look news india
Brussels, September 29: In view of the risks associated with the possible entry of new countries into the European Union (EU), the European Commission has proposed several new security measures. The Commission aims to reduce the risk of weakening of democratic institutions and frequent obstruction of EU decisions following the accession of new member states.
The Commission is reviewing the enlargement rules and their implications amid progress in the EU membership bids of Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova. The Commission’s draft says EU enlargement strengthens Europe, but having more members will put additional pressure on decision-making, governance, infrastructure and finances.
The Commission is considering a temporary provision under which the new member commits not to oppose decisions taken by consensus for a limited period. Under another proposal, after becoming a member, the existing member countries will be able to suspend some rights including the voting rights of the new member for some time. For this, the support of 15 out of 27 countries and 65 percent of the EU population may be necessary.
The draft also envisages the possibility of having limited-term security provisions for new members in areas such as agriculture and free movement of workers. The Commission has also reiterated the need to increase the system of taking decisions by qualified majority on issues like sanctions, although along with this, measures to protect national interests have been said to be necessary.
The Commission has also proposed a more streamlined arrangement for future member states to gradually integrate into EU programs in areas such as defence, energy and transport, even before formal membership. This draft is not final yet and changes are possible.