EU plans to join in stages - and end to unanimity

In the future, you can imagine EU membership like a staircase: step by step, a country has to climb individual steps until you reach the top of the landing of full membership - according to the EU Commission's plan.

This so-called gradual participation would mean that countries can initially be members in certain sectors, as EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos explained in Strasbourg: "Once a candidate has reached the standards, they can participate in these strategic sectors. These are win-win situations for existing and future members."

For example, countries could already participate in the SEPA banking system or in the free roaming system. They could receive support in building their defense, infrastructure or digitalization. This would also make it easier for Ukraine to help it rebuild.

Concerns about whether the EU will overreach itself

Basically, new members make the EU stronger, it is always said in Brussels: they create jobs, help manage migration or security.

But there are also concerns as to whether the EU will not overextend itself with new members. The Enlargement Commissioner has addressed these concerns and has subjected the Community to a thorough examination.

New rules for the EU

The result: The European Union itself also has to change its rules.

Special case of Ukrainian agricultural sector

Another important question is money: who pays what into the EU pot, who gets what out? This depends on many factors, such as the economic situation of a country, the state of the infrastructure or the importance of agriculture.

Support for farmers remains the largest item in the EU budget. If a country like Ukraine were to join, it would shift the balance in the community. Regarding Ukraine, the report therefore states that financial support for the agricultural sector should be limited.

In addition, not all agricultural goods from Ukraine are allowed to be sold in the EU. "Ukraine's accession should not have a negative impact on EU farmers. We therefore want to ensure that Ukraine regains access to third countries and their historic markets," said Kos.

“No compromise on the rule of law”

But despite all the safety nets that the EU wants to put in place for the gradual admission of future members, the leader of the Greens in the EU Parliament, Terry Reintke, issues a warning: the EU must not make any compromises when it comes to the rule of law of the candidate countries. "People want the same rules as EU citizens. They want to be protected from corruption and have a better life," said Reintke.

Now the Commission's proposals must be confirmed by the EU Parliament and the member states. The next progress reports, the so-called certificates for the accession candidates, will be awarded at the end of October. It is and remains a long road to the EU.