In its enlargement report expected on Wednesday, the European Commission is likely to recommend the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova – subject to conditions. However, all 27 Member States would have to agree to the proposal.
Some states – including Austria – are also demanding that the Commission send a clear signal to the Western Balkans countries, some of which have been on the EU’s waiting list for more than a decade. The debate about enlargement is also inextricably linked to the debate about EU reform.
The Commission sees that the criteria are almost fulfilled
All 27 EU countries must decide unanimously to start accession negotiations. According to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ukraine almost fully complies with the seven requirements set by the country in the context of the ‘Copenhagen criteria’.
During her last visit to Kiev, Von der Leyen cited reform of the legal system, curbing the influence of oligarchs and the fight against money laundering as progress. She still sees the need for reforms in the fight against corruption, lobbying laws and asset disclosure regulations.
First appointment in December
The Commission is therefore likely to recommend that states decide to start accession negotiations, but only set the first negotiation date after all reform requirements have been met. The EU heads of state and government could give the starting signal at their summit in Brussels in mid-December.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers his country suitable for this. Ukraine and Moldova have been candidates since June 2022.
Austria is committed to the Balkan states
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) has already spoken out several times in favor of starting accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina by the end of the year. This could also be recommended by the Commission on Wednesday. Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) is also in favor of promoting negotiations with the countries of the Western Balkans.
Austria, for example, receives support from Germany, Croatia and Slovenia. France and the Netherlands put the brakes on expansion. Many states also demand that the Union undergo fundamental reforms before enlargement.
The EU is currently negotiating with Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a candidate country. In addition, Kosovo and Georgia are also waiting for the starting signal for accession negotiations without yet having official EU candidate status. Talks with Turkey have been at a standstill for years due to constitutional deficiencies.
Source: Krone
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