Vienna (APA) – EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized the need to prevent future EU candidate countries from abusing their veto power for the benefit of foreign entities that could disrupt or weaken the EU. “We must engage in an honest dialogue about the safeguards we will incorporate into upcoming accession treaties to ensure our citizens that the integrity of our Union is maintained,” Kos stated on Thursday in Parliament in Vienna.
During her “Speech to Freedom,” the Slovenian EU Commissioner, a liberal politician and former diplomat, made it clear that she does not advocate for EU membership that entails fewer rights or the absence of voting rights. “We are discussing safeguards against regression here.” The “Speech to Freedom” event is hosted by the liberal group “Renew Europe” and a think tank affiliated with Austria’s NEOS party.
Kos expresses concern over EU expansion delays
Kos expressed disappointment over the slow pace of EU enlargement. “It is one of the saddest moments in our European Union that we – except for Slovenia and Croatia – have not been able to replicate the successful model from the 1980s and early 2000s concerning the Western Balkans,” she remarked. “We have fallen short in utilizing the credible prospect of EU membership as a means to foster reconciliation, remove borders, and resolve bilateral disputes.”
She noted that Ukrainians have also suffered due to the “gray zones” on the continent, alluding to Russia’s aggressive war. “Today, we observe the retreat of the wave of freedom, and Europe risks becoming an island encircled by autocracies,” Kos warned. The current situation poses greater dangers than in the 1990s. “Internal forces are undermining us. Today, we Europeans are confronted with the same fundamental issues that the founders of the European integration process faced: Do we want to take control of our destiny and determine our own future?”
“Implement European integration now, not later”
Kos highlighted that candidate countries are looking to the EU for defense against Russian aggression. “We can achieve this by implementing European integration now, rather than later.” The conflict in Ukraine escalated when Kyiv sought European support to secure its freedom and democracy. “Putin accepted Ukraine’s existence as long as he could dominate its leadership. However, he could not tolerate a free and democratic Ukraine pursuing its independent future.”
Europe must learn from these events, Kos asserted. “The hybrid warfare strategies initially employed against the democracies of Ukraine and Moldova were later seen in other regions of Europe. The same social media accounts that disseminated disinformation in Moldova were also active during presidential elections in Romania and Poland.” By 2027, Ukraine and Moldova are expected to be fully integrated into the EU energy market to protect them from Russian energy manipulation, Kos stated.
Through enhanced European cooperation, they can collectively “confront the adversaries of freedom.” Kos noted that reforms in Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova are driving progress. “And even in Serbia, a younger generation is creating new pathways by demanding accountability, freedom of expression, and inclusive democracy.” (November 13, 2025)
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