Brussels – “If we want to be ready for an enlarged European Union, we have to get serious about our own internal EU reforms.” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola did not hold back in describing the EU’s current impasse, which stems from a lack of political will to define a clear strategy for the pre-enlargement reforms needed to ensure a Union with more than 27 members functions effectively.
The message was delivered by the European Parliament’s president to the 27 heads of state and government at the opening of the European Council on 23 October. “My hope is that institutions and member states will see this as an invitation to finally have an honest discussion on the topic,” she insisted, referring to MEP Sandro Gozi‘s report on the institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations, adopted by the plenary session on 22 October.
According to Metsola, a “serious” EU accession process is essential to demonstrate that “we stand with Ukraine, including on merit-based enlargement.” Yet the 27 leaders have so far shown no willingness to engage—quite the opposite.
A case in point is European Council President António Costa‘s proposal to reconsider the unanimity rule throughout the EU enlargement process—which is not legally required by the Treaties. This suggestion has been met with strong opposition from member states, who would prefer to focus on a plan to admit new members without granting them full voting rights. Several current EU members argue that limiting next member’s veto power would prevent them from blocking future accessions over bilateral issues.
What to expect on EU reforms
On 4 November, the Commission is set to present the policy reviews and reforms to prepare the EU to the enlargement. As previously reported by The New Union Post, this item was initially scheduled for 28 October in the College agenda, alongside the presentation of the 2025 Enlargement Package. Both initiatives, however, have now been postponed by one week.
What the Commission is about to publish is a communication—a soft law instrument setting out a strategic approach but carrying no legally binding force. Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has anticipated that the proposal will focus on what can already be done under the current Treaties, and on those areas where a broad consensus is emerging.
Available tools include the passerelle clauses—legal mechanisms that allow a shift in decision-making procedures without a formal treaty amendment, such as moving from unanimity to qualified majority voting. Policy reviews will cover strengthening sectoral policies, values, and the budget. Building on the communication, the Commission will engage with the Parliament and the Council to determine the extent to which it will be possible to have the “honest discussion” urged by President Metsola.
