The EU is proposed to prepare for possible expansion to 36 countries

The European Union is considering expanding to 36 member states and is beginning to discuss the necessary changes in the EU itself.

According to Yevropeiska Pravda, this was mentioned in the announcement of an informal meeting of ministers published by the Spanish presidency of the EU Council.

This is a ministerial meeting on September 28-29 in Murcia to discuss general issues and EU enlargement. It will also be a kind of preparatory stage for the meeting of the European Political Community scheduled for October 5 in Granada, where the issue of enlargement will also be one of the central ones.

"The main focus of the informal ministerial meeting on the first day, Thursday, September 28, is the need to make internal preparations for the fact that the EU may have up to 36 member states, as well as to strengthen support for the candidate countries," the announcement says.

During this informal meeting, several discussions are planned under the chairmanship of European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Oliver Varghese. They will focus on the impact of future enlargement on EU policies, the concept of gradual integration of candidate countries during the accession process, and institutional reforms that the EU itself needs to be ready for enlargement.

During the working lunch, the ministers will focus on preparations for the leaders' meeting in Granada and discuss the concept of open strategic autonomy (OSA) the following day, October 6.

Author - Olena Madiak, 28/09/2023