Germany, France propose faster EU benefits for candidate countries
Germany and France are proposing accelerated EU benefits for candidate countries, allowing participation in EU programs and single market access before full membership, aiming to boost the enlargement process for nations like those in the Western Balkans and Moldova. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar is pursuing legal action to remove President Tamas Sulyok, who refuses to resign, following his party's recent electoral gains. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Magyar, signaling a potential new era for Hungary in Europe, while German opposition leader Friedrich Merz also anticipates a positive EU reset. Separately, the E3 group (Germany, France, UK) is exploring a dialogue with Russia on Ukraine peace talks, contingent on US and Ukrainian agreement, as Ukraine pledges to meet EU accession timelines.