European Parliament adopts motion for a resolution on deeper integration.

On 29 February 2024, the European Parliament adopted a motion for a resolution on deepening EU integration in view of future enlargement. On 30 January, the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) had voted jointly in favour of the underlying own-initiative report. In principle, the European Parliament is of the opinion that the challenges associated with a larger European Union (EU) require a stronger enlargement policy based on gradual integration in common policy areas.

EU enlargement as a geopolitical instrument

In the resolution, MEPs note that enlargement has become one of the EU's strongest political and geopolitical instruments and that, according to the June 2023 Eurobarometer survey, a majority of the EU population is in favour of the future enlargement of the EU. At the same time, a new impetus and vision are needed to re-energise the enlargement process. The lack of commitment in recent years has created a vacuum, thus opening space for Russia, China and other external players.

Role of the European Parliament

MEPs hold that the European Parliament is undoubtedly the EU institution that is most supportive of enlargement, but its role throughout the enlargement process is extremely limited. Against this background, they emphasise the need for stronger, more effective and more meaningful decision-making in the European Parliament as well as its scrutiny of the EU's enlargement policy and its financing in order to strengthen democratic legitimacy and accountability. Accordingly, the role of the European Parliament in the entire accession process and its individual intermediate steps should be strengthened. This also includes a comprehensive review of the candidate countries' progress in all policy areas.

Need for reform before enlargement

In the resolution, the European Parliament also takes the view that the processes of preparing for enlargement in the EU and in the accession countries should run in parallel. Both institutional and financial reforms are needed to overcome the current challenges, welcome new Member States and promote their successful integration. The reforms called for include reviewing the composition and strengthening the European Parliament through a general and direct right of legislative initiative. MEPs are also in favour of qualified majority voting in the EU Council in areas such as the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), sanctions and other relevant foreign policy decisions, such as the start of EU accession negotiations.