Brussels maps out a faster track for EU enlargement

The Commission aims to streamline accession by moving away from strict unanimity for intermediate negotiation steps, while reserving a veto for the final membership decision. Complementing this, Brussels advocates for gradual integration, allowing candidate nations to access specific EU programs and funding before full accession. This approach seeks to provide tangible benefits to long-waiting applicants, such as Montenegro—the current frontrunner for 2028—and Albania, without waiting for the final handshake.

Financial constraints loom over these plans. Current candidates are expected to be net recipients of EU funds, placing significant pressure on the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion budgets. To mitigate this, the Commission is weighing transition periods that would limit immediate access to full financial benefits. Critics, however, argue these are merely stopgap measures. Former MEP Andrew Duff contends that the EU has failed to undertake the necessary institutional overhaul post-Brexit, leaving the union ill-equipped to function efficiently with over 30 members. Without treaty reform to limit the reach of national vetoes in areas like taxation and foreign policy, the promise of a larger, more influential Europe may collide with the reality of internal gridlock.