The European Union is considering a 15-year probation period for any new member state as the 27-member bloc seeks expansion without creating internal political crises. The proposed interim period would allow the bloc to suspend a new member's voting rights and cut access to funding if the country moves away from EU democratic standards.
The plan is designed for countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro. It also raises questions about whether a potential future UK return would face tougher rules.
Former EU officials have warned that any future UK return would likely come without the old opt-outs and rebates. Britain has not applied to rejoin, despite Prime Minister Andy Burnham reopening the debate.
Under the European Commission discussion, Brussels could easily suspend voting rights or withhold money for serious democratic breaches. That approach draws partly from experiences with Hungary under former prime minister Viktor Orbán.
The Commission is also considering limiting the veto powers of some new members, so that a single government cannot paralyse bloc decisions. None of the proposals has been approved yet.
All 27 current EU members must agree to any major changes to the enlargement process. Negotiations are expected to be difficult.