(MENAFN) The European Union is exploring ways to expand its membership while introducing a “probation” phase for new entrants to ensure they uphold the bloc’s values and obligations, according to EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos.

In remarks shared in an interview with reports, Kos explained that the proposal aims to prevent unwanted influence, expressing concern over the possibility of “Russians coming in the back door.”

The EU simultaneously released its annual assessment of candidate and aspiring countries, praising Montenegro for its progress, while Georgia, which paused negotiations following Western-backed protests, received a failing grade.

Kos suggested that the bloc could implement a “transition period, a kind of probation, safeguards” for incoming members, which could even include the possibility of expulsion. She cautioned, however, that the concept is still in its early stages.

“I don’t want to go down as the commissioner bringing in the Trojan horses who will be then active in five, 10 or 15 years,” she stated, dismissing concerns that such a system might create a “two-tier” membership structure.

This new strategy would likely impose stricter requirements for prospective members, including Ukraine and Moldova, which Kos acknowledged were being grouped together in what she called an “artificial” pairing. “Much more important is really going through the reforms. And there is a lot to do with both countries, Ukraine and Moldova,” she emphasized.

The EU’s growing caution toward enlargement is reflected in its latest report, which stresses the importance of assessing both the preparedness of candidate countries and the bloc’s capacity to integrate them.

“To ensure that new Member States continue to safeguard and maintain their track record on the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights, future Accession Treaties should contain stronger safeguards against backsliding on commitments made during the accession negotiations,” the report states.

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