The European Commission is working on proposals to reform the enlargement process, aiming to regain control over a debate now largely shaped by member states and to avoid placing the burden of new safeguards discussions solely on Montenegro, the most advanced candidate country, writes Euronews.

"The European Commission is preparing proposals to reform the EU enlargement process in an effort to reassert its role in a debate that has increasingly been shaped by member states, three EU officials told Euronews.

EU enlargement has climbed to the top of the agenda, as Montenegro is approaching the finishing line to join the bloc. In recent weeks, member states have advanced a flurry of position papers floating ideas on how to reform the accession process.

Five of the six EU founding members have proposed strengthening existing safeguards to prevent democratic backsliding and breaches of the rule of law - lessons drawn from Viktor Orbán’s Hungary.

Germany and France have floated ideas for the gradual integration of candidate countries, allowing newcomers to see the early benefits of EU accession before reaching full membership.

Previously, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed creating an "associate membership" status to extend security guarantees to Ukraine. Now EU countries are bracing for a strategic debate on reforming the accession process at the next EU leaders` summit in October, following a tour of the 27 capitals by European Council President António Costa.

Ahead of the summit, the Commission is planning proposals that would help it regain the initiative - or at least avoid losing complete control of the discussion.

"We saw contributions on the topic from several member states. The Commission is also working on this matter. We are looking forward to the upcoming strategic discussion on enlargement and reforms at the EUCO meeting in October this year", a Commission spokesperson told Euronews".