Full Breakdown
EU Commission Drafts Overhaul of Enlargement Process Ahead of Montenegro Accession
7/6/2026, 8:47:53 AM
Reform Blueprint
The European Commission is drafting reforms to embed stronger safeguards against democratic backsliding, introduce gradual integration steps for candidates, and set post-accession obligations. The package will be tabled before the October EU leaders’ summit, where the Commission aims to steer the debate.
Context and Key Actors
Montenegro is poised to become the EU’s 28th member. Five of the six founding members call for reinforced safeguards, citing Hungary under Viktor Orbán. The EPPO covers 24 of 27 members, and Croatia’s 2013 accession introduced a monitoring mechanism for justice and rights. Key figures include Commission officials, Council President António Costa, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and RN front-runner Jordan Bardella.
Official Statements
Commission officials say the reforms will make “fundamentals” legally binding after accession and will finalize pre-enlargement policy reviews paused after Ukraine’s bid. The 2025 review called for stronger safeguards.
Criticism & Opposition
RN front-runner Jordan Bardella has rejected Ukraine’s EU bid, warning that further enlargement could erode sovereignty. Some capitals argue swift penalties—such as suspending EU funding or voting rights—risk breaching equality and politicising the process. An EU official warned Montenegro could be “punished” for performing well.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources report divergent views: some capitals welcome a Commission-led initiative, others see a power grab. No consensus on treaty changes, timeline for safeguards, or definition of “democratic backsliding”.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We saw contributions on the topic from several member states. The Commission is also working on this matter. We are looking forward to the upcoming strategic discussion on enlargement and reforms at the EUCO meeting in October this year,” — Commission spokesperson, Euronews.
- “We are reflecting on how safeguards within future accession treaties could be devised. The objective is simple: ensure commitments made during negotiations, particularly those linked to the 'fundamentals', are upheld also after accession,” — Commission spokesperson, Euronews.
- “If you do this with Montenegro, it might look like they are getting punished because they performed well,” — EU official with direct knowledge, Euronews.
- “There are many ideas floating, but they are just ideas. Some are even unclear. There is no consensus,” — EU official with direct knowledge, Euronews.
- “Enhancing safeguards could alleviate the concerns of countries that have been traditionally sceptical about enlargement,” — Florian Bieber, Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group, Euronews.
Why It Matters
The reforms could reshape EU expansion while safeguarding democracy, affecting geopolitics, budget and decision-making. Clear safeguards may reassure skeptics and ease integration for Montenegro and Ukraine.
What’s Next
The Commission will submit its draft before the October summit; members will negotiate details and treaty amendments before Montenegro’s accession.
