BusinessEurope has today published a new paper outlining its vision for a successful enlargement policy. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said:
“A safe, stable and prosperous EU neighbourhood is more important than ever. EU enlargement can play a crucial role by contributing to our long-term competitiveness, strengthening the internal market and boosting the EU’s global standing. Empowering citizens in candidate countries through targeted upskilling and skills development can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth – both in candidate countries and across the EU.
However, to ensure credibility and impact, the enlargement process must remain merit based. It must also be guided by transparent and consistent communication with the Member States, candidate countries and stakeholders, including the business community. Moreover, we support the gradual integration approach during the accession – opening of certain parts of the Single Market to candidate countries, as well as access to some projects and programmes – in a way that ensures the integrity of the Single Market. This can help candidate countries build the necessary capacities and create early opportunities for European businesses in growing markets.
At the same time, internal reforms within the EU will be critical to accommodate future members. From Ukraine and Moldova to the Western Balkans and Türkiye, candidate countries are diverse and at different stages of approximation to the EU. We must prepare the EU itself to manage this complexity – including how we make decisions and allocate resources. The upcoming discussion on the Multiannual Financial Framework also needs to take into account the prospect of enlargement."
To read the paper in full, click here.
