The European Commission on Tuesday proposed a new strategy to prepare the European Union for future enlargement, outlining measures to streamline accession while addressing concerns among current members. In a document titled *"Preparing for a Wider Union,"* the Commission called for gradual integration of candidate countries, allowing them phased access to the EU single market and sectoral policies based on reform progress.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU must adapt its institutions, policies, and budget to accommodate new members, calling enlargement a "geopolitical imperative." The proposal includes safeguards to ensure post-accession compliance, such as a 15-year probationary period during which new members could face suspended voting rights for serious breaches of EU values. The Commission also suggested replacing unanimity with qualified-majority voting on issues like sanctions and enlargement to prevent bilateral vetoes.

The plan targets front-runner candidates—Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Ukraine—with tailored transition rules, particularly for agriculture. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos noted that the EU would consider "targeted arrangements" for Ukraine’s agricultural sector, though Kyiv has rejected permanent export limits as incompatible with full membership. The package will be debated at an EU leaders’ summit on Oct. 15–16.