Among the areas being considered for closer cooperation are semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and space.
In the waiting room
Von der Leyen touches down in Albania for talks on Wednesday as part of her tour of the Western Balkans. She’ll also visit Kosovo and North Macedonia, which will miss out on an expedited pathway to join the EU under the new plan, and will use her visit to demand economic benefits of closer alignment.
“Gradual integration should be tangible for our citizens and businesses,” Kosovo’s prime minister, Albin Kurti, told POLITICO. “We want greater access to the EU single market, European funding and financial schemes, and joint programs in areas such as energy, digitalization, research, education and infrastructure.”
“We support gradual integration, but it must be a pathway to full EU membership, not a parallel process or a substitute for it. Kosova is ready to do its part,” Kurti added.
According to the review, the ultimate goal of candidate countries should be becoming full EU members. “Accession, however, takes time: candidate countries must complete a rigorous, merit-based process and deliver far-reaching and lasting reforms,” it reads. “That time should be put to full strategic use to both prepare the Union for a larger membership and deepen gradual integration in areas of mutual interest.”
However, the benefits will depend on the countries doing their part: “Where these obligations are not fulfilled, participation must remain reversible. Access should be suspended or withdrawn where warranted,” the proposal warns.