European Commission Publishes Communication on Reforms Required for EU Enlargement
21st March 2024, Chisinau - The European Commission has sanctioned a document focused on internal reforms and the assessment of EU policies ahead of the enlargement process. As per a statement released by the European institution on 20 March, the document is expected to facilitate discussions among member states regarding policies, budget, and governance, while safeguarding fundamental values.
This initiative sets the stage for the pre-enlargement policy reviews, which were announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her 2023 State of the Union address.
"We must begin preparing today for the Union of tomorrow, leveraging enlargement as a catalyst for progress. Enlargement has been beneficial for all of Europe, establishing the EU as the largest integrated market globally. It has facilitated trade and financial flows, thereby contributing to economic growth within both the EU and the candidate countries", states the press release.
The European Commission also disclosed that candidate countries may benefit from certain privileges similar to those enjoyed by EU member states in specific sectors prior to formal accession. For these benefits to be realized, both the EU and candidate countries must be well-prepared, as the accession process relies on merit and a strong, enduring political commitment.
The European Commission will conduct an in-depth policy review in early 2025. Depending on the review's results, a second phase may involve presenting substantial reform proposals across various sectors, including preparing the Commission's plan for the next long-term budget.
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