Kos: It is time to start talks on Montenegro's EU accession treaty

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced that it is time to start talks on the accession treaty of Montenegro to the European Union (EU), Kos said.

She told the Brussels-based portal "Politiko" ahead of a planned meeting of the General Affairs Council in Nicosia, which was canceled due to security concerns, given the war in the Middle East.

Kos pointed out that negotiations between Brussels and Montenegro on Montenegro's membership in the EU have entered their final year and that Montenegro is first in line to join the bloc.

"It is time to start talks on the accession treaty for Montenegro. The Commission is currently in the final stages of preparing the draft treaty," Kos pointed out.

According to her, the next step is to determine "what safeguards are needed to ensure that future members continue to respect their obligations after accession."

Kos pointed out that candidates may be admitted to the EU more quickly than before, but that they may also face restrictions on membership.

"This is an important lesson learned from previous enlargements," the European Commissioner said.

Although Kos did not say what the cause for concern was, it is clear that it refers to Hungary, which joined the EU in 2004.

"We need an insurance policy against Trojan horses in the EU, countries that work against our common goals," she said.

Politico writes that among the restrictions proposed by the Commission are "innovative" measures to protect the Union's budget, key policies and decision-making structures, including a commitment to loyal cooperation.

French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad also told Politico that the EU's enlargement schedule should not be dictated by foreign powers like Russia or the US, and that Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans should not be left "in a gray area."

Haddad also made the remarks ahead of a planned General Affairs Council meeting in Nicosia that was canceled due to security concerns, given the war in the Middle East.

"No power outside the EU should decide on enlargement instead of its members," the French minister said.

Haddad's comments come as the European Commission and some member states are pushing to bring Ukraine into the bloc as early as next year, using an innovative approach known as "reverse enlargement" that would give new members limited membership privileges.

The pressure from Brussels is partly motivated by the fact that EU membership is an asset in the ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which are led by the United States of America (US).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky aims for his country to become an EU member in 2027.

"Neither the US nor Russia should have any influence on EU enlargement policy," Haddad stressed.

Paris is pushing for Ukraine's accession to the EU and the French minister insists that Kiev, Moldova and the Western Balkans should not be left "in a gray zone, vulnerable to foreign influence and aggression."

France, however, is not keen on proposals to change the way the Union accepts new members.

"This expansion must remain challenging and merit-based to ensure its success and credibility," Hadad stressed.