The EU prepares to grow: what the Commission wants to change before enlargement

EU enlargement is usually discussed in terms of candidate countries and the reforms they must make. On 6 October the European Commission presented the other side: what the Union itself must adapt if it gains members. Its policy-review package covers governance, the budget, sectoral policies and protection of shared values.

Why prepare before admission

New members change how funds are shared, institutions work and decisions are made. Without preparation, a larger membership could slow agreement on budgets and common action. The Commission argues that some adjustments can be made within existing EU treaties and future accession treaties. Member states still have to agree on the actual measures.

What candidates should read into it

The Commission says accession remains merit-based: each country advances according to its reforms. It intends to present indicative roadmaps for Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine with its 2026 enlargement package, provided reform momentum continues.

This announcement gives no country an accession date. Its significance is that the EU is starting to prepare its own budget and procedures before any enlargement decision. The next evidence to watch is the proposed text, member states’ positions and the safeguards for the rule of law.

Primary source: https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/preparing-wider-union-2026-10-06_en.