EU Considers New Membership Model for Ukraine and Moldova with Limited Voting Rights
The European Union is currently engaged in intense discussions regarding potential reforms to its enlargement process.
Central to these debates is a proposal to introduce a new model that temporarily restricts full voting rights for new member states during a transitional period.
This measure aims to mitigate risks of veto abuse and make decision-making more flexible amid ongoing systemic reforms.
According to reliable sources, including several diplomats and EU officials, the idea involves allowing new members to participate in discussions and decision-making without full voting power initially.
The proposed change is intended to be temporary, operating until comprehensive reforms of the EU’s functioning are implemented.
These initiatives are seen as efforts to soften opposition from countries like Hungary, whose Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has repeatedly voiced resistance to rapid EU expansion and prefers a more cautious approach, thereby delaying the accession process.
It is important to note that this proposal is still in early informal discussion stages, requiring unanimous support from all member countries for implementation.
Politically, these steps represent one of the last attempts by expansion-supportive nations, such as Austria and Sweden, to accelerate EU enlargement, which has been hampered by Budapest and other capitals fearing increased competition or perceived threats to their security interests.
As per ‘European Pravda,’ there are no signs of consensus on any initiatives that would abandon the principle of unanimity in enlargement decisions.
The idea of voting rule modifications has faced resistance not only from Hungary but also from France and the Netherlands.
It is crucial to understand that Orbán’s veto is driven by political motives aimed at blocking Ukraine’s accession.
Historically, Ukraine and Moldova have completed their legislative screening processes, bringing them closer to candidate status.
The European Commission has commended Ukraine’s rapid technical preparations and believes that Hungary’s veto will soon be overcome.
EU Council President António Costa has initiated efforts to enable decision-making on accession negotiations through qualified majority voting rather than unanimity, potentially breaking the deadlock and advancing Ukraine’s path to membership.