Alexandre Adam authors new European Commission draft for gradual economic integration of candidates

Alexandre Adam, the French diplomat who drafted France’s 2022 proposal to unblock North Macedonia’s EU accession talks, is now the principal author of a new draft plan at the European Commission for gradual economic integration of candidate countries.

The plan, published today, positions the Commission to open parts of the EU single market to states awaiting membership on a conditional basis: access would depend on those countries publicly and completely aligning with the European bloc in its stance toward hostile states and economic rivals.

What the draft aims to do

Under the draft, economic integration would proceed in stages rather than waiting for full membership. Candidate countries could gain progressive access to trade and regulatory cooperation if they meet the political and security alignment conditions set out in the proposal. The measure is presented as a tool to strengthen the EU’s strategic cohesion while offering a practical incentive for aspirant states.

Adam currently serves as deputy chief of staff to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and is listed as the main architect of the initiative. The document frames the single-market opening as contingent on unequivocal support for the EU against rival powers and states described as hostile.

Before moving to Brussels, Adam was one of the most influential European advisers at the Élysée. He joined Emmanuel Macron’s team at the start of the president’s first term in 2017 and remained among a small circle of collaborators who retained trust and posts into the second term.

The draft adds to ongoing debates in Brussels about how to reconcile enlargement ambitions with geopolitical concerns, and it is likely to provoke discussion among member states over the balance between incentives and safeguards in the accession process.

Photo: Evropska komisija)