EU considers early economic benefits for candidate countries

The European Commission is preparing proposals to grant European Union candidate countries greater economic benefits before they formally join the bloc, in an effort to accelerate enlargement while maintaining existing membership criteria.

Under the plans, candidate countries would receive phased access to selected EU funding programs, preferential trade arrangements and parts of the EU single market as they implement reforms during the accession process, according to officials familiar with the discussions, Politico writes.

The initiative forms part of the Commission's "gradual integration" strategy, which aims to reward reform progress with incremental economic incentives rather than waiting until full membership. Access to the benefits would be decided on a case-by-case basis based on each country's alignment with EU rules and implementation of required reforms.

Unlike previous proposals that would have granted political rights before accession, the new approach would provide membership-style economic advantages without allowing countries to join the bloc before meeting all membership requirements.

The proposal has gained political backing from France and Germany, which have previously supported similar ideas to keep candidate countries engaged during what are expected to be lengthy accession processes.

The Commission is expected to seek support from EU member states, with officials hoping leaders will endorse work on the framework at a European Council meeting in October or December.

The initiative comes as the EU seeks to advance enlargement amid Russia's war against Ukraine while addressing concerns among member states about admitting countries before they are fully prepared.

The EU currently has nine official candidate countries. Montenegro is considered the frontrunner for membership, while Ukraine and Moldova have opened accession talks. Accession bids by Serbia, Türkiye and Georgia have largely stalled.

By Sabina Mammadli