Moldova Could Face a 15-Year “Probation Period” in the EU

The European Commission is proposing to include provisions on enhanced safeguard mechanisms in future EU accession treaties, allowing the bloc to respond to serious breaches of commitments by new member states. The new institutional mechanism is proposed to apply for 15 years after accession. The measures are part of a package of proposals presented by the Commission on October 6 as part of preparations for the EU’s future enlargement, logos-pres.md reports. In the most serious cases, the measures could include suspending a member state’s right to vote in the Council of the EU. The Commission also proposes strengthening existing sector-specific safeguard mechanisms in the areas of the economy, the internal market, and justice and home affairs. In addition, future accession treaties could provide for transitional restrictions, particularly concerning the free movement of workers and services, agriculture, sensitive goods, funding, and participation in common EU systems. Separately, the Commission proposes assessing compliance with conditions related to the rule of law, the judiciary, the fight against corruption, police operations and border management when deciding on the full application of the Schengen acquis. New member states could also be temporarily required not to block EU decisions on further enlargement or matters related to bilateral disputes. Even before full membership, candidate countries are to be gradually integrated into selected areas of EU policy, primarily energy, transport, the digital sector and defense. Such participation would depend on reform progress, the readiness of the relevant sector and its alignment with EU policy, and could be suspended or terminated if necessary. The Commission believes that if new countries join the EU, the bloc’s decision-making process will need to become faster and more efficient. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that on October 28, the European Commission will present roadmaps for the most advanced EU candidate countries, including Moldova. The documents will set out the key priorities, timelines and specific tasks required to complete the reforms.