EU could deny new member states veto rights as bloc pushes for enlargement

Measure could ease concerns from countries – such as France – that are sceptical about bringing in more members

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The EU could deny future member states veto rights for several years in an attempt to make enlargement more politically acceptable as the bloc undergoes a push to admit new countries before the end of the decade.

Under plans being considered by the European Commission, prospective member states – such as Moldova and western Balkan countries – would not, on joining the EU, have the automatic right to veto foreign policy decisions or other issues agreed by unanimity, such as taxation.