Charles Michel proposed to discuss the creation of a community for EU candidate countries

Charles Michel

© APA | Charles Michel

# 18 May 2022 18:48 (UTC +04:00)

Participants of the EU summit in June will consider the possibility of creating a new integration association, which will include all the EU states and countries - candidates for joining it, Head of the European Council Charles Michel said this on Wednesday, APA reports quoting TASS.

"The process of EU enlargement should accelerate, it should become phased and reversible," he said. "Integration can take place not simultaneously, but by sectors, depending on the readiness of these countries."

"I call for the creation of a geopolitical European community for increased cooperation and gradual integration, which will include the countries of the Western Balkans, the countries of the Eastern Partnership and other countries aspiring to the EU. We can hold summits of heads of state twice a year, foreign policy will be coordinated, foreign ministers will be able to to take part in the meetings of the EU foreign ministers," Michel said. "We intend to discuss this idea at the summit in June."

He stressed that "this initiative should not replace [EU] enlargement and should not become a pretext for dragging it out." "This should be a guarantee for the participants that someday they will become members of the EU," Michel said.

He added that if this project is approved by EU leaders, it can be considered during a conference with candidate countries.

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