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22 Mars 2024
The Commission has today adopted a Communication on pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews.
This document contributes to the ongoing discussion process about the internal reforms the EU27 is presently needing and will further need to make to prepare for an enlarged Union. It looks at the implications of a larger EU in four main areas - values, policies, budget and governance - laying the ground for the pre-enlargement policy reviews announced by President von der Leyen in her 2023 State of the Union address.
The EU must deepen as it widens. We must start preparing today for the Union of tomorrow and use enlargement as a catalyst for progress. All of Europe has overall gained from enlargement. It made the EU the world's largest integrated market. It opened trade and financial flows, thereby contributing to economic growth in the EU and in acceding countries alike, and strengthened the EU's weight in global affairs.
While reforms were necessary before, with enlargement they become indispensable.
Getting ready for a larger Union
Enlargement is in the Union's own strategic interest. While there are challenges, the benefits of a well-managed enlargement process span across various areas: geopolitical, economic, environmental, social and democratic. The EU has overall successfully managed previous enlargements, by adjusting EU policies ahead of accession, ensuring a rigorous accession process, targeted assistance and – where needed – transitions.
For these benefits to materialise, both the EU and aspiring Member States must be well-prepared, and the accession process must remain merit-based. This requires full and sustained political commitment and engagement, first and foremost from the enlargement countries, but also from the EU itself. By drawing on the lessons learned from previous enlargements and further improving our policies at 27, we are becoming better prepared for a larger Union. Notably, gradual integration has become an important element in preparing enlargement countries well ahead of accession.
Values
Upholding democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights is a cornerstone of the EU. It has to guide a deep-rooted transformation in enlargement countries. These values continue to guide a deep-rooting transformation in enlargement countries. The EU is strengthening its tools to ensure the rule of law is upheld consistently across the Union, beyond accession.
Policies
While challenges may appear, a larger Union broadens the many benefits of the Single Market. However, for these benefits to materialise for citizens and businesses, the enlargement process must be well-prepared.
Today's document focuses on:
Communication on pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
Communication on pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews