European Commission proposes suspending voting rights of new EU members for 15 years

On Tuesday, the European Commission proposed a plan to reform EU enlargement, including safeguards to suspend voting rights of new members for up to 15 years if they breach rule of law. This follows Hungary's obstruction of EU decisions on Ukraine. The proposal also includes gradual integration for candidates like Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova, offering early benefits like participation in EU programs. The plan requires approval from current 27 member states, with discussions expected soon. The move is driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Kyiv's desire to join the bloc.