EU candidates will not have a say on anti-Orbán safeguards

The EU is discussing stronger safeguards for new member states, including the possibility of suspending voting rights, with Montenegro first in line. Last month, the European Commission proposed a 15-year probation period for newcomers designed to allow swift action against those that violate EU values. Five of the EU's founding members requested to draw lessons from the experience of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. For four years, blackmailed the bloc by wielding his veto power over major decisions. Candidate countries face a take-it-or-leave-it deal. But for Montenegro, the most advanced candidate, walking away is hardly an option. Yet changing the terms of membership at the last mile leaves a bitter aftertaste for Montenegrin officials. Some EU capitals are sympathetic to the candidates' arguments. Italy is pushing for respecting the equality of member states and for safeguards that are tailor-made for each candidate. The Netherlands, by contrast, has championed no differentiation between EU candidates.