Germany, France and Benelux states propose limited voting rights for new EU members

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 restrictions, transition of voting rights for new member states, especially in the areas of the EU acquis, where unanimity is required [for example enlargement, common foreign and security policy, multi-year financial frameworks], taking into account the judicial and political sensitivities”, says in the so-called non-perceit signed by Germany, France and the states of Benelux (Holand, Belgium and Luxembourg).

Free Europe Radio has had access to this informal document.

Non-paper is an informal document used in European diplomatic circles for presenting new ideas, testing attitudes or proposing solutions, without forcing the side to take a formal stance.

At the moment, the only real state likely for future EU membership is Montenegro, as the European Union has made a decision to form an ad hoc group that will work on drafting the draft membership agreement.

This is the first time after 17 years that the EU starts working on texting a membership agreement, after 2009, when the same process began for Croatia.

Croatia has been a full member of the EU since 2013, which represents the longest period in the history of the European bloc without enlargement, respectively, the admission of new members.

The document stresses that the geopolitical situation has changed significantly since Croatia's EU accession, and that, reportedly, enlargement is not only viewed as a credit-based technical process, but as a strategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity for Europe.

The document authors consider that a general model for future membership agreements is needed and a catalogue of options that can be adjusted to the properties of each candidate state. It is also proposed drafting a standard framework for future membership agreements, with the possibility of adapting to individual candidates and challenges that their membership could bring to the EU.

These five EU member states propose strengthening and extending the validity of the safeguard clauses, which would be implemented on issues related to EU internal security, economic security and sustainability of foreign interventions.

Special Attention in Strengthening Law Rule

According to the document, rule of law is the most important area in which protection clauses would be implemented. Five EU member states propose the so-called clause for preventing setbacks in relation to European values and rule of law. The violation of this obligation, reportedly in the document, could automatically activate financial sanctions, procedures for violation or new safeguard mechanisms.

It is also suggested that EU institutions have the opportunity to react to serious violations of rule of law, democratic principles and media freedom.

Among other things, it is proposed that possible measures include suspending certain forms of co-operation with the new member state that makes these violations.

Also considered, participation in the European Public Prosecutor's Office should be a political precondition for the membership of new states. This is seen as an important instrument for protecting rule of law and fighting the misuse of European funds.

Prevention of Possible blockades and Lack of Co-operation

The document proposes the introduction of a special clause that would remind new members of the obligation for loyal co-operation with the European Union.

The behaviour that undermines unity, mutual trust and the EU decision-making process causes serious damage to the entire European bloc”, the authors of the document estimate.

For this reason, they consider membership agreements should contain mechanisms for response to such conduct. /rel