The EC proposed limiting new EU members

The European Commission is proposing to create a mechanism that would cut funding for new EU member states and limit their voting rights in the event of a serious departure from commitments in the areas of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said on Tuesday.

"We want to ease the possibility of cuts in financial support or restrictions on voting rights. This is a kind of insurance policy so that we can respond if necessary," Kos said, presenting the European Commission's proposals to prepare the EU for future enlargement.

According to her, the European Commission proposes to introduce enhanced guarantees for all new member states in the event of “serious retreat from the commitments made during the negotiations, especially in the areas of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights.”

Kos explained that we are also talking about possible serious violations of the principle of good faith cooperation enshrined in Article 4 of the Treaty on European Union.

"To join our Union, countries must meet very high standards in the field of the rule of law. We must be sure that once they join, they will never again fall below these standards. This is what we have learned from past experience," the European Commissioner said.

However, Kos argues that the proposal does not mean the creation of a separate lower-level member state status in the EU.

"Equal rights. Including for newcomers. We don't want two levels of membership," she said.

According to the European Commissioner, the provided restrictions will be applied only in case of violations and in accordance with established procedures.