EU candidate nations divided over proposed two-speed membership model

European Union candidate nations are increasingly divided over proposed regulations that would deny new members full voting rights during the initial stages of accession.

According to a report by Politico, Brussels is concerned that the inclusion of new states could further paralyze the bloc’s decision-making processes. Seeking to resolve the frequent gridlock caused by the veto power of countries like Hungary and Slovakia—particularly regarding critical issues such as sanctions—the European Commission is exploring a “two-speed” membership model. Under this framework, new members would be temporarily barred from exercising veto rights.

Reform proposals to be tabled in the spring

Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, announced that concrete proposals regarding these reforms will be presented in February or March.

Emphasizing the urgency of the reform, Kos noted, “There are external disruptive forces that want us to fail. These forces are working against our candidate countries, but we are the primary target.”

Albania and Georgia favor gradual membership

Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania—which has opened all negotiation chapters for EU membership—described the proposed measures as a “good idea.”

Stating that Albania has no desire to challenge the will of founding nations like France or Germany, Rama said, “They are the adult members of the family who make the important decisions.”

Rama argued that this model offers an advantage for smaller nations, as they would not bear responsibility should the larger powers make a mistake.

Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili echoed this sentiment, suggesting that for smaller countries like Georgia, the priority is participation in EU programs rather than immediate decision-making parity.

“If you want an organization capable of effective decision-making, these rules are quite logical,” Zourabichvili remarked.

Ukraine and Montenegro reject “second-class” membership

Ukraine, which was granted candidate status in 2022, remains staunchly opposed to any gradual membership model.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv will accept nothing less than full membership. “It is vital that equal countries sit at the same table,” Zelenskyy said. “You cannot be a semi-active member or a semi-member of the EU.”

Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović expressed a similar stance, reminding observers that the EU functioned effectively with 28 members prior to Brexit.

“If Montenegro becomes the 28th member by 2028, wouldn’t the need for reform disappear? This is a question EU leaders must answer,” Milatović said.

Meanwhile, the Moldovan administration indicated a readiness to take on responsibilities but expressed a desire to see the specifics of the “two-speed” proposal.

Speaking to Politico, a senior Moldovan official stated, “Full participation with equal rights must remain the clear and ultimate goal.”