Five EU Members Propose Temporary Voting Restrictions for Future Members

A joint proposal from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg suggests the European Union should consider temporarily restricting the voting rights of future member states in certain areas. The document, seen by Reuters, also calls for stronger mechanisms to protect the rule of law within the bloc.

As countries like Montenegro aim for EU membership by 2028, and others like Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova push their accession bids forward, discussions among current members are intensifying regarding potential changes to the rules for new entrants. The proposal stems partly from concerns over democratic backsliding, exemplified by experiences in Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The five nations propose incorporating new measures into future accession treaties. These could include a novel monitoring mechanism and a safeguard clause that would allow the EU to take action in cases of serious regression in democratic principles or media freedom. The document specifically suggests a serious discussion about the possibility of temporary limitations on voting rights for new members, particularly in areas requiring unanimous consent, such as decisions on EU enlargement, foreign policy, and the budget.