Countries such as Albania and Montenegro could send a commissioner to Brussels before formally joining the European Union. The European Commission is considering the idea as part of new plans, Magnus Lund Nielsen and Eddy Wax report, citing Rapporteur.

Senior EU officials are considering ways to increase the involvement of candidate countries during the final stage of the accession process. The proposal appears in draft documents obtained by Rapporteur.

The plan would give candidate countries a greater role after they sign their accession treaties. It would apply before all 27 EU member states complete the national ratification process. That process can take several years.

“Now, with the changing political climate in Europe, it is entirely reasonable to expect this period to be longer,” said Steven Blockmans, deputy director of the International Centre for Defence and Security in Tallinn.

“The whole idea is to extend this period, because in previous enlargement rounds it was quite limited,” he added.

The documents suggest that the new commissioner could attend meetings of the College of Commissioners. The commissioner could also contribute to the drafting of EU legislation. Until now, the EU has reserved these rights for officials from member states.

“The Commission considers it appropriate to examine whether a state in the accession process could also appoint a commissioner during this period,” an internal Commission document says.

“Such a commissioner could participate in the work of the College on relevant matters, while fully preserving the College’s autonomy, collegiality and collective responsibility,” the document adds.

If a commissioner took up a position in the Berlaymont building before their country formally joined the EU, it would mark a historic development.

As in previous enlargement rounds, a candidate country could also send observers to the European Parliament after signing its accession treaty.

The European Commission is also considering earlier involvement for candidate countries. This could happen once they officially conclude their accession negotiations.

At that stage, candidate countries could send observers to the European Council. Their leaders could potentially take part as observers as well. The European Council is the EU’s highest political decision-making body.

Accelerating gradual integration

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen began her Western Balkans tour in Tirana yesterday. At the same time, the Commission is preparing a broader offer to bring aspiring EU members closer to the bloc before full membership.

The Commission could gradually give candidate countries deeper access to the single market. In return, they would continue implementing the domestic reforms required for membership.

Candidate countries could also gradually join several EU programs and schemes. These include the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the Horizon research program and the emissions trading system.

The list also includes digital public services and cybersecurity initiatives. Candidate countries could also take part in Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs).

The EU uses IPCEIs to support major strategic investments in areas such as technology and energy.

“Security and defence should be among the first priorities for deeper gradual integration,” an European Commission document says.

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