New European Commission initiative for candidate countries

New EU enlargement initiative

According to Politico, the European Commission is putting forward an initiative that will offer candidate countries access to the EU single market through gradual integration before full membership. This plan includes barrier-free trade and the right to participate in European research programs. Imedi+3

Conditions and restrictions

Access to the single market will be conditional, and candidate countries will lose this advantage in the event of democratic backsliding. Also, according to the European Commission's plan, economic benefits will depend on the extent to which candidate countries support the EU's position regarding hostile states and global economic competitors. Imedi+4

According to Interpressnews and Mtavari-fb, it will also be possible to revoke access rights if candidate countries share sensitive technologies or information with unfriendly governments. Interpressnews+1

Action plans

According to Interpressnews, Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro will receive action plans in order to accelerate the accession process. According to Mtavari-fb, Ukraine and Moldova will receive an action plan. Interpressnews notes that in the case of other candidate countries, the dragging out of the process has raised fears that they will move closer to Russia or China. Interpressnews+1