EU proposes pre‑membership economic perks for candidate states to sustain enlargement momentum without granting voting rightsExecutive summary: The EU announced a plan to grant candidate countries access to certain membership benefits—such as funding, market access and regulatory alignment—without giving them voting rights or other political rights of full members. It seeks to keep enlargement candidates engaged and reduce political opposition, thereby influencing EU neighbourhood stability and economic opportunities for businesses in the region. European Commission officials, EU member states, candidate country governments, and businesses interested in EU-funded projects. Details of the perk package will be negotiated, legal acts drafted, and the European Parliament will vote on the arrangement, with implementation expected in 2027.The European Union unveiled a scheme that would extend certain membership benefits—such as access to EU funds, market opportunities and regulatory alignment—to countries awaiting accession, while deliberately withholding political rights like voting in the European Parliament. Officials say the approach aims to address enlargement fatigue and keep aspirants engaged amid geopolitical competition. The move follows previous stalled proposals that failed because they tied benefits to full political integration.Connected developmentsArnie, Shakira and the world’s best spiritualist: Meet the new European CommissionOpen the full case file on Beyond →
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