EU Commission Throws Down the Gauntlet on Reforming the Bloc
The plan would let the bloc use more majority voting and cut commissioners to two-thirds, officials said, as leaders prepare for 30-plus members.
- On Tuesday, the European Commission presented its pre-enlargement policy reviews in Strasbourg, preparing the 27-nation bloc to integrate candidate countries including Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova.
- The Commission proposes structural reforms to ensure Union effectiveness with 30 or more members, including reducing commissioner numbers through rotation and expanding qualified majority voting for accession decisions.
- Ironically, Ursula von der Leyen's proposal requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states, yet faces resistance from capitals fearing loss of influence or permanent commissioner seats.
- Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told reporters, "Our assessment shows that in most policy areas, the EU is already fit for enlargement," despite opposition from the "Friends of the Western Balkans."
- The reforms face their first test next week when EU leaders gather for the European Council on October 15-16 to debate the bloc's decision-making processes and budget priorities.
59 Articles
59 Articles
European Commission proposes new rules for future EU members <p>Candidates want to give wider access to EU programmes in key areas. At the same time, they propose to limit their rights for non-compliance </p>commitments.
The EU Commission wants to gradually integrate candidate countries more closely and at the same time reform the Union itself. More majority decisions and new safeguard clauses should also allow the EU to act with additional members.
The European Commission has proposed significant reforms to the way the European Union functions, including reducing the number of commissioners and limiting unanimity decision-making, with the aim of preparing the EU for an enlargement to 30 or more member states. European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, said the Commission's assessment shows that the EU is largely ready for future enlargement. "The main question has been whether the E…
The European Commission is preparing to provide guidance on Ukraine's path towards EU membership. The Road Map is scheduled to be presented on 28 October in the 2026 Extension Package.
The European Commission wants to prepare the European Union for the arrival of new members, while proposing significant changes to the rules of the game.
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