The goal of the European Union and the candidate countries being ready for enlargement by 2030 is still feasible, said outgoing European Council President Charles Michel in an interview with European Newsroom.
He called for the acceleration of the European Union enlargement process, stressing the strategic need for integration into the European family of the countries of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and other candidate countries. Michel stressed that the EU must prepare for future enlargement through internal reforms, while maintaining momentum towards the accession of the candidate countries, who also have significant work ahead of them.
He also pointed out that the latest geopolitical developments, including the war in Ukraine and the challenges in the Western Balkans, make the EU’s quick reaction even more important.
“It is absurd that the EU does not speed up this process,” said Michel, referring to the need for greater stability, security and prosperity in Europe.
According to Michel, the EU is working on a strategic agenda to better prepare for enlargement. This implies solving the financial implications and adjusting the decision-making process so that the Union remains effective even with a larger number of members.
“We are preparing for the consequences of enlargement, including financial solidarity and a more agile decision-making process,” emphasized Michel, stressing the need for pragmatic solutions that will allow the EU to adapt to the new reality with more member states.
But in addition to the efforts of the European Union, Michel made it clear that the candidate countries must also make significant progress.
“Those countries know what they need to do. When we ask for reforms, it is not just a formality. This is crucial to ensure that we share the same values and standards,” he stressed, emphasizing the importance of governance reforms, anti-corruption measures and alignment with the EU legal framework.
Michel once again emphasized the strategic importance of the integration of the Western Balkans and other candidate countries into the EU, saying that it is in the interest of the EU “if we want more stability and security in the future”. He warned of the risks of leaving those countries outside the influence of the EU, which would potentially allow other actors to destabilize the region and democratic values.
The more we procrastinate, warns Michel, the more we open the door for others to take advantage of our indecision. In order to achieve the goal of integration of new members into the European Union by 2030, the EU must balance internal reforms with the need to support the progress of candidate countries.
