Tracking in the enlargement of the European Union

Introduction

In the European Union (EU), fast-tracking refers to making the process of joining the EU quicker for some countries. Normally, countries must complete 9 steps before they become

EU members:

1.     You have to hand in an application

2.     The commission submits an Opinion on the application

3.     EU members decide to grant candidate status

4.     Member States agree to open the accession negotiations

5.     Negotiating framework

6.     During negotiations country prepares to implement EU laws and standards

7.     Commission gives its opinion on the readiness of the country

8.     Close the accession negotiations

9.     All EU Member States and candidate country sign and ratify an accession Treaty

Fast-tracking means allowing some of these steps to happen faster or at the same time.

The Copenhagen Criteria

To join the EU, a country must meet the Copenhagen Criteria, which were created in 1993. These are three main conditions:

1. Political: The country must have stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and respect for minorities.

2. Economic: It must have a working market economy and be able to cope with competition in the EU market.

3. Legal: It must accept all EU laws and rules and be ready to apply them.

These criteria ensure that new member states are ready and able to work together with current EU countries. Normally, checking these criteria takes years.

Why Fast-Tracking Now?

There is more pressure to enlarge the EU quickly. Countries like Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia want to join the EU fast, especially after the war in Ukraine and growing tensions in Eastern Europe. Some leaders believe fast-tracking can help protect these countries, support democracy, and show strong EU leadership.

Benefits of Fast-Tracking

• Security: New members can feel safer, especially if they are near conflict zones.

• Support for reforms: EU membership motivates countries to fight corruption and build better institutions.

• Economic growth: Trade and investment may increase for both new and old members. Which would bring more money into the EU.

• Geopolitical power: A larger EU can be stronger in global politics.

Challenges and Risks

• Incomplete reforms: Fast-tracked countries may not fully meet the Copenhagen Criteria.

• Fairness: Other candidates, like North Macedonia or Albania, have waited for many years.

• EU capacity: The EU must be ready to take in new members – financially and politically.

• Public opinion: Some citizens in current EU countries may worry about migration, jobs, or rising costs.

• Long-term problems: Weak institutions or corruption in new members could hurt the whole EU.

  
  

Example: Ukraine

Ukraine applied for EU membership in 2022 and received candidate status quickly. Many EU members want to fast-track Ukraine due to the war and its symbolic importance. But Ukraine still needs to reform its legal system, reduce corruption, and meet EU standards.

How to Fast-Track Responsibly

• Keep key Copenhagen Criteria, especially democracy and rule of law

• Allow step-by-step membership (for example, access to funding or trade before full membership)

• Give strong support to help candidates meet the rules

• Be clear and fair with all countries

Conclusion

Fast-tracking EU enlargement can help in difficult times, but it must be done carefully. The Copenhagen Criteria should still guide the process. Fast decisions should not create future problems. A balance between speed and responsibility is the best way forward.