Germany, France and other EU propose stronger enlargement rules with strengthened rule of law and temporary voting restrictions for new members.

At a time when the European Union is reassessing its enlargement framework in view of the possible accession of new states in the coming years, five key member states are bringing to the table proposals for deep institutional changes to the accession rules, with a view to strengthening guarantees for the rule of law and democratic stability. At the heart of the debate is the need for more rigorous control mechanismsbefore and after accession, as well as the provision of transitional arrangements that could include temporary restrictions on critical voting rights of new member states, especially in areas where unanimity is required, such as foreign policy and the budget of the Union.

The European Union should consider temporary limiting certain voting rights of future new member states, as well as creating stronger safeguards for the rule of law, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg said in a joint document obtained by Reuters.

Adopting stronger protection mechanisms

As Montenegro hopes to join the EU in 2028 and Albania, Ukraine and Moldova make progress in their accession processes, European governments are debating whether rules should be changed for new members.

Some European capitals are now calling for stronger protection mechanisms for future member states, in part because of the EU’s experience with the regression of the rule of law in Hungary under Viktor Orbán’s rule.

The document outlines possible arrangements that could be built into future accession treaties, such as a new monitoring mechanism and a safeguard clause allowing for measures to be taken in the event of serious backsliding in areas such as democracy and media freedom.

“The EU should hold an in-depth debate on the possibility of temporary, transitional restrictions on the voting rights of the new member states, particularly in parts of the EU acquis where unanimity is required,” the five countries said.

The proposal mainly concerns areas such as the enlargement of the Union, foreign policy and EU budget decisions, where currently the consensus of all member states is required.