The process of new countries joining the EU will be based on their merits, there will be no “shortcuts” for this, said the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. She made this statement at a press conference following an informal meeting of the heads of state and government of the European Union in Granada.
“The EU accession process will be carried out solely on the basis of merit [стран-кандидатов]there will be no shortcuts, no automatic entry. <…> The European Commission will present a report in November on the readiness for accession of candidate countries, which will be considered in December,” von der Leyen said.
The declaration following the Granada summit states that the accession process is based on merit. It calls EU enlargement “a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity.” Both the EU and future member states must be prepared for this, the statement said. Membership applicants must intensify reforms, especially in the area of the rule of law.
In turn, the head of the European Council, Charles Michel, said at a press conference that the date he had previously named for EU enlargement in 2030 was not included in the statement of the member states following the informal EU summit in Granada, and this was not planned. According to him, it sounded “as a guideline” in case “appropriate ambitions” are shown. Michel also acknowledged differences in the EU on this issue, but added that the topic requires discussion. In his opinion, having a date to strive for encourages progress and implementation of reforms.
Source: Rosbalt
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