IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer joined TVP World’s World Talks to discuss the European Commission’s newly presented pre-enlargement proposals and their implications for future EU members. 

Schäffer warned that sector-by-sector integration, new rule-of-law safeguards and special arrangements for Ukrainian agriculture could create a two-tier European Union if they are not accompanied by reforms applying to existing Member States. 

He argued that qualified-majority voting for intermediate steps in accession negotiations could help overcome political blockages while maintaining unanimity for the final accession decision. At the same time, transitional arrangements must not become permanent obstacles to equal membership. 

Schäffer also stressed that enlargement requires changes within the EU itself, including reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and stronger safeguards against democratic backsliding for both existing and future members. 

The interview concluded with a discussion of the espionage allegations against former German intelligence chief August Hanning and their potential consequences for European intelligence cooperation. 

Watch the full interview here: