The European Union is working on a gradual integration mechanism for candidate countries, providing economic benefits as they implement the necessary reforms.

Brussels is developing a mechanism for 'gradual integration' for candidate countries to the European Union, which will allow access to economic benefits, such as funding programs, preferential trade agreements, and partial access to the European single market, depending on progress in the required reforms. Unlike previous proposals that included political rights, the new plan focuses exclusively on economic advantages, without participation in the EU decision-making process. The initiative is gaining support from member states, including France and Germany, and is considered more viable than previous projects.

The European Commission intends to obtain the agreement of member states for a legislative framework in the councils scheduled for October or December. Access to benefits will be evaluated individually, encouraging ongoing reforms, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. Ukraine and Moldova are among the main beneficiaries of this approach, already having access to various European programs. The EU currently has nine candidate states, with Montenegro making the most progress in negotiations.