POLITICO Europe reports growing division among candidate and existing EU members over a plan to allow new countries to join the bloc without immediate full voting rights, a proposal aimed at avoiding gridlock if the EU expands. Some aspiring members want full benefits on accession; others are willing to accept limited rights until institutional reforms are agreed. Businesses, civil‑society groups and migrants from candidate countries should monitor negotiations — changes to membership terms could affect rights, representation and policy influence for new members.