The European Commission is working on a plan to grant economic benefits to EU candidate countries before full membership, according to two officials cited by Politico.
Known as phased integration, the approach offers incentives such as access to EU funding programs, preferential trade agreements, and partial single market access as candidates implement reforms.
Each country will have a tailored benefits package based on its progress in aligning with EU rules.
Lithuanian MEP Petras Auštrevičius stated: “The principle of ‘more for more’ is well tested and should be adopted to support candidates that perform better.”
The initiative aims to keep candidates engaged without promising rapid membership, which could take years for countries like Ukraine. EU leaders are expected to approve the plan at a summit in October or December.
