Ukraine's EU Access Plan Under Threat
Plans by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to accelerate Ukraine and other EU candidate countries' accession may collapse if she cannot convince all member states to approve new expansion rules.
Consensus
- The European Commission is preparing a proposal to change expansion rules for future EU members.
- The proposal is expected to be presented to EU leaders at the October summit.
- Previous attempts to accelerate expansion were rejected in March due to being deemed unworkable.
- Hungary has blocked the start of negotiations for Ukraine's accession on two economic issues.
- Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro continue reform work as candidates.
- The success of the reform depends on political agreement from all 27 EU member states.
Points of divergence
- Martha Koš, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, confirmed the preparation of proposals and emphasized the need to strengthen political support from all 27 member states. — vedomosti
- The European Commission plans to clarify rights and obligations of future members and develop mechanisms to limit new members' ability to block EU decisions, though specific parameters are not disclosed. — vedomosti
- Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić stated on August 8 that Belgrade is ready to support Ukraine's European integration. — vedomosti
- Ursula von der Leyen risks leading the longest period in EU history without admitting new members if she fails to unlock the process before her term ends in 2029. — tg_rian_ru
Coverage (2 sources)
- Politico: Ukraine's accelerated accession to the EU is under threat — Ведомости
- Plans for EU's quick admission of Ukraine under threat, Politico reports. — РИА Новости (Telegram)