Portugal opposes EU enlargement “fixed deadlines” and argues that the accession process should be based on the merits of each candidate country and their fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria
The country’s Secretary of State for European Affairs, Tiago Antunes, said that it is “not wise” to set fixed or very determined timetables. He added that the enlargement process is based on the candidates’ own merit and on an assessment of their capacity and fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria, which are the political, economic, and legal conditions that countries must meet in order to join the EU.
Antunes’ comments come ahead of an informal European Council meeting on Friday in Granada, Spain, where EU leaders are expected to discuss the bloc’s enlargement plans. The meeting is likely to be dominated by discussions about the potential accession of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.
Portugal’s opposition to fixed deadlines for EU enlargement is shared by a number of other EU member states, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These countries argue that the accession process should be based on merit and that it is important to avoid setting unrealistic deadlines.
However, a number of other EU member states, including Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria, are strong supporters of EU enlargement and have called for the bloc to set fixed deadlines for the accession of new member states. These countries argue that enlargement is essential for the EU’s security and prosperity.
The debate over EU enlargement is likely to continue for some time. The EU is facing a number of challenges, including the war in Ukraine, the rise of China, and the threat of terrorism. These challenges could test the EU’s unity and resolve and could make it more difficult for the bloc to agree on enlargement.
