Key facts
- France and Germany proposed gradual integration for EU candidate countries.
- The plan includes partial single market access and observer status.
- It aims to incentivize reforms and address Western Balkan frustration.
- The proposal suggests simplifying accession methodology and granting the Commission discretion.
- Perks like Horizon and Erasmus program access are also suggested.
France and Germany have jointly proposed a new approach to EU enlargement, suggesting that candidate countries could be granted gradual integration privileges, including partial access to the single market and observer status at key meetings. This initiative, detailed in a discussion paper circulated among EU diplomats, aims to provide additional incentives for reforms and maintain motivation among aspiring members, particularly those in the Western Balkans who have expressed frustration with the slow pace of accession.
The Franco-German paper calls for a "new, process-oriented approach" that simplifies bureaucratic hurdles and allows the European Commission more discretion in opening negotiating chapters, focusing on the substance of reforms rather than solely on formal procedures. Currently, EU capitals must unanimously approve the opening of each negotiating cluster. The proposal also includes access to EU programs like Horizon and Erasmus, and defense integration, with full single market access envisioned upon completion of five negotiating clusters.
This initiative comes as the EU's enlargement process faces renewed attention, with Ukraine and Moldova set to advance their membership bids after Hungary indicated it would not oppose opening the first negotiating chapter on June 15. However, this focus on Kyiv has reportedly led to increased frustration in Western Balkan capitals, who feel they are being kept waiting despite long-standing applications. Countries like North Macedonia have been in the accession process for over two decades, while Montenegro is in the final stages and Albania has opened all chapters. Serbia has made slower progress, and Kosovo's application faces recognition challenges.