The European Commission has proposed a 15-year probation period for new EU member states. Under the plan, new members could lose voting rights or EU funding if they break democratic rules.

Enlargement commissioner Marta Kos introduced the proposals on Tuesday. “No more Viktor Orban,” she told the Guardian and other newspapers, pointing to the former Hungarian prime minister as the example to avoid.

The plan would give Brussels faster tools than the current Article 7 process, which has never been used despite concerns about Hungary and Poland. New members could face penalties for breaching the rule of law or EU values.

Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro are the leading candidates for membership. The proposal needs agreement from all 27 current member states.

Kos acknowledged that a permanent system could create first- and second-class members. Several countries remain skeptical, and the proposal faces a long debate.

The Commission says the safeguards would only apply for 15 years after accession. After that, normal EU rules would apply to everyone.