The European Commission already “has ideas” about how to strengthen the system, he said, including safeguards and transition periods before certain membership rights are fully granted. The EU’s top official is consulting with member states concerned that future enlargements could complicate decision-making or allow governments to reverse reforms after coming to power.
EU members, including France, Germany and the Netherlands, have he said that any expansion must be accompanied by a guarantee that the reform will last and that the new members will not disturb the balance of power of the bloc.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron are among those who support a step-by-step approach to European integration, suggest that other Western Balkan countries, such as Albania, will be given economic and political benefits before becoming full members.
“What I see now, the change in the last weeks, is more and more leaders in our member countries are participating, bringing ideas,” Kos added. “I hope that soon we will be able to say more, but the main idea is, according to our past experience from some member states, we have had problems because the rules (were not followed) anymore.”
Under previous Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary repeatedly blocked efforts to reach consensus on issues such as sanctions on Russia and used its veto to reduce European support for Ukraine. Budapest also saw more than 10 billion euros in EU funds frozen over accusations that it was breaching its democratic and judicial responsibilities, a move diplomats say they are keen to avoid a repeat.
Last month, Montenegro, home to more than 600,000 people, began preparing its accession treaty with the EUand raising hopes in the country that it could be the first to join the group since Croatia in 2013. According to Kos, the agreement will help set a precedent for the future.
