Marta Kos Signals Reform of EU Enlargement: Gradual Integration and Stronger Rules

The European Union is considering a major overhaul of its enlargement policy, aimed at bringing candidate countries closer step by step, strengthening standards for democracy and the rule of law, and adapting the Union’s decision-making process.

During a visit to Zagreb, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said global changes also require a new approach to enlargement. She described the current period as a moment similar to the “Helsinki Moment” of the 1990s, which preceded the EU’s major enlargement following the end of the Cold War. According to Kos, the European Commission is drafting a proposal for a Union that could have more than 30 member states.

“The world has changed, and enlargement must change with it. Processes that last for decades can leave candidate countries more exposed to political pressure and the influence of the EU’s rivals,” Marta Kos said.

One of the main proposals is to shift from an “all-or-nothing” model to gradual integration. This would allow candidate countries to benefit from parts of European structures even before full membership. Kos cited participation in SEPA and inclusion in EU energy networks as examples of this gradual integration.

Brussels also aims to create stronger safeguards to ensure that democratic standards and the rule of law are not rolled back after a country joins. The commissioner warned that the Union must not allow “Trojan horses” within it, referring to the possibility of a member state departing from democratic norms several years after joining the EU.

The reform also envisages reviewing how decisions are made in the European Union. According to the senior official, some of the changes could be implemented without amending the Union’s treaties, thus avoiding lengthy negotiations and complex ratification procedures.

Marta Kos described Montenegro as the candidate country furthest along on the path toward EU membership. She also noted Albania’s progress in the area of the rule of law.