EU floats new safeguards as bloc eyes expansion

The European Commission has proposed new safeguards to protect the EU’s decision-making as the bloc prepares for enlargement, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.
The draft suggests a “temporary political commitment” under which new members would pledge not to oppose consensus decisions for a limited period after joining. It also floats a safeguard clause letting existing members suspend a newcomer’s voting rights with a qualified majority of 15 out of 27 states.
New accession treaties could include time-limited safeguards on free movement of workers and agriculture. The package is expected to be presented next week.
The proposals reflect lessons from Hungary, whose vetoes repeatedly stalled EU decisions before Viktor Orban was voted out in April. With Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova advancing their bids, Brussels wants rules that let the Union grow without gridlock. Member states will debate the draft in the coming weeks.
Enlargement has been called a geopolitical priority by Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Candidate countries must still complete far-reaching reforms before joining.
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