MEP Jean-Paul Garraud (Patriots for Europe) has asked the European Commission whether it plans to consult EU citizens directly before any major institutional reform linked to enlargement, and whether it will publish impact studies for each member state before each new accession. The written question, submitted on 8 July 2026, targets the democratic legitimacy of the enlargement process, which Garraud argues could alter the balance of power in EU institutions and the distribution of the budget.
The question notes that the European Parliament itself has called for significant institutional reform before further enlargement, including reviewing the functioning of the Council, the composition of institutions, and voting rules. Garraud asks whether the Commission believes the EU can bring in new member states and profoundly alter its functioning without consulting citizens directly. He also asks if the Commission plans to organise a public consultation across the EU and recommend that member states consult their citizens before any major institutional reform. Finally, he requests that before each new accession, the Commission publish a clear study indicating the impact on each member state, including its clout in EU decision-making, number of MEPs, and contribution to the EU budget.
The question reflects a sovereignty-oriented position, emphasising national and popular consent over supranational decision-making. It touches on the cleavage between EU integration and national sovereignty, and between democratic participation and elite-driven institutional change. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it considers direct citizen consultation necessary or whether it views the existing treaty ratification procedures as sufficient.