European Commission proposes gradual integration model for future EU enlargement

On 6 October 2026 the European Commission published a policy paper that proposes a new approach to future EU enlargement: a model of gradual integration that would allow candidate countries to take part in selected EU policies before formal accession, provided they meet the specific criteria for each area.

What the proposal changes

Under the draft titled "Preparations for a Wider Union", Brussels suggests shifting the logic of accession away from the rejected idea of so‑called "reverse accession" — where a candidate would become a formal member quickly but obtain some rights later — to a phased integration carried out while negotiations are still ongoing.

The Commission also recommends altering certain decision‑making rules in the accession process: steps such as opening negotiating clusters, closing chapters and other interim approvals could be decided by qualified majority voting. That would reduce an individual member state's ability to block parts of the talks, while unanimity would still be required for concluding the process and for the final admission of a new member.

At the same time, the proposal includes stronger safeguards against post‑accession backsliding. The Commission wants protective mechanisms written into future accession treaties that could be triggered if a newly admitted member weakens democratic standards or violates the EU's fundamental principles.

These protective measures would cover three priority areas: the economy, the internal market and justice and home affairs. In the most serious cases the mechanisms could even allow suspension of voting rights.

"With protective clauses in future accession treaties, the EU wants to prevent new members from stepping back from the commitments they made during the accession negotiations. Those clauses are a kind of insurance," said Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

Photo: press material from the event