EU could deny new member states veto rights as bloc pushes for enlargement
Summary
The European Union is considering delaying new member countries’ veto rights for several years to help speed up the process of admitting more countries, especially from the western Balkans. This plan aims to prevent future blocks on important decisions and make enlargement easier to manage, while talks continue about Ukraine’s possible associate membership.Key Facts
- The EU may deny new members, like Moldova and western Balkan countries, the right to veto decisions for a limited time after joining.
- Montenegro is the frontrunner to join the EU by 2028, with accession talks entering their final phase.
- The move follows problems with Hungary blocking some EU decisions under its former government.
- A temporary ban on veto rights would be included in accession treaties but must be limited to avoid creating unequal member states.
- Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for new ideas to speed up western Balkan countries’ EU membership and proposed associate membership for Ukraine without voting rights.
- Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy rejected partial membership, demanding full and equal EU membership.
- The EU aims to admit new members by 2030, with Montenegro, Albania, and Moldova as key candidates.
- There is concern about approval in current member states like France, where support for enlargement is low.
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