EU opens single market to candidates, conditions alignment on hostile states
The EU will open its single market to candidate countries contingent on their alignment with the Union's stance toward hostile states. This move aims to deepen integration with Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership states, but raises concerns that Bosnia and Herzegovina, due to internal divisions, may drift closer to Russia, undermining the EU's leverage.
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EU Proposes Phased Single Market Access for Candidates Tied to Foreign Policy Alignment
The European Commission is drafting a proposal to offer candidate countries phased integration into the EU single market, including barrier-free trade and research access. This integration is contingent on alignment with EU foreign policy, specifically regarding hostile states. The proposal represents a shift from the traditional all-or-nothing accession model, but its approval by member states and its full scope remain uncertain.