At the Bled Strategic Forum on Monday 28 August, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, stressed the need to prepare “by 2030” for the enlargement of the EU to include new Member States, in particular countries in the Western Balkans. However, he also said that many challenges remain and reforms – both on the part of the EU and on the part of potential future Member States (see EUROPE 13218/19) – will have to be made.
“To be stronger and more secure, the EU must strengthen its ties and become more powerful. That’s why it’s time to take up the challenge of enlargement, both for us in the EU and for our future Member States”, declared Mr Michel.
The President of the European Council said that the EU should be ready to welcome new Member States by 2030, and that the EU’s next long-term budget should therefore include the common objectives of the EU and its future members.
“This is ambitious, but necessary. It shows that we are serious. It will build momentum”, he added, indicating that he was counting on these levers to “give boost to reforms”.
As far as the future Member States are concerned, the President of the European Council pointed out that the priorities for these reforms should involve respect for the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organised crime, the adoption of the Community acquis and support for the EU in foreign policy (see EUROPE 13185/19).
The EU, for its part, should also prepare itself and carry out certain reforms. “Not reforming on our side before the next enlargement would be a fundamental mistake. Let’s be honest – we have sometimes used the lack of progress of future member states to avoid facing our own preparedness”, explained Charles Michel.
The President of the European Council also reiterated his wish to see countries that have obtained the European perspective integrated gradually and progressively into certain EU policy areas, for example by having the opportunity to “participate in the corresponding Council formation once they complete negotiations in the given policy chapter”.
However, according to Mr Michel, many issues still need to be resolved, such as the EU’s capacity to absorb the integration of new Member States.
“The GDP of the future Member States is around 50-70% of that of the smallest EU’s economy. This means that they will be net recipients, while several current net recipients will become net contributors. So we need to work out how to manage this complex transition”, he concluded. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)