The European Commission is proposing new measures to safeguard the EU from potential “Trojan horse” members—countries that join the bloc but later undermine democratic standards. These measures include probationary periods for new members, stricter accession conditions, and the possibility of expulsion if democratic norms and the rule of law are violated. This initiative is largely a response to Hungary’s democratic backsliding under Prime Minister Viktor Orban. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized that these safeguards aim to make progress irreversible without restricting fully compliant candidates or creating a “two-tier” membership system.

Meanwhile, the EU continues its enlargement process with varying progress among candidate countries. Montenegro and Albania are advancing steadily with reforms and aim to complete accession by 2026-2027, while Ukraine and Moldova, despite Russian aggression, are progressing with judicial and democratic reforms targeting accession by 2028. However, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, and Georgia face significant challenges including political instability, corruption, democratic decline, and stalled negotiations. The Commission’s broader strategy includes gradual integration of candidates into EU programs and mechanisms like a “democracy shield” to prevent backsliding and external influence, particularly from Russia.