EU Mulls Temporary Veto Suspension for New Member States Amid Enlargement Drive

Commission is drafting a safeguard that would prevent new members from exercising the EU’s unanimity veto on foreign-policy and taxation temporarily. The clause could be inserted into Montenegro’s accession treaty and used as a model for other candidates. The idea follows Hungary’s veto of a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, highlighting the bloc’s vulnerability to single-state blockades.

The Guardian

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine revived EU enlargement, which had stalled. Commission now targets admission of Montenegro, Albania and Moldova by 2030, citing security benefits for eastern neighbours. Germany calls the process a “geopolitical necessity” and urges “innovative solutions” to avoid gridlock in a bloc that may soon have 33-35 members.

The Guardian

Montenegro, a Yugoslav republic of 624,000 people, seeks EU membership by 2028. Albania and Moldova are also in talks. Ukraine’s case differs; Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed “associate membership” without voting rights, a plan rejected by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who demands full and equal membership.

The Guardian

The western Balkans, home to 17.4 million people, is central to EU expansion and a target of Russian/Chinese influence. A Eurobarometer poll shows 43 % of French respondents support enlargement, 48 % oppose it ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Ukraine reconstruction is estimated at $588 billion, three times its GDP.

The Guardian

EU officials say temporary suspension would waterproof union against future members which may pursue divergent foreign-policy paths. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that existing unanimity rule would be unsuitable for a larger union. Montenegrin government reaffirmed its aim of full EU membership with all rights and responsibilities of an equal member state, while expressing openness to safeguard mechanisms.

The Guardian

Analyst Engjellushe Morina called the proposal “not so drastic” but warned it could be used to “sell enlargement” and risk a “second-class” perception for newcomers. A Montenegrin source said safeguards must be “constructive” and not undermine new members’ equality.

The Guardian

• “Ukraine’s place in the European Union must also be complete – full and equal,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

The Guardian

• “a union with 33, 34 or 35 member states cannot simply continue to operate according to the same approach that was designed for a much smaller group” — Johann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister

The Guardian

• “I wouldn’t be surprised that we see something like this in Montenegro’s treaty.” — Engjellushe Morina, Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations

The Guardian

• “does not oppose safeguard mechanisms and believes they can play a constructive role in ensuring the sustainability of reforms even after accession” — Montenegrin government source

The Guardian

A technical group met in May to draft Montenegro’s accession treaty, marking the final stage of a 14-year negotiation. The EU’s decision on temporary veto suspension is expected in the coming months, with French public opinion and the 2027 election likely shaping the outcome.

The Guardian