Safeguards for New EU Members Require Objective Criteria
Montenegro’s Ambassador Calls for Clear Standards
Poinews.com – Safeguards for new EU members need to be grounded in objective criteria, according to Petar Marković, Montenegro’s ambassador to the European Union. The diplomat has voiced strong support for implementing additional mechanisms that would prevent future member states from experiencing democratic decline and weakening rule of law standards. However, Marković emphasized that any such protective measures must rely on clear, measurable, and transparent standards when evaluating systemic violations across the union.
Currently positioned as the leading candidate nation in the accession journey, Montenegro targets joining as the bloc’s twenty-eighth member by 2028. Yet this ambitious goal faces potential complications from multiple proposals aimed at restructuring enlargement procedures. Notably, five out of six founding EU nations have advocated enhanced post-accession safeguards—a response directly inspired by developments in Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s leadership.
Establishing Criteria Before Membership
According to Marković, Podgorica already demonstrates stronger performance than certain existing members regarding rule of law improvements, as confirmed by the European Commission’s regular assessments. The ambassador explained that while Montenegro welcomes protective measures, any identified breaches require individual evaluation using established benchmarks rather than arbitrary political decisions.
“Montenegro has an interest in introducing guarantees meant to maintain EU standards. But the potential breaches would have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis against objective criteria to prove systematic backsliding,” he stated.
The ambassador further cautioned that these standards should be finalized prior to membership commencement. He criticized proposals allowing early restriction of voting privileges during transitional phases, describing such approaches as both politically and legally questionable. This mechanism, he warned, might establish what amounts to tiered membership within the union, creating unequal treatment among members.
Strategic Benefits and Methodology Concerns
Marković recognized that accepting new safeguards offers Montenegro a practical advantage: facilitating smoother ratification procedures. This benefit becomes particularly relevant as political landscapes in several founding nations shift toward greater skepticism regarding expansion. By demonstrating commitment to maintaining standards, Montenegro can strengthen its position during negotiations.
Additionally, France and Germany champion a “gradual integration” concept that would enable candidates to access certain EU benefits progressively throughout their accession journey. Marković welcomed this renewed focus on enlargement as a central European priority, noting that it reflects growing recognition of the union’s need to expand strategically.
“For far too long, there has not been a real discussion on the enlargement methodology,” Marković observed, noting the positive development of enlargement returning to prominence in European capitals.
Despite supporting methodological improvements, the ambassador argued that altering rules after fourteen years of intensive preparation would be unjust—particularly for Montenegro, which was the first nation to embrace and remains the most progressed candidate under existing frameworks. This consistency in approach, he suggested, should be rewarded rather than penalized.
“This is not about what we deserve. This is a rational choice. Discussions on a new methodology should focus on the candidate countries for which the current methodology has not worked. For Montenegro, it clearly has,” Marković concluded.
Looking Ahead: Reversing Brexit’s Impact
Reflecting on the broader implications, Marković highlighted the critical moment facing European integration. He expressed optimism that the EU could successfully counteract the consequences of Britain’s departure and resume its expansion trajectory. The ambassador emphasized that maintaining objective criteria for safeguards for new EU members would strengthen the union’s credibility and effectiveness.
“Strategically, the stakes could not be higher. The EU has a real chance to reverse the Brexit effect and return to expanding again,” Marković affirmed.
As discussions continue across European capitals, Montenegro’s position serves as a model for how candidate nations can navigate the complex relationship between maintaining standards and pursuing membership. The ambassador’s message underscores the importance of balancing flexibility with consistency in the enlargement process, ensuring that safeguards for new EU members serve their intended purpose without creating unnecessary barriers or inequalities.
