The countries of the Western Balkans and Moldova could gain significantly more space in the work of the institutions European Union (EU) and before formal membership, foresees a new Franco-German proposal prepared for the summit EU and the Western Balkans which takes place in Tivat. The document in which it is N1 had insight, envisages the gradual inclusion of candidate countries in certain EU policies and institutions even before full membership.
The proposal elaborates on ideas put forward by the German chancellor last month Friedrich Mertz, when he proposed a model of gradual integration of candidate countries into European institutions. Instead of the current approach in which countries wait for full membership for years, Berlin and Paris propose a system of "building blocks" that would enable gradual inclusion in certain policies and mechanisms of the European Union.
Non-paper non paper) in international relations and diplomacy means an unofficial document, memorandum or draft proposal used to informally test political views, initiate discussions or propose solutions without any legal or official commitment from the party submitting it.
What is written in the new non-paper
In the new non-paper, it is written that it is necessary to create additional incentives for countries that are making progress in reforms, but also to simplify the accession process so that integration is faster and more visible. At the same time, the proposed model remains reversible, which means that the privileges acquired during the process could be suspended if the candidate country backslides in the areas of rule of law, democracy or harmonization with European standards.
Among the concrete measures is the proposal that representatives of the countries of the Western Balkans and Moldova hold joint meetings with the European Commissioners and members of the European Parliament twice a year. Intensification of contacts between the European Parliament and the national assemblies of the candidate countries is also foreseen.
Meeting observation
The proposal brings the possibility for the leaders and ministers of the candidate countries to participate in certain parts of the meetings of the EU Council and the European Council. Participation would be possible in observer status, without voting rights, and would depend on progress in accession negotiations.
The area of foreign and security policy was especially emphasized. Under the proposal, only states that temporarily close Chapter 31 would be able to attend certain meetings of the Council on Foreign Relations. The same principle would apply to involvement in EU security and defense initiatives, including PESCO projects, cooperation with Frontex, the European Cyber Security Agency and mechanisms for early warning of cyber threats.
A significant part of the proposal refers to economic integration. The Western Balkan countries and Moldova would have the possibility of deeper inclusion in the EU single market through access to the SEPA system, energy and digital markets, the Transport Community, the emissions trading system and supply chains of critical raw materials.
Wider program opening
France and Germany also propose a wider opening of European programs for candidate countries. In addition to already existing participation in certain initiatives, the document envisages stronger involvement in programs such as Creative Europe, Digital Europe, Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.
The non-paper also proposes that full participation in the single market be approved according to the model of the European Economic Area plus, with the fulfillment of conditions related to the adoption and application of EU legal acquis.
"We call on the European Commission to present proposals to facilitate the gradual integration of candidate countries on their path to EU accession," the document reads.
Source: H1
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