According to the Financial Times, senior officials involved in the talks said that the European Commission’s plan for Ukraine’s accession with less powers, which is being discussed by the European Commission, is causing concern because of the non-alternative enlargement. This refers to the idea of a “two-tier” EU, according to which new members of the bloc would initially be deprived of some rights, in particular the right to veto.
According to the FT, the proposals being discussed by the European Commission stipulate that Ukraine will have gradual access to parts of the single market, the bloc’s agricultural subsidies and financing for internal development once benchmarks are reached.
This would radically change the EU’s admission rules, agreed in 1993, which require applicants to comply with a host of EU norms in various areas.
Some European officials believe these rules were written more than 30 years ago and should be more flexible. But most fear that such an approach would have a negative impact on the future stability of the bloc, reducing the value of membership. Possible changes could lead to a rift between the EU leadership and member states, as well as raise questions about the EU’s relations with other accession candidates. Turkey and Bosnia are particularly concerned.
