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French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that the European Union must evolve towards a union "very quickly", underscoring the need for bold and deep institutional reforms in an eventual enlargement process.
"It is dangerous to think that you can expand without reforms. I can testify that it is quite difficult for Europe to make progress on complex and sensitive topics with 27 members. With 32 or 35 members, it will not be easier," he said at the annual meeting of French ambassadors in Paris.
Meanwhile, the process of integration of the Balkans into the European Union seems to be getting a glimmer of hope of acceleration, as Russia's war in Ukraine has awakened Brussels technocrats and Union leaders from their lethargy.
The block can go to 30 or 35 members, but this time the inclusion of Ukraine and Moldova is required.
President Emmanuel Macron himself, in the meeting with the ambassadors of his country, has given signals for the acceleration of the membership process.
"Politico" quotes President Macron as saying on Monday that "the EU must evolve towards a union very quickly", taking into consideration the integration of Ukraine, Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans.
Macron said the EU must be reformed if it wants to integrate new states and must build consensus with more than 30 member states.
"We will need courage, to accept more integration in some areas and maybe even a Europe with a lot of speed", he emphasized.
Although he did not give details about the way this will be done, "Politico" has learned that the French president may present some proposals to realize a rapid integration of these aspiring countries. But he added that a review of EU procedures was necessary for the bloc to deepen and maintain its "attraction".
According to some French officials, Macron's government is working on several proposals for a high-speed Europe, which would include the creation of informal groups of member states that would work on specific policy areas.
Macron also hinted that he will detail his thoughts on EU enlargement and reform in the coming months and ahead of next year's EU elections.
Ukraine and Moldova were granted EU candidate status in June, and some voices are calling for the EU to open accession talks by December.
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