Proposal: Limited vote for new EU members - Germany, France and Benelux states sign non-paper
A group of European Union (EU) member states have proposed that future members of the bloc, during a transitional period after joining the bloc, have limited rights. Among the key restrictions is the proposal that new members have limited voting rights.
"The EU should hold a detailed discussion on the possibility of temporary, transitional restrictions on the voting rights of new member states, especially in areas of the EU acquis where unanimity is required [for example enlargement, common foreign and security policy, multiannual financial framework], taking into account legal and political sensitivities," says the so-called non-paper signed by Germany, France and the Benelux states (Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg).
At the moment, the only country with a realistic chance of future EU membership is Montenegro, as the European Union has decided to form an ad hoc group to work on drafting an accession treaty. This is the first time in 17 years that the EU has started work on the text of an accession treaty, after 2009, when the same process began for Croatia.
The document emphasizes that the geopolitical situation has changed significantly since Croatia's accession to the EU and that, as stated, enlargement is no longer seen solely as a technical process based on merit, but as a strategic investment in the peace, security, stability and prosperity of Europe.
The authors of the document consider that a general model for future accession agreements and a catalogue of options that can be adapted to the specificities of each candidate country are needed. It also proposes the drafting of a standard framework for future agreements.
According to the document, the rule of law is the most important area in which safeguard clauses would apply. Five EU member states are proposing a so-called non-regression clause in relation to European values and the rule of law.
Anti-immigration protests, Belfast in flames - Cars and houses set on fire after a knife attack
Masked men torched houses and cars in Belfast in a wave of anti-immigrant violence on Tuesday evening. The incident followed a knife attack in which a......
BYD aims to be the world's first - "The world's largest car manufacturer within 5 years"
Senior executives at Chinese automaker BYD on Tuesday announced a goal to become the world's largest automaker within five years, in what could be an attempt......
New rules for activities in cultural monuments - Concerts and festivals, with a new approval procedure
Cultural, artistic and scientific activities taking place in cultural monuments, historical centers, archaeological parks and other protected areas will now......
Non-performing loans at 18-year low/ The indicator fell to 3.75% in April. Banks maintain stability
The non-performing loan ratio in the Albanian banking system fell to 3.75% at the end of April 2026, from 3.85% a month earlier. According to Bank of Albania......
'New law on strategic investments within the year' - Ibrahimaj: We will strengthen legal security for investors
The Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, announced that the government is working on drafting a new legal framework for strategic......
Dollar continues to rise – Swiss Franc weakens significantly
The US dollar had a slight increase in value this Wednesday, just like yesterday, continuing an upward trend throughout this week, as it was bought today for......
Hoxha in Sofia: Albania and Bulgaria deepen cooperation in energy, infrastructure and Corridor VIII
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, held a bilateral meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart, Velislava Petrova, during his visit to the......
Zvërneci, Prime Minister Rama meeting with European journalists: There is still no project
Prime Minister Edi Rama had a long communication today with journalists from European Union countries. The head of government gave his explanations regarding......
