politics
March 24, 2026
Kos: EU must change enlargement rules, three options on the table
The European Union (EU) must change its enlargement rules to allow the admission of new member states, stated European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos today, urging the Union's member states to propose their own solutions.
TL;DR
- The EU needs to change its enlargement rules to allow new member states.
- European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos called on member states to propose solutions.
- Three options for enlargement have been presented: retaining the current system, reforming it for faster access, or a 'reverse enlargement' model.
- The 'reverse enlargement' model, proposed by Ursula von der Leyen's team, would allow candidate countries access before completing key reforms.
- Member states are rejecting the 'reverse enlargement' model as 'revolutionary' but also find the status quo unacceptable.
- The goal of Ukraine becoming an EU member by January 1, 2027, is considered 'impossible'.
- Iceland could be a 'special case' for rapid progress if citizens vote to renew membership negotiations.
- Most member states find the 'reverse enlargement' proposal unfeasible due to complex legal procedures and concerns about democratic standards.
- Member states are preparing their own proposals for earlier integration benefits and access to investment programs for candidates.
- EU officials state that if member states do not support 'reverse enlargement', they should offer alternative solutions.
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