Several EU member states—including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg—propose that the European Union consider temporarily limiting certain voting rights for future new members. They also call for stronger safeguards for the rule of law, according to a document seen by Reuters.
EU governments raise the discussion as Montenegro aims to join the bloc by 2028, while Albania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova continue advancing their membership bids. The proposal reflects broader debates within the EU on how to adjust enlargement rules in response to concerns about democratic backsliding inside the Union, particularly in relation to Hungary under Viktor Orbán.
The document outlines possible changes to future accession treaties. It proposes a new monitoring mechanism and a “safeguard clause” that would allow the EU to act if serious backsliding occurs in areas such as democracy and press freedom.
The five countries also propose that the EU examine “temporary, transitional limitations” on voting rights for new member states in certain policy areas where unanimity currently applies, including EU enlargement decisions, foreign policy, and budget matters.
Meanwhile, Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, says it prepares to formally open negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova on the first cluster of accession chapters, focusing on rule of law and democratic standards.
Kristen Michal also reaffirms support for Ukraine’s EU path and calls for opening all six negotiation clusters without delay.