European Commission proposes safeguards for EU expansion

Lili Bayer: Lili Bayer is a Reuters journalist based in Brussels who covers European security, NATO affairs, and EU foreign policy as the outlet's European Security Correspondent. She authored the reporting on the European Commission's draft proposals for enlargement safeguards featured in this article. European Commission: The European Commission acts as the executive branch of the European Union, tasked with proposing legislation, upholding treaties, and overseeing policy implementation across member states. In this news, it has prepared a draft package proposing new safeguards to mitigate risks of democratic backsliding or veto disruptions by future members amid ongoing accession processes. These efforts respond to challenges seen with existing members and aim to support smoother decision-making in an enlarged bloc. Accession Progress: The EU continues to advance talks with leading candidate countries including Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova, and Albania, exploring targeted roadmaps to clarify steps toward membership. Gradual Integration: Plans call for earlier, structured involvement of candidate countries in EU initiatives related to defense, energy, and transport ahead of full accession. Decision-Making Reform: Proposals are under discussion to broaden the use of qualified majority voting in policy areas such as sanctions while incorporating safeguards for national interests.