The EU plans to introduce a “probation period” for new members
The European Commission is considering the possibility of implementing a “probation period” for new EU members. This decision was announced by the EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos in Brussels.
According to Marta Kos, EU member states privately express caution about accepting new members, contrary to their public support. The idea of introducing a transitional period for new EU members is currently in the early stages of development. The reason for such changes is dissatisfaction with the behavior of some current members of the bloc, notably the Hungarian prime minister, who blocks sanctions against Russia and opposes military aid to Ukraine.
The basic principles of the European Union must remain inviolable, so the commission aims to implement more robust guarantees of the rule of law and an effective mechanism to suspend the rights or privileges of those countries that do not adhere to the rules. In case of systematic violations, a state can be excluded from the bloc.
Despite this, Marta Kos denied the possibility of “two-tier” membership in the EU as a result of the proposed reforms. A recent European Commission enlargement report mentioned shortcomings in the new NABU and SAP legislation, with recommendations for their improvement.
Amid these developments, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Svyrydenko stated that Ukraine is showing progress in the process of Eurointegration, having received a high evaluation in the European Commission’s report.
| Country | Status in the EU | European Commission’s Evaluation |
| Ukraine | Candidate | Highest Evaluation |
| Hungary | Member | Criticism for Principle Violations |
| New State Initiative | Probation Period | Under Development |
