EU plans safeguards to block "Trojan horses" from joining bloc

The European Union is considering new measures that would allow it to place incoming member states on “probation” and even suspend their membership if they fail to uphold democratic standards, in an effort to prevent future entrants from following Hungary’s example.

Speaking to the Financial Times, the EU’s enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, said the European Commission was considering a system of “transition periods” or “safeguards” to ensure countries joining the bloc continue to uphold its core values after accession.

“I don’t want to go down as the commissioner bringing in the Trojan horses who will be then active in five, 10 or 15 years,” Kos said. “We need this discussion, and we shouldn’t be afraid of it.”

The proposal comes as the EU seeks to reinvigorate its enlargement process, which stalled for more than a decade before being revived in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The push aims to integrate Ukraine, Moldova and the western Balkan states more closely with the bloc.

However, some EU capitals have voiced concern that new members could undermine the bloc’s unity or democratic principles once inside, echoing the behaviour of Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Budapest has been accused of weakening democratic institutions, opposing military aid to Ukraine, and obstructing key EU decisions — including the formal opening of accession negotiations with Kyiv and Chișinău.

Kos acknowledged that, despite public expressions of support, many member states remain wary of admitting new entrants. “Much more important is really going through the reforms. And there is a lot to do with both countries, Ukraine and Moldova,” she said.

The Commission’s annual enlargement report, published on Tuesday, named Montenegro as the leading performer among candidate countries in implementing EU-required reforms.

It also signalled a tougher line on democratic standards, stating that “future accession treaties will need to contain stronger safeguards against backsliding on commitments taken in the accession negotiations”.

Kos said the proposed measures could eventually allow the bloc to suspend rights or benefits, or even expel countries that repeatedly violate EU principles.

The new framework could impose stricter conditions on future members compared to existing ones, prompting concerns in Kyiv and other aspiring capitals about unequal treatment. But Kos rejected suggestions this would create a “two-tier” membership, saying the reforms would instead strengthen long-term stability.

Brussels also wants to deepen cooperation with candidate countries before full accession, including through participation in EU programmes such as the bloc’s forthcoming “democracy shield” initiative, designed to counter severe democratic risks.

Kos emphasised the geopolitical urgency of the enlargement process, warning that any slowdown could benefit Moscow’s influence in Eastern Europe. “We have been able to stop Russia at the front door,” she said. “But the biggest fear I have, then the Russians will come in at the back door.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev