The European Union plans to offer candidate countries “gradual integration” into the single market, which will include unimpeded trade and access to research programs, provided they support the common foreign policy. This was reported by Politico, citing a draft proposal from the European Commission.
The document notes that integration into the single market is an important step toward economic convergence, which will open up new opportunities for EU businesses and strengthen European value chains. This approach radically changes the EU’s stance toward neighboring countries, as no new country has joined the bloc since 2013.
At present, Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro have already been offered “roadmaps” to accelerate the accession process. Other countries, such as North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Turkey, are facing delays in the integration process, raising concerns within the EU about their ability to remain within the bloc’s sphere of influence.
According to the plan, economic benefits for candidate countries will depend on their support for EU foreign policy, and access to the single market will depend on their willingness to share technology with hostile states. The document also emphasizes the importance of cooperation in sensitive sectors, such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to visit Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia to discuss the new conditions for integration. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti noted that gradual integration should be a path toward full EU membership.
The document also addresses the need for the EU to prepare for enlargement, as the Union may restrict access to the single market if it does not benefit from cooperation. EU members are expressing concern about the possibility of admitting new countries that might renege on their commitments, as happened with Hungary.
