Paris, Berlin Propose Gradual EU Access for Candidate States as Membership Wait Drags On
Updated
Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 4
Paris, Berlin Propose Gradual EU Access for Candidate States as Membership Wait Drags On
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 4
Summary
A new Franco-German paper urges the EU to let candidate countries unlock benefits before full accession, including partial access to the single market and observer seats at key meetings.
Paris and Berlin argue the step-by-step model would keep Western Balkan and other hopefuls engaged while long membership timelines risk frustration and reform fatigue.
The proposal, circulated to EU diplomats on Thursday and seen by POLITICO, is designed to tie concrete rewards to progress rather than leave candidates waiting for a final yes-or-no decision.
The paper lands ahead of a Western Balkans summit, putting pressure on the EU to show enlargement can deliver tangible gains before full membership.