The European Union is developing proposals according to which Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania will be presented with a clear step-by-step action plan on the way to EU membership, Politico reports citing two high-ranking officials of the European Commission. According to one of the officials, the "roadmaps" that are being prepared will clarify exactly what is expected from each candidate country, as well as impose obligations on current EU members who must give their consent to continue the process.
It clarifies that "the support of current members should be unanimous" so that candidate countries can go through the EU accession process.
The interlocutor of the publication said that the "roadmaps" will present a clear list of priorities: deadlines and results that will help the most advanced candidates complete the necessary reforms.
"However, joining the EU takes time. Candidate countries must undergo strict selection on merit and carry out large—scale and long-term reforms," Politico quotes the draft document on preparations for expansion, which the publication managed to get acquainted with.
It is noted that the "roadmaps" are the first time when the candidate countries will be given guarantees that if they continue to carry out the necessary reforms, they will be accepted into the EU, as well as indicative deadlines for the completion of negotiations.
The process of Ukraine's rapprochement with the EU began with the signing in 2014 of the Association Agreement of the parties, including the " deep and Comprehensive free Trade Area", which entered into force in 2017.
On February 28, 2022, Ukraine applied for EU membership. In June 2022, the European Commission proposed granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union. The European Council supported this initiative. On December 14, 2023, the European Council decided to open negotiations with Ukraine on the country's accession to the EU.
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