According to individuals familiar with the matter and documents seen by Bloomberg, the European Commission will likely propose that member states commence formal negotiations once reforms and legislation on minorities, anti-corruption, “de-oligarchisation,” and lobbying have been completed.
The EU’s move comes in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Moscow’s efforts to destabilize Europe. The exact wording of the opinion has yet to be determined, as noted by the individuals who preferred to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the process.