Gradual integration: bringing aspiring members closer to the EU
The Danish Presidency has commissioned a report on enlargement, specifically with an emphasis on gradual integration, by Think Tank Europa and the European Council for Foreign Relations (ECFR).
Gradual integration is conceived as a model of step-by-step integration into the EU for accession countries. It provides for a certain degree of flexibility before formal accession without giving up on the ultimate goal of full membership. Closer cooperation with the EU can support alignment and help advance negotiations, making gradual integration and enlargement mutually reinforcing.
The paper examines some ways to enhance the gradual integration such as using the “more for more” conditionality principle more stringently; increasing participation in the single market (cherry-picking); accelerating implementation of already existing projects; making gradual integration part of the EU’s competitiveness agenda, including security and defence in the efforts, and last but not least promoting participation in the work of EU institutions.
“Gradual integration has pitfalls, but if designed and implemented properly, it may fuel the process of integration, accelerate the path of candidate countries towards membership and make them better prepared for the realities of membership once they become members,” reads the report summary.
The report was aimed, among other things, to inspire the discussions at the informal meeting of ministers of European Affairs on 1-2 September 2025 in Copenhagen.
Find out more
Download
MOST READ
[popular_posts columns_xl=”4″ columns_l=”4″ columns_m=”3″]
