Limited membership at the first stage
Publications. Politico reports that the European Union is considering the possibility of accepting new countries, in particular Ukraine, under a simplified procedure. However, at the first stage, such states will not have full voting rights, including the inability to veto to the block's decision.
Details of the new mechanism
According to the newspaper's sources, Brussels is discussing a model of “staged membership”. It would allow candidates to join some of the EU's policies, such as economic or energy, before they receive full political rights. This approach should simplify the enlargement process and avoid blocking decisions due to disagreements between new and old members.
Reaction in Europe
The idea of gradual accession is supported by some Western European countries, which fear that full membership of new states will immediately create risks of political conflicts within the Union. At the same time, Eastern European partners emphasise that Limited membership may look like a “second league” of the EU and contradicts basic principles of equality.
Ukraine and EU enlargement
Ukraine was officially granted candidate status in 2022. In December 2024, the European Commission recommended starting accession negotiations. The final form of the new mechanism is expected to be presented to the EU summit in 2025.
Ukrainian
English