‘No more Viktor Orbán: EU plans 15-year probation period for new member states
The European Commission is proposing a 15-year probation period for new EU member states to ensure adherence to democratic values and the rule of law. This initiative aims to prevent future member states from emulating the political behavior of leaders like Viktor Orbán.
Why it matters
This proposal represents a major shift in EU enlargement policy, seeking to strengthen internal democratic safeguards against backsliding in new member nations.
‘We have to have quicker mechanisms than only article 7 if the newcomers go against the rule of law, democracy, or our values,’ Kos said. ‘We have to have quicker mechanisms than only article 7 if the newcomers go against the rule of law, democracy, or our values,’ Kos said. European Union ‘No more Viktor Orbán: EU plans 15-year probation period for new member states Enlargement commissioner Marta Kos outlines proposed safeguards to protect EU from undemocratic leaders
Prefer the Guardian on Google The European Commission wants to ensure there is no repeat Viktor Orbán among the next generation of EU member states, as it set out plans to prepare for the bloc’s enlargement into eastern Europe in the next few years.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in