A draft proposal from the European Commission outlines a strategy to grant candidate countries partial access to the European Union's single market before their formal accession. This initiative aims to foster economic convergence and strengthen regional value chains by allowing these nations to participate in research programs and benefit from frictionless trade. To qualify for these advantages, candidate countries must align their foreign policy with the bloc, particularly regarding relations with industrial rivals and hostile states. By facilitating this gradual integration, the EU intends to reduce strategic dependencies and provide tangible benefits to countries that have often faced lengthy delays in their membership processes. The Commission is currently identifying specific regulatory areas where this pre-enlargement cooperation can be effectively implemented to support both the candidate nations and existing member businesses.
Source : Politico Europe
