New EU members could face years-long 'probationary period' - FT
Photo: EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos (Getty Images)
New EU member states may be placed on a "probation period" for several years and expelled from the bloc in case of democratic backsliding, according to the Financial Times.
According to the media outlet, the initiative emerged amid fears that new members could follow Hungary’s example after joining the EU.
FT recalled that, driven by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the desire to integrate the remaining Western Balkan countries, the European Commission revived the enlargement process, which had been on hold for over a decade.
Although the Commission supports expanding the EU’s regional influence, several capitals oppose admitting Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans if they risk violating the bloc’s rules on democracy, media freedom, and judicial independence, or aligning with Russia.
"I don’t want to go down in history as the commissioner who brought in Trojan horses that become active after five, ten, or fifteen years," emphasized EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
She said the Commission is working on ideas such as "a transition period, a kind of probation, safeguard mechanisms." These are still at an early stage.
Purpose of the probation period
Today, the European Commission published its annual report assessing candidate countries, including Ukraine and Moldova, with Montenegro recognized as the frontrunner in implementing reforms.
Kos admitted that EU capitals are far more cautious about admitting new members than their public statements of support might suggest.
The attitude largely stems from the bloc’s experience with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has repeatedly softened sanctions against Russia, opposed military aid to Ukraine, and become increasingly authoritarian despite Brussels’ attempts to pressure him by withholding EU funds.
Kos added that the Commission is working on proposals to strengthen rule-of-law guarantees and create more effective mechanisms for suspending rights or benefits in case of violations.
She also stated that a country could be expelled from the bloc for repeated breaches.
The enlargement report stated that future accession treaties should include stronger safeguards to prevent backsliding on commitments made during accession negotiations, along with obligations for new member states to guarantee that progress in rule-of-law reforms remains irreversible.
According to FT, this new approach could impose stricter requirements on incoming members compared to current ones, like Hungary, and may spark complaints of discrimination from Kyiv and other capitals seeking EU membership.
Ukraine’s EU accession
The European Union still cannot officially begin accession talks with Ukraine due to Hungary’s veto. Budapest, which maintains a pro-Russian stance, has blocked the launch of negotiations.
Meanwhile, on November 4, the European Commission published its EU Enlargement Package Report, analyzing the progress of candidate and potential candidate countries.
This year’s report is described as Ukraine’s most favorable since 2023, reflecting the country’s systemic reforms despite wartime challenges.
