs, as well as cooperation with European agencies.
Some of the proposals will require the consent of EU member states. The European Commission also intends to include enhanced safeguard mechanisms directly in future accession treaties.
For Ukraine, these proposals are important in the context of ongoing EU membership negotiations. They do not change the current accession criteria, but they show what additional obligations may be provided for new states after joining the Union.
Based on materials from: The Guardian, Euronews, European Commission
