France and Germany are calling for a new process of "structured gradual integration" for EU candidate countries ahead of a summit with Western Balkan countries.
The initiative aims to give candidate countries earlier benefits from closer integration with the bloc while maintaining the existing merit-based accession framework.
The two countries have co-signed a paper calling for renewed impetus to the enlargement process ahead of Friday's EU–Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, and the EU–Moldova summit on 22 June.
"Enlargement remains one of the most attractive offers and most influential policy instruments the Union has. But the enlargement policy needs a new momentum," reads the paper, seen by Euronews.
Paris and Berlin argue the upcoming summits present an opportunity to reinvigorate the process. They say candidate countries need additional incentives alongside the existing accession framework.
