EU Commission to present proposals on EU expansion today. Politico reveals details

As the agency notes, the European Commission proposes to give certain advantages to the countries in the waiting room, instead of waiting for years or decades.

Brussels is proposing to gradually allow candidate countries to join the single market, building on proposals from France, Germany, and Portugal. EU leaders need to discuss what obligations should accompany certain levels and stages of market access.

Many EU leaders have expressed fears that a bloc of 30 or more members will be more difficult to manage. Therefore, the European Commission proposes to move away from the policy of unanimity when making decisions. The document provides for qualified majority voting with appropriate and proportional guarantees to take into account such strategic national interests.

It is expected that 27 European Commissioners are going to approve the document at today's meeting of the Board.

Politico adds that some EU capitals were concerned about the document because they did not want too much attention to be paid to EU enlargement ahead of June's European Parliament elections.

Negotiations on Ukraine's accession to EU

On December 14, during the summit, the leaders of the countries of the European Union approved the opening of negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the bloc. This came amid fears that Hungary would block the decision by vetoing it.

For Ukraine to join the European Union, an assessment of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with the legislation of the European Union must take place.

On January 17, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the start of the screening of Ukrainian legislation.

Earlier, Olha Stefanishyna stated that this procedure could last up to a year.